Jeff B.
Yelp
(Delivered 07/15/2023 SA @ 5:30pm): Being pizza masters was such a bold statement, Renato!
In my quest to explore the various cuisine scenes throughout Jersey City, my friend and I came across Renato's Pizza Masters to fill my pizza craving. With a sizable Italian community, I already ate some wonderful pizza in the neighborhood from Gino's Pizzeria and Rizzo's Bakery, I expected nothing less. A staple in Jersey City Heights for over 60 years https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=slEDkzymmezTwnnRMQe73w&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw who pride themselves on authentic Italian cuisine, we first came across this business on our many walks with the lil' black beast. Would Renato prove to be a pizza master in our minds!?
PURCHASE
Bread (COMP): Soft pieces of bread thrown in for the heck of it, I guess. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=HQJ_yMQwcAGQAx24pnHQ0w&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
Tomato & Red Onion Salad ($4.95): Diced tomatoes and red onions tossed with house dressing and balsamic vinegar, topped with basil, we used this tasty dish with the bread and pizza topping. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=9_YdQQItW8Rv96B3J-RskA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
Caesar Salad ($7.50): Romaine lettuce with homemade croutons and shaved parmesan with house made caesar dressing, this arrived too limp, soaked (less dressing or on the side, please), and wimpy for our liking. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=7IiNCjKt_6mWREKE6JPokA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
8pc Buffalo Wings ($10.95): There was nothing really special about these, and as usual I barely touched the bleu cheese dressing. There was a good amount of meat on each piece. Otherwise, this was a one-and-done for us. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=Qh2hgOBHT6Tpga0ODvOTww&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
Eggplant Parmigiana Sandwich ($9.50): Fried seasoned eggplant topped with tomato ragu sauce and mozzarella cheese lightly toasted, this was my go-to sandwich and always had to try it. This was a hungry man's meal filled with flavor that lasted into the next day. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=fMVKBLXRpegVTFfAdEunqA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
Signature Grandma Pizza ($19.00): Their all-time favorite made with fresh mozzarella cheese, plum tomato sauce, olive oil, garlic, on a thick crispy rectangle crust, I felt this was their version of a Detroit pizza. It was a simple straightforward pie that reminded me of the rectangular ones I enjoyed at lunch time in my lower education years. It was nice, but I wouldn't order it again. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=xxht4__Fksh2ZnTjO-nuYQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
5" Cannoli ($3.00): Your standard mascarpone and chocolate chip-filled flaky pastry shell, it was sizable and blissful to eat. The shell held together well and didn't crumble, which held everything together. I'd leave a gun for this! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=cPJGdosl0en1en2IQJvK6Q&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
Carrot Cake ($4.95): A thick slice with cream cheese filling, lots of carrot bits, and a creamy layer of icing, this was a hearty dessert that stuck to your ribs in a delightful way. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=NOaITLA216NXVr2nj8gj5A&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
Delivery Fee ($2.60): Sometimes it happened - c'est la vie.
SERVICE
I easily placed my order over the phone for a designated delivery time, a friendly gentleman repeated my order back to me, and about 45 minutes later, a young man was at the doorstep with our order all securely packed up - grazie!
PARKING (FREE; N/A this instance)
This was a moot point in this case since our food was delivered. Otherwise, they apparently had two onsite lots in addition to plenty of spots along the main drag of Central Ave. and all surrounding side streets. - nuff said.
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
Sadly, my only recollection of this place while we walked by was a well-kept facade with a large signage. I imagined plenty of natural lighting came through the large front windows and door while electric ceiling lights filled in the rest. I had no idea about TVs or any background music. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=0wjy9B2vdmte3utRB8-R6w&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops... but I was dressed-down for delivery.
OVERALL
Generally speaking, I was fine with Renato's Pizza Masters and would consider another visit. However, nothing really stood. The prices were comparable, good portion sizes, extensive menu, and straightforward (delivery) service. It would be nice to enjoy a sit down meal with a beer. Plus, I always preferred to support local small mom & pop businesses. I found very good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $68.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 4.0 STARS