Elizabeth combines rich industrial history, diverse immigrant communities, and authentic New Jersey character in this distinctive Union County city.
These five pizzerias represent Elizabeth’s best in 2025.
1. Santillo’s Brick Oven Pizza
A true New Jersey treasure since 1918, Santillo’s creates legendary pizza from a 100+ year old brick oven with techniques largely unchanged for generations.
Their distinctive style offers multiple crust thicknesses by year (1964 thin, 1975 medium) representing pizza eras. Each pie is expertly crafted by master pizzaiolo Al Santillo using coal and wood for perfect temperature control.
The cash-only, takeout-only operation from a residential neighborhood maintains old-world authenticity rare in contemporary restaurants.
2. Spirito’s Restaurant
An Elizabeth institution since 1932, Spirito’s delivers classic Italian-American comfort with thin-crust pies that generations of locals consider the standard for authentic Jersey pizza.
Their slightly sweet sauce and perfect cheese proportion create distinctively balanced flavor on a thin, crispy foundation.
The vintage dining room with original fixtures and furnishings creates an authentic time capsule experience.
Beyond pizza, their famous ravioli and complete Italian menu make Spirito’s a comprehensive destination for traditional flavors.
3. Cesar’s Pizza
Reflecting Elizabeth’s significant Hispanic community, Cesar’s successfully blends traditional pizza techniques with Latin American influences.
Their hand-tossed crust supports both conventional toppings and innovative combinations like the “Salvadoreño” with chorizo and curtido and the “Elizabeth Port” with Caribbean-inspired flavors.
The family-operated business maintains authenticity across culinary traditions, creating a dining experience that celebrates the city’s cultural diversity.
4. Di Cosmo’s Italian-American Restaurant
Serving Elizabeth’s Italian community since 1937, Di Cosmo’s delivers authentic thin-crust pies with slightly charred bottoms from their decades-old oven.
The family recipes passed through generations create consistently excellent pizza with perfectly balanced sauce and quality ingredients.
The unpretentious setting in a historic building creates connections to Elizabeth’s past, while reasonable prices respect the city’s working-class character.
Regular customers spanning multiple generations demonstrate the enduring appeal of their traditional approach.
5. Jersey Boardwalk Pizza
This newer establishment brings authentic Shore-style pizza to Elizabeth with thin, crispy crusts and generous toppings reminiscent of New Jersey’s famous boardwalks.
The “Bayway” named for the local refinery features traditional toppings executed with precision, while the “Port Elizabeth” incorporates seafood influences.
The casual space with Jersey Shore memorabilia creates nostalgic connections to vacation memories.
Their community focus includes fundraisers for local causes and youth sports sponsorships.
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