The Best Pasta In The Country Is In NJ, Ranking Says

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — While New Jersey's pizza and bagels have always reigned supreme, it seems another carby delight has been deemed the best in the Garden State.

Yelp recently released its list of the US's Top 100 Pasta Places of 2026, and ranking number one is a pasta establishment in Morris County.

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According to Yelp reviewers, The Pasta Shop at 13 First Avenue in Denville has the best pasta in the country.

Its simple name is accompanied by an unpretentious but mouthwatering menu, featuring rigatoni, spaghetti, linguine, cheese ravioli, seasonal specials, and of course an array of sauces.

Staple menu items are Rigatoni Alla Vodka, Linguine and Clams, Pappardelle Bolognese, Spicy Argentinian Red Shrimp, Ziti Norcina with Homemade Sausage, and Spaghetti Carbonara.

Diners can also enjoy wood-fired dishes, including chicken parm, "porchetta-style" pork shoulder, and a grilled salmon fillet. There's also a selection of antipasti, including The Pasta Shop's famous homemade mozzarella sticks.

The shop offers gluten-free options as well, something co-owner and executive chef Tommy Pollio made sure of when opening in 2018 alongside Sergio Sciancalepore.

"Yelpers praise the first-come, first-served restaurant and market with its open kitchen, wood-burning oven, and pasta-making demos in the front window, but recommend arriving early to snag one of the few tables," the ranking reads.

"Date night well spent! The Wood Oven Meatballs were incredibly tender and packed with flavor, and the Homemade Mozzarella Sticks had the perfect cheese pull," one Yelp reviewer wrote. "For our entrees, we chose the Rigatoni Alla Vodka and the Pappardelle Bolognese. Both were freshly made and absolutely delicious."

Other New Jersey pasta spots joining The Pasta Shop on the ranking were Pasta Volo in Asbury Park at #8, and Middlesex's L&D Sapore Ravioli & Cheese at #57. See the full list here.

To learn more about The Pasta Shop, visit its website here.