- Attraction: Papa’s Tomato Pies
- Location: 19 Robbinsville-Allentown Rd, Robbinsville, NJ 08691
- Industry: Pizzeria
- Website: https://www.papastomatopies.com
Picture this: over a century of pizza-making mastery, passed down through three generations of the same family, all culminating in what might be the most perfectly executed tomato pie you’ll ever taste.
Papa’s Tomato Pies isn’t just serving dinner—they’re preserving a slice of American culinary history that dates back to 1912, making them the oldest continuously family-owned pizzeria in the United States.
Founded by Giuseppe “Joe” Papa, an Italian immigrant who learned his craft before World War I even started, this legendary spot has weathered over 110 years of change while maintaining the same commitment to quality ingredients and traditional techniques.
After decades in Trenton, including a period in the 1950s and ’60s when they’d stay open until 3 AM to feed late-night workers and bar patrons, Papa’s relocated to Robbinsville in 2013.
Now run by Nick Azzaro, Joe Papa’s grandson, the pizzeria continues its legacy with the same recipes and passion that made it famous generations ago.
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Keep Exploring →The Tomato Pies That Made History
The Classic Trenton Tomato Pie: This is what Papa’s built its reputation on, and one bite will tell you why. The thin, crispy crust delivers an audible crunch with each bite—no flop whatsoever.
What sets it apart is the construction: cheese goes down first, then dollops of vibrant, chunky tomato sauce are spread across the top.
The sauce itself is the star here, with a bright, fresh sweetness that tastes like summer tomatoes even in the dead of winter. Each pie gets cooked well-done with a slight char that adds a smoky depth to every slice.
The Infamous Mustard Pie: Here’s where Papa’s really stands out from the crowd. A thin layer of spicy brown mustard goes on the dough before baking, followed by cheese and tomato sauce. It sounds wild, but the mustard adds a subtle tang that enhances rather than overpowers the other flavors.
You won’t find this anywhere else, and it’s become something of a cult favorite. If you’re hesitant, you can order a half-and-half pie to test the waters—the perfect compromise for the curious but cautious.
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Discover MoreSausage and Garlic Combinations: The fresh Italian sausage comes in generous chunks—not those sad little crumbles you get at chain places.
Combined with fresh garlic, these toppings elevate the already exceptional tomato pie into something truly memorable. The sausage has that authentic, slightly fennel-forward flavor that speaks to the restaurant’s Italian roots.
The Crust Perfection: You’ll notice immediately that this isn’t your typical pizza crust. It’s thin but substantial, achieving that magical balance between crispy and chewy.
The undercarriage (yes, pizza enthusiasts actually check this) shows expert baking technique with proper browning and structure. Even better, it maintains its texture as it cools—no soggy disappointments here.
Beyond the Pies
Mozzarella Logs: These appetizers get consistently high marks from diners. Think golden-brown, crispy on the outside, and oozing with molten mozzarella on the inside. They’re served hot and fresh, making them the perfect starter while you wait for your pie.
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Keep Exploring →Antipasto and Salads: Papa’s offers several Italian-inspired starters, including a three-olive salad with artichoke hearts marinated in lemon garlic dressing, and a caprese featuring fresh mozzarella with basil pesto and balsamic glaze. These aren’t just afterthoughts—they’re crafted with the same attention to quality as the pies.
Seafood and Pasta Options: The menu extends beyond pizza with dishes like seafood marinara featuring clams, mussels, calamari, and shrimp in a spicy white wine garlic sauce.
There’s also roasted chicken with mushrooms in white wine sauce served over pasta. While the tomato pies are the main attraction, these options show the kitchen’s versatility.
Sandwiches and Hoagies: For those not in a pizza mood, Papa’s offers traditional Italian sandwiches with options for toppings like broccoli rabe, roasted red peppers, and provolone. They’re substantial and satisfying, using the same quality ingredients that go into the pies.
The Old-School Experience
Classic Italian Ambiance: When you step inside, you’re transported to a traditional neighborhood pizzeria. The decor is simple and unpretentious—this isn’t about trendy design elements or Instagram-worthy walls. It’s clean, pleasant, and authentically old-school in the best possible way. The focus is squarely on the food, not the frills.
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Discover MoreLively Atmosphere: When Papa’s is busy (which is often), expect a buzzing energy with families sharing pies and friends catching up over dinner. The dining room can get noisy when it’s packed, but that’s part of the charm—it’s the sound of people enjoying great food together. The space itself is somewhat compact, so peak times can feel cozy.
Indoor and Outdoor Seating: You’ll find comfortable seating inside the main dining area, and there’s also outdoor seating available when weather permits. The parking lot is convenient and spacious, making it easy to pop in for takeout or settle in for a dine-in experience.
Planning Your Visit
Whole Pies Only: Papa’s doesn’t sell by the slice—you’re ordering whole pies here. The 14-inch small comes with 6 slices, while the 16-inch large gives you 8 slices. This encourages sharing and ensures every pie comes out of the oven at peak freshness.
BYOB Advantage: One of the best features is that Papa’s is BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle). You can bring your favorite wine or beer to pair with your meal without the markup of a full liquor license. This keeps costs down while letting you customize your dining experience.
Affordable Quality: The pricing is remarkably reasonable given the quality and history you’re getting. This isn’t some overpriced tourist trap trading on its legacy—it’s a working pizzeria offering excellent value. You’ll walk out feeling like you got more than your money’s worth, especially compared to trendy pizza spots charging premium prices for inferior products.
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Keep Exploring →Timing Your Visit: Midday on weekdays tends to be quieter, giving you a better chance at snagging a table without a wait. Dinner hours and weekends see the biggest crowds, though the wait typically isn’t excessive. The restaurant takes reservations, which is worth considering for larger groups.
Family-Friendly Environment: This is absolutely a place you can bring kids. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, with a menu that appeals to all ages. The straightforward tomato pies are perfect for younger palates, while adults can experiment with the mustard pie and other variations.
Worth the Pilgrimage: Don’t be surprised if you encounter pizza enthusiasts who’ve driven 90 minutes or more just to taste Papa’s tomato pies. This is legitimate destination pizza—the kind of place serious food lovers add to their bucket lists. Less than a mile away sits DeLorenzo’s, another famous tomato pie institution, but Papa’s holds its own with shorter waits and equally impressive results.
Papa’s Tomato Pies
📍 19 Robbinsville-Allentown Rd, Robbinsville, NJ 08691
