“Did you try it yet? It’s soooo good.”
That’s what I heard as I pulled out of the parking lot of Luigi’s in Succasunna.
When our babysitter heard that we were on a quest to find the best pizza in New Jersey, she quickly offered up her favorite: Luigi’s. Nestled in a busy strip mall on Route 10 near Kohl’s, it’s a small, blink-and-you-miss-it type place.
On Friday night, it was steadily busy, yet we were greeted with friendly smiles as soon as we approached the counter. The place is decidedly no-frills, as is their menu, but that’s what you want from a pizza joint, you know? It’s like when McDonald’s tried their hand at making pizza… remember that? Or when Coke released the disasterous New Coke. Stick with what you know. Luigi’s is sticking to pizza and a small selection of other cold and hot offerings. Grey booths, though not a lot, a pizza-shaped clock, and the stack of empty cardboard pizza boxes in the back pretty much complete their decorating look.
The front counter was manned by a handful of young men, each one friendly and outgoing, greeting some customers by name or their regular order – quite a departure from the service we got at Reservoir Tavern a few weeks ago! The prices are reasonable, with an 8-slice cheese pie going for $10.75 (coupons can also be found in the local newspaper).
Now for the pizza. These slices are the most ungreasy I think we’ve had so far. No grease went through the bag or the box on the ride home (I hate when that happens!) and our paper plates were nearly grease-free after several slices. Some slices you feel you have to take a napkin to the top and start blotting before eating. Not so with these. The combination of the cheese, tomato sauce and herbs was packed with flavor, which I loved. The tomato sauce is thin, and it could have used a little bit more. There were no bubbles or charred little bits on our pizza, both of which happen to be things I like and missed. As for the crust, I rate the crust based on if I ate it or not. If the crust is really good, my plate will be empty. If it’s not, I’ll leave it behind. It’s that simple. This one was ok… and remained on my plate. All the cheese didn’t fall off when you separated the slices, which is a big plus. Did you have pizza day in school while growing up? Luigi’s Pizza is like that type of pizza. I don’t say that as a negative, but more so because I think then you know exactly the type of pizza I’m describing. This isn’t anything trendy or earth-shattering, but good, old-fashioned pizza. Both kids inhaled their slices, Nick going back for a second.
So all in all, a good slice. Would I go back for more? Yes. Is it the best pizza in New Jersey? No, I don’t think so, but still worth a bite. Next!
Miss our other pizza reviews?
Reservoir Tavern in Boonton
Margherita’s Pizza & Cafe in Hoboken
Star Tavern in Orange
Grimaldi’s in Hoboken
P.S. Although Luigi’s takes credit cards, they do not take American Express.
Luigi’s Pizza
275 State Route 10 E Ste 370
Succasunna, NJ
Telephone: 973-584-0181
sounds good – I will keep an eye out for it if I am ever in the area.
Oh, school pizza. Our school pizza was rectangle and tasted heavily of oregano. Not my fav :)
However, I LOVE the bubbled bits on pizza crust on a good pizza pie. I daresay that is my fav part…
Seriously though, if you are looking for the best pizza drive out here to CT and go to Carminuccio’s in Newtown — YUM! And then head to New Haven and have pizza at Sal’s and at Pepe’s … You won’t be disappointed.
I love non-greasy pizza! I’m really enjoying this series!
Now that you mention it, the crust does look a bit like school pizza crust. Ours was either rectangular or octagonal (I know…weird!) and had either the tiny cubes of gross pepperoni or sausage. The sausage was actually okay but I wouldn’t choose to eat that pizza again. I’m still voting for Grimaldi’s!
Oh MG, that is really look like the best pizza! I am drooling to look at the photo!
Another thing I miss about living in NJ…PIZZA! We had Dominos the other night (yuck). I’m so jealous!!
thanks for the review… I’ve been reading them and am curious which pizzaria will win the title of Best Pizza in NJ!
The female half of this Duo used to live in Northern Jersey…Definitely know Rt. 10 well! Good to know!
have you tried Tacconelli’s??? when i was in philly we made a special trip :)
Now, I’m hungry for pizza! I have to go for a run first, though.
Next time I am on Route 10, I will hve to give Luigi’s a try. Always in the mood for a great pizza. Do they have thick crust?