Ciro Pizza Cafe Now Serving Matawan

If you’re looking for a night out with good food and friendly service, then you may want to check out Ciro Pizza Café in Matawan. Located on Morristown Road in the Cheesequake Commons, this family-owned Italian restaurant is the real deal.

The restaurant is currently owned by business partners and brothers John Piscopo and Ciro Pappalardo. This is the second in a potential chain of Ciro Pizza Café restaurants. At the moment, Ciro Pizza Café is also available in Staten Island, New York.

Ciro Pappalardo began making pizza at age 9, and has kept up this family tradition ever since. Originally from Naples, Italy, Ciro ventured with his family to the United States in 1962. Ciro’s brothers were the first to work in a pizzeria, before inevitably opening their own business. Angelo, Ciro’s father, was soon to join, bringing his own culinary skills into the operation.

After a lifetime of learning his authentic culinary skills, Ciro branched off of his family’s Staten Island restaurant and began Ciro Pizza Café in 1997. While it feels good to have his own successful restaurant business, Ciro also notes that it is a lot of work, often working every day. This is particularly true for his new location in Matawan.

In addition to Staten Island locations, Ciro’s brother owns the voted #1 pizza restaurant Ruby Rosa in Manhattan, New York City.  

Ciro Pizza Café’s Matawan location was almost placed elsewhere, according to Ciro. After looking for a new location for more than a year, the family noticed this spot for rent while driving to see a different space.

Now, the restaurant is full of genuine Italian atmosphere with wooden floors, brick and stone walls and plenty of customers seating. There is even a television for those who would like to enjoy a slice of pizza and watch the game.  

While Ciro Pizza Café does not yet have a liquor license, guests are invited to bring their own bottles of wine to enjoy while dining. Ciro does have plans to serve alcohol in the future.

When asked why he chose to open a restaurant and stay with the family trade, Ciro responded that he was, “Happy doing it, you know?”

With many of his recipes coming from generations of Pappalardos, Ciro Pizza Café offers authentic Italian recipes to its customers, from its famous pizza to other dishes such as chicken marsala, eggplant parmigiana, penne with vodka sauce, and much more. To view the full menu, click on the photos section of this article.

Well-known for its pizza, Ciro Pizza Café serves only the freshest ingredients, using thinner crusts, home-made sauce and strategically placed cheese and toppings. All of these techniques are used to bring out the flavor of the dish, giving Ciro a loyal customer following that keeps coming back week after week.

Ciro also happily accommodates customer needs by preparing dishes for dietary restrictions, from gluten free pasta (please bring your own pasta to ensure no gluten), to modifying dishes for personal tastes. While it is not in effect yet, Ciro is also looking into a potential gluten free menu for Ciro Pizza Café’s future. Catering menus are also available, including in-house banquets and private parties.

When it comes to authentic Italian cuisine, superior culinary skills and fresh ingredients, Ciro Pizza Café is the place to go in Matawan, New Jersey. According to Ciro Pappalardo, “We’re the best pizza around… Come in and try it.” From its signature pizza dishes to its own Sunday sauce, this restaurant is a definite crowd pleaser.

Stop in and watch the chef’s throwing the pizza in the air, or order for takeout or free delivery. Ciro Pizza Café is only a stop-in or phone call away.