Bivio Pizza Napoletana

“To eat is a necessity, but to eat intelligently is an art.” — François de La Rochefoucauld

It has been a while, folks! Life gets in the way, and there are so many places to eat and review, but I’m back and excited to share my thoughts on Bivio.

Bivio Pizza Napoletana in Montclair, New Jersey, was founded by former jazz musician Tommaso Colao and his wife, Jackie. The restaurant first opened in Little Falls in 2011 before moving to 107 Pine Street in Montclair in 2017. After a brief closure, Bivio reopened under new ownership in January 2024, with the new team preserving the traditions that made it a local favorite. They haven’t missed a beat, continuing to serve authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas made with fresh, high-quality ingredients, along with classic Italian fare. If my visit was any indication, the passion and commitment to quality are still very much alive at Bivio.

I have to say, I’m a big fan of coal-fired pizza. There’s just something about the way the intense heat creates a perfectly crisp, slightly charred crust while keeping the inside light and chewy. That being said, a true Neapolitan pizza cooked in a wood-fired oven is a close second for me. As you can see, the dining room is on the smaller side, but that’s part of its charm. It has a warm, old-world feel that transports you to a simple neighborhood pizzeria in Southern Italy. The intimate setting creates a cozy atmosphere where the food takes center stage. The only downside? Tables are limited, so reservations can be tough to come by. But if you manage to snag one, you’ll quickly realize it’s well worth the wait.

We started with the Endive Salad, featuring red and yellow Belgian endive, a bright basil gremolata dressing, and freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano. The crisp, slightly bitter endive paired beautifully with the fresh, herbaceous dressing, while the Parmigiano added a rich, salty finish that balanced every bite. It was light, refreshing, and a great way to begin the meal without overpowering the courses to come. Simple ingredients, thoughtfully prepared, and full of flavor. The pizza’s…we chose the Margherita and the Sorrento. You can’t judge a Neapolitan pizzeria without trying the classic… Margherita, and Bivio’s version did not disappoint. Topped with San Marzano tomatoes, creamy DOP Bufala mozzarella, fresh basil, a touch of sea salt, and extra virgin olive oil, this pie lets the quality of its ingredients shine. The tomato sauce was bright and slightly sweet, the mozzarella was rich and velvety without overwhelming the pizza, and the fresh basil added the perfect aromatic finish. The crust was light, airy, and beautifully blistered from the wood-fired oven, with just the right amount of “chew.” The Sorrento pie was very different…. famous Sorrento lemons bring a bright citrus note that instantly sets this pizza apart, cutting through the richness of the creamy DOP Bufala mozzarella and luscious stracciatella. The Calabrese soppressata adds just the right amount of savory spice, while the Rosso di Langa cheese contributes a nutty depth that ties everything together. Finished with fresh basil and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, every bite strikes a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, salty, and slightly spicy flavors.

Dessert was the perfect ending to a fantastic meal. We enjoyed expertly crafted cappuccinos that were rich, smooth, and the ideal complement to our pizzas. The highlight, however, was the gelato. The chocolate and hazelnut flavors were incredibly creamy, and bursting with authentic Italian flavor. Every spoonful was silky smooth, with the perfect balance of deep chocolate and roasted hazelnut.

From start to finish, Bivio delivered an authentic taste of Italy. Between the warm, inviting atmosphere, fresh and thoughtfully prepared dishes, outstanding Neapolitan pizzas, and a dessert that ended the meal on a high note, it’s easy to see why this restaurant has earned such a loyal following. The new owners have done an excellent job preserving the traditions that made Bivio a Montclair favorite while continuing to provide a memorable dining experience. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Neapolitan pizza or looking to discover one of New Jersey’s hidden gems, Bivio is absolutely worth the reservation. I know I’ll be back to explore even more of the menu.

Thank you for reading my review and continue to chomp away!

-Chomping Chica