Homeslice

A PIZZA FLIGHT THROUGH OCE A N C I T Y

Is there anything more nostalgic than pizza at the Jersey shore in the summer? Ocean City is known for its amusements, lodging and wholesome family fun. But did you know Ocean City is also a well-known destination on New Jersey’s pizza map? Check out this list of pizza spots in and around Ocean City and see if we visited your favorite.

With three locations on the Boardwalk and a long history in Ocean City, Manco and Manco has the island’s most prominent pizza presence. With a cult-like devotion to their pies, Manco and Manco lovers seemingly can’t get enough (as proven by the scores of people eating inside, waiting in line, and waiting at the counter.

Manco and Manco’s handmade pizza is cheesy and buttery. Each slice has a heavy distribution of cheese that melts right into the sweet pizza sauce. The pizza sauce is spiraled onto the pizza to create an even distribution of flavors. But perhaps the true star of the Manco and Manco pizza show is the crust. Manco and Manco’s crust is deliciously salty, toasty and slightly charred. It is both crunchy and soft without feeling soggy. Manco sells fries, chicken fingers, zeppoli, Gail's Salads, and more at the 9th Street location.

PREP’S PIZZERIA AND DAIRY BAR

Prep’s Pizzeria and Dairy Bar is another boardwalk pizza standout. With over 30 years on the Boardwalk, many will argue that Prep’s is one of the best (and most underrated) pizza pies on the boards.

Prep’s pizza is similar to other Ocean City pizzas with its thin, crispy crust. The dough is not too thick and the sauce is seasoned perfectly with deep Italian flavors and the right amount of acidic taste. Toppings are generous, and everyone talks about the rich taste of the cheese, which fully covers each slice without feeling oily or heavy.

Other menu highlights at Prep’s include their white pizza, buffalo chicken pizza and Philly cheesesteak pie. Of course, no stop at Prep’s is complete without ice cream. Couple your pizza slice with an old-time favorite like a malted milkshake, or go all out and order a waffle sundae.

BENNIE’S BREAD AND ITALIAN MARKET

Bennie’s Bread has been an Ocean City staple since 1957. They have two locations on the island and offer an expansive menu of freshbaked Italian bread and rolls, bagels, prepared foods, pastries, cakes and pies.

Bennie’s makes their authentic Neapolitanstyle pizza in a wood-fired brick oven. Walk up to the counter and ask for a pizza recommendation and they may say, “Margherita all day.” Bennie’s Margherita-style brick oven pizza has a great tomato base. Each pie starts with a four-ounce ladle of pizza sauce and is topped with a quarter of a fresh mozzarella ball and fresh basil. Once removed from the oven, the pizza is topped with olive oil and Locatelli. Their traditional plain pizzas are made from the same dough and fourounce ladle of pizza sauce and topped with a handful of mozzarella before being finished with dry oregano once it exits the oven. Their pies are smaller in size, but each bite is tasty and light.

SPECIAL MENTION:

BAKERIA 1010

MARIO’S PIZZERIA AND RESTAURANT

Ocean City’s regulars will tell you Mario’s Pizzeria and Restaurant is one of the island’s best-kept secrets. Their extensive menu is full of classic, delicious Italian fare and includes a wonderful selection of vegan and vegetarian plant-based options (Tip: try the vegan pizza!).

Mario’s pizza starts with a crisp crust filled with buttery flavor and crunches with each bite. The stringy, gooey coating of cheese hugs the crust and is equally balanced with the sauce. The slices are larger in size and perfectly foldable. Mario’s Pizzeria and Restaurant should be a stop if you are looking for delicious Jersey shore pizza (and why wouldn't you be?). Bonus, they’re also open year-round.

Head over the 9th Street bridge, and within a few minutes drive you will arrive at Bakeria 1010 inside The Exchange, a local food hall located in

Linwood. Owner Mike Fitzick, also known as the

“Pizza Jew,” has a passion for pizza that is evident in the creativity of his menu. While not exactly in Ocean City, Mike has Ocean City roots, having worked at several local establishments, including Kessel’s and Prep’s.

Bakeria 1010’s Sicilian-style pizza squares are thick and meaty. They are known for their unique pizza style called Pizza a Teglia, a square pizza made from all-natural sourdough then topped with high-quality meats and seasonally based ingredients. Their dough is pillowy soft and gives you a great chew with the crust’s perfect amount of cheese. One of their menu standouts is the Korean Chicken, with large chunks of fried chicken tossed in a sweet and tangy sauce then topped with sliced green onion and sesame seeds. If you are looking for a more traditional pie, order the Margherita (ask for it round), which features San Marzano tomatoes, fior di latte (mozzarella), basil, Parmigiano Reggiano and extra virgin olive oil. The slices are thin and crisp and filled with the flavor from its smoky char. by Linda Arceo MAMA MIA’S RISTORANTE

KIRK’S PIZZA

Take a trip over the 34th Street Bridge and head straight to Kirk’s Pizza in Marmora, another spot open year round. Kirk’s Pizza is a convenient spot to stop into or out of Ocean City. The pizza at Kirk’s has a nice crust around the perimeter of the pie and a beautiful cheese pull when you take your first bite. The flavors are balanced and satisfying. Slices are generous in size, too. They also offer a special which includes two slices and a medium soft drink. Kirk's has cheesesteaks, fries, tenders, glutenfree pizza and more. While in Marmora, take a visit to Mama Mia’s Ristorante. Well-known chef Joseph Massaglia is creating fine dining dishes featuring recipes that have been in his family for years. From pasta to calzones, to stromboli, sandwiches and pizzas – Mama Mia’s has something for everyone in the fam.

Chef Joe fires up his brick oven and expertly creates authentic pizza with an old world flavor that will have you asking for another slice. The thin, crisp crust is light in texture and not overly doughy. For a delicious change, try Chef Joe’s Cauliflower Crust Bruschetta Pizza. The light and flavorful bruschetta pizza is paired with a cauliflower crust for a healthier twist on Mama Mia’s original recipe. Order it with a hearthealthy salad on the side for a complete meal.