A New Jersey pizza expert has revealed his 2026 must-try list, spotlighting 10 pizzerias across the state and adding five bonus picks for Garden State pizza lovers.
NJNEWSLINE.COM — September 22, 2026
New Jersey’s pizza debate is getting fresh fuel for 2026.
Stephen Winters, known as The Pizza Hulk, has released his annual list of New Jersey pizza spots he believes deserve a visit this year, highlighting 10 pizzerias across the state and adding five bonus selections.
Winters said his list was personally selected rather than based on a formal scoring system. He described the 10 restaurants as “absolute, guaranteed must-tries” for 2026.
Here are the 10 featured spots:
1. Luigi’s Famous Pizza — Lincroft
Luigi’s Famous Pizza was highlighted after winning Winters’ 2025 Pizza Madness competition. The Lincroft pizzeria’s bar pie was singled out as a favorite, although Winters said every pizza on its menu is worth trying.
2. Corner Slice — Maplewood
Corner Slice, which originated in New York before moving to New Jersey, is known for its square slices. Winters also highlighted its garlic knot and a Wednesday meatball Parmesan sandwich.
3. DeLucia’s Brick Oven Pizza — Raritan
DeLucia’s has been making pizza for generations and was described as one of the state’s more difficult pizza stops for customers trying to get a slice. Winters recommended visiting when warmer weather arrives.
4. Nola’s — Garwood
Nola’s may be unfamiliar to some diners, but Winters praised the restaurant’s overall offerings and specifically recommended starting with its bar pie.
5. Third Proof — Montville
Sourdough pizza is among the newer trends highlighted on the list, and Third Proof was singled out for its sourdough pies as well as its New Haven-style pizza. Its plain pie was described as an elevated take on New York-style pizza.
6. Grumpy’s — Saddle Brook
Grumpy’s Sourdough Pizza Co. also made the list, with Winters praising its pizza and pointing readers toward a garlic-crust option. The restaurant has also attracted attention following a One Bite Pizza Review.
7. Brooklyn Square — Jackson
Brooklyn Square is known for its upside-down square pizzas. Winters praised owner Peter Pizza and described the pies as a distinctive experience for pizza fans.
8. Capricci Pizzeria — Howell
Capricci’s Thincredible bar pie earned a spot on the list. The Howell pizzeria has also added Detroit-style pizzas to its menu, giving customers another style to explore.
9. Lucci’s Pizza — Clifton
Lucci’s was described as a boutique-style New York pizza shop, with a somewhat larger crust, fresh basil and a more elevated approach to the traditional slice. The Clifton restaurant also stays open late.
10. Prima Pizza Kitchen — Somerville
Prima Pizza Kitchen rounds out the 10 featured locations. Winters praised its sauce and slice, calling the Somerville restaurant a spot that some pizza fans may have overlooked.
Five bonus N.J. pizza picks
Winters didn’t stop at 10. He added five bonus names to the list, saying he could not mention New Jersey pizza without including them.
The bonus picks are:
- Squares and Fare — Somers Point
- Vinnie’s Pan Pizza — Millburn and Brielle
- Bucky’s NJ Pizza — Chatham
- The Galley — Asbury Park
- Casano’s Pizza Parlor — Rutherford
Vinnie’s Pan Pizza was also identified as the 2024 Pizza Madness winner.
A changing N.J. pizza scene
The 2026 selections show just how diverse New Jersey’s pizza scene has become. The list includes traditional brick-oven pizza, New York-style slices, square pies, bar pies, sourdough, New Haven-style pizza and Detroit-style offerings.
Winters also said he planned to return with his third Pizza Madness bracket in March, a competition aimed at determining a best pizza in New Jersey.
For Garden State pizza fans, that means the debate is far from over.
And with 15 names now on the must-try radar, there is plenty of pizza to sample before the next bracket begins.
Source: Jersey Bites, Stephen Winters/The Pizza Hulk
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Think you know New Jersey’s best pizza? 🍕 The Pizza Hulk has named 10 must-try N.J. pizza spots for 2026, plus five bonus picks. From Lincroft and Raritan to Jackson, Clifton and Somerville, these are the places pizza fans should have on their radar.
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🍕 N.J. pizza fans, your 2026 hit list is here. The Pizza Hulk has named 10 must-try New Jersey pizzerias — plus five bonus picks — from Lincroft to Somerville.
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15 N.J. Pizza Spots To Try In 2026
