Bread and Salt

While Jersey City Heights was already a must-try food neighborhood and Jersey City has long been a pizza destination, the addition of Bread and Salt Bakery from James Beard Award-recognized Rick Easton, solidified its authority thanks to its Pittsburgh-born Roman-style pizza and smorgasbord of baked goods (which earned a raving New York Times review). The bakery opted for a preorder and pickup system during the pandemic, preparing pastries like Pangoccili, sandwiches like the Prosciutto & Mozzarella, and of course, pizza like the Whole Mozzarella and Whole Rosa—but now also offers walk-up service when it’s open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

As its name suggests, bread is the name of the game at this day-time bakery and café in Jersey City. Master baker Rick Easton is behind the place, and over the last two years he’s earned acclaim for his excellent Roman-style pizzas with simple toppings, alongside his focaccia barese, a softer style of focaccia that’s made with potatoes. He often garnishes those with tomatoes, olives, and oregano. It’s important to note that Bread & Salt is only open Friday through Sunday until 4 pm and there are tall tables outside for diners to stand and eat. And beyond bread, Easton offers seasonal soups, sandwiches, and veggie sides. Pro tip: Don’t miss the bombolini for dessert.

When Rick Easton opened Bread & Salt in 2019, his reputation as a bread and pizza baker had already been established at his Pittsburgh spot of the same name (but with “and” instead of “&”). The Heights version has lived up to the buzz with both Jersey and nearby NYC residents coming in droves for the ultra thin, crackly, light squares of pizza rossa topped with very tomato-forward sauce and not much else. Bread & Salt is currently only open on weekends, sometimes for pre-order and sometimes for walk up. Tip: come for the pizza but don’t miss the focaccia barese (or the mortadella sandwich.)