Pizza Restaurants near Califon

“(For whatever reason, I can't seem to get this to the correct town of Califon NJ. There are a lot of Frank's Pizza places in NJ, but the one I ate at was in Califon, just to be clear.) A few years ago, I stopped by here to pick up a Calzone on my way home from wherever, and it was a decent Calzone, but invariably Calzones these days are made with Mozzarella and Ricotta Cheese, and that clashes with the memory of the Calzones I used to get in my younger years at the Buona's pizzeria in Bernardsville (and I haven't been there in years, so I could be remembering them as being better than they actually were). Those Calzones were immense, and made with Mozzarella, no Ricotta, and whatever meat you wanted inside-- in my particular case, that meant occasionally sausage but usually pepperoni. I'd pour on the marinara sauce and wolf these concoctions down with the grease running down my arm like warpaint. In retrospect, really, REALLY unhealthy, but in those days, I could gorge myself on food that would make any doctor cringe and never gain a pound. I could thoughtlessly comport myself like a gluttonous, self-indulgent wastrel, and still perambulate insouciantly about the earth with a runner's heart, an ascetic's liver, and veins/arteries unclogged by cholesterol. "Memories...light the corners of my mind..." Anyway... I haven't been back to Frank's since that Calzone (which...just to be clear...was very good, but couldn't match my rose-colored memories of those I had consumed in my teen years and young manhood; then again, what Calzone could?), but my old friend lives in the area, and last week we were looking for a place to sit down and eat (Califon is rural, and scenically impressive, but there aren't a lot of dining options), and we both finally agreed to give this place a try. There's a "pizzeria" style section in the front; a conventional sit-down restaurant in the back, which is where we chose to dine, as it was the least crowded portion of the restaurant. Our server was great-- cheerful, ebullient, hard-working. She started us off with a bowl of garlic bread, which was very nice, although I could have used more of it. I ordered a Coke, a bowl of Pasta Fagioli, and what was listed on the menu as "Baked Frank's Special Rigatoni." My friend ordered the same thing, minus the soup and the soda. There was a bit of a wait, but I was ok with it, telling my friend, "That means they're not using a microwave." (I can never entirely free my mind of those "Kitchen Nightmare" memories, the ones where Gordon Ramsay would sneer with his patented English contempt about microwaved food, "This is hid-eeee-ous!...Is the oven broken? It's disgusting! What a di-zasta!") My friend was getting antsy, but I thought the wait-time was reasonable. I'm content to wait for food that's actually prepared in a kitchen and cooked, as opposed to a rock-hard block of pre-frozen food microwaved to a state of reasonable edibility. The soup was hot and tasty, and filling. The "Special Rigatoni" was a large bowl of the pasta with sausage, eggplant, onions, mushrooms in a marinara sauce, topped off by a substantive amount of melted cheese. It was a different kind of dish than I'm used to (in Italian restaurants, I tend to gravitate towards lasagna or chicken parmigiana), but I found it flavorful in a delightfully unique kind of way, and it was more than enough to satisfy and soothe my often overly aggressive appetite. My friend concurred with my glowing assessment. When we were getting ready to pay the bill and leave, the server came over with 2 pieces of a delicious cannoli cake, on the house. I wanted to say, "Don't mind my impatient friend; we didn't wait long at all and it's not necessary," but the tastiness of that first forkful stifled any protestations that I might have been inclined to make. I scarfed it down with the same alacrity with which I had consumed my meal. And con“

“Very good pizza! Never had a problem with the service, usually pretty quick and if you order ahead it's often ready even a lil early which is great. No frills for sure, but the pizza itself is pretty killer.Parking: It's a small lot but it's never been full in my experience.“

“This is one of our favorite go to places. The staff is always friendly and attentive. There is usually no wait to be seated. We have many favorites but the pizza is at the top of our list. The crust is soft and there is plenty of cheese. We love the fresh bread and oil to dip it in that they bring when you first sit down. The bolognese sauce is some of the best that we have ever had. Pasta is always cooked perfectly. Some of the best wings as well. Crispy and flavorful. There are always specials on the weekends and they have a large selection of beer, wine, and specialty cocktails. The cannoli are great and the mocha cappuccino is a must. We do wish they would bring back their bruschetta. It was delicious!“

“I went to a dinner one night. I went to Rosemarie’s Cucina in Clinton NJ. The food was delicious and they buy the food every morning. It opens at 5:00 but you can go earlier if you want coffee and bake goods. You can still get baked goods if you go later. That’s why you should go to Rosemarie’s Cucina.“

“Well, now we can no longer get "pizza to go" near us. Instead, if we want pizza, we drive 20 minutes (passing numerous other pizzarias) to get pizza here. Luckily, they have a few tables for those of us that live too far to take it to go. It is definitely the best pizza ever!!!“

“They have some good slices, and the staff is wonderful! I'll probably stop here again.But I was here between 8-9pm on a Friday night, and they need to keep those slice pies coming out! In the past 10 minutes I witnessed 6 people want plain slices but they were out, and offering people specialty slices, or to wait for a new pie. Remember, it's always better to have a couple to many plain slices, then potentially turn away business. In my experience at least.But yeah, good food, good people. I was just passing through, but if I find myself hungry in the area again, I'd definitely stop back.“

“Lived here over 5 years and never checked this place out. My daughter and I went for a quick bite tonight. The pizza was delicious! And everyone was so warm and friendly! I'm from NY and I'm picky about my pizza! Definitely go check them out!!“

“What a nice place for lunch or dinnerRob and his staff are always friendly and politeThe pizza is great as well as the sandwichesToday our office staff got to enjoy a chicken parm meal with a fantastic saladWhenever we have an office meeting with staff this is our go to place.Thanks guys !!!“

“Decent place with a bar and dining area. Authentic Italian food and ambiance. The deep dish pizza was good but our sea food was not fresh. The service was above and beyond. 12" deep dish is enough for 4 people. It is a budget friendly place and plenty of parking available.“

“Owners and staff are always sweet. Small town vibes at the register. They will talk with you like a real person and will happily make your order the way you ask.Sandwiches and slices of pizza are always on point. You know how every place has their own style? Well, I like theirs. The ratios of dough, sauce, and cheese are how I like it.The bread on the sandwiches is always fresh and soft and tasty.Catering prices aren't outrageous, either.Oh, and they do their own deliveries for those averse to the outrageous markups for the door dash, etc. (I'm guessing local/close delivery only, but still. They get major points for that from me!)“

“This is the best Italian restaurant in the area. Not only is the food delicious, but the staff is just so kind. Every time we come here we feel so welcomed and well taken care of. Truly love supporting this business and so glad we found it when we moved here!“

“It is a cozy space, where they make you feel welcome, the food is delicious and the prices are fair.Wheelchair accessibility: There is perfect handicap access; In fact, one of my companions was in a wheelchair; Our waiter placed us where he would be comfortable, in addition to not being in anyone's way.“

“Carlucci's Bistro has earned its way into my top rotation. We recently discovered this gem and have been back several times. You like pizza? Go now! The Fungi pizza is other worldly, provided you like mushrooms. Don't like shrooms? Any other pizza will make you happy. The eggplant rollatini - magic. Antipasto salad is solid. Great food, great people, great atmosphere. If you enjoy great food, great humans, and a great BYOB, then high-tail it to Carlucci's. Go now.“

“The worst part of moving away from somewhere, is losing out on your favorite restaurants. Every time I get a chance I come and pick up an order of buffalo chicken fingers because the sauce is so good, and I’m never disappointed. Always a great experience here!“

“Nick and family are amazing. I've been getting pizza, pasta, salad, and sides from Roman's pizza for years now. Always ALWAYS GOOD food, always delivered on time with a smile, always super tasty. Their pizza and pasta is really great but pro tip, their salad is always super fresh!! Also try their wings, ugh so good. Thank you guys, will continue to order from you for years and years. You are the best!“

“Pino is awesome Greets all his customers and knows them all that is so important and I'm sure all his customers appreciate his big smile when they enter the restaurant The food is fresh and well prepared Great location as well, don't forget BYOB Liquor store right next door which is extremely convenient Highly recommend this cozy restaurant“

“We attended my cousins 30th birthday party last Saturday, and highly recommend the Smashed Olive!! The food was amazing! We are vegetarian and the staff made sure to separate the food choices so there was no confusion for anyone… our server, Sarah, was incredible and never let a glass sit empty or allowed plates to pile up, she was totally amazing! We visited the restaurant a couple of times before our event to finalize plans, and were blown away by our experience and meals then as well! If I could give more than 5 stars, I would! Give this great restaurant a visit, you certainly won’t be disappointed!!“

“Last night we had a dinner with friends, we were surprised to see Adrian in this establishment, always attentive as he has been in the other restaurant, good luck friend in your new house, the excellent food starting from the appetizers to the desserts, very rich and tasty, the owner very attentive If you liked everything 100% we will return“

“This is the first time I've visited there and I was so pleasantly surprised at how very cozy and cute this beautiful restaurant is. You automatically feel comfortable just walking through the door. Quaintly decorated. Old school comfortable ? I love that feel!The food?? 10 Stars Excellent!!The drinks? Big and Excellent as well. Bathroom has a very comfortable charm.Very clean and a place you want to hang out in with friends or family all night. They do catering as well!I highly recommend this Awesome Restaurant!!“

“Just got the BEST Italian food at Galasso's In Lebanon NJ. OMG the bruschetta just melted in our mouths! Lasagna was better than my mother's(sorry Mom). The baked ziti with eggplant was incredible & enough for 2. The sauces on both entrees were ummm, also better than Moms. And Mom was an amazing Italian cook. Went to pick up the food(ready on time) & the pizzas in there looked amazing(next time). The aroma was enough to make you salivate. The guy(owner?) was so nice. Came with salad & bread too! Oh, the escarole & bean soup-another hit. Apparently we were hungry & over ordered. Do not miss this place. Trust me.“

“Lots of pizza places to choose from in Long Valley, but this is our go-to. Love their pizza! And staff so friendly. For the 3rd year in a row, they let the middle school play have their cast party there. The kids run around on the grass and pizza and drink soda. Pizza has long been consumed, but they let us stay and celebrate and eat cake long after they have closed. Very supportive of kids and the community. I'm happy to recommend them!“

“Grew up in the area and our school always got Rosatas for “pizza Friday” was the best treat ever compared to mid grade frozen school pizza. They always supplied our basketball parties with amazing pizza at a great prices as well . My family always ordered here whenever we got pizza from and the wait time was always great compared to other local places especially for how busy they are and if your picking your pizza up the staff especially the owner are amazing (only great experience with delivery drivers and wait times aswell). If your stopping through town and need a slice,large amount for party,delivery,etc call Rosatas for the best experience possible and best cheese pie Jersey.“