Papa's Tomato Pies, Robbinsville, NJ; A restaurant Review

Papa's Tomato Pies: Restaurant Review

Papa's Tomato Pies is a national institution. It's claim to fame is in addition to being the "Oldest Tomato Pie Restaurant in the United States," it also serves up a one of the best tasting, and well executed alternatives to the modern day "Pizza."

Pizza as widely served today, is prepared in order of the crust, then applying the sauce, and finally covered with cheese and toppings.

Papa's Tomato Pies are prepared by introducing the crust, then applying the cheese, and finally the tomato sauce. By drizzling the sauce over the cheese and toppings, it enhances the rich tomato flavor of each slice. The crust is crispy and blistered.

Papa's, named for Giuseppe Papa who emigrated from Naples, Italy, opened the restaurant in 1912, laying claim to the title of oldest continuously operating pizzeria in the United States. Lombardi's in New York City opened in 1905 but has since closed.

Papa's operated out of various addresses in Trenton for more than 100 years and is now owned by Joe Papa's grandson Nick Azzaro. In 2013, like other Trenton tomato pie restaurants, such as De Lorenzo's, Papa's has relocated to the suburbs.

Today, Papa's is located in a ranch style house with a wraparound porch, in Robbinsville, NJ.

The interior has a retro vibe with low ceilings, hanging Tiffany-style lights, and a mix of booths and tables. Old World Italian songs are likely piped out in the background.

Patrons are mostly families, couples, old timers, and large parties.

Papa’s Tomato Pies is open seven days/week:

Monday - Thursday 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM; Friday - Saturday 11:00 AM - 9:30 PM; & Sunday 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

(updated: May 2021)