How It All Started

Joe Russo opened this pizzeria in 1998 with one goal: to bring authentic New York style pizza to the community of Bayonne. Using recipes passed down from his grandmother in Brooklyn, Joe started small — just a wood-fired oven, a handful of tables, and an uncompromising commitment to quality.

His grandmother, Maria Russo, immigrated from Naples in the 1950s and spent decades perfecting her pizza dough in a tiny Brooklyn kitchen. She taught Joe that great pizza isn't complicated — it's about respecting the ingredients. San Marzano tomatoes. Fresh mozzarella. Dough that's proofed for 48 hours. Simple. Pure. Delicious.

What started as a small neighborhood spot quickly became a Bayonne institution. Regulars like the Kowalski family who've been coming in every Friday night since the very first week, or the local firefighters who order a pie after every shift — these relationships are what keep Joe going.

Today, Joe's daughter Sofia runs the front of house while his son Marco handles the kitchen. The third generation is already showing interest in the family trade. The recipes haven't changed. The oven is the same. And the love poured into every pizza is as strong as ever.

J

Joe Russo

Owner & Head Chef, Joe's Pizza

What We Stand For

Three pillars that have guided every decision since day one.

Fresh Ingredients

We source locally whenever possible. Our produce is delivered fresh daily. We import San Marzano tomatoes directly from Italy. No cans, no concentrates, no compromise.

Family Recipes

Nonna Maria's recipes have never been written down — they live in our hands and our hearts. Every dish we serve carries 70 years of Italian-American cooking tradition.

Community

Bayonne is our home. We sponsor Little League teams, donate to local food banks, and stay involved in what makes this city special. When the community thrives, we thrive.

Come Visit Us

We'd love to welcome you into the Joe's Pizza family. Come in, sit down, and let us cook for you.

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