Ralph's Pizzeria: A Nutley, NJ Landmark for Pizza, Pasta, and Private Events

Ralph's Pizzeria Introduce

Introduction / Overview

For over six decades,

Ralph's Pizzeria and Italian Restaurant

has stood as a true Nutley landmark, a cornerstone of the Essex County dining scene since its establishment in 1961. This is not just a pizza place; it’s a full-service Italian restaurant that successfully blends the casual, comforting atmosphere of a classic pizzeria with the upscale experience of homestyle Italian dining. Ralph's has earned its reputation in the North Jersey region by consistently serving up what many locals consider "award-winning pizza" alongside an extensive menu of traditional Italian specialties.

Ralph's Pizzeria is a multi-faceted establishment, serving as a beloved local

Pizza restaurant

, a full-scale

Italian restaurant

, and an experienced

Caterer

and

Banquet hall

provider. Whether you're stopping by for a

quick bite

of their famous slices, settling down for a family dinner of classic pasta and veal dishes, or planning a large celebration, Ralph's is equipped to deliver quality and tradition. The restaurant prides itself on using the freshest ingredients and time-honored family recipes, ensuring every plate delivers the comforting taste of Italy.

The interior offers a

casual, cozy, and quiet

dining environment, making it an ideal retreat for

family-friendly

meals, large

Groups

, or even the

Solo dining

patron looking for a relaxing meal. As a long-standing local favorite, it also holds the distinction of being a

Gluten-free restaurant

and offering

Vegan options

, showing an ongoing commitment to serving the diverse dietary needs of the New Jersey community. For those seeking authentic Italian flavor in a welcoming, established setting, Ralph's Pizzeria offers a time-tested experience right on Franklin Avenue.

Location and Accessibility

Ralph's Pizzeria is conveniently situated at

564 Franklin Ave, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA

, placing it prominently on one of Nutley’s main thoroughfares. This central location in Essex County makes it easily accessible for customers driving from nearby towns like Belleville, Clifton, and Bloomfield, as well as for local Nutley residents.

The restaurant prioritizes accessibility for all patrons. It features a

Wheelchair accessible entrance

to ensure easy entry, as well as a

Wheelchair accessible restroom

and

Wheelchair accessible seating

within the dining areas.

Parking is made easy with both a

Free parking lot

and ample

Free street parking

available, removing a common point of frustration for New Jersey diners. The combination of a prime address and thoughtful amenities ensures a convenient and welcoming visit for everyone.

Services Offered

Ralph's Pizzeria provides a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet the needs of all its customers, whether they are dining in, ordering out, or hosting an event.

Dine-in and Table Service: Enjoy a complete, relaxing meal in the
cozy dining room
with full table service for both lunch and dinner.
Takeout and Delivery: The full menu is available for takeout, and
Delivery
services are offered, often with a minimum order requirement, making it simple to enjoy homestyle Italian food at home.
Outdoor Seating:
Seasonal Outdoor dining
is available, allowing patrons to enjoy their pizza and pasta while experiencing the bustling atmosphere of Franklin Avenue.
Catering and Banquet Hall: Ralph's operates a dedicated
Private Party room
capable of accommodating special occasions ranging from
20 to 70 people
. They also offer comprehensive
Off-premise Catering
services for events hosted elsewhere.
Accepts Reservations: Guests planning to dine in the restaurant, especially for groups or during peak hours, are advised that the venue
Accepts reservations
.
Counter Service: Available for those looking for a quick and efficient experience, particularly when picking up slices or take-out orders.
Family Amenities: The establishment is
Good for kids
, offering a dedicated
Kids' menu
and providing
High chairs
.
Payment Convenience: Accepts most major forms of payment, including
Credit cards
and
Debit cards
.
Bring Your Own Beverage (BYOB): Patrons should note that Ralph’s operates on a
BYOB
basis for alcoholic beverages, a valuable detail for planning dinner.

Features / Highlights

What makes Ralph's Pizzeria a favored choice for North Jersey residents are its distinct features that go beyond a typical local pizza joint.

Nutley Landmark Status: Established in
1961
, Ralph’s is a deeply rooted, generational business known for its consistency and tradition, which is a rare highlight in the fast-paced New Jersey dining landscape.
Award-Winning Pizza and Variety: The centerpiece is the
Award winning pizza
, which comes in many forms, including classic cheese pies, Sicilian pies, and gourmet options like
Buffalo Chicken Pizza
,
Penne Vodka Pizza
, and the
Grandma Pie
.
Comprehensive Italian Menu: In addition to pizza, Ralph's offers a vast menu encompassing traditional
Comfort food
, including a wide variety of
Appetizers
(like Fried Calamari and Clams Oreganata), numerous
Pasta
dishes (such as Penne Vodka and Stuffed Shells), and diverse
Main Course
selections (including Veal any style, Chicken Francese, and Salmon dishes).
Accommodates Dietary Needs: Ralph's is a recognized
Gluten-free restaurant
and offers
Vegan options
, ensuring that patrons with specific dietary requirements can still enjoy authentic Italian cuisine.
Expert Event Hosting: The availability of a private party room for up to 70 people and extensive catering menus, which include options like the highly organized full buffet packages, makes Ralph's a one-stop-shop for local celebrations.
Cozy and Calm Atmosphere: Despite its popularity, the restaurant is known for its
Quiet
and
Cozy
dining area, offering a calm place to relax and enjoy a meal, whether with
Family-friendly
crowds or for a
Solo dining
experience.

Contact Information

For takeout orders, reservations, or inquiries about catering and private parties, New Jersey customers can use the following contact details:

Address: 564 Franklin Ave, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA

Phone: (973) 235-1130

What is Worth Choosing

When visiting a landmark like Ralph's Pizzeria, deciding on a single dish can be challenging due to the depth of the menu. However, New Jersey locals and first-time guests often gravitate toward a few standout items that truly showcase the restaurant's quality and tradition.

First and foremost, the

Pizza

is what made Ralph's famous. While the classic

Plain Cheese Pie

($17.75 for a large) is the essential starting point for any new patron, the

Garlic & Tomato Pie

and the

Margherita

are highly recommended specialty pies that highlight the freshness of their ingredients. For those seeking something more substantial, the gourmet offerings like the

Meat Lover's Pizza

($26.00 for a large) or the popular

Buffalo Chicken Pizza

are excellent choices.

From the appetizer menu, a must-try item that receives consistent praise is the

Garlic Knots

. Described as being "packed with flavor" and "seriously addicting," these home-baked knots tossed in a rich dressing are an iconic appetizer. Other savory starters like the

Fried Calamari

Stuffed Mushrooms

are also highly favored, especially when dining in.

Beyond the pizza, the Italian entrees and pasta dishes are where Ralph's truly shines as a full-service restaurant. For pasta, the

Penne Vodka

is a classic homestyle dish that is a staple of New Jersey Italian cuisine and a favorite here. For a substantial main course, one of the signature chicken preparations, such as

Chicken Francese

Chicken Parmigiana

, is a choice that never disappoints, providing the comforting, hearty meal that the restaurant is known for. The option to choose from dishes like

Veal (any style)

Salmon

also provides excellent variety.

Finally, those hosting an event should be aware of the highly organized catering and buffet packages. The inclusion of choices like

Penne Salsiccie

(sausage pasta) and main courses like

Chicken Giambotta

and

Sausage and Peppers

, all rounded out with a selection of specialty cakes (such as

Cannoli Cake

Rum Cake

), ensures a memorable and hassle-free celebration. Ralph’s offers not just a meal, but a piece of Nutley’s culinary history, steeped in tradition and quality.

Ralph's Pizzeria Menu

Appetizers
Other appetizer choices available. Please choose any two
Fried Calamari
Tender calamari rings lightly floured and fried, served with marinara dipping sauce
Stuffed Mushrooms
Stuffed with a mushroom and breadcrumb stuffing - served in a brown sauce
Clams Oreganata
Whole little neck clams broiled and topped with seasoned bread crumbs
Eggplant Rollatini
Eggplant slices stuffed with ricotta and Parmesan cheese, topped with tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese

Pasta
Other pasta choices available. Please select one
Penne Vodka
A vodka laced tomato cream sauce with prosciutto, artichoke hearts and sun-dried tomatoes, tossed with penne pasta
Penne Salsiccie
Penne tossed in a crumbled sausage pink cream sauce
Pasta (Your Choice)
Served with filetto di pomodoro sauce, matriciana sauce, meat sauce, or old fashioned tomato sauce
Stuffed Shells
Cavatelli with Broccoli
Penne Ralph
pink sauce with lump crabmeat and asparagus (add $1.50 extra p.p.)

Main Course
Other Main course items are available! Please choose any two
Chicken Francese, Marsala or Chicken Parmigiana
Chicken Tuscany
Breast of chicken served in a lemon sauce with artichoke hearts, roasted peppers and capers
Chicken Abruzzi
Topped with provolone and Ricotta cheese, served in a brown sauce with mushrooms and sun-dried tomatoes
Chicken Giambotta
Sautéed with Sausage, potatoes, peppers(hot or sweet), mushrooms & onions
Salmon
Pan seared with a walnut crust, served in a grain mustard and white wine sauce
Filet of Sole, Tilapia or Salmon Oreganata or Marechiara
Sprinkled with seasoned breadcrumbs and served in a garlic-scampi sauce or a light plum tomato sauce with Calamata olives and artichoke hearts
Veal (any style)
additional charge
Eggplant Parmigiana
Sausage and Peppers (red or white)
Beef Campania
Tender braised beef cubes simmered in a red wine sauce with Italian bacon, mushrooms, carrots and cipolline onions...additional charge
Steak Italiano
Seasoned and grilled flank steak served with assorted sautéed mushrooms in a garlic scampi sauce (hot peppers optional)... additional charge

Included in your Buffet
Also Included in your Buffet:
Broccoli or Broccoli Rabe
Roasted potatoes or fried potatoes
with Italian hot peppers
Italian Bread and Butter

Dessert
Other Dessert Items are available! Please select one cake:
Celebration Cake
Yellow cake with vanilla custard, bananas, strawberries, whipped or butter cream frosting
Chocolate Lovers Cake
Chocolate cake, rich fudge center and fudge icing
Cannoli Cake
Yellow cake, cannoli cream center, whipped cream icing
Rum Cake
Sponge cake layers soaked in rum with chocolate custard and peach filling iced with whipped or butter cream frosting and sliced almonds
Strawberry Shortcake
A Classic!

Also included in your party
Coffee
decaf Coffee
Tea Caddy Selections
Soda
Regular and Diet

Buffet One
Your buffet will be beautifully presented with linen skirts, flower arrangements & silver with gold accent chafing dishes. Start your buffet with your choice of salad. Other Salads available
Antipasto
Provolone, ham. salami, roasted peppers, red onion, pepperoncini, black olives, tomatoes, cucumbers on a bed of romaine and iceberg lettuce with Ralph's house dressing
Italian Salad
Mixed greens topped with provolone, sun-dried tom, roasted peppers, tomato, onion, pepperoncini, house dressing
Mesclun Salad
Mixed baby greens tossed with a balsamic vinaigrette dressing & topped with blue cheese, candied cranberries and walnuts
Caesar Salad
A classic - Caesar dressing, Pecorino Romano cheese and homemade croutons
Tri-Color Salad
Arugula, Radicchio Endive topped with goat cheese. walnuts & sun-dried tomatoes with balsamic vinaigrette

Ralph's Pizzeria Details

Service options
Outdoor seating
Delivery
Onsite services
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Serves local specialty

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings
Coffee
Comfort food
Private dining room
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegan options

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Counter service
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Quiet

Crowd
Family-friendly
Groups
Tourists

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu

Parking
Free parking lot
Free street parking
Parking

Ralph's Pizzeria Photos

Ralph's Pizzeria Location

Ralph's Pizzeria

New Jersey Essex County Nutley Franklin Avenue

564 Franklin Ave, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA

Ralph's Pizzeria Reviews

An average rating of ★4.3 from 1668 user reviews.

crustdining roomcalamaribarstoolchicken parmdave portnoyovercookedmusselspennemargarita pie

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

I haven't been to this location in about 10 years. I went in expecting good pizza but was disappointed. I can remember that at one point and time the pizza was good. Good enough for competition. I'm not sure what happened but today was a horrible experience as far as the food goes. The slices were small, dry, no taste. It seems like all the pizza was overcooked (burnt). It was like biting into burnt cardboard. As I said before I can remember when the pizza was good back in the day and I said it was around 10 years ago I'm not sure if ownership has changed or using poor ingredients to save money, I really can't pinpoint what it is but the pizza was absolutely horrible. I'm sorry to say but you guys have to bring it back to the way it was when you guys were competing for the best pizza in town.
September 24 · carl vasquez
After a full day of hunting Pokémon at the nearby park, my friends and I were starving and decided to give Ralph’s Pizzeria a try — and it absolutely delivered! We ordered a large pizza and garlic knots, and not a single bite was left behind.The garlic knots were packed with flavor — tossed in a rich garlic dressing and sprinkled with real garlic chunks, they were seriously addicting. The pizza had that classic, comforting taste — a little on the greasy side, but still delicious.Inside, there’s plenty of seating and the atmosphere was surprisingly calm and not loud at all, even with a steady flow of customers. Great spot to unwind and share a meal with friends. I’ll definitely be back for another bite!
June 28 · Omar Colon
I ordered mussels from this restaurant and was shocked at how poorly they were cleaned. Several mussels still had the beards attached, one was full of dark digestive material, and another came completely covered in barnacles (see photos). These are all things that should be removed before serving to customers — it made me question the overall preparation and cleanliness of the food.When I called to let them know, hoping for at least an apology or some resolution, the staff were extremely rude and dismissive. They offered no solution and made it seem like I was the problem for even bringing it up.Between the lack of basic cleaning on the seafood and the unprofessional attitude when I tried to address it, I definitely won’t be ordering from here again and wouldn’t recommend it to others.See the photos I added for reference.
August 10 · Food Reviews
Very welcoming, popular place for family dinners. Ordered slices for a quick bite. The plain and margherita pizza was crisp and tasty! Pizza did not disappoint, the hype was real. Would come again for a whole pie!
August 17 · james cabral
Pizza here is excellent. Crispy crust, great ration of cheese to sauce. Did the thin crust cheese, thin peperoni, and mushroom. Thought I'd love the the thin slices best, but the mushroom slice earned most of my love.There are a few tables near the counter, and it looks like there's a dining room area that opens later maybe?Pretty jealous of the folks in Nutley who have easy access to great slices and extremely reasonable prices.
June 17 · Joseph Alminawi