An 8.2 from Dave Portnoy is the kind of number pizza people notice. Back in 2022, he stopped at this Italian restaurant and went straight for the Trenton-style tomato pie.
Thin, crispy, light, and sturdy enough to pass his famous no-flop inspection, it earned an 8.2 and some seriously enthusiastic commentary.
The restaurant still proudly lists that score right on the menu today.
New Jersey pizza debates can get wonderfully intense, so naturally a rating like this gives everyone another pie to argue about.
The tomato goes on strong, the crust brings the crunch, and suddenly ordering “just one pizza” feels suspiciously optimistic.
Portnoy has eaten his way through an absurd number of pizzerias, and this one managed to leave a mark. Now comes the fun part: deciding whether your own score lands above or below his.
An 8.2 That Put Tomato Pie in the Spotlight
Few numbers get pizza fans buzzing like a Dave Portnoy score. When the well-known pizza reviewer sat down at Marcello’s Bordentown, he asked specifically for the Trenton-style tomato pie.
That choice says a lot.
He gave it an 8.2, which is a strong mark in his world. He praised the integrity of the crust and called it thin, crispy, and light.
He also said this style of pie was right up his alley, which is high praise from someone who has tasted slices all over the country.
Here is the fun part. He even suggested the Trenton area might deserve a spot next to New Haven and Manhattan as a real pizza destination.
That is a big compliment for a corner of New Jersey that locals have loved for generations.
So what does this mean for you? It means the tomato pie is the first thing worth ordering.
Come hungry and maybe bring a friend to share. You will want to taste what earned that score, and honestly, one slice is never quite enough.
The Undercarriage Everyone Talks About
Flip a slice over and you will see why pizza lovers get excited. The bottom of a pie, often called the undercarriage, tells you how well it was baked.
Portnoy made a point of mentioning how much he liked it here.
A good undercarriage is firm, lightly spotted, and never soggy. When you pick up a slice, it should hold its shape instead of drooping like a wet noodle.
That small detail makes eating pizza so much more fun.
My tip is simple. Try lifting your slice before you take a bite and look underneath.
Those little dark spots are a sign of real heat at work, not burnt mistakes.
This crisp base also means the pie stays tasty even if you take a few minutes to chat between bites. Nobody likes a slice that turns floppy halfway through dinner.
Here, the crunch sticks around.
It is the kind of thing you might not notice at first. Once you do, though, other pizza may never feel quite the same again.
Why Tomato Pie Is Its Own Thing
Ever wondered why some folks around here insist tomato pie is not just regular pizza? The answer is all about order.
On a classic Trenton-style pie, the cheese often goes down first and the sauce goes on top.
That flip changes everything. The tomato flavor becomes the star, bright and tangy instead of hiding under a blanket of cheese.
Portnoy said he enjoyed the tomato part, and it is easy to see why.
Tomato pie has deep roots in the Trenton area. Families have argued about their favorite spots for years, and it is a real point of local pride.
Bordentown sits just down the road, so this style feels right at home here.
If you grew up on thick, cheesy delivery pizza, this might surprise you. It is lighter and more focused on sauce.
Give it a fair chance.
A good way to start is to order one tomato pie and one more familiar pizza. Taste them side by side.
You will quickly understand what all the fuss is about.
Coal Fire Brings the Magic
Heat is the secret ingredient nobody can see. Marcello’s is known for coal-fired pizza, and that kind of oven gets very, very hot.
It cooks pizza fast and gives the crust a special character.
Coal ovens are a classic part of East Coast pizza history. Some of the oldest pizza places in the Northeast built their fame on them.
That smoky, blistered edge is hard to copy in a regular oven at home.
When the dough hits that intense heat, the outside crisps up quickly while the inside stays airy. That is a big reason the tomato pie tastes thin and light without being dry.
Science and flavor working together. Pretty cool.
Keep an eye on the edges of your pie. You might spot little charred bubbles along the rim.
Those are flavor, not flaws, so do not leave your crusts behind on the plate.
If you love a little smokiness in your food, coal-fired pizza is a treat worth seeking out. It is one of those details that turns a simple meal into something memorable.
Little Pizzettes With Big Personalities
Not ready to commit to just one flavor? The pizzette menu is perfect for that.
These smaller pies let you try a few styles in one visit.
There is an Old Fashioned Brooklyn Margarita, a Shroom, a Fig, and even a Clam option for the more adventurous. The Diabla brings heat with long hots, pepperoni, calabrese peppers, and San Marzano tomato.
If you like spice, that one has your name on it.
The Frankie is another standout. It is loaded with sausage, coal-roasted peppers and onions, provolone, and San Marzano tomato.
Hearty and comforting, like a big hug on a crust.
Sharing a few pizzettes is a smart move for groups. Everyone gets a taste, and you can vote on a favorite.
Fair warning, the debate might get heated.
The Fig is a fun wildcard if you have never had fruit on pizza before. Sweet and savory together can be surprisingly delicious.
Be brave and give it a try, at least once.
More Than Just Pizza on the Menu
Pizza might be the headliner, but the supporting cast is strong too. The menu also includes appetizers, salads, and pasta dishes.
That makes it easy to please a table where not everyone is in a pizza mood.
Starters are great for warming up while your pie bakes. A crisp salad can balance out a rich meal nicely.
And pasta lovers will find plenty of comforting Italian favorites to choose from.
My advice is to build a little feast. Pick one appetizer, one pasta, and one tomato pie for the table.
Then pass everything around family style.
This approach works well for kids and picky eaters. There is usually something familiar for everyone, plus a chance to try something new.
Nobody leaves hungry.
It also turns dinner into more of an event. Sharing plates gets people talking, laughing, and reaching across the table for one more bite.
That is the spirit of a good Italian meal, and it fits right in here.
A Room That Hums With Energy
The vibe inside is lively without feeling chaotic. The space has a sleek, modern look with warm lighting and plenty of seating options.
It feels a bit more polished than your average pizza joint.
On busy nights, the room buzzes with conversation and the clink of plates. Families, friends, and couples all seem to find their own corner.
It is the kind of place where a regular weeknight dinner can feel like a small celebration.
Because it can get busy, planning ahead is a good idea. Making a reservation is a smart move, especially on weekends.
Nobody wants to wait hungry while smelling coal-fired pizza.
The restaurant also offers entertainment at times, which adds to the fun atmosphere. It gives the space a friendly, upbeat rhythm.
Whether you dress up a little or keep it casual, you will fit right in. The mood is welcoming.
That balance of stylish and relaxed is a big part of the charm.
Fresh Air on the Patio
Sunshine and pizza make a pretty great team. The restaurant has a patio, which is perfect when the weather cooperates.
Eating outside adds a relaxed, vacation-like feeling to any meal.
On nice days, the space opens up to the outdoors, letting in breezes and street sounds. It blurs the line between inside and outside in a really pleasant way.
You get the cozy restaurant feel with a side of fresh air.
Spring and early fall are ideal times to grab an outdoor table. The temperatures are comfortable, and the evenings stretch out nicely.
Summer nights can be lovely too.
Patio seating also makes people-watching easy. Farnsworth Avenue has a charming downtown feel, so there is always something to look at.
It is a gentle, small-town kind of entertainment.
If you are bringing a dog or a fidgety kid, an outdoor spot can feel more relaxed. Just ask when you arrive.
A slice tastes even better with a little sky overhead.
Strolling Farnsworth Avenue Before or After
Bordentown has a downtown that practically begs you to slow down. Farnsworth Avenue is lined with older buildings, little shops, and leafy sidewalks.
It is a lovely place to wander before or after your meal.
A short walk is a great way to build an appetite. It also helps you settle in after a big pizza dinner.
Think of it as dessert for your legs.
The town has deep history, and you can feel it in the architecture. Many visitors enjoy simply looking at the storefronts and soaking in the small-town charm.
It is peaceful in a way bigger cities rarely are.
My suggestion is to give yourself extra time. Arrive a little early, park, and take a loop around the block.
You might discover a cute shop or a quiet corner you want to revisit.
Pairing a stroll with a meal turns a quick dinner into a real outing. It is the kind of easy day trip that feels special without needing much planning at all.
Planning Your Own Tomato Pie Visit
Ready to taste the pie for yourself? A little planning goes a long way.
Marcello’s opens at 11 AM most days and at noon on Sundays, with later closing times on Friday and Saturday.
Weekends tend to get busy, so booking ahead is wise. If you prefer a calmer meal, a weekday lunch can be a nice choice.
You will have more room to linger over every crunchy bite.
When you sit down, start with the tomato pie. That is the star that earned the 8.2 and put this place on so many pizza radars.
Then branch out to a pizzette or a pasta dish if you still have room.
Bring friends if you can. Sharing lets you sample more of the menu, and pizza is always better with good company.
Leftovers make a fine snack later too.
For your trip, head to Marcello’s Coal Fired Restaurant and Pizza, also known as Marcello’s Bordentown, at 206 Farnsworth Ave, Bordentown, NJ 08505. It is a tasty slice of New Jersey worth the drive.
