Barstool’s Dave Portnoy To Help Rebuild Iconic Elizabeth, NJ Pizza Joint Santillo’s
Saving Santillo’s
Polarizing internet personality, and founder of Barstool Sports, David Portnoy AKA El Presidente, knows pizza! And he is coming to the aid of one of Union County’s favorite pizzerias!
Ahead of his One Bite Pizza Festival in September, “The greatest gathering of pizzerias ever”, Portnoy announced on X that all the profits from the event are going to Al Santillo, owner of Santillo’s Brick Oven Pizza with the hopes of rebuilding the facility.
“We need Santillos”, Portnoy said in his post.
Santillo’s Pizza Destroyed
Back in January, the 100-year-old pizza restaurant was destroyed in a fire that was said to have started from the ceiling before working its way through.
At the time, Al, the owner said he was still in a state of shock, and it was “like a death in the family.”
“One Bite, Everybody Knows The Rules”
Five years ago, Portnoy visited Santillo’s as part of his Barstool Pizza Review. Portnoy, eagerly bit into a slice and with excitement described it as “interesting”, and the crust had an “electric bite”.
DON’T MISS: These Places Have The Best Sicilian Pizza In New Jersey According to Pizza Lovers
After a few more bites, Dave landed an 8.3 score for Santillo’s. Fans of the reviews know that is a HIGH score for Bartstool. He would also go on to say Al Santillo was “a character” and if the scoring criteria were based solely on him, it would have been a 9.9. Al obliged Dave and gave him a tour of the establishment after the review.
For those interested in attending the pizza festival, presale tickets are available now. The event will host over thirty pizzerias from around the country, and a variety of styles. It will also have a bar and plenty of desserts for those looking for something sweet. Tickets a likely to sell FAST.
Places That Have The Best Sicilian Pizza In New Jersey According To You
Who’s Got the Best Sicilian Pizza In New Jersey?
Whatever pizza places YOU frequent for a crispy slice of Sicilian, is the best. This list will point folks in the direction of Jersey pizza lover’s favorite places for a good pie or slice of Sicilian.
I published a list last Fall and have learned a lot since then. I thought it was a good list, and then I got schooled by people here in Jersey who eat pizza nearly every day. They didn’t give me a verbal beatdown, they just let me know that I left off a few places. They were fairly gentle with their critiques. Robyn escapes sleeping with the fishes, this time.
Click Here For 2023’s List For Best Sicilian Pizza In New Jersey
What’s The Best Way To Judge Pizza’s Taste & Texture?
In my opinion, ordering a full pie is the way to go when attempting to judge the taste and texture of good pizza.
I order slices most of the time, and I try to time it so I can get a slice from a pie fresh out of the oven. I always ask, “What’s coming out of the oven for slice service?” The only time I get a reheated slice is when I see a pie sitting in the display that looks too incredible to pass up.
If I like it, I’ll order a full pie next time I’m feeding more than just myself.
When I moved to New Jersey, I needed to gather information and a bit of an education from people who have spent a lifetime of eating Sicilian pizza in the Garden State.
Origin Of Sicilian Pizza
According to Basil Pizza Bar: Sicilian pizza is believed to have first been made in Sicily, during the 19th Century. During those periods, various kinds of pizza were popular with constant experiments in enhancing the flavor.
According to La Cucina Italiana: Sicilian pizza is derived from sfincione, a street food synonymous with Palermo, Sicily’s capital. Nowadays, it’s topped with tomato sauce, but the original version was complete with anchovies, sliced tuma (Sicilian cheese made from raw sheep’s milk), breadcrumbs with grated pecorino cheese, onions, salt, and extra-virgin olive oil. It originated in Bagheria, a town in the commune of Palermo, around six miles from the city center.
Sicilian-style pizza was introduced to the United States by Sicilian immigrants in the mid-20th century. Topping Sicilian pies with mozzarella most likely happened because most Italian bakeries and restaurants in New York City would have had access to good quality, low cost mozzarella.
The dough making method and preparation is different from the Neapolitan and other kinds of pizza.
I love Sicilian Pizza’s thick spongy dough which is prepared from a combination of flour, water, olive oil, and yeast. It is pressed and placed on a square baking pan coated with olive oil along with toppings such as tomatoes or tomato sauce, and all the good things that make a fine Sicilian pie.
Again, I combed through the pages of my favorite local food sites and social media food pages to see where the Jersey Sicilian pizza eating experts go for the ultimate Sicilian pizza eating experience.
Dominick's Pizza - 304 Union Blvd, Totowa, NJ 07512
Every time I see Dominick’s mentioned, the reviews are always positive. They are also home to the grandma pie.
This place is a must for Theresa S. They make an amazing Sicilian pie. 2024 marks their 45th year in the Totowa location. Congratulations to Dominick and the Capone family.
Please watch this short documentary on Dominick’s story.
Jojo's Pizza - 104 Main St, Little Falls, NJ 07424
Down the road from Sun-Ray, is Jo Jo’s Pizza, which also received some love from the Jersey pizza eating community. This place hasn’t been open very long, but people are enjoying their Sicilian style pie, including Robert C. Robert’s review with a photo:
“Here is a place that is only open a very short time in Little Falls… Jo Jo’s!Here is their signature pie (Vodka Sauce, Pepperoni Cups, Stracciatella & Fresh Mozzarella) Very light, extremely tasty, and the pricing is reasonable. Check them out you will not be disappointed.
Robert CodaLillo's Tomato Pies - 2503 Marne Hwy, Hainesport, NJ 08036
Honest to God, I could kick my own ass for leaving Lillo’s off the first list. Now it’s time to repent for my sins. Lillo’s does in fact make an incredible Sicilian. Thanks to Steven J. and dozens of others for calling attention to my egregious omission first time around.
LILLO'S TOMATO PIESTaormina Pizzeria - 301 Madison Ave, Paterson, NJ 07524
Another fine old school pizza restaurant where you can get a nice hot bowl of pasta fazool and a terrific Sicilian pie. They’ve been around for over 4 decades. El Presidente visited back in 2021 with the Mayor of Paterson, André Sayegh. The regular pie looks fantastic too. Thanks to John T for his feedback : “Sicilian slice is tall, light and airy, crunchy bottom, light layer of cheese and a sweeter sauce.”
Three Boys From Italy - 238 Livingston St, Northvale, NJ 07647
Rene F. jumped in to give a thumbs up to Three Boys for their incredible Sicilian. This photo says it all.
RENE FRESSOLA
