10/9/2007:

Another installment of the “Get out of Hoboken” series brings us to Trattoria La Sorrentina brick oven pizza in North Bergen, NJ.

I quickly rushed out here when my friend Jason Perlow (of Off The Broiler) had sent me a stunning recommendation. We had met over the summer when Hoboken411 was invited to the Star Ledger’s “Munchmobile” trip, testing out various pizza establishments across the state.

What made me want to try Trattoria Sorrentina so quickly was this statement from Jason:

“Best traditional pizza in the entire area by far. I found this place on a recommendation by one of the top Italian restaurant owners in the area (Di Palma Brothers). Family is is from Naples, the pizza is true Neapolitan style. Not Jersey pizza. Brick oven with wood and gas.”

See the review in it’s entirety after the Jump!

“Pizza Opinions are like… Everyone has one”

We all have a unique opinion about our favorite pizza. Some people like sweet sauce, others gooey cheese, and some people even love Dominos! There are a myriad of different styles of pizza out there these days. There are traditionalists who insist on eating nothing other than pizza that closely resemble authentic pies from Naples, to those that get fruity and enjoy pies with pineapple and ham on it. To each their own, you like what you like.

And our opinion is?

The two pies we sampled from Sorrentina (going on four generations) yesterday were in a league of their own. I honestly couldn’t even lump other area brick-oven places in this group. The taste was amazing, and very unique. Delicious is not a word that does it justice, as we’re nearing perfection-caliber food here in our opinion. The quality of the ingredients (mouth watering tomatoes, creamy mozz, sharp pecorino, refreshing basil) and the texture of the crust (perfectly thin enough, ideal “charring”, stable, easy to eat) was something my taste buds never experienced quite this well in Hoboken. Even Mike from Margherita’s (and Mikie Squared & Vito’s Deli) is known to frequent this restaurant often! That says a lot!

The pies are offered in two sizes, regular and large. The regular pies (which we ordered), have a standard round shape and are cut in six slices. The large has an oblong oval shape and is cut in 10 or 12 slices. Our choices were the Quattro Formaggi (four cheeses - Fresh Mozz, Provolone, Pecorino & Parmigian) & the plain Margherita. Jason gave a perfect description:

“Pizza Margherita, the classic. I urge you to order one of these first before trying any of the other varieties. The sauce has a wonderful acidic and savory flavor, which can only come from real San Marzano tomatoes from Italy, which are grown in the volcanic soil near Mount Vesuvius. The Marinara sauce is infused with basil and garlic, topped with fresh basil, pecorino romano and mozzarella cheeses, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.”

I’m telling you the taste of the Margherita was unlike anything I’m used to eating around here. It was almost unusual at first, unexpectedly. I thought there may have been a problem. But as I slowly chewed, tasted and digested this pie, it quickly won a place in my gullet hall of fame.

“Trattoria Sorrentina uses a gas fired brick oven to make its pizzas, which are the closest thing to real Pizza Napoletana you are going to find in New Jersey. Real Neapolitan Pizza in North Jersey. Bravissimo!“
- Jason, Off The Broiler

The four-cheese pizza was a winner straight out of the oven. Had a very sharp and smooth taste simultaneously, along with the ideal crust. We even dipped our crusts in some marinara sauce they provided, which was also spectacular. Same San Marzano tomatoes with simple added spices, such as fresh garlic and onions. The tang was a perfect compliment to the end of the slice.

Staff, parking, location

The staff was very friendly and accommodating. We went on Columbus Day at around 1:30pm, and there was still a decent crowd. The prices were incredibly reasonable ($7.95+ for the regular and $13+ for the large), and makes it even more worth the drive. Parking was plentiful and free (Park on 79th Street - which is one way heading east - Best bet is to take a left on 78th St from JFK blvd west). Their address is 7831 Bergenline Ave., and you can reach them at 201-869-8100 for reservations.

I’ll pick up some menus and post them the next time we go back (which will be VERY soon!)

Trattoria La Sorrentina gets the Hoboken411 Official Stamp of Approval!

Some additional pictures: