Bivio Pizza Napoletana - Montclair

Over the past 15 years, of all the pizza places I have been to in NJ and NYC, this is by far the best. This is precision pizza making from every aspect. Not only is the pizza great, but Tomaso (the owner) is so personable and always has a smile on his face. Try to make a reservation 1 week ahead as it is usually booked up. Also it is BYOB!

The salumi and cheese plate, along with the arugula salad, felt like something straight from Costco—not necessarily a bad thing, just an observation. The pizza, however, was undercooked; the center was soggy and collapsed when picked up. The menu mentioned garlic, but I couldn't taste any. This restaurant seems to be riding on its past reputation. I ended up having a better pizza at my local, no-frills pizza joint. Don't waste your time here.

The pizza here is exceptionally crafted with a wonderfully flavorful crust. If it's on the menu, be sure to try the lemon and soppressata version—it’s a must!

The waitstaff is outstanding—pleasant, accommodating, kind, and thoughtful. And oh, the food! From top to bottom on the menu, the salads are refreshing and delicious, and the pizza is out of this world. I highly recommend trying the San Marzano pizza, which is simply topped with sauce, oregano, and a sprinkle of parmesan. It’s a refreshing change to find such a simple yet delicious pie. The seasonal special pizzas are always fantastic, too, featuring flavors like pumpkin in the fall and lemon in the summer. Tomaso loves experimenting with surprising flavor combinations, and you can truly feel the passion he puts into the pies he bakes every night. Lastly, don’t miss the cheesecake for dessert. Whatever flavor is on the menu, you have to try it. The term “silky” takes on a whole new meaning with this dessert. I highly, highly, highly recommend this hidden gem. In fact, I'm going back tonight!

I stopped by the new Bivio in Montclair to grab some bread. I used to be a regular at their Little Falls location and have always loved their food. The bread I got was fantastic—crusty on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. It’s perfect for making sandwiches or just dipping in salted olive oil, which is exactly what I did. I can't wait for the pizza to come back later this year!