Pizza isn’t just food—it’s a full-on experience. The crunch of a perfectly baked crust, the tang of rich tomato sauce, the glorious stretch of melted cheese—every bite tells a story of tradition, creativity, and pure passion. And when it comes to appreciating a truly exceptional slice, few do it better than the Respected Pizza Critics.
In Episode 5 of the Pizza Story podcast, we sit down with these New Jersey-based pizza connoisseurs to talk about all things sauce, cheese, and crust.
The Bonds Behind the Slice
The Respected Pizza Critics have been best friends since elementary school—so naturally, their journey into pizza criticism had to start with a legendary idea. Back in high school, they hopped on their bikes, mapped out every pizza joint within riding distance, and set out to review them all. What started as a casual adventure quickly turned into a full-fledged commitment.
“Whenever we got pizza—or even just thought about it—we started rating it,” they recall. “As Thomas said, we picked it up again recently, and it gave us something to do. Then, we just kept going to more places.” And “more places” turned into a multi-state pizza pilgrimage, with slices sampled everywhere from New York to Connecticut.
But Respected Pizza Critics isn’t just about eating good pizza (though, let’s be real, that’s a big perk). It’s about building a community. Their Instagram makes it clear: this is more than a hobby. They swap insights, debate crust thickness, and cheer each other on as they refine their pizza expertise. That genuine camaraderie has helped them cultivate an authentic, engaged following – because when you love what you do, people can’t help but love it with you.
More Than Just Pizza & Rating Top Pizzerias
When it comes to top-tier pizza, the Respected Pizza Critics have their rankings locked in. Their number one pick? Luigi’s in Lincroft, New Jersey. Coming in second is Crispiano’s in Manhattan, followed by Sally Boy’s in Red Bank, New Jersey.
But the rankings are just the beginning – once Erica jumps in with a few of her personal favorites, the real fun begins as they swap pizza hot takes and debate the details. But this episode isn’t just about naming the best pies; it’s about the stories each slice tells. Ultimately, the Respected Pizza Critics go beyond just taste – they appreciate the culture, passion, and creativity behind every great pizza.
Join the Pizza Conversation!
If you’re obsessed with pizza (or just love a good food debate), following the Respected Pizza Critics is the perfect way to deepen your appreciation for this beloved dish. Whether you’re a die-hard pizza enthusiast, an aspiring critic, or even a pizzeria owner looking to perfect your craft, tuning into expert insights can change the way you experience every slice.
Want more behind-the-scenes pizza talk? Follow the Respected Pizza Critics on Instagram and dive into the Pizza Story podcast for even more delicious discussions. From ranking the best pies to uncovering the culture and craft behind them, these conversations are a must for anyone who believes great pizza is more than just dough, sauce, and cheese.
