Johnny Tomatoes — Restaurant in Indian Trail

So first off I want to stress that the food was great, the service even better.

Fun Fact?

Loved the music they were playing - 80s! It was so cool to watch the young staff bopping around to the music as they prepared food. Seriously really made our wait a lot of fun (walk down memory lane!).

We were there maybe only 20 minutes so they were spot on with how long it would take to prepare our food. No issues on our part at all, because again - music!

The restaurant, like so many places in our area, are extremely short staffed. They were up front about it when we walked up to place our order. There was a sign too.

Basically they couldn’t do any of the fancy pasta dishes on the menu. That was totally fine with us because that wasn’t what we were there to try out.

This was our first time visiting after hearing a lot of excellent reviews.

Short Review: We will definitely be back.

Long Review: We ordered two small personal pizzas made to order. Really enjoyed the crust, the variety of toppings and creativity of the pizza menu as well! Specifically- they have a clam pie which I suspect could be similar to clam sauce just on a pizza which I think is a fantastic idea.

We will do another review because I think that’s what we’re going to order at our next visit along with wings.

In any case we ordered a buffalo chicken and a sausage peppers onions roll. Both were absolutely fabulous! In fact, I have to say those were probably our favorite of the entire meal. Really good texture, good ingredients, crust was great.

We tried the fried pickles and I actually liked the fact that these were really crunchy instead of chewy. Dipped in ranch they were excellent.

Enjoyed the garlic knots a great deal, they were dense vs. light, but really good.

My pizza had artichoke, ricotta, broccoli, and spinach. My only recommendation? Drizzle a balsamic glaze on it, or another complementary flavor (and one I think is an even better one) sauté Garlic and drizzle it lightly!

The only reason I mention changing it up - the pizza was bland. The ingredients on their own were quality, no doubt about that, but the artichokes were the mild ones not those marinated in vinegar. The texture of all the ingredients, you could taste each vegetable individually, but it just lacked a bump up in flavor.

What I did was I dipped my pizza in the garlic that was at the bottom of the pan of garlic knots. Bingo! Perfect!

I also have balsamic glaze at home and put a little bit on that and again - bingo! It just set the pizza off really well.

Perhaps if they modify the pizza slightly, either soak or sauté some of the vegetables in garlic before making the pizza or perhaps use a marinated artichoke.

One other suggestion that is an easy one to help some of the pizzas or dishes that have a really creamy texture? Sprinkle a quality Parmesan cheese over it! It’s got enough salt to kick up ricotta cheese which can be very creamy and bland on some of the white pizzas.

Again it’s great, this is a personal preference only, I would definitely get the pizza again.

The other pizza was custom ingredients by my fiancé and it was perfect just the way it was. I want to say he had peppers onions mushrooms and I think he had a meat on it as well. It was great!

Lastly, really like their spaghetti sauce. We had eaten months ago at Buca and couldn’t stand the sauce. It was a shame because the food was decent but the spaghetti sauce was not good. Johnny Tomatoes spaghetti sauce? Really good.

Lastly, we had the rice balls. They were good, be aware they are not like Arancini. These were - again I think because of the ingredients bland, but excellent portions. They are very large.

Note: I did end up realizing that I expected them to be like the Arancini with meat - versus this type which was more rice-based. Once I realized it was MY expectation that was wrong? I would tell folks to try it absolutely! Just know that it is a different dish. It is creamy, and it literally is a rice ball. I think Parmesan cheese, sausage in it, would be great.

We...

If you’re craving an authentic slice that transports you straight to the heart of New Jersey or New York, Johnny Tomatoes Pizzeria is an absolute must-visit. This gem of a pizzeria nails the art of crafting pizza so true to its roots that it could rival any legendary joint in the Tri-State area. From the first bite to the last, my experience here was nothing short of spectacular, and I’m already counting down the days until my next visit. Let’s start with the star of the show: the pizza itself. The dough is, without exaggeration, a masterpiece. It’s the kind of crust that makes you rethink everything you thought you knew about pizza. Perfectly thin yet sturdy, with just the right amount of chew and a golden, slightly crisp edge, it’s clear that Johnny Tomatoes has perfected their dough recipe. I’m someone who usually leaves the crust behind, but here? I devoured every last bite, savoring the subtle, bready flavor that only comes from high-quality ingredients and skilled hands. It’s the kind of crust that makes you wonder why every pizzeria doesn’t aim this high. The sauce is another triumph, striking a flawless balance of tangy, sweet, and savory. It’s a medley of seasonings that dances on your palate—herbs and spices that are bold yet harmonious, never overpowering the other components. You can tell it’s made with care, likely simmered to coax out every ounce of flavor from ripe tomatoes. It’s not too heavy or overly acidic, just a vibrant, fresh-tasting sauce that complements the pizza’s other elements perfectly. And then there’s the cheese. Oh, the cheese! Tangy, stretchy, and stellar, it’s everything you want in a classic NJ/NY-style pie. It melts into that gooey, golden blanket that pulls apart in long, satisfying strings with every bite. The flavor is robust, with just the right amount of saltiness to keep you coming back for more. It’s clear Johnny Tomatoes doesn’t skimp on quality, using cheese that elevates the pizza from great to unforgettable. Beyond the food, the atmosphere at Johnny Tomatoes is equally impressive. The pizzeria is spotlessly clean, with a modern yet cozy vibe that makes you feel right at home. The space feels fresh and updated, with sleek countertops, bright lighting, and a layout that’s both functional and inviting. It’s the kind of place where you can grab a quick slice or linger with friends over a whole pie, and either way, you’ll feel comfortable. The service is the cherry on top of an already phenomenal experience. The girls behind the counter were an absolute delight—polite, kind, and genuinely enthusiastic about what they do. They greeted every customer with warm smiles, took orders with efficiency, and even offered recommendations when I couldn’t decide between toppings. Their friendliness made the visit feel personal, like I was a regular even on my first trip. It’s rare to find service this attentive in a casual setting, and it truly sets Johnny Tomatoes apart. In short, Johnny Tomatoes Pizzeria is a love letter to NJ/NY-style pizza, executed with precision and passion. The impeccable dough, flavorful sauce, and top-notch cheese create a pizza that’s as close to perfection as it gets. Pair that with a clean, welcoming environment and stellar service, and you’ve got a pizzeria that’s worth every bit of praise. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, do yourself a favor and stop by Johnny Tomatoes. Your taste buds will thank you. Rating: 5/5 Stars Highly recommended for pizza lovers and anyone who appreciates a truly exceptional...

This was my second time ordering from Johnny Tomatoes. My wife ordered a large cheese pizza and requested curbside pickup. I went to pick up the pizza and the parking lot was full. I called for my curbside pickup but no one answered. I decided to put my mask on and go in. When I entered I was shocked to see customers waiting in line with no masks on. I understand that it is the choice of each individual customer whether to wear a mask or not. I totally respect that this is a choice for the customer. However, when the state has mask mandate I expect that if you operate a business (especially a restaurant) within the state that you and your employees wear a mask especially if the employees have direct contact with the customer. To my surprise, neither of the two employees at the counter were wearing masks or any kind of face covering. There was also not proper social distancing between customers at the counter. I found all this very concerning and made sure I took the proper steps when I left and got home. When I got home I opened the pizza box to find out that I did not get what we ordered. We ordered a cheese pizza and got something that was not even close to just being cheese. I decided to call and let them know. When I called I talked to a young lady who didn't really seem to care. She didn't offer to fix the problem she just apologized. I ended up throwing the pizza out, no one in my house likes what I received. Might as well of burnt the money. I liked the pizza I got the first time, but obviously not tonight. I know everyone has a bad day and I don't expect perfection but I do expect to get what I ordered. If I do not, and call I expect a satisfactory option to correct the issue. I hope you correct these issues but I personally will not be back due to the obvious of lack of care and concern for the customer (wearing a mask during a pandemic), and not offering to solve the issue of an...