Here is where to get Central Jersey's best pizza

I honestly can say that I have eaten in more than 60 pizza places in Central Jersey.

Some are good, some are fair, some are just plain bad.

I know this because in 2012, myself and Mark Spivey spent a summer doing the "Slice of Heaven" tour, attempting to find out where to get the best pizza in Central Jersey.

The problem with such a venture is those who recommend pizza parlors often recommend their favorite place — which to them means is the best place.

Because a pizza place has a nice owner who does wonderful things in the community does not automatically mean the place has a good pie. Because a place sells hundreds of pies a week, does not automatically mean the place has a good pie. McDonald's probably sells more hamburgers than anyone else in the world and Subway probably sells more deli-type sandwiches (hoagies, subs, heroes or whatever you want to call them), but, in my opinion, McDonald's does not sell the best burger and Subway sandwiches are to be avoided by anyone who has a reasonable alternative.

Simply put, the best pizzas in Central Jersey can be found at:

Rome Pizza, 334 North Ave., Dunellen. 732-968-1394. The absolute best and the Slice of Heaven champion, Rome's pies are the perfect combination of cheese, sauce and dough. Call for operating hours before you go and say hello to the Confalone family — great people who serve great pies at a great price.

Sciortino's Harbor Lights, 132 South Broadway St., South Amboy. 732-721-8788. Hands down the best thin-crust pie in this part of the country, Slice of Heaven's second-place winner is a lovely restaurant with friendly people and pizza that will keep you coming back for more.

Delizia Pizza Kitchen, 146 Route 31, Flemington. 908-237-4502. Beautiful, generous pies are the offering at the Slice of Heaven third-place winner. Classic hand-tossed pizzas that are tasty and reasonably priced. This is the kind of pie you travel for if you are fond of classic crust.

Shanahan's Bakery Cafe, 84 N. Main St., Milltown. 732-846-2888. A traditional bakery that happens to serve excellent pizzas, this place is worth visiting if you love baked goods of any kind. This eatery was my honorable mention winner in Slice of Heaven and I hope it continues to serve its high-quality offerings for many years to come.

Lubrano's Pizzeria & Restaurant LLC, 1830 Easton Ave., Somerset section of Franklin. 732-271-1144. Another classic style pizzeria that also serves very nice Italian-style meals. The owners are cheerful and friendly and the pizza is very good. This place was Mark Spivey's honorable mention winner in the Slice of Heaven tour and I confess I love it too.

Try any of these places and you most certainly will visit again and again.

Assistant Editor Jay Jefferson Cooke; 908-243-6603; @JayJCookeCNHNT.