De Lorenzo's Tomato Pies

This place is a must-visit for foodies! The food is incredibly delicious, and the ambiance is simply fantastic. I ordered the arugula salad, which was both tasty and refreshing. The thin-crust pizza was almost perfect.

Originally founded in 1947 in Trenton, before moving permanently to Robbinsville around 2012, De Lorenzo’s Tomato Pies, when going through the various lists featuring the best pizzerias in the best state in America for pizza, is not only common place among those lists, but is indeed considered by many to be the best pizza in New Jersey. It is undebatable that De Lorenzo’s is 1 of the 2 most synonymous purveyors of a traditional Trenton tomato pie (The Garden State’s signature style where the cheese goes on first and the tomato sauce goes on second, on top of the cheese), alongside it’s down the street neighbor, and the longest continually operating pizzeria in America, Papa’s Tomato Pies. It’s also, for what it’s worth, one of the 2 highest scoring pizzerias in New Jersey reviewed by Barstool Sport’s Dave Portnoy (the other being the second oldest pizzeria in New Jersey and home to our state’s oldest operational brick oven, DeLucia’s, which I have also tried and can confirm is not only fantastic but my personal all time favorite pizza as well). Now, with all that out the way, here’s my review. Even among other places that serve Trenton tomato pies, a De Lorenzo‘s pie is its own unique species. First and foremost, instead of a typical simmered seasoned tomato sauce or a raw blended passata di pomodoro puree, they just use high quality hand crushed tomatoes and olive oil (other Trenton tomato pie spots also do this or they use a raw blended purée, rather than a seasoned simmered sauce like most spots in NYC and North Jersey). Secondly, is their crust, which is cracker thin, more akin to American bar pies or Roman thin crust tonda romana scrocchiarella pizza, as opposed to the more airy and foldable crusts of most NYC/NJ pizzerias. With that said, while I’m not the biggest thin crust lover, I really enjoyed the bitter char on the De Lorenzo’s pie and the overall bread quality and flavor is significantly better than any thin crust pie I’ve had which is part of why I’ll go to say it’s definitely the best thin crust pizza I’ve ever had so far. Finally, the most distinguishing trait of this pizza for me, is the way that it’s cut. Somewhat rectangularish cuts, as opposed to more uniformed triangle slices, something I’ve never seen before on a round pie in New Jersey or New York City, but something that truly gives the De Lorenzo’s tomato pie its own unique and special character. The cheese, a high quality low moisture mozzarella blend, was perhaps the most normal or prototypical part of the pizza. The toppings that I added to my tomato pie (I order a half regular with basil and half with Italian sausage, garlic, onions, and hot cherry and banana peppers) were fresh tasting and of high quality. In addition to the pizza, the cold octopus salad I ordered is one of the best salads I’ve ever had at a restaurant. The restaurant space was classic and classy. The kitchen staff and waiters were dressed in vintage mid 20th century restaurant worker attires and the waiters were very friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable. The staff and the customers (many of which seem to be long time visitors) were seemingly having a joyful time throughout the restaurant. As an overall restaurant De Lorenzo‘s is a 10 out of 10, it hits all the marks for a great dining experience. Now, as far as the pizza itself, it’s the best thin crust pizza I have ever had, but being a born and bred North Jerseyan with half my family being from New York City, I’ve grown up on the quintessential triangular NY/North Jersey slice that has an airy and foldable crust. I also tend to really love places that have a real deal brick oven, especially if fueled by wood or coal (authentic Neapolitans are my second favorite style of pizza). De Lorenzo’s 2 defining traits (crust & cut pattern) rob it of a 9 or better for me, but everything else about the pie garners it no less than an 8 1/2 out of 10 (same score I gave to one of my all-time favorites, Bevaqua’s Reservoir Tavern in Boonton). I can definitely picture certain pallets I considering this the best pizza in New Jersey.

Stopped in for one of their famous tomato pies, it was absolutely fantastic and now I know why they’re famous for it. A great crisp and crunchy pie topped with naturally sweet tomato sauce that had chunks of tomato with a bit of mozzarella cheese underneath. It was so refreshing and delicious, not one piece was left over between the two of us. It was the perfect size for us as it was a thin crust. One of, if not the best pizzas I’ve ever had 5+⭐I will definitely be back again!

Pizza was fine, but Dave Portnoy was probably a blessing a curse to this place. You can't get a table even on a weekday, the parking lot is a complete zoo. The staff was friendly enough once we got inside to get our to-go pizza since we couldn't get a seat. I'm sure this pizza is much better when it's fresh at the table, but since that wasn't an option we did the best we could. That being said, the pizza was very okay. The crust is very dry and crispy (if that's your jam cool but it left something to be desired). The toppings were good. I wouldn't fight the crowd again to try and redo but I wasn't unhappy with what I got.

It was very good and worth the wait! Have been wanting to come here for a while wish they took reservations for smaller groups, but the line for a table although kind of long went quick enough. Atmosphere is very nice, friendly service, we enjoyed our meal. BYOB. Salads and appetizers were delicious. The basil pie was perfect, we ordered half sausage topping which was very good and half roasted peppers, which was OK. Definitely coming back to try their other toppings and salads.

We have been going here for more than 10 years. My wife’s family‘s been going since they opened long ago This is hands-down, the best pizza you will find in the untied states top 10 on the list. The flavor is on another level

It's the best thin-crust pizza for miles. Generous toppings and perfectly crispy. Wait times are long, so I'd recommend coming at some other time than peak dinnertime. My family love the desserts, but personally, they're not my favorite. No one really comes here for the dessert, though - it's all about the pizza. The atmosphere is casual, boisterous, and friendly. Lots of big families with all the grandparents and cousins every time we're here. If you're averse to noise, pick the restaurant next door. If you're fine with noise, the tomato pies here are incredible.