Ocean City has some of the best pizza at the Jersey Shore. Not just “good for a beach town”—legitimately excellent pizza that rivals anything you’d find in New York or Philadelphia. The boardwalk slice debate alone (Manco or Prep?) has fueled passionate arguments for decades. Here’s the complete guide to finding the best pizza in Ocean City NJ.
The Great Boardwalk Pizza Debate
Every Ocean City regular has an opinion on this question: Manco & Manco or Prep Pizza? These two boardwalk rivals sit within sight of each other, both serving excellent thin-crust pies, and both inspiring fierce loyalty. Let’s break it down:
Manco & Manco Pizza
Locations: 9th Street and 12th Street Boardwalk
Hours: 10am-Midnight (summer), shorter off-season
Price: $3.50-4 per slice
The iconic green and white awning has been an Ocean City landmark since 1956 (originally as Mack & Manco before a family split). The crust is thin, crispy, and slightly charred on the bottom. The sauce is tangy and applied with restraint. The cheese melts into a perfect, slightly greasy layer that folds perfectly.
What to Order: A plain cheese slice is the purist’s choice—it showcases the fundamentals perfectly. If you’re hungrier, a whole pie (8 slices) feeds 2-3 people easily. The white pizza (olive oil, garlic, ricotta) is excellent for variety.
Pro Tip: The 9th Street location is larger but also busier. The 12th Street spot often has shorter lines. Eat at the counter facing the boardwalk for prime people-watching.
Prep Pizza
Location: 12th Street Boardwalk
Hours: 10am-Midnight (summer)
Price: $3.50-4 per slice
The eternal rival. Prep’s crust is slightly thicker than Manco’s—still thin by most standards but with a bit more chew. The sauce has a noticeable garlic punch that Prep loyalists swear makes the difference. The overall effect is a heartier, more robust slice.
What to Order: Again, plain cheese is the test. If you prefer a slice with more substance and garlic presence, Prep might be your winner. Their pepperoni is generously portioned.
The Verdict: Both are excellent. Manco is crispier and more delicate; Prep is heartier with more garlic. Try both, pick your champion, and be prepared to defend your choice to other Ocean City visitors.
Best Off-Boardwalk Pizza
Spadafora’s
Location: 840 Asbury Avenue
Type: Classic Italian-American
Price: $16-22 for a large pie
Ask locals where they order pizza for delivery, and Spadafora’s comes up constantly. The crust is slightly thicker than boardwalk style, with excellent char and chew. Specialty pies are loaded with quality toppings. This is the pizza you order when you’re feeding a rental house full of hungry beachgoers.
What to Order: The white pizza with fresh tomatoes and basil is outstanding. Their meat lovers is piled high. The vodka pizza (vodka sauce, mozzarella) is a local favorite. For a basic cheese pie that delivers perfectly for a casual dinner, you can’t go wrong.
Pro Tip: Call ahead on summer weekends—they get slammed. Delivery takes longer during peak times.
Piccini Wood Fired Brick Oven
Location: 903 Ocean Avenue
Type: Neapolitan-style
Price: $16-22 per pie
If you want pizza elevated to restaurant quality, Piccini’s wood-fired oven produces authentic Neapolitan pies with charred, blistered crusts and San Marzano tomato sauce. This is sit-down pizza—meant to be eaten with knife and fork, paired with good wine (BYOB, of course), and savored.
What to Order: The margherita is perfect—tomato, mozzarella, basil, olive oil. That’s it. The diavola adds spicy soppressata for heat. The quattro formaggi satisfies cheese lovers.
Pro Tip: Tables near the oven let you watch the pizzaiolo at work. Request one if available.
Circle Pizza
Location: 9th Street (across from the boardwalk)
Type: Classic Shore pizza
Price: $14-18 for a large pie
A step off the boardwalk but still in the action, Circle Pizza serves solid pies at slightly lower prices than boardwalk spots. Good for takeout when you want pizza at your rental.
Tony’s Pizza
Location: Asbury Avenue
Type: New York-style
Price: $14-20 for a large pie
Another local favorite for delivery and takeout. Consistent quality, reasonable prices, and they deliver throughout Ocean City.
Pizza Styles Explained
Ocean City offers several distinct pizza styles:
Boardwalk Style (Manco, Prep)
Ultra-thin crust, cooked in a very hot oven, slightly crispy bottom. Folds in half easily. Best eaten immediately while hot. This is the iconic Jersey Shore slice.
Italian-American (Spadafora’s)
Medium thickness crust, generous cheese, classic toppings. The style most people picture when they think “pizza.” Good for delivery—holds up during transport.
Neapolitan (Piccini)
Thin, soft crust with puffy edges (cornicione). Charred spots from wood-fired oven. Less cheese than American styles, simpler toppings. Eaten with utensils, paired with wine.
Best Pizza by Situation
- Walking the boardwalk: Manco & Manco or Prep—get a slice, fold it, keep walking
- Feeding a rental house: Spadafora’s delivery—call ahead, order 2-3 pies
- Date night: Piccini—wine, wood-fired pizza, actual dinner
- Budget-conscious: Circle Pizza or Tony’s—same quality, lower prices
- Late night: Boardwalk spots stay open until midnight in summer
Pizza Pro Tips
- Eat it hot: Boardwalk pizza doesn’t travel well. Eat it immediately for best results.
- Plain cheese first: Judge a pizzeria by its plain slice—fancy toppings can hide mediocrity.
- Call ahead for delivery: Summer weekends mean 45-60 minute waits for delivery.
- Ask about specials: Many spots run lunch specials or slice-and-drink combos.
- BYOB for sit-down: Piccini and other restaurant pizzerias are BYOB—bring Italian wine.
What to Drink with Pizza
Since Ocean City is BYOB, you’re bringing your own beverages:
- Classic choice: Cold beer (lager, pilsner, or craft IPA)
- Italian style: Lambrusco—lightly sparkling red wine, made for pizza
- Upgrade: Chianti or Sangiovese—classic pizza wines
- Refreshing: Sparkling water with lemon—cleanses the palate between slices
Frequently Asked Questions
Manco or Prep?
Try both and decide. Manco is crispier with lighter sauce; Prep is heartier with more garlic. Both are excellent. This debate has no wrong answer.
Is pizza expensive in Ocean City?
Boardwalk slices run $3.50-4 each. Whole pies from neighborhood spots are $15-22. Reasonable by shore standards.
Can I get pizza delivered?
Yes—Spadafora’s, Tony’s, and several other spots deliver throughout Ocean City. Call ahead during peak times.
What about late night?
Boardwalk pizzerias stay open until midnight in summer. Perfect for post-dinner boardwalk walks.
Is there good gluten-free pizza?
Some restaurants offer gluten-free crusts—call ahead to confirm. Piccini sometimes has options.
The Bottom Line
Ocean City pizza is legitimately good—not just “good for a beach town” but genuinely excellent in its various styles. The boardwalk slice experience at Manco or Prep is essential shore dining. Spadafora’s delivers reliable pies to your rental. Piccini elevates pizza to wine-pairing territory. Whatever your pizza preference, OCNJ delivers.
Explore more dining options in our restaurant directory or check out: Best Italian | Boardwalk Food Guide | BYOB Guide