Rizzo Bakery & Pizzeria

- 208 Central Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07307

When New Jersey locals talk about authentic, no-frills Italian food, especially in the Jersey City Heights neighborhood, one name consistently rises to the top: Rizzo Bakery & Pizzeria. This family-owned establishment has been a beloved fixture on Central Avenue since 1983, carrying on generations of traditional Italian recipes that span far beyond just pizza.

More than just a quick stop for a slice, Rizzo Bakery & Pizzeria is an institution. It’s a place where you can grab a colossal, crispy slice of pizza and a fresh loaf of Italian bread for dinner, all while being surrounded by the sights and smells of a true, old-world Italian bakery. It offers a warm, welcoming environment that many customers describe as feeling like family, complete with the occasional snippets of Sicilian conversations that transport you straight to Italy.

The atmosphere is refreshingly unpretentious, focusing entirely on quality, homemade food at affordable prices. It perfectly embodies the spirit of a classic neighborhood 'mom and pop' shop, making it a reliable and comforting choice for residents across Jersey City and the wider New Jersey area. If you’re looking for a taste of traditional Italian heritage without the high-end fanfare, Rizzo Bakery & Pizzeria is an essential Jersey City stop.

The dual nature of the business—a vibrant bakery up front and a phenomenal pizzeria in the back—ensures there is something for every craving, from savory dinner options to delightful Italian desserts.

Rizzo Bakery & Pizzeria has been run by the Rizzo family for over 40 years, with Mike Rizzo, the owner, having dedicated decades to perfecting the craft of baking and cooking. This long-standing commitment to quality and community has cemented the establishment's reputation, particularly in the Jersey City Heights, as a go-to spot for consistently excellent Italian fare and a genuine taste of tradition.

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Location and Accessibility

Rizzo Bakery & Pizzeria is conveniently situated at 208 Central Ave in Jersey City, NJ 07307, right in the heart of the bustling Heights neighborhood. Its prime location makes it a central hub for the community, easily accessible for local residents and those passing through the area. For those driving, the location offers the convenience of free street parking nearby, a notable advantage in a busy urban setting.

The bakery is perfectly positioned directly across from Pershing Field and just two blocks away from the local Stop and Shop, making it an ideal stop during a daily errand run or after an afternoon at the park. For those who prefer to dine in, the establishment provides indoor seating with several tables available. However, many customers choose the convenient options for a quick visit, whether grabbing a slice or picking up a full meal.

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Services Offered

Rizzo Bakery & Pizzeria provides a comprehensive range of services and dining options to meet the needs of the New Jersey community:

• Takeout: Perfect for grabbing a quick meal, a loaf of fresh bread, or a box of Italian cookies on the go.
• Delivery: Enjoy the full menu, from pizza to pasta, brought directly to your home.
• In-store Pickup: A convenient option for pre-ordering pies or large bakery items for parties and gatherings.
• Catering: The pizzeria is a popular choice for large orders, whether for a platter of hot sandwiches, multiple pizza pies, or an assortment of Italian pastries for an event.
• Dine-In: Limited indoor dining is available for a casual meal, allowing customers to soak in the authentic, old-school atmosphere.
• Full Meal Service: In addition to pizza and baked goods, they offer a variety of hot dinners and pasta dishes, making it a complete Italian restaurant experience.
• Beverages: Coffee and bottled sodas are available for purchase.
• Payment Options: The bakery accepts all major Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC Mobile Payments, ensuring a quick and seamless transaction.

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Features / Highlights

Rizzo Bakery & Pizzeria is celebrated throughout the New Jersey area for several standout qualities that keep locals returning time and again:

• Iconic Pizza Slice: Customers consistently rave about the "huge" or "giant" slices, noting that they are thin, crispy, and cooked to a perfect golden brown, reminiscent of classic, high-quality New York or traditional Jersey City-style pizza. Many consider it the best slice in Jersey City.
• Authentic Italian Bakery Items: The front of the shop is a dedicated bakery offering a wide variety of fresh, hot-off-the-oven bread—including Loaf, Pannello, and Sour Dough—as well as an extensive selection of homemade Italian pastries, cookies, and cannolis.
• Family-Run Heritage: Operating since 1983, this is a genuine, local, family-run 'mom and pop' business, known for its friendly service and deep roots in the community.
• Complete Italian Meal Options: Beyond pizza, the menu offers hearty, traditional Italian dinners like Lasagna, Chicken Parmigiana, Eggplant Parmigiana, and Pasta Broccoli and Chicken, all made with homemade love.
• Best Seller Hot Sandwiches: The Chicken Parmigiana Sandwich is a best-seller, often cited alongside other popular hot sandwiches like Meatball Parmigiana and Eggplant Parmigiana, all served on fresh, flaky bread.
• Affordable Specials: They offer outstanding value, such as the popular '2 Large Pie, 2 Liter Soda' special for $29.75, which is a perfect deal for feeding a family or a gathering.
• Imported Italian Specialties: The bakery also features a small deli section where customers can purchase imported Italian items, from exclusive pastas and cheeses to unique snacks.

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Contact Information

To place an order for delivery or pickup, inquire about catering, or simply ask about the day's fresh-baked bread selection, you can reach Rizzo Bakery & Pizzeria at the following contact points:

Address: 208 Central Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07307, USA

Phone: (201) 653-7248

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What is Worth Choosing

For New Jersey residents seeking a truly authentic, high-quality meal, Rizzo Bakery & Pizzeria offers a compelling mix of tradition, value, and homemade taste. The establishment's decades of history in the Heights stand as a testament to its enduring quality, managed by a family dedicated to providing excellent food and service.

The undeniable main draw is the pizza. If you're looking for a classic, thin, and crispy slice—often touted as one of the biggest and best slices in Jersey City—this is the place. The single slice of the massive 32" "House Pie" at $4.20 is a substantial, satisfying, and very affordable lunch or quick fix. Furthermore, the 16" Large Pizza Pie at $15.00 is consistently listed as a best seller, representing fantastic value for a whole pie.

However, what truly sets Rizzo’s apart as a unique and invaluable local resource is the bakery element. Don't make the mistake of leaving without trying one of their fresh-baked Italian breads, such as the Sour Dough or Pannello, which sell out fast on weekends. The selection of homemade Italian pastries and cookies—including cannolis and biscottis—is plentiful and perfect for any celebration or a simple sweet craving. Grabbing a selection of cookies from the bakery counter is a must. If you need a full dinner, the hot Italian sandwiches, particularly the best-selling Chicken Parmigiana Sandwich, or a classic pasta dish like the homemade Lasagna, will provide that comforting, traditional flavor you can only find at a true Italian 'mom and pop' establishment. Whether it's a quick visit for a morning coffee and pastry, a speedy but satisfying lunch, or a full family dinner, Rizzo Bakery & Pizzeria provides a slice of Italian home right in Jersey City.

Rizzo Bakery & Pizzeria

208 Central Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07307, USA