Pollara in Red Bank: The Slice That Had Jennifer Planning Her Next Visit

New Jersey’s newest best pizzeria? That is a dangerous question to ask in this state. Somebody’s cousin is already warming up a speech about their favorite slice.

But after my stop at Pollara Pizzeria in Red Bank, I get why you would ask it. I tried the ricotta tomato slice, the Gricia slice, a carbonara ball and a bombolone. In other words, I did not stop at “just a slice.” Neither should you.

Am I handing out a statewide crown? No. Am I telling you to put this place on your next Red Bank food run? Absolutely.

Photos courtesy of Jennifer Nangano / @foodaholicnj. The cover is cropped from Jennifer’s original pizza photograph; no AI imagery or retouching.

The Ricotta Tomato Slice: Already Thinking About Round Two

This was one of those slices that has you thinking about your next visit before you’ve even left. That is the review. That is the headline. That is me mentally rearranging my next trip to Red Bank.

Look at the photo: tomato, basil, that generous mound of ricotta and a beautifully browned crust. We can debate pizza all day in New Jersey. Sometimes the most useful verdict is simply, “Yes, I want that again.”

The Gricia Slice: Make It a Two-Slice Visit

I also tried the Gricia. Because when you are checking out a new pizza spot, stopping after one choice feels like leaving the job half done.

The two slices, the carbonara ball and a blood-orange soda made a very good-looking table. If your idea of a Red Bank afternoon involves wandering around and finding something worth eating, here is your stop.

The Carbonara Ball: I’m Going to Be DREAMING About That One

The carbonara ball deserves its own moment. I am going to be DREAMING about that one.

You come in thinking pizza. Then something else on the table makes it onto the return-visit list. This is why I do not believe in treating the rest of the menu like background noise.

The Bombolone: Yes, There Was Dessert

Then a bombolone to finish. Because apparently two slices and a carbonara ball were not the end of this story.

Pollara’s ordering menu describes its bombolone as a donut filled with fresh ricotta. Mine got its own close-up, as it should. Save a little room—or at least do not talk yourself out of looking at dessert.

The Verdict: Go Experience Pollara for Yourself

I can give you my order. I can show you my photos. But you need to experience Pollara for yourself.

Start with the ricotta tomato slice. Do not overlook the carbonara ball. And if you leave already thinking about your next visit, welcome to the club.

Save This for Your Next Red Bank Food Stop

• Pollara Pizzeria: 76 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701.
• Phone: (732) 228-6242.
• Current posted hours: Sunday noon–8 p.m.; Monday–Thursday noon–9 p.m.; Friday–Saturday noon–10 p.m.
• Website and ordering: Pollara’s official website and current ordering menu.

Address, phone and hours checked against Pollara’s official website on October 14, 2026. Menu selections and hours can change; Jennifer’s order reflects her visit.

For more of my food stops, follow @foodaholicnj.

About Jennifer Nangano

Jennifer Nangano is the voice behind @foodaholicnj, one of New Jersey’s biggest food and local-experience accounts. A longtime Central Jersey resident from Freehold, Jennifer covers the restaurants, openings, neighborhood spots and worth-the-drive experiences that people actually talk about.

Her approach is simple: real places, honest reactions, no snob math. If she is excited about something, you will know it.