Song’E Napule sits in the heart of Rutherford’s main commercial strip, a half-mile stretch between the NJ Transit station and Lincoln Park. Though the area has no shortage of Italian eateries, this one is distinct: it’s authentically Neapolitan. Its name translates to “I am from Naples” in the local dialect.
Neapolitan isn’t just a label here. Owner Ciro Iovine grew up in Fuorigrotta, a suburb of Naples, began making pizza at 13 and now serves on the board of the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (AVPN), which certifies true Neapolitan pizza worldwide. Song’E Napule is the only AVPN-certified pizzeria in New Jersey, proudly displaying its certificate and poster in the window.
The 47-seat dining room has an open kitchen where diners can watch pizzas cook in a gas oven imported from Naples. Most ingredients — along with the pizzaiolo, music, and even some staff — come from Southern Italy. The décor pays homage to Naples, from Pulcinella masks to Diego Maradona memorabilia, with six framed jerseys above the kitchen.
Though the menu includes Roman and Amalfi Coast specialties like Cacio e Pepe and Ricotta e pera, the experience is as close to Naples as you’ll get in New Jersey. There are no Italian-American staples like veal parm or chicken alfredo — and no slices to go. The only concession to American habits: pies are pre-cut, unlike in Italy.
The top-selling margherita pizza is made to strict Neapolitan standards: a thin crust with a puffy outer edge, baked at about 850°F for 90 seconds. The center is too soft to fold, so locals are encouraged to eat with fork and knife. Balanced flavors define it — sweet but restrained tomato sauce and mild, salty Fior di Latte mozzarella. For a crunchier option, try the montanara, or fried pizza.
The pasta list features five dishes, two with Campania roots. Spaghetti Nerano, from a small town near Naples, arrives under a generous topping of shredded cheese and sautéed zucchini. Paccheri Genovese, despite its name, is a Neapolitan classic with a rich veal and onion ragu and Parmigiano Reggiano.
Desserts and drinks also lean Italian. Espresso comes short and strong, served to be finished in two sips. Beers and many wines are imported from Naples. Among the sweets, Coccole — deep-fried dough balls topped with Nutella — are a hit, while Delizia al Limone from Sorrento offers a lighter option with lemon cream nestled between sponge cake layers.
Why Rutherford? Iovine says, “It’s a quiet place, with families, a real sense of community, and people who appreciate quality. Brooklyn is great, but it’s already full of great pizzerias. New Jersey had room for a piece of Napoli where it didn’t exist yet.” In a state where many Italian restaurants are run by second- or third-generation Italian Americans who’ve never been to Italy, Song’E Napule offers a rare, immersive taste of Naples — no passport required.
Location: 106 Park Ave, Rutherford, NJ 07070
Website: songenapule.us/song-e-napule-rutherford-nj
Reservations: Recommended — call (201) 347-9339 or book via OpenTable
Instagram: @songenapulenyc