Pizza review: DELIO’S PIZZA (South Amboy, New Jersey)

[@timothysharp2660]

nice to see Pete & Cathy. It's been a while since I was there. The menu has surely changed since I worked there back in 1978...... best wishes to them & all of their family. Tim (harpo)...

[@WillKlaver]

.. good to see pops is still around, i stopped in back in the day all the time driving truck for Covenant Transport, Great Pizza .. 🍕

[@pizzareviewsonthego]

I'd love to go back again. Special place.

[@WyMustIGo]

Pete and Cathy rock. I ate there during the 60s, 70s and 80s, we moved out of SA in 1994. My buddy Tim Sharp worked there in the late 70s. Good people, and back then South Amboy was a good town to live in.

[@pizzareviewsonthego]

Still seems like a good town, Im sure some things have changed...

[@danette3113]

This vid is a special one. Love the conversation and the whole vibe. I noticed the menu was massive and just the 2 of them. I would support this establishment just for the years and hard work those 2 continue to do. 🍕

[@pizzareviewsonthego]

Their daughter helps them out I think. I think they must have help but they're mainly at the helm. I think they know it's a good business move but it must not be easy. He dropped my pizza initially and had to reheat another slice. It's not easy being on your feet all day for sure. Yo Ang informed me that she and Joe ate there once.

[@blissluminosity]

Cool to see my hometown featured, and Mama and Papa Delio have been literally been at it everyday since my childhood in the 80's...don't make 'em like that anymore!

[@pizzareviewsonthego]

I hope I gave them the spotlight they deserve. I can't believe I never heard of it and I'm just 12 min. away in Staten Island.

[@mattmosca7244]

@@pizzareviewsonthego This husband and wife team have been the best around for years! Yes they are awesome people! The best is when ya walk in and the two of them are arguing in Italian. This is one of the best old school pizza establishment in this neck of the woods! Hope they stick around for many more years to come. God Bless this gem! There is most definitely uniqueness to their pie.

[@pizzareviewsonthego]

@@mattmosca7244 That's exactly what happened lol. She was yelling at her husband. I hope to make it back here again really soon.

[@tonygonsalves6537]

Their pizza is ridiculously good. Pete and Cathy, SA legends.....That crunch of the crust sounded amazing. haha Nice review.

[@YoAng]

O. M. G. I have been here! I had taken the train in to connect with Joe (he works in NJ) so we could head out to AC and was starving. I passed by every other place on that street and CHOSE them specifically because of their look and feel of the place. Got a slice and as salad... same couple, we even had a conversation. Love it! Next time, we're meeting up friend! 😊

[@pizzareviewsonthego]

Oh wow, that's so funny. Small world. It truly is a special place. I would love to meet up when the weather gets nice. I live 10 min. away from this place an never been there until that day!

[@ginnyfeis4266]

I can't express how happy this makes me. Delios is a town staple. Growing up in town this is where you went after every half day, during the st Patty's parade, after a baseball game, or just because. Most importantly the food is always good and you are family when you walk in the doors. I moved away 3 years ago and I'm still greeted like family when I can make it back. Incredible people ❤️ gotta try the chicken pizza!

[@pizzareviewsonthego]

Hey thanks for the story! I only just found out about this place and I live 12 minutes away in Staten Island. I had recently reviewed a place previously called "DiLeo's," and someone mentioned Delio's because they hoped I had reviewed that place instead. I will absolutely be back. If this place was in Brooklyn, Mr and Mrs. Delio would probably be internationally known.

[@edis4ut287]

Places like that are so special and there getting more hard to find. Poor couple probably haven't had a decent vacation in years. Glad he shared his backstory with you. Somebody was nice enough to build them a simple website with a full menu. Open 6 days a week, 11 hours a day. Only two people, incredible. When I saw the generic take out box and that cheese blend I started to have my doubts. It was dripping some grease, he defiantly had it going on with the crust. Nice it worked out for you. Keep it up! I see the snow is gone!

[@pizzareviewsonthego]

Their daughter helps them out from time to time or perhaps she wasn't there at the time. I can't wait to go back. The snow is mostly gone yes! Lots of Winter left though...

[@ashleelalasmith2792]

Mama delios and papa delios we love them place hasn’t changed In decades

[@sheilaboland6285]

I don’t think they ever took a vacation! Their daughter used to work there when I was in High School in the mid 70’s. The wife would also give me an extra slice if I wasn’t there much.

[@rbiv5]

excellent..old school, very cool.

[@edwardhealy1524]

Great review! A very special place for certain. I grew up around the corner. They never let any of us neighborhood kids leave hungry. "2?" "Just 1 today please." Knowing we only had the $ for 1 some times, they'd give us 2. "I only have enough for..." "Don't worry about it kid. Next time." Amazing people. Try the Sicilian next time.

[@pizzareviewsonthego]

I plan on going back soon!

[@user-or6yn8pm3c]

Brothers in Fresh Meadows Queens is similar. Old fashioned delicious NYC pizza. Its been open since 1963. I get the same feeling of being taken back in time there.

[@jackiemcglynn]

I’ve always told everyone that the #1 real New York style pizza comes from Delio’s in my hometown!! Nothing comes close. The older Italian couple who run the place have a special place in my heart too so this video gave me the feels. I grew up going to this place and the pizza is perfect every time. They also make some amazing garlic knots. I make an effort to stop by every single time I’m in Jersey and it makes me so happy to see them still holding it down! Thanks for making this video.

[@pizzareviewsonthego]

They're in amazing shape, I admire their hard work and dedication. I miss this place , it brought me back to my grandparent's kitchen...which I do not experience anymore...

[@jonathanwortley1643]

Great video. My family is from SA. I love Delio's. It's been over 20 years since I've been there. Too long.

[@Takingtheredeye]

Boy do I miss this pizza and friendly family like service. They are truly such wonderful folks and the pizza is like no other. Their consistency is impeccable.

[@mikeappignani4383]

WHAT A GREAT STORY 👍AND GREAT PIZZA 🍕THERE'S NOTHING LIKE OLD SCHOOL PEOPLE AND 🍕PIZZA!!!!!

[@whatyomama1]

Love this place!!! Moved here from Hoboken and they have the best pizza and old school feel!!!

[@pizzareviewsonthego]

I plan to go back there for the Margherita. I reviewed Apulia in Hoboken...

[@jamkpa]

I like when you showed the overhead price menu and the process of him stretching the dough.

[@ThirtySomethingSuperMom]

Delios is my favorite! The pizza is always amazing and the owners are the sweetest people. Growing up around the corner, I ate it every chance I got. I have even traveled from the Midwest just to grab a slice. Loved seeing the old place again. Great review.

[@pizzareviewsonthego]

Glad you bring back some old memories for ya.

[@Mike_Connor]

I can literally smell that pizza! Smells so good!

[@Djrowskinj]

I stopped by there years ago in a dumptruck got rerouted because of an accident on rte 9 what a find thanks for the memories.

[@misterdrummings]

Antonio, I especially enjoyed this video. The pizza looked really good, and that is a solid score, but as you say, sometimes it's not just about the pizza but the experience. It really felt like stepping back into time with the original owner, the old school aesthetics, and overall friendly, family feel of this place. If I am ever down that way I will make it a point to stop in. Also, I enjoyed the footage at the end with a look at the historical aspects of South Amboy, and the beautiful sunset. Great job, again. 👌

[@pizzareviewsonthego]

Appreciate the feedback! I try to give some facts about the town. I should have said more. Next time! And yes, I felt like I was back with my grandparents again, it was very emotional.

[@Momofangelbabies]

My hometown. Delio’s is the pizza you crave when you move away! We left NJ for 17 years, came back 3 years ago. My daughter still remembered, and begged for Delios the entire way back. Mama & Papa Delia still remembered us, AFTER 17 YEARS! I live half hour away and now I want Delios!!! Guess my daughter and I are going tomorrow to get an AMAZING pizza!

[@pizzareviewsonthego]

Wow, incredible story ! Enjoy your return !

[@dirkdiggler9482]

Very cool spot. Probably the kind of place where they still measure the water for their dough with an ancient plastic bucket with a line marked on it😆Old school indeed, and that’s just great. I figure the sauce is probably the old standard Stanislaus 7/11 tomatoes mixed with some tomato paste and water. I thought I saw a little grease seeping through the crust at the front, but that’s not a deal breaker. The corniccione looked and sounded nice and crispy but not too hard. I dig the imperfect slice cutting. It’s a hand made product and it shows. I was hoping you would be coming out with a video today, and you delivered. Very nice.

[@pizzareviewsonthego]

I wonder if they crush the tomatoes with their feet ! lol. My neighbors used to do that when the entire block got together and made tomato sauce from scratch, in bulk, that would last the winter. BTW Dirk, I wanted to ask you on the forum, but still learning the ins and outs on how to go about messaging someone on there. I wanted to ask you if you recommend using olive oil when making dough.

[@dirkdiggler9482]

@@pizzareviewsonthego I got that message earlier here. You might not have seen my response. I rarely use it, but today I actually whipped up an experimental batch with 5% olive oil- far more than I’ve ever used before. I’m in a curious mood. I might post on the forum about it.

[@dirkdiggler9482]

@@pizzareviewsonthegoSending a message on the forum is simple. Just type my username in the search bar on the upper right hand corner, and when my name comes up and you look at my profile, there should be an option to send a message.

[@misterdrummings]

@@dirkdiggler9482 I always use olive oil when making my dough, so I'm curious to know what you use instead. Of course I understand if you don't want to divulge your secrets. 🙂

[@dirkdiggler9482]

@@misterdrummings It's not really any kind of secret. It's just something I either use or don't. I wouldn't say it's a make or break or thing. I rarely use it, and can't necessarily say that it makes a big improvement in my dough when I do. But some people say they do. It's something I experiment from time to time.

[@njpatriot6068]

Thanks for the pizza 🍕 review I’m from the area , good pizza n Chinese are hard to find !! Definitely will try Delios !!

[@pizzareviewsonthego]

Hope you enjoy

[@lorrainemccartney4856]

Love this place, been going there for a long time! Great pizza! Nice family owned place.

[@pizzareviewsonthego]

It really is!

[@SK-bk3yh]

He's right, nobody wants to work. Good looking pizza

[@pizzareviewsonthego]

I said everyone wants to work in front of the computer. He then replied, "that his head was his computer."

[@keithkatastrophe1]

My hometown, I try and go there at least 3 times a week, Pete and Kathy are both in there upper 80s, been making pizza the same way for as long as I can remember

[@pizzareviewsonthego]

They are in great shape !! I can't believe I never heard of it until recently and I live 12 minutes away in Staten Island. If they were in Brooklyn, they'd be internationally known!

[@janetwalz4516]

I grew up in South Amboy, , every Saturday night was Delio's Pizza. They never delivered, ya had to go and get it. During th weekdays in the summer I would stop here for 2 slices of cheese pizza, where the oil drips down, mmmmm.. I don' live too far away now from South Amboy. When I am up that way, I always stop in.

[@pizzareviewsonthego]

I'm in Eltingville Staten Island and so South Amboy might as well almost be the neighborhood next door to me !

[@jimwhoski]

I love Delio's, been going there since they opened. Great people, great food! You're spot on with the age, he mentioned he was 86 last year. The bonus slice is often given.

[@pizzareviewsonthego]

Oh good to know!!! I can't wait to go back !

[@owencushenan662]

Beautiful town and place. The place is real old school and has a Luigi's vibe inside. Nice it's still owner operated. I think if he used fresh motz it would improve it. I also noticed the OIreland store at the beginning... You'll be rocking the Aran jumper in the next video lol. 🍀

[@pizzareviewsonthego]

Ehh...I tend to dress sporty lol. I think it was an antique shop. I'll post a video I took of the place in the members section, lots of footage never makes the final cut and I originally included a close up of that building.

[@oldschoolpizza4480]

Great review sir 👍 review skills definitely in the 9s

[@pizzareviewsonthego]

How you making out Old School? Thanks fratello.

[@oldschoolpizza4480]

@@pizzareviewsonthego me and Renee are doing good.. I hope one day I can get you 2 run this slice shop as a owner . While I open up other stores. Money is limitless if you have no fear

[@pizzareviewsonthego]

@@oldschoolpizza4480 Thanks for the offer Old School ! However, I am not looking to move to another city, at least not one as far away as Chicago.

[@sazbro1]

I no longer live in So. Amboy. The memories, I can smell the pizza through the computer,

[@janetwalz4516]

It opened what 1972?, I believe he still has the same ovens since he opened.

[@pizzareviewsonthego]

I plan to go back and try the Marg. I plan to interview the staff too. We'll see...

[@mikeLoft]

My first job after paper boy was working the counter and clean up at Delio's right after it opened. I don't think he is the original owner, but bought from the original owner.

[@keithkatastrophe1]

Original owners, Pete and Kathy, Pete recently turned 86 or 87

[@mikeLoft]

@@keithkatastrophe1 I worked there in 1970.

[@denisepecoraino927]

After moving from Brooklyn in 1999, it took me about 6 years to find this place. I loved it--delicious NY style pizza in NJ. The only thing I didn't like is that they do not deliver.

[@pizzareviewsonthego]

I guess they are so busy that they only accept walk-ins. There's some great pizza to be found in Jersey, just sparse in between of course. It's not like Brooklyn where there's 2 pizzerias on every block lol

[@vinylterry]

I miss this place so much. Grew up on it. Indeed husband and wife. I went to school with one of the daughters. Would call every Friday to order a pie, the wife would answer and no matter how busy they were she’s say “25 minutes.”

[@pizzareviewsonthego]

Hope you get to visit this place sometime again. I miss it too and I went one time !

[@blobstudio]

I dont know why but its just kinda cool seeing your town on camera

[@MrJohn33751]

I enjoyed the video!

[@pizzareviewsonthego]

That's your type of pizza John.

[@justjenn1345]

We love mama and popa Delio. They are the best people. Hardest working people. They have fed many generations. We all grew up eating Delios. If you get a chance get a meatball subs . Chefs kiss 😘 We just moved out of South Amboy to Delaware and boy we miss Delios. When we visit my brother who moved to nevada we have to fly there with three of Delios pizza. He wants that pizza before I get in the door lol

[@pizzareviewsonthego]

Oh wow, that's such a cool story! Thanks for sharing. We should hash tag on Instagram if they don't already have one!

[@benjaminhogan3157]

Great review!!!!

[@jerseygirl7327]

Bottom looks great !

[@robertlinks7444]

Looks delicious.

[@TasteThisWithFrankGallo]

Great video

[@TheBbtlegit]

That looks like simebold school delicious pizza.

[@pizzareviewsonthego]

Hey Andrew, are you the guy from Woodbridge?

[@NoahEats]

How do you get 7 slices? Lol. Didn't you do another Delio's recently

[@pizzareviewsonthego]

I found out about this place because of my recent review of DiLeo's in Staten Island. One of my viewers told me that he initially thought that review was of this place and wished that it was.

[@RebootedNickerson]

Pete is a beautiful man. N Kathy momma delios is great . But u did one thing wrong U have to get a pie. A fresh plan pie u would of got the very best my friend. Great family. N the meatball n chicken parm subs amazing.one interesting thing people did in this town in high school for lunch would get a sicilian slice poke a bunch of holes on top w a fork n squirt vinegar the purple vinegar.A lot of people did that. It’s actually good. Good ol days that town is very unique only 1 mile sq. n the people the old school people are very interesting some of did some wild stuff u thought was made up but wasn’t. At Hoffmann high everyone in school was allowed to leave for lunch 9th 10th grade everyone n everyone would walk to delios or the now gone OTB old town delie ..I love hearin Pete’s story too being from Brooklyn then working on the east side of Manhattan in the 70s I think east 16th Good stuff.

[@pizzareviewsonthego]

Thanks for sharing that story and your memories! I will definitely go back here and order a pie. I try not to throw out food sometimes. Pete said the pie I got my slices from was right out of the oven 5 minutes. I can't believe how much energy these two have. I live 10 minutes over the bridge in Staten Island and never heard of this place until just before reviewing it. It's amazing how a short drive into Jersey is like another planet. No one is speeding on the roads, there are statues and memorials everywhere, clean train stations, no traffic, it's surreal.

[@Essman614]

IIRC Papa Delio is 86. They'll make the pizza soft crust if you ask. They give away pizza all the time, they don't believe in wasting food.

[@pizzareviewsonthego]

Amazing! I would love to go back soon! We'll see !

[@brianjschumer]

J&V and DaVinici style

[@pizzareviewsonthego]

Very much so...and Lenny's. They have a unique taste that is kinda disappearing, even in Brooklyn....except for in those places, and some, which still are very good.

[@robertruiz98]

The old lady is the best I've known her since I was a child I love her Pizza even though it's a bit greasy and she always yells at me

[@pizzareviewsonthego]

Haha, yes, good ol' greasy old fashioned NY style.

[@jamesrusso2523]

Europa?

[@archibald.hamilton6610]

I was born in South A mboy in 1951

[@kingstoler]

Looks like a delicious pizza! Seems like one you wanna eat fresh and hot

[@pizzareviewsonthego]

Pies do not sit out for long in this place or many slice shops around the city.

[@alpo2567]

Sally’s in the house you see portnoys top 10 tweet? 😜😜

[@AlessandroAlaimo-vm1sv]

20th and 65 is Europa wood burning pizza

[@pizzareviewsonthego]

I will put it on my list. Used to go all the time.

[@nuce79]

My advice would be to not fold the slice as much when you're eating it. Takes away from the experience of veiwing eating a slice. I know that sounds wierd but you know what I'm saying.

[@pizzareviewsonthego]

Forward to the lab segment then. You will see plenty of the slice.

[@blesseddaily6383]

Would you say that you liked it way better than Benny's Pizza I think I like it better 🤔🤔

[@pizzareviewsonthego]

As a sauce guy I tend to lean toward saucier pizzas, that's why I always used to order Margheritas.

[@blesseddaily6383]

@@pizzareviewsonthego me too but I would say I like delio's sauce better than Benny's but I do like Benny crust but I like delio's crust too it's different than Benny's the way they do there dough at delio's is old school italian style 🍕🍕 😋👍

[@pizzareviewsonthego]

@@blesseddaily6383 I tend to factor in uniqueness when scoring a pizza. I found Benny's to be less ordinary. But Delio's brought me back to my childhood, I was reminded of my grandparents cooking for me. A totally different experience.

[@blesseddaily6383]

@@pizzareviewsonthego exactly 😊

[@archibald.hamilton6610]

I remember A place on first street called the gay nines

[@AlBeebe]

When you walk into a place and see the old school menu board, the wood panel walls, and a husband and wife with gray hair making pizza, you're guaranteed the pizza is going to be special. Don't make the mistake i did when i visited Delio's and grabbed a premade slice. Order a fresh one. Rookie mistake.

[@pizzareviewsonthego]

I like a reheated slice from a fresh pie, he said the pie was only out 5 minutes. I always wait for the fresh pie if it's been sitting...and reheat for crisp, tighten it up a little.

[@AlBeebe]

@@pizzareviewsonthego You have to check out Ernies in New Haven CT. One of my favorites

[@jimmymccain8035]

what up with dudes fingernail????

[@giannastance9340]

Ur cute

[@pizzareviewsonthego]

TY !