RED BANK, NJ – Monmouth County, NJ, might be famous for its shorelines and scenic parks, but let’s be real—what keeps the locals hooked is the pizza. Lucky for us, One Bite Pizza’s Dave Portnoy (the gospel of pizza reviews) has scoured the county to give us the lowdown on the best spots to grab a slice.
We took his score with our own score and here’s how it ended up.
Whether you’re a crispy crust crusader or a cheese pull perfectionist, these pizzerias have been rated by the master himself, Dave Portnoy, and they do not disappoint.
If you want to get honest pizza reviews, check out their One Bite App.
Federici’s Family Restaurant, Freehold
Rating: 8.9
Federici’s is the stuff of legend. This family-owned spot has been serving thin-crust masterpieces since 1921. The pizza is perfectly crispy, with just the right amount of cheese-to-sauce ratio. Pro tip: Ask for a corner slice to get the most satisfying crunch.
Pete & Elda’s Bar / Carmen’s Pizzeria, Neptune City
Rating: 8.5
Home of the “Finish a whole XXL pie and get a T-shirt” challenge, Pete & Elda’s is a must-visit. Their thin-crust pizzas are iconic, and if you can take down an entire pie by yourself, you’ll not only be stuffed but also be part of a local tradition.
Del Ponte’s Coal Fired Pizza, Bradley Beach
Rating: 8.4
Coal-fired ovens give Del Ponte’s pies that signature charred crust that’s chewy and delicious. Their Margherita pizza is the star of the show, with fresh mozzarella, basil, and a tomato sauce that hits all the right notes.
Luigi’s Famous Pizza, Red Bank
Rating: 8.2
This little spot is famous for its classic New York-style slices. Luigi’s doesn’t mess around with fancy toppings—it’s all about the basics done exceptionally well. Thin, foldable slices with just the right amount of grease make this a go-to for pizza purists.
Talula’s, Asbury Park
Rating: 8.0
Artisanal pizzas and funky vibes? Yes, please. Talula’s offers a variety of unique and organic pies that are as Instagrammable as they are delicious. The “Bee Sting” is a fan favorite—spicy soppressata, mozzarella, and a drizzle of honey for that sweet-heat combo.
Vic’s Italian Restaurant, Bradley Beach
Rating: 7.9
Another Bradley Beach gem, Vic’s has been serving up old-school Italian pizzas since 1947. The charm of this place is in its simplicity—think classic, no-frills pies with sauce that tastes like it was made by someone’s grandma (in the best way possible).
Honorable Mentions:
- Nunzio’s Pizzeria, Long Branch – A local favorite with a loyal following.
- Tommy’s Coal Fired Pizza, Red Bank – Their coal-fired pies have a cult-like following.
Whether you’re a local or just passing through, these pizzerias are well worth the trip. Grab a slice, give it a One Bite (you know the rules), and savor some of the best pizza Monmouth County has to offer.