Three Cheers for 3 Guys

3 Guys Pizzeria & Ristorante 

3 Guys Pizzeria & Ristorante in Belleville is a surprising discovery. The exterior gives one the impression of an ordinary, unassuming neighborhood establishment. I've passed by the restaurant many times but never considered trying it out, thinking the food might not be anything special. I was so glad to be proven wrong!

I went to the pizzeria for dinner with my family. We started off with appetizers and our first one was their famous fried calamari served with a tomato-based dip that has just the right hint of chili.

From there, it was on to the chicken fingers and french fries that could give Friday's version a run for their money, followed by the Antipasto Gerardo, a delicious mix of prosciutto, sopressata, sharp provolone, fresh mozzarella and roasted peppers over arugula salad.

Our finally appetizer were the Buffalo wings, which are the best I've tasted in New Jersey so far, with just the right amount of chili that will keep you wanting for more instead of being too hot to handle.

The appetizers alone are enough to make you feel satisfied, but when the main course arrived it was worth finding some more room. 

For the main course, we ordered the Gnocchi Jerry, the owner's special pasta recipe, served with vodka sauce. Personally, I am not normally very fond of stuffed shells but the sauce was truly delectable.

Then it was time for the famous 3 Guys Pizza, which has won notoriety for being voted the best pizza in town by a local magazine. The toppings we enjoyed included a hearty mix of sundried tomatoes, olives, shitake mushrooms, mozzarella, arugula, peppers, and huge strips of sausage.

By this time our tummies were very full, but of course, there's always room for dessert.

We ordered a slice of tiramisu, which was just the right finale to a sumptuous meal. The perfect softness of the biscuit, and the right blend of coffee, liquor and cocoa, gives it a sweetness that makes you want to nibble again and again.

The interior is simple and small, just enough for six tables, but it is clean and well-kept. The restroom featured a large vase filled with colorful dried plants that gives the facilities an unexpected touch of beauty.

The service was equally commendable. Our waitress, Gia, was very warm and quick on her toes, especially noteworthy service since she was handling all the tables by herself. There was seemingly endless traffic for take-outs and deliveries.  And everyone seemed to know each other. The atmosphere was actually like that of a home, where everyone who came and went seemed to be like family or close friends.  

3 Guys offers catering and has a children's menu. Liquor is BYOB. 

General Information:

3 Guys Pizzeria & Ristorante

366 Franklin Ave., Belleville, N.J. 07109

(Tel) 973-751-4602, 973-751-4583 (Fax) 973-450-5932

Hours: Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m.; Friday & Saturday, 10 a.m.-12 a.m.; Sundays, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

All major credit cards except Discover and debit.

General: Eat-in, take-out, delivery. Catering available.

Parking: On-street

Food & dining options: Vegetarian