- Attraction: Razza
- Location: 275-277 Grove St, Jersey City, NJ 07302
- Industry: Pizzeria
- Website: https://razzanj.com
Pizza perfection doesn’t happen by accident—it takes obsession.
At a Grove Street pizzeria helmed by chef Dan Richer, every element gets scrutinized and refined until it reaches near-mythical status.
When the New York Times declared this Jersey City spot home to the best pizza in New York back in 2017, nobody was particularly surprised. This wood-fired destination has been earning national acclaim since opening in 2012, with accolades that include being named Best Pizza in North America by 50 Best in 2019.
Whether you’re crossing the Hudson via PATH train or driving in from elsewhere in the Garden State, you’ll discover why this artisanal pizzeria has developed such a devoted following.
Richer opened Razza after years honing his craft at a small Maplewood pizzeria, where he developed his meticulous approach to dough fermentation and ingredient sourcing.
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Keep Exploring →His philosophy centers on constant refinement—he famously created a list of 40 characteristics he wanted in his ideal pizza and has spent over a decade perfecting each one. The restaurant occupies what was once the Majestic Theater space, and the expanded dining area now features two rooms that fill up nightly with eager diners.
You’ll want to make reservations through Resy well in advance, as walk-ins often face hour-long waits even on weeknights.
The Pizza Menu
The Dough: Everything starts with naturally leavened sourdough that ferments for days, creating a crust with remarkable complexity. You’ll notice it’s slightly chewier than traditional Neapolitan, with a crispy-yet-soft texture that holds up beautifully to the toppings. The wood-fired oven imparts a subtle smokiness that makes each bite memorable.
Margherita: This classic showcases what makes Razza special—a sauce made from two types of tomatoes that balances sweetness with bright acidity, fresh mozzarella that melts perfectly without making the pie soggy, and basil that tastes like it was just picked. Sometimes simple is best.
Jersey Margherita: A local twist using crushed New Jersey tomatoes and mozzarella from Jersey Girl Cheese. The sauce leans slightly sweeter and brings out those Garden State flavors that make the produce here so special.
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Discover MoreCalabrese: This one packs a kick! Fresh mozzarella meets shaved onions and spicy fermented chili paste for a rich, creamy pie with just enough heat to keep things interesting. The combination of cooling cheese and warming spice creates something truly addictive. Drizzle a side of honey on it for an even more elevated experience.
Panna: Draped in cow’s cream and mozzarella, this white pie surprises with a heaping pile of peppery arugula on top that cuts through the richness beautifully. The contrast makes it feel almost refreshing despite all that dairy.
Funghi: Mushroom lovers will appreciate this white pie loaded with mixed mushrooms, caramelized onions, chives, and shaved Parmigiano. The earthiness of the mushrooms melds perfectly with the sweet onions.
Burrata: Cool, creamy burrata sits atop the warm, crispy crust with tomato sauce and garlic. The temperature contrast alone makes this worth ordering, but the way that luscious burrata melts into each bite takes it to another level.
Seasonal Specials: The menu changes with what’s available from local farms. In fall you might find a squash pie with ricotta and caramelized onions that surprises skeptics with how well savory vegetables work on pizza.
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Keep Exploring →Spring brings asparagus pies with pesto, Parmigiano, and a squeeze of lemon. Summer features corn pies with chili paste that deliver sweet and spicy notes simultaneously. Don’t skip these rotating options—they showcase ingredients at their absolute peak.
Project Hazelnut: This pie uses hazelnuts bred at Rutgers Agricultural Experiment Station, making them a true New Jersey product. It’s an interesting conversation piece, though you might find the other pies more crave-worthy.
Beyond Pizza
Bread and Butter Tasting: This deserves its own pilgrimage. You’ll receive thick slices of warm sourdough bread with crackling crust and fluffy interior, served alongside three different cultured butters made from grass-fed Pennsylvania cream.
These butters have an almost cheese-like quality—creamy, slightly tangy, and utterly luxurious. At $18 it might seem indulgent for bread and butter, but trust that this is unlike anything you’ve had before. The cultured butter alone makes it worth trying.
Meatballs with Ricotta: Tender, juicy pork and beef meatballs come swimming in rich tomato sauce with dollops of ricotta. The meat stays incredibly moist and flavorful without being overwhelmed by the sauce or cheese. You might find yourself wanting to order these every single visit.
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Discover MoreKale Caesar Salad: Tuscan kale tossed with Caesar dressing, sourdough croutons, and Parmigiano offers a lighter start before diving into the heartier fare.
Beet Salad: Locally grown beets paired with herb goat cheese, pistachio cookie crumbles, and sherry vinaigrette create interesting textural and flavor contrasts.
Ceci Chickpeas: Simple but satisfying—chickpeas dressed with California extra virgin olive oil and Parmigiano.
Drinks and Desserts
Cocktails and Wine: The restaurant serves seasonally-inspired cocktails made in-house that pair nicely with the food. You’ll also find Prosecco, Razza Pet Nat (some of the grapes may have been hand-selected from South Jersey vineyards), and a thoughtfully curated wine list featuring local options.
Panna Cotta: This creamy dessert comes topped with caramel and seasonal fruit—a classic ending that doesn’t disappoint.
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Keep Exploring →Tiramisu: Traditional layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cream finish meals on an authentically Italian note.
Atmosphere and Setting
The Space: Razza occupies a stylish storefront with rustic charm—old paint scraped off exposed brick walls, wooden elements throughout, and an open kitchen where you can watch pizzas being crafted.
The restaurant has two distinct dining areas: the takeout side feels warmer and more thoughtfully designed, while the other room has a more industrial aesthetic. Both have their appeal.
Seating Options: You’ll find a mix of tables, bar seating, and outdoor sidewalk tables. The bar stools can be uncomfortable for longer meals if you’re tall, as there’s no footrest and your legs may dangle awkwardly. Tables fill up fast.
Ambiance: The lighting stays dim and intimate, creating a relaxed yet upscale vibe. It’s casual enough for everyday dining but special enough for date nights or celebrations. The open wood-fired oven adds visual interest and fills the space with wonderful aromas.
Despite the packed dining rooms, the atmosphere manages to feel inviting rather than cramped—though tables are placed quite close together, so don’t expect completely private conversations.
Noise Level: Moderate. You’ll hear the buzz of excited diners and the activity from the open kitchen, but it doesn’t become overwhelming.
Practical Considerations
Pricing: Expect to pay Manhattan-inspired prices for gourmet quality. Individual pizzas range from around $17-$28, with most hovering in the $20-24 range. The bread and butter tasting costs $18, meatballs are $18, and salads run $16-18.
A typical dinner for two with a couple pizzas, an appetizer, drinks, and maybe dessert will likely total $100-140 with tip. While this sits on the pricier side for pizza, the quality of ingredients, fermentation process, and attention to detail justify the cost. You’re paying for craft, not just a meal.
Reservations Required: Book through Resy as far in advance as possible—reservations fill up quickly, especially for Friday and Saturday evenings. Walk-ins face waits of an hour or more during peak times, sometimes up to two hours on weekends. Some lucky diners score bar seats with shorter waits.
Best Times to Visit: Arrive right when they open (3pm on weekends, 5pm weekdays) to minimize wait times. Weeknights offer slightly better odds than weekends. Monday is takeout-only, so plan accordingly.
Getting There: The PATH train’s Grove Street station sits just a 5-minute walk away, making it easily accessible from Manhattan. Street parking can be challenging in downtown Jersey City, though there are parking lots nearby.
The location puts you in a gentrified neighborhood with plenty of other dining and entertainment options for before or after your meal.
Size and Portions: The pizzas are 12-inch personal pies that most people can finish on their own, though they’re perfect for sharing too.
The crust stays relatively thin and light, so you won’t feel overly stuffed. Plan on one pizza per person if you’re hungry, or one pizza for every two people if you’re ordering several appetizers.
Takeout Option: Online ordering for pickup is available. The pizza travels well—even when eaten cold, the crust maintains its texture and the flavors shine through. You can also walk in for takeout orders during business hours.
Dietary Options: Many vegetarian pizzas are available, and the menu clearly marks what works for different dietary preferences. The restaurant uses plastic-free packaging and reusable tableware, showing commitment to sustainability.
Family Friendly: High chairs are available, and families with children are welcome. The atmosphere stays relaxed enough that you won’t feel out of place bringing kids along.
Razza
📍 275-277 Grove St, Jersey City, NJ 07302
