The Star-Ledger recently released the “New Jersey Pizza Power Rankings”, a list of the 25 best pizzerias in New Jersey — and Maplewood chef Dan Richer has not one but TWO restaurants on the list.
Richer and business partner Fred Shandler own Arturo’s Pizzeria & Osteria in Maplewood, an extremely popular and highly regarded brick oven pizzeria and Italian restaurant. Two years ago, Richer and Shandler opened Razza in Jersey City, which has become equally popular (with long waits to prove it).
Razza comes in at number 5 on the list; Arturo’s is ranked 20th. Star-Ledger food writer Peter Genovese writes: “Dan Richer, co-owner of Arturo’s, must be doing something right; he has two pizzerias on this list.”
“I’m very thankful for all of the positive attention that we’ve received at both restaurants,” said Richer in an email. “It’s nice to be noticed when we focus so much time and energy on our work…We have a fantastic group of people working with us and I’m so happy that they’re recognized for their hard work.”
Richer said while he is usually wary of lists and rankings, since they are so subjective, “this one holds some truth since Pete Genovese has tasted much of the pizza across the state. I love that so many different styles of pizza are represented on the list. It is a true representation of the best that New Jersey has to offer. Slice joints, thin crust, tomato pies, Neapolitan, and artisanal are all great styles in their own right and it’s difficult to compare a tomato pie from DeLo’s to a thin crust from Star. They’re all good products and experiences that should be celebrated.”
The list comes just in time for National Pizza Month, which ends tomorrow. Hurry over to Arturo’s or Razza to celebrate — remember, neither take reservations, but both are very much worth the wait. (Or call ahead to place your take-out order at Arturo’s).
Arturo’s Pizzeria & Osteria, 180 Maplewood Ave., Maplewood; (973) 378-5800.
Razza, 275 Grove St., Jersey City; (201) 356-9438.
