It’s kind of a challenge to be a pizza lover in Delaware. You know that the best slices can be found if you drive north, to Philadelphia, New Jersey, or New York. However, it’s not impossible to find great pizza here on the DelMarVa peninsula, if you know where to look! While everyone has their favorite pizza shop, there’s one Delaware-based chain that’s certainly made a splash in the world of pizza pies. Delaware’s first pizza chain is still one of our most popular, and nearly everyone in the state has an opinion on Grotto Pizza.
When Dominick Pulieri, Joseph Paglianite and Mary Jean Paglianite opened up the first Grotto Pizza shop in 1960, they had no idea their Rebohoth Beach restaurant would become so incredibly famous.
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In fact, at first, Delawareans weren’t interested in pizza. Mary Jean had to stand outside serving up free samples to those who walked by. Once they had a taste, Delawareans and tourists were hooked!
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Grotto pizza is unlike any other pizza. The balance of sauce, cheese, and crispy crust combines to to make a pizza that’s unmatched elsewhere in the state.
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Today, there are 23 Grotto locations in Delaware, Pennsylvania and Maryland, and people come from all over to try this classic Delmarva chain.
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The cheese pie is always a crowd favorite. Just one bite will take you back in time to the days when a trip to Grotto’s was a true treat.
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Each restaurant serves up a variety of pies, from the Philly Cheesesteak to a legendary meat lover’s pie.
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You can even get a margarita pizza with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes and basil! The fresh ingredients and toppings are one reason why Grotto Pizza is always near the top of the “Best Pizza in Delaware” lists.
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Of course, there are plenty of Delawareans who are quick to denouce Grotto Pizza, and tell you their favorite pie is from elsewhere in the state. Where do you stand on the issue of best pizza in Delaware?
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Where do you stand – are you a Grotto fan, or someone who won’t step foot in their door? Tell us in the comments below!
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Perhaps nobody is as close to the beach pizza debate as Nicola Pizza, where the nic-o-boli can take on ANY slice. Read about the rest of the best pizza in the state here: These 12 Pizza Places In Delaware Are So Good That Your Mouth May Explode.
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