From Great to Good: 3 New Jersey Pizza Places in Morris and Union Counties

New Jersey is known for its great pizza establishments, and I have made it a point to visit as many as possible over the last six years.

Yes, I have hit several of them along the way and here are three more places to add to my ever-growing list of delicious pizza joints I have visited.

The Godfather of East Hanover — 200 State 10 West — East Hanover, N.J. (Morris County) — (973) 887-4830.

I have been wanted to visit The Godfather of East Hanover for some time now, and I was not disappointed in the least. The Godfather has been in business since 1975, and that is a true testament to its excellence, as it has stood the test of time.

Every time I frequent a new pizza place, I start with a Neapolitan (regular round) slice. It has a lot to do with my family’s Naples, Italy, roots, and living in New York City (the home of the slice) for 51 years. A good slice says it all to me.

Well, the crust was light and crispy, and the sauce was savory and bursting with flavor.

Up next was the Margherita slice — fresh mozzarella, basil and tomatoes. Let’s talk about an explosion a deliciousness and decadence. The fresh Mootz was spectacular, as the other natural ingredients just complimented the wonderful offering.

I could have gone another slice, but I did not want to ruin the experience by over overindulging to the point of being weighed down. Next time, though!

Please do not sleep on The Godfather’s calzones and stromboli, as well as its brick over pizza varieties.

The Godfather owns two other locations in Morristown (10 Lafayette Ave.) and Parsippany (1125 US 46).

Rating: 9.25 out of 10.

Zio Gino Pizza & Grill — 650 Shunpike Rd, Chatham, N.J. (Morris County) — Phone: 973.377.3666

When comes to Chatham pizza, there are five solid joints between the borough and township. Zio Gino Pizza & Grill is one of those places that has first open its doors in 1984.

I usually partake in Neapolitan, Veggie (Peppers, onions, mushrooms, spinach, sliced tomatoes), Bianca (White with mozzarella ricotta, garlic, shaved parmigiano), Margherita or Mushrooms slices — whatever fancies me at the time.

I feel that whatever I land on, I am never disappointed. The slices are cooked to perfection and the staff is always willing to help you make the right pizza selection, even for the hardest-to-please pizza snobs.

My last visit had me devouring mushroom and regular slices, like I was headed for the electric chair. Crispy slices with tasty fungi on the mushroom and mouthwatering sauce and mozzarella and a slightly charred crust on the Neapolitan had me thanking God I live in a quality New Jersey pizza town.

See you next time, Zio Gino.

Rating: 8.50 out of 10

Brooklyn Pizza of Union — 1014 Stuyvesant Ave, Union, N.J. (Union County) — (908) 686-1400.

Who does not like getting the best bang for their hard-earned buck? At Brooklyn Pizza of Union, that is exactly what you get when you order a regular slice.

First, the slice is freakishly huge. Next, it is rather tasty, with a crispy, crunchy crust, tangy sauce and gooey mozzarella, all melded into one appetizing offering. The two Neapolitans that I ordered hit the spot after a long day of shopping in Union.

But you do not have to stop there. Brooklyn Pizza serves up BBQ chicken, Buffalo, Grandma pizza slices, among other varieties.

One of the most interesting slices is the Calabrese — black olives, anchovies and capers, with a healthy portion of Parmesan cheese scattered over it after it is baked.

Rating 7.9 out of 10.

— Jerry Del Priore