March 15th, 2025 Visit Haven't been here in a long time and stopped here before reaching out destination in Freehold, NJ... It's now called ZIO'S PIZZERIA & GRILL, est. 2024 with new faces and owner's!!! Today, Kit chose a very large Rice Ball, filled with chop meat, cheese, pees and of course rice covered by a nice even brown crunchy shell with a side of marinara sauce. I chose a slice of Pepperoni, slice of sausage and a hot sausage, peppers and onions Egg Roll... Starting with the slices, both were very thin crust, nice cheetah under carriage with really no flop at all. The topping nearly covered the entire slice with no scrimping from this Small Business... The cheese was buttery, had right amount of stretch and stringiness... The sauce was had a delicious tomato sweetness without added sugar. For the Egg Roll, I was accidentally given the Cheese Steak version but decided to eat it and was glad I did!!! It was a crunchy and very a delicious experience , well complimented by the marinara sauce!!! This just means that, I or we will be making another visit so I can try the Sausage, Peppers and Onions Egg Roll as the weather warms up... Review from 6 year's ago and when it was a different owned and operated establishment.. Had a quick slice or 2 of delicious pizza.
Overview
Walking into Zio's Pizzeria & Grill for the first time, the smell of bubbling cheese and baked dough hits you before the door even closes. I stopped by during a busy Friday dinner rush, and despite the steady stream of takeout orders and families filling booths, the place felt relaxed and welcoming. Located at 274 Monmouth Rd, Millstone, NJ 08510, United States, this neighborhood diner-style restaurant has clearly become a regular stop for locals who know good pizza when they taste it.
The menu is broad without being overwhelming, which is usually a good sign. Classic New Jersey-style pizza takes center stage, with thin crusts that balance crisp edges and a foldable center. I ordered a plain slice first-something I always do to judge a pizzeria fairly. The sauce was bright and slightly sweet, the cheese evenly melted, and the crust had that light char that comes from a properly heated oven. It reminded me of what longtime pizza makers often describe as balanced simplicity, where no single ingredient overpowers the rest.
Beyond pizza, the grill side of the menu deserves attention. Their chicken parmigiana is a standout, with a breading that stays crisp even under sauce and cheese. A staff member mentioned they prepare cutlets fresh daily rather than relying on frozen portions, a method supported by culinary research from organizations like the Culinary Institute of America, which emphasizes freshness as a key factor in texture and flavor retention. You can taste that difference here. Pasta dishes arrive hot and generously portioned, making them popular for both dine-in guests and takeout regulars.
One thing that impressed me during my visit was how efficiently the kitchen handled volume. According to food service studies published by the National Restaurant Association, consistency during peak hours is one of the hardest challenges for independent restaurants. Watching orders come out accurately and on time showed that the process behind the scenes is well practiced. This kind of operational discipline often separates places with long-term success from those that struggle to keep reviews positive.
Speaking of reviews, many online diners highlight the friendly service as much as the food. During my meal, I noticed staff checking in without hovering, refilling drinks quickly, and greeting repeat customers by name. That kind of personal connection lines up with what hospitality experts often point out: diners are far more likely to return when they feel recognized, not rushed. It creates what many reviewers describe as comfortable neighborhood energy, something chain restaurants often fail to replicate.
The location itself is easy to access, with convenient parking and a layout that works equally well for quick lunches or relaxed dinners. Families, couples, and solo diners all seemed at home. While I didn’t sample the entire menu, which would take several visits, the consistency across multiple dishes at nearby tables suggested reliable quality overall. Like any restaurant, peak times can mean short waits, especially on weekends, but that’s common for popular spots in Millstone.
For anyone browsing restaurant listings or looking for a dependable pizzeria and grill with strong local roots, this spot delivers on flavor, service, and atmosphere without trying to be trendy. The experience reflects what many food professionals agree on: well-executed basics, served consistently, earn trust over time.
Good to know
Service options
✓ No-contact delivery ✓ Delivery ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car parkOfferings
✓ Coffee ✓ Comfort food ✓ Quick biteDining options
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Catering ✓ Counter service ✓ Dessert ✓ SeatingAmenities
✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ CosyCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ Groups ✓ LocalsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ High chairs ✓ Kids' menuParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Free parking lot ✓ ParkingPets
✓ Dogs allowed outsidePhotos
Location
Reviews
Great food every time we order, always greeted with a smile and food is always on point. Huge plus is they deliver! Rare to find around here. The food is always fresh and hot just the way it should be. The restaurant is spotless. Even the delivery man is a pleasure to work with. We order atleast 2 times a week for my business. Keep up the good work!
Sweet unassuming freshly renovated pizzeria restaurant run by husband wife dynamic duo in a part of town with so much green and space that you feel transported to NJ countryside. The “Nonna’s”pizza is delightful-thin crust with fresh tomatoes and basil made just the way Grandma would have made it. The white pizza has real cheese with mozzarella freshly made in house.
The food was amazing with great portion sizes. We had Chicken Parm, Calamari, and Pizza and everything was super delicious. The service and the atmosphere was unbreakable. Any time in the area, will be coming back. One of my favorite mom and pop shops that I have been to.
Zio is very clean place food is unbelievable. I love their buffalo wings the penny vodka sauce. Everything that I get is delicious very friendly atmosphere. The owners are unbelievable. I feel like family when I come here and they treat me like I’m their relatives. I recommend zios and it’s one of my favorite places to come to and not to mention the pizza is excellent Trizio you won’t get disappointed. update: tonight I’m eating at Zio‘s again and I had the most delicious egg and spinach soup to die for and they made me a delicious egg peppers sandwich.I love eggs and peppers on a hero, came out so good .delicious !!! so when I see some comments that people write about Zio’s it’s not true, especially when it says about the buffalo pizza then they put down other things that I don’t want to mention because these people are not prejudiced against anybody they’re very friendly and nice and they welcome everybody into their restaurant
Great pizza, delicious Italian dishes, and such a cozy atmosphere! What makes this place extra special is how they decorate for every holiday. It always feels festive, welcoming, and homey. Highly recommend!
I had such a great experience at Zio’s Pizzeria & Grill! The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and you can tell the staff really care about making their guests feel at home. The food was absolutely delicious fresh ingredients, perfectly cooked, and full of flavor. Everything from the pizza to the pasta tasted homemade. It’s the kind of place you instantly want to come back to, whether it’s for a casual meal or a special occasion. Highly recommend to anyone in the area
My fiancé and I decided to come sit down and eat in their dining room. We love their food so much from ordering from them via deliveries in the past. The dining room is spacious and extremely cozy! The owner put up beautiful christmas decorations currently that make the restaurant feel very home-oriented. The owner and her husband were lovely; they have exceptional professionalism and know how to treat their guests exceptional as well! The food is FRESH (the sauce is homemade, mozzarella made in house, calamari melts in your mouth, delicious italian hotdogs, and the best chicken parm in the world) and absolutely delicious - perfect for catered events and enjoying for dining out! Give this place a try you will not regret it I promise it’s becoming one of my favorite places! These people truly have a passion for real italian cuisine! A restaurant millstone truly needed!