Aquila Pizza Al Forno

- 7A Paterson Ave, Little Falls Township, NJ 07424

For residents of Northern New Jersey, the search for truly exceptional pizza often leads to the unassuming storefront of Aquila Pizza Al Forno in Little Falls. This establishment is not just another local pizzeria; it is a culinary destination specializing in the art of authentic, wood-fired pizza. Using time-honored techniques and high-quality ingredients, Aquila Pizza Al Forno delivers a product that many loyal patrons confidently hail as some of the absolute best pizza in the Garden State. The concept revolves around a dedication to simple perfection—focusing on a limited, expertly crafted menu of "pizze" and delectable Italian small plates, or "antipasti."

The core of their offering is the mastery of the wood-burning oven. Each pizza is hand-formed and cooked in the intense heat of the oven, resulting in a crust that is perfectly blistered, slightly smoky, and achieves that coveted, balancing "char" that distinguishes true artisanal pizza. The commitment to quality is evident in every detail, from the use of fresh, house-made mozzarella and flavorful San Marzano tomatoes to premium toppings. This dedication to craft is what transforms a simple meal into a memorable dining experience, making it popular for lunch, dinner, and even solo dining among New Jersey food enthusiasts.

Aquila Pizza Al Forno is nestled at 7A Paterson Ave, Little Falls Township, NJ 07424, USA. Located in the heart of Little Falls, the restaurant offers an intimate setting that contrasts with the fast pace of modern life. While the space itself is described by patrons as "very small," this intimacy contributes to the overall cozy and romantic atmosphere that makes it a "hidden gem."

For patrons arriving by car, the location benefits from the availability of free street parking, easing the often-difficult process of finding a spot in a busy neighborhood. Despite the smaller interior, the restaurant has taken steps to ensure accessibility for all members of the community.

Key accessibility provisions include:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance
• Wheelchair accessible seating

These features ensure a welcoming environment, allowing everyone to partake in the exceptional food and cozy ambiance. The combination of easy parking and essential accessibility makes planning a visit straightforward for local groups, families, and solo diners.

Though specializing in a premium dine-in experience, Aquila Pizza Al Forno offers several flexible service options to accommodate the diverse needs of the North Jersey customer base. Their focus remains on providing excellent table service, ensuring a relaxing and high-quality meal whether you are visiting for a quick lunch or an evening date night.

The services available include:

• Dine-in: Offering full table service in a distinctly cozy and romantic setting, ideal for a memorable meal.
• Takeout: Convenient options for those who wish to enjoy the wood-fired excellence at home.
• Outdoor seating: When weather permits, guests can enjoy their pizza and antipasti al fresco.
• Reservations: The restaurant accepts reservations, and dinner reservations are highly recommended, especially given the "very small" size of the space, ensuring groups and couples can secure a table during peak hours.

The dining experience is categorized for lunch, dinner, and dessert, with an emphasis on a relaxed, leisurely meal, complemented by friendly and passionate staff who genuinely love creating great pizza.

Aquila Pizza Al Forno distinguishes itself in the highly competitive New Jersey pizza scene through a series of focused, high-impact features, creating a truly memorable destination.

The top features and highlights include:

• Authentic Wood-Fired Pizza: Their primary focus is hand-formed pizza cooked in a wood-burning oven, giving the crust its distinctive char, texture, and flavor—the hallmark of high-quality Neapolitan-style pizza.
• Specialty Pizze: The menu features classic and inventive pies prepared with house-made mozzarella and San Marzano tomato sauce. Standout options include:
  • Margherita (San Marzano tomato, mozzarella, fresh basil)
  • Funghi (Wood-roasted portobello mushrooms, San Marzano tomato, mozzarella)
  • Tre Carni (Speck, capicola, soppressata—a must for meat lovers)
  • Bianca (Parmigiano Reggiano, ricotta, mozzarella, smoked prosciutto, portobello mushrooms, fresh garlic)
  • Filetti (Cherry tomato, mozzarella, garlic, fresh basil)
• Highly-Praised Antipasti: The small plate offerings are just as celebrated as the pizza. Must-try items include the "Polpette" (meatballs with ricotta cheese and fresh basil in tomato sauce), often described as "one of my favorite meatballs," and the legendary Long Hot Peppers, wood-fired with balsamic glaze and fresh ricotta.
• BYOB Policy: The establishment operates as a BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle) venue. This allows patrons to perfectly pair their wood-fired pizza with their favorite wine or beer, which, as one customer noted, elevates the experience to "next-level" when paired with a glass of Pinot Noir.
• Atmosphere: The vibe is a unique blend of casual, cozy, romantic, and trendy, creating a perfect backdrop for a variety of occasions, from a family dinner to an intimate date night.
• Offerings: Beyond the main menu, they offer vegetarian options, comfort food, small plates, and traditional Italian coffee and espresso-based beverages like Cappuccino.

Their concise and focused menu ensures that every item is a standout, reinforcing the staff's clear "passion for the art of pizza."

To plan your visit, make a reservation, or inquire about takeout options, please use the following contact details:

Address: 7A Paterson Ave, Little Falls Township, NJ 07424, USA

Phone: (973) 256-0050

For a New Jersey resident seeking an authentic and high-quality Italian experience, choosing Aquila Pizza Al Forno is justified by three key factors: unparalleled quality, unique atmosphere, and outstanding value enhanced by the BYOB policy.

Firstly, the quality of the wood-fired pizza is consistently rated among the best in the state. The focus on house-made, fresh ingredients like San Marzano tomatoes and proprietary dough techniques ensures an "absolutely delivers the best pizza in New Jersey" outcome. The attention to the crust—the perfect char and blister—is a major draw for pizza connoisseurs. Beyond pizza, the antipasti, particularly the "ridiculously hot" Long Hot Peppers and the signature Meatballs, are culinary highlights that create a fully rounded and exceptional dining experience.

Secondly, the atmosphere is a standout feature. While small, the space is intentionally "cozy" and "romantic," setting the stage for an intimate dinner or a relaxing solo meal. This carefully curated vibe, coupled with attentive and "friendly staff" and "good people creating great pizza," means the experience is as satisfying as the food itself.

Finally, the BYOB policy offers patrons significant value. In New Jersey, bringing your own wine or beer allows guests to enjoy high-end beverage pairings at retail prices, making a potentially pricey, romantic dinner or a group gathering much more affordable without sacrificing the quality of the meal. Given that dinner reservations are recommended, it is clear that many locals have already discovered this combination of high quality, unique ambiance, and smart value, confirming Aquila Pizza Al Forno as a must-try local spot.

Aquila Pizza Al Forno

7A Paterson Ave, Little Falls Township, NJ 07424, USA