Pizza a Way of Life at Romanelli's on Lincoln

Now in its fifth decade serving the people of Madison, at 42 Lincoln Place must be doing something right.

For its loyal following in the area, that something is pizza.

Now, it’s a truism if you live in northern New Jersey, you’ll likely be eating a lot of pizza. Especially in the summer when the need to relax is great and the desire for many to cook is, well, not as great.

And, in a region where each town has a half-dozen pizzerias—or more—from which to choose, the typical diner can soon find his tastebuds glossing over at the thought of yet another doughy pie.

Not so with Romanelli’s.

It’s worth noting that Romanelli’s offers pies in three sizes—a 12-inch, 16-inch medium and 18-inch jumbo. That alone puts the purveyor out in front, with pies for any appetite, including kids’. That solves a culinary conundrum for parents: A large pie usually isn’t enough, or you’ve got so much left over you wished you’d ordered slices instead.

Now, Patch has always prided itself on its love of a good, basic cheese pizza. But, dear Lord, how Romanelli’s is changing that esthetic. A quick look at the menu reveals a selection of 21 — 21! — specialty pizzas, in any of the aforementioned three sizes, to boot. They range from the four-cheese with mozzarella, provolone, romano and seasoned ricotta to the Hawaiian with ham and pineapple chunks, to the stuffed meat double-crust masterpiece with pepperoni, ham, sausage and meatball AND four cheeses, the last available only in the jumbo 18-inch model, as it should be.  Did we mention a full range of pies rendered in whole wheat crust? Prices range from $8.45 for a small cheese pizza up to $18.70 for the jumbo meat lover’s pie.

Romanelli’s also caters to those seeking more than pizza with enticing sandwiches, wraps , calzone, stromboli, paninis and hot and cold subs and entrees, for those diners who choose not to indulge their pizza jones. There are more than a few gems here, too: The selection of Supermelts feature homemade pita bread; a BBQ pulled pork hot sub with fries is new on the menu. Oh, don’t forget the jumbo wings, available up to an 80-piece tray.

Romanelli’s also offers catering and party facilities, call 973-377-9515.