This Jersey Shore Pizzeria Was Crowned Best In NJ; See What Portnoy Thinks

SOUTH TOMS RIVER, NJ — Dave "El Presidente" Portnoy, the self-proclaimed pizza expert and popular internet personality, found his way to South Toms River for another of his "one-bite" pizza reviews.

Portnoy checked out PaciDough's Pizza Joint on Atlantic City Boulevard (also known as Route 9) and shared his review on Facebook on Thursday.

PaciDough's, owned by Anthony and Donielle Pacitti, opened nine months ago in the little strip mall just south of Water Street in Toms River. The pizzeria has made a name for itself quickly; it was crowned the winner of Pizza Bowl 5 on Feb. 1, the contest created by Jersey Pizza Joints group founder Guy Madsen to "try" to settle who makes the best pizza in New Jersey.

"That looks great," Portnoy said as he opened the box. He took a couple of bites and praised the flavor of the sauce, which was a bit sweet, and the crunchiness of the crust.

As he took more bites, his praise grew.

"I'm gonna eat two. I really love this pizza," he said, scoring it an 8.2 out of 10. "Great pizza!"

On Friday, the shop's phone lines were so busy that attempts to get through for comment resulted in a lengthy wait on the phone.

PaciDough's, at 312 Atlantic City Blvd. in South Toms River, was honored recently by the South Toms River Borough Council for the Pizza Bowl 5 victory.

Pizza Bowl raises money for the Tunnel To Towers Foundation, which supports the families of first responders who died in the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. Pizza Bowl 5 raised $23,000, Madsen said.