Wondering where to find the best pizza in The Somerset Hills? A couple of months ago, I found myself wondering the same. So I underwent the arduous task of tasting all the pizza I could in order to create this list, especially for you.
Overall, I like two kinds of pizza: a classic pizzeria pie and something interesting. Both start as a blank canvas and transform into something special. You’ll find a little of each with this list of local favorites. Each spot hit all my criteria for a classic pie or for thinking outside the box.
Let’s start with my take on pizza: The crust should be a little crispy on the outside with a nice chewy finish. A little char from a brick oven is always welcome, but it should not be burnt. You should notice the taste, but it should complement the sauce. Grandma’s pizza and Sicilian crust are obvious exceptions, but there are few others. Sauce should be made on-site, with fresh ingredients—bonus points when they are local Jersey tomatoes. For traditional pies, it’s got to be fresh mozzarella melted on top. For interesting, gourmet pizzas, I love experiencing blends of cheese that add layers of flavor.
There’s no shortage of pizzerias in The Somerset Hills: large chains, small chains and local family-owned spots each with their own following, ranging from neighborhood favorites that focus only on pizza to family restaurants with broader menus that give you plenty of options. Located in Bernardsville Centre, Lenny’s Pizzeria & Trattoria has been a local favorite for 28 years, offering a scratch-made menu, handmade dough daily and a secret recipe marinara sauce. Bedminster Pizza on Lamington Road near 202 offers both Mamma and Nonna pizzas. Chianti Wood Fired Italian Cuisine in Bernardsville is a great family-friendly option offering traditional and wood-fired pizzas.
When I started this adventure, I knew I was looking for top-tier pizza, but I didn’t know just how hard it would be to choose a favorite. Several restaurants offered solid pizza, enjoyable to the last bite. But it wasn’t until I visited Trattoria Bolu in Basking Ridge that I felt inspired by flavor. As I mentioned, I like seeing pizza used as a canvas for something interesting, and I couldn't have been more enticed looking over this menu. Everything on the menu takes pizza to a new level, and I had a very difficult time choosing what to try first. Intrigued by a blend of cheeses, I tried the “Boardwalk Blend” and wanted to write home about it: perfect crust, with just the right amount of smokiness from the natural brick oven; a slightly sweet tomato sauce, made from local tomatoes; a rich blend of mozzarella, cheddar and pecorino cheeses. This is one of the best pizzas I had on this journey. I will go out of my way for this pizza.
Without hesitation, the most satisfying bite I had on this journey had to be at Cafe Rustica, also in Basking Ridge. Featuring grilled pizza, the #3 offers grilled chicken, pesto, bruschetta tomatoes, mozzarella, arugula and a Parmigiano Reggiano blend. First, you get the fresh, ripe tomatoes, then the bright, herbaceous, homemade pesto and finally the crust—just kissed by the grill. I would have eaten the entire pizza if I could.
If you’re looking for gluten-free options, they are almost equally plentiful. Nicoletta has one of the best gluten-free pizzas I’ve tried in a very long time. Trattoria Bolu, Bedminster Pizza and Chianti all have gluten-free crusts on their menus. Cafe Rustica has gluten-free pasta, and Lenny’s has gluten-free pizza and pasta.
In no particular order, here are my favorite locations for pizza:
Cafe Figaro & Pizza, Basking Ridge: Family-owned and family-friendly, Figaro is located in the Dewy Meadow Village Mall. Cafe Figaro and Figaro Ristorante Italiano opened in 1999 offering dining experiences at the ristorante and the more casual pizzeria. Their Grandma’s Pizza on a lightly crispy flatbread boasts fresh ingredients and a wonderfully refreshing bite. Definitely give the Chipotle Chicken a try for something a little different. Lightly breaded and a little smokey, this has a nicely balanced flavor.
Cafe Rustica, Basking Ridge: This homey spot is reminiscent of a tavern, but with more family appeal. I felt almost at home with the warm greeting upon entering. A very friendly and unassuming atmosphere, welcoming for the whole family or for a date night out. Offering a full Italian menu as well as personal gourmet pizzas, they also offer pizzeria-style pies.
Nicoletta Pizzeria, Bernardsville: It’s hard to choose here. I still haven’t decided if I like the Calabrese or the Funghi pizza more. The Calabrese is loaded with pepperoni and fennel sausage and is completely satisfying. The Funghi is a mushroom lover’s dream, with a formaggi sauce and marsala-marinated mushrooms; this was certainly the most interesting piece of pizza I tried on my adventures. With pasta and cookies also made in-house, it’s really hard to choose wrong.
Trattoria Bolu, Basking Ridge: Located in 100 Marketplace Center off Liberty Corner Road, take one step into Trattoria Bolu, and you feel transported to a campfire. The rustic decor, the aroma of the brick oven and the plethora of ingredients, and the warm welcome of the staff provide an instant sense of comfort. Sourcing ingredients from local farms, the menu provides a range of flavorful and natural dishes. Antipasto varies daily, they offer whole wheat and gluten-free pasta and pizza crusts and a range of organic salads and homemade beverages.
Try them all: 2Figaros.com, BedminsterPizzaNJ.com, CafeRusticaNJ.com, ChiantiWoodfire.com, LennysPizzaNJ.com, NicolettaPizza.com, TrattBolu.com
Richard Hannum (“Small Time Foodie”) is a food reviewer based in Bridgewater who studied at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts. Follow him on Instagram @smalltimefoodie.