FOOD: Trattoria La Sorrentina [North Bergen, NJ]

Living within five miles of New York City means there are certain things I can count on: plenty of night life, plenty of bodegas, and perhaps most importantly, plenty of pizza. With insurmountable pizza options on every street corner, just the thought of choosing a favorite makes me feel full and bloated and ready for an after-dinner couch nap. So in an effort to maintain some sanity, I choose to never commit to a favorite and instead just come up with a list of favorites. Trattoria La Sorrentina is a high-ranking member of that list.

Located on Bergenline Avenue in North Bergen, La Sorrentina is not just your average pizza parlor. This Italian restaurant makes use of a large wood-burning oven for pies that are crafted with fresh ingredients on a thin, crispy crust. If you are a thin crust enthusiast, you should probably just put down your turkey sandwich and get in the car now, because thin crust.

La Sorrentina offers several creations including a classic Quattro Formaggi (mozzarella, provolone, pecorino, and parmiggiano) and a more unique combination of eggplant, artichokes, mushrooms, and prosciutto on the Quattro Stagioni. On this occasion we went with half of the classic Margherita and half Sorrentina, which is cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, arugula, prosciutto, and pecorino romano.

[caption id="attachment_79176" align="alignnone" width="480"] Margherita on the left, Sorrentina on the right[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_79178" align="alignnone" width="449"] Sorrentina[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_79177" align="alignnone" width="449"] Margherita[/caption]

Aside from their pizza, La Sorrentina has an extensive menu including appetizers, seafood, pasta, and beyond. No need to stop at the liquor store on your way either, as they have a lengthy wine list to choose from. This restaurant is packed on just about any night of the week, validating the assumption that La Sorrentina has something for everyone. You can come in with your significant another or bring your whole family--they are equipped to handle both ends of the party size spectrum.

So if you should find yourself driving along Tonnelle Ave and get a hankering of the Italian persuasion, duck off the main roadway and head up the hill into North Bergen. On the corner of 79th and Bergenline you will find La Sorrentina where you can sit down for a plate of fettucini or take a pizza to go--which I would highly recommend as their pizza has remarkable second-day quality.

Trattoria La Sorrentina
7831 Bergenline Avenue
North Bergen, NJ