NJ Pizza Festival hosted by NJ.com "A Slice of Heaven for Local Pizza Lovers"

Nino Lomonaco of Amano Pizza in the "Pizza Chef Dance Off" for the Local Pizza Games host by Local Pizzi (Photo taken by Brandon Mirador)

Thousands of pizza lovers came together at Monmouth Park Racetrack in Oceanport on Saturday, June 22, 2024 for the first NJ Pizza Festival, organized by NJ.com and hosted by Anthony Pizzi as part of their Jersey Eats series.

Over 3,500 attendees sampled slices from 20 different pizzerias, enjoyed live music, horse racing, kids' activities, and lawn games.

Here’s a look at the participating pizzerias:

• Amano Pizza: Serving Matawan and South Amboy with pizza, wings, heroes, and Italian entrees.

• Amici Pizzeria: A casual spot in Atlantic Highlands for Italian-American fare.

• Amore Pizza by Jack Calandra: Nutley-based with a variety of classic pizzas.

• Bella’s Pizzeria: A Long Branch pizzeria on the Jersey Shore.

• Brooklyn Square Pizza: Known for their upside-down pizza, with locations in Jackson, Manalapan, and Toms River.

• Bucky’s: A pop-up specializing in sourdough pizza.

• Columbia Inn: Famous for thin-crust pizza, located in Montville.

• Genova Pizza: An Audubon favorite for their “grandma crust.”

• Il Forno a Legna: Wood-fired pizza from Rahway.

• Maria’s Pizza & Italian Kitchen: A family staple in Milltown for over 35 years.

• Nino’s Coal Fired Pizza: Based in Brick, focusing on family recipes and fresh ingredients.

• Parsippany’s Best Pizza: Located in Morris County.

• Pie Oh My: Handcrafted pies from Fairfield.

• The Doughfather: Specialty pizza in Monroe Township.

• The Sauce: Known for their saucy pizzas in Oceanport.

• Tony Boloney’s: Creative pizza toppings available in Atlantic City, Hoboken, Jersey City, and Margate.

• Turano’s Pizza Kitchen: A local favorite in Livingston.

• Via Sposito: Offering authentic Italian pizzas in Colts Neck, Old Bridge, and Red Bank.

The festival included two competitions: the People’s Choice Best Pizza, voted on by festival goers, and the Editors' Choice Award, chosen by NJ.com food reporters.

The winners were:

People’s Choice Award:

Popular vote by festival goers

• First Place: Nino’s Coal Fired Pizza

• Second Place: Via Sposito

• Third Place: Il Forno A Legna
  

Editors' Choice Award:

Chosen by NJ.com food reporters

• First Place: Amano Pizza

• Second Place: Amore Pizzeria by Jack Calandra

• Third Place: Brooklyn Square Pizza
  

Beyond Pizza: A Day of Festivities

Beyond the pizza, the NJ Pizza Festival featured various activities. Live music performances kept the atmosphere lively. Attendees enjoyed horse racing and lawn games for families and kids. As well as a PEPSI VIP section with unlimited complimentary beverages, a front row view of the race track, and pizza cookies. The event also hosted The Local Pizza Games by Local Pizzi, including Pizza Cornhole and a Pizza Chef Dance Off, with Amano Pizza winning the dance competition.

Capturing Moments

Attendance for the Jersey Eats: NJ Pizza Festival surpasses expectations as thousands of pizza lovers line up to get a slice

This years festival has some major star power; sponsored by Pepsi, Hive House Honey, Anacapri, Orange Theory Fitness, Monmouth Park Racetrack, Gatorade, Marra Forni, Tori's Cookies, Sonny Seltzers, and Fast Food Tees, the event provided a variety of food, music, and entertainment. The festival's success left attendees eagerly anticipating the next edition; set for 2025 in the North Jersey Market.

A Slice of New Jersey's Culinary Scene

Hosted by Anthony Pizzi and the NJ Pizza Alliance, New Jersey's Pizza Influencer Guild, in attendance, the NJ Pizza Festival celebrated New Jersey's diverse pizza culture. Attendees experienced unique flavors and styles from traditional family-owned pizzerias, showcasing the creativity and richness of the state's local pizza scene; everything from Detroit Style, New York Style, New Haven Style, Neapolitan Style, and Tavern Style Bar Pies.

Join the Celebration Next Year

Genova Pizza shows off their Grandma Pie at the Jersey Eats: NJ Pizza Festival

General Entry was just $20, VIP was $45; with half slices available for $2 each! Many attendees left with stacks of pizza boxes, enjoying full pizzas from their favorite pizzerias.

Mark your calendars for next year – the NJ Pizza Festival is a must-attend event for all pizza lovers!