A little more than a month ago, we asked readers to help us pick the best pizzeria at the Jersey Shore in a March Madness-stye Pizza Playoff.
How did we decide who to include in our bracket? We eat a lot of pizza, and know where Shore folks go for their pies, so our opinions and yours determined the 18 Monmouth and Ocean competitors.
After tens of thousands of votes, the contest has come to an end, with The Galley in Asbury Park winning it all. Congrats to The Galley! You'll see a story on them soon.
But some readers didn't see their favorite spot in the bracket — and they let us know via Instagram and emails. To their fans, these seven pizzerias are winners.
Fusaro's Pizza, Manahawkin and Forked River
Fusaro's Pizza, named after an area near Naples, Italy, is a family-owned operation known best for not only their pizza, but soul-warming pasta dishes, Stromboli, subs and more.
Some got-to-try pies are the Fusaro's Special with sausage, peppers, onions, mushrooms and pepperoni; the thin-square Grandma Pizza with mozzarella, tomatoes, garlic and basil; and the penne vodka pasta.
The pizzeria also makes a special Chicago-style deep dish that takes about an hour to make. It's topped with mozzarella, sausage, pepperoni, meatballs, capicola, sautéed peppers and onions.
Go: For Manahawkin: 31 N. Main St., 609-978-3888; For Forked River: 725 S. Main St., 609-693-3333; fusaronj.com.
Julio's Pizza Co., Atlantic Highlands
Kim Smith emailed us about Julio's.
"They are known for their white cheese pickle pie," she said, referring to the Joe Joe's Pickle Pie with house-made garlic parm sauce, mozzarella and pickle chips . "I love their Margherita, plain, and sausage and pepper."
The shop also offers plenty of other pies, including a gluten-free 14 inch personal pie with an array of toppings from green peppers to ham, and pulled pork to pineapple.
Go: 75 First Ave.; 848-300-2674, heyitsjulios.com.
Krispy Pizza, Freehold
This chain has several locations across New Jersey and New York, and it earned several Instagram comments commending it.
Try favorites like the Palermo with fresh mozzarella, tomato sauce, Pizetta sauce/sweet onion sauce and grated parmesan cheese; or the Krispy Trio with vodka sauce, tomato sauce and pesto.
Also try belly-busting combos like the Fat Krispy with cheese, Big Mac sauce, chicken fingers, mozzarella sticks and French fries.
Go: For Freehold: 136 Schanck Road; 732-303-0081, krispypizza.com.
New location:Offshore Coffee Co. to open second location in Belmar
New Corner Ristorante Italiano, Red Bank
This BYOB was recommended via an email from Joycelyn Midose, who said "their pies are amazing."
Among upscale entrees are classics like the Siciliana Works Pizza with sausage, peppers, onion, mushrooms and pepperoni, and gourmet pies like the Bianca Verdure with white sauce, tomato, broccoli, spinach and artichoke.
Also try the L'Ortolana with onion, broccoli, spinach, tomatoes, eggplant, mozzarella and mushrooms.
Go: 1821 22 E. Front St.; 732-530-1007, newcornermenu.com/?utm_source=gbp.
New Georgian restaurant:Dumplings, kebabs and cheesy bread boats can be found at the new Georgian Chef in Howell
Pete & Elda's Bar/Carmen's Pizzeria, Neptune City
Carmen's Pizza, located in Pete & Elda's Bar in Neptune City, has a cult following. Several emails and Instagram comments asked for this shop to be included,.
That's not surprising because nearly 1,000 people a month show up to try the Carmen’s XXL pizza (18 inches) challenge in under 30 minutes. Only a few have become members of the coveted Whole Pie-Eaters Club (they also get a T-shirt).
Less-bold options include pies of all sizes, including a classic plain, or a "special": choice of onion or peppers, and one choice of sausage, mushrooms or anchovies. A "super" also includes a choice of onion or peppers, but you're allowed to chose a combo of sausage, mushrooms or anchovies.
There are also build-your-own pies with options like meatballs, hot peppers, buffalo chicken, calamari, penne, shrimp, roasted red peppers and more.
Go: 96 Woodland Ave.; 732-774-6010, peteandeldas.com.
Talula's Pizza, Asbury Park
Talula's, one of Asbury Park's most popular pizzerias, received an outpouring of support on Instagram.
Specializing in sourdough pies with seasonal ingredients, try classics like the Margie, a Margherita pie with house-made mozzarella, olive oil, basil and sea salt. Add a burrata ball with basil oil and garlic chips to it, for $6. Another must-try is the Beekeeper's Lament, with hot Calabrian soppressata, house-made mozzarella and local honey.
The shop is also known for its wide selection of white pies, including the Birria with aged mozzarella, white cheddar, birria beef, birria oil, red onions, cilantro, radish, lime and consommé; and the Rocket with house-made mozzarella, ricotta, garlic, cream, arugula, lemon, Aleppo pepper and aged gouda.
Go: 550 Cookman Ave #108; 732-455-3003, talulaspizza.com.
More Pizza:Serving 'old school' pies, Zoni's Pizzeria in Middletown expanding kitchen
Vinnie's Pizzeria, Freehold
One anonymous emailer was passionate about Vinnie's.
"You know a Jersey pizza place is good ... when people are queued up. Give it a try, regular or Sicilian.No fancy toppings," they said. "The sauce and dough are very flavorful."
While this fan recommended sticking to the basics, Vinnie's also has pies like the thin-crust Sicilian "Nonno," with homemade tomato sauce, mozzarella and pesto sauce; or the thin-crust Sicilian "Nonna," with homemade tomato sauce mozzarella and basil. That's as Italian as it gets.
If you want to take a walk on the wild side, get the Pepperoni Diablo with mozzarella, pepperoni, ricotta, crushed red peppers and hot honey.
Go: 3249 Route 9; 732-431-3888, vinpizza.com.
Gabriela L. Laracca joined the USA Today Network New Jersey in 2021 and eagerly brings her passion for cuisine and culture to our readers. Send restaurant tips to glaracca@gannett.com.
