Razza Pizza Jersey City — First Impression

Believe the hype

0

Razza Pizza

Razza makes some of the best pizza in Jersey City. That’s a loaded statement, but once you’ve tried a few pies — you’ll realize Razza Pizza lives up to the hype.

The restaurant just announced on social media that it will reopen its doors for limited indoor dining (in its new expanded restaurant) on Thursday, March 17. Indoor dinning will only be available this week from Thursday through Sunday. Reservations must be made through Resy. Each week they’ll post when reservations go live. (And each week we imagine they’ll sell out faster than a PS5).

Back in 2017, the New York Times named Razza the best pizza in New York. The Times called Razza the type of pizzeria that can “excel at both dough and toppings.” We love Razza not because of the NYT review, but because their pizzas are always fresh, inventive, and consistently amazing. Of the dozens of trips we’ve made to Razza, there’s never been an “off day” where the quality or experience was subpar. That in and of itself makes it one of JC’s top restaurants.

Razza Pizza Menu

Razza prides itself on using fresh, local ingredients. However, Razza takes it beyond organic vs. non-organic. It’s about combining flawless ingredients and creating the most balanced dishes possible. If you don’t believe me, there’s a 4-minute video where chef Dan Richer explains how he makes the restaurant’s bread and butter.

Sure, you have to pay for bread and butter, but it’s unlike any bread and butter you’re used to. Razza’s butter has a creamy, almost cheese-like flavor, which I personally loved. Meanwhile, the bread has a crusty exterior and fluffy, airy interior. Outside of their bread and butter, Razza also offers a delicious Ricotta Crostini appetizer.

As for service, I’ve been to the restaurant multiple times I’ve always found staff to be attentive and polite. (As a result of the pandemic, Razza is only open for pickup and outdoor dining). From the hostess to the wait staff, everyone has been exceptionally helpful and friendly.

The space, however, feels cramped. Tables are placed way to close to one another. I understand restaurants need to maximize space, but when my neighbor’s conversation is coming in loud and clear, then we have a problem.

Razza Bread and Butter

Razza Pizza — Try every pie

As for the pizzas, they’re outstanding. I’ve had the La Rossa, Margherita, Bianco, Panna, and the Baby Bella. La Rossa has been my favorite followed by the Baby Bella and the Panna. Razza also has a few seasonal pizzas like their corn pizza and the Project Hazelnut, which is made with hazelnuts grown at Rutgers University.

Razza constantly rotates its menu and we recommend you try as many specials as possible. Likewise, they also offer seasonal salads, which are an excellent starter to any meal. Their wine list is small, but features a nice price range of wines from $34 to $87.

The first time I ate at Razza, I had the tiramisu for dessert, which was light, airy, and downright delicious. Unfortunately, it’s never been back on the menu. They usually offer a panna cotta, which is good, but nothing extraordinary. A minor gripe for an otherwise stellar restaurant.

Razza Meatballs

Razza | 275 Grove Street (corner of Montgomery) | www.razzanj.com