We had SO many comments on our FaceBook page question about “Where is the BEST Local Pizza?” that we HAD to write a blog post! Here is the list of favorite area pizzerias based on our FB comments! Feel free to add to the list!

 

Kids’ birthday parties.  Unexpected guests.  Enjoying movies at home.  Watching sports on TV.  Post-kids-sporting events.  Friday night ritual.  Getting home late from work.  Too darn tired or lazy to cook.

What do all of these things have in common?

PIZZA, of course!  Forget about that saying, “as American as apple pie!”  Most of us don’t enjoy apple pie once a week on the average (unless we are very lucky!).  But most of us DO enjoy pizza, on the average, about once a week.  It’s an integral part of American life.  You can’t swing a cat without hitting a pizzeria in this area.  (Of course, why would you want to?  It just annoy the cat, and it’s really cruel.)

So, after asking around town, these are some of the favorite pizzerias in our area . . . .

 

Cranford

Calabria’s (208 Centennial Avenue 908-272-8080)  delivers, both literally and figuratively, every time.  Everything they make is utterly delicious, but they are well known for their “Grandma’s Pie,” a thinner version of Sicilian, with lots of chunky tomatoes, garlic, and cheese on top, that represents what authentic “home-style” pizza apparently is in Italy.  This place is very child-friendly, and on half-days of school, the line of local kids ordering pizza after school lets out can literally stretch out the door, down the block, and around the corner.  The fast, super-friendly service is definitely a plus, on top of their outstanding pizza.

Pizza House (123 North Union Avenue 908-276-0939) also topped the list.  Like their above mentioned competitor, they also deliver, also have delicious pizza, and are also known for their fast, friendly service. Also like their competitor, they have an almost cult following.

Tony’s (21 North Union Avenue 908-272-2874) has two rooms . . one that is the actual pizzeria, and one that is more of a dining room. Kids love this place!

Vinny’s  (28 Eastman Street 908-709-9000) is in the heart of downtown Cranford. Eat n, take out, or have it delivered . . . . you won’t be disappointed!

Il Giardino (103 Miln Street 908-858-5710) is known as much for its restaurant as it is for its pizza.

Brooklyn Pizza (2 South Avenue West 908-272-4141) offers a very thin crust, and a more upscale atmosphere.

Emma’s Brick Oven Pizza (101 North union Avenue 908-497-1211) is in the heart of the Cranford shopping district, and, truthfully, the only thing that kept this from being a TOP top pick is that they are a bit more upscale and don’t deliver.  That being said, their take-out line is enormous on a weekend, and the restaurant is family friendly and absolutely delightful.  People come from out of town to enjoy the atmosphere and the delicious food here.

Scaturro’s (1210 Raritan Road, Clark 908-276-0407)  OK, three words:  Awesome. white. pizza!

 

Westfield

Cosimo’s (118 East Broad Street 908-543-8787) seems to be the popular favorite.  It has both a pizzeria side and a restaurant side, and also delivers.

Buona Pizza (243 South Avenue East 908-232-2066) has easy parking since it is in a strip mall, and the pizza is pretty darn good!  They also deliver, and you can order online.

Ferraro’s (14 Elm Street 908-232-1105) Yes, the restaurant people that we all know and love also make an excellent pizza.  A bit more upscale than the average pizzeria to be sure, but if you would like to eat pizza in your sweats or pajamas, they offer take-out.

 

Now, this is by NO means a full listing of all of the pizza options in this area, and since pizza is a highly personal thing, and everyone has their favorites, there are no doubt quite a few NOT mentioned here that locals would swear by.  But how lucky are we to HAVE so many options?  And GOOD ones!  I could never live in an area where the only “pizza” choices were Domino’s or Pizza Hut, or one of those factory-type pizzerias, could you?  This is Jersey.  We love our pizza!