If you are looking for gourmet pizza, Gianni’s is the place to go. With locations all over the Monmouth County, including Little Silver, Red Bank, Oakhurst, Colts Neck, and Neptune.

They serve unique Italian cuisine including pasta, salads, sandwiches, and of course, pizza. In the summer, at select locations, one can even enjoy a cup of Uncle Louie G’s Italian ice.

Gianni’s is different than the usual pizzeria. Instead of serving the usual pizza with a choice of toppings, Gianni’s features specialty thin crust gourmet pizza. Examples of these pizzas are Vodka, Chicken Parmigiana, and Eggplant Rosette all which are $15.95 for a medium and $17.95 for a large. While these pies might be pricey, they are one of a kind, and are difficult to find at other places. A Gianni’s favorite is the ¨Grandma’s Pie¨ which is made out of thin crust Sicilian crust, and includes homemade tomato sauce with fresh mozzarella, garlic, and basil. This pie only comes in one size that costs $17.95  and is rectangular instead of circular. Of course, customers always have the option to go basic and purchase the Neapolitan, which is a classic cheese pizza with sauce. It costs $11.50 for a medium and $13.00 for a large plus $2.25-$2-75 if you want to add toppings.

The specific Gianni’s I go to is in Oakhurst on Monmouth Road. As soon as you walk into the restaurant you will see a counter displaying all the pies and slices they have ready to eat after preheating. To the right is the cash register where you pay for you order. To the left, and proceeding to the back of the big pizzeria, are several tables. The back and front of the restaurant are separated by two steps that create slightly two different floors.

The pizza that I have the tasted  is the thin specialty pizza called Ricotta. The pie is a slight twist on white pizza and contains mozzarella cheese topped with whole milk ricotta, grated romano cheese, and a touch of fresh garlic. Because the pie has so few ingredients, it is slightly cheaper than the other specialty pies, and is $12.95 for a medium and $14.95 for a large.

When I first bit into the warm gooey slice, I immediately tasted the hint of garlic. The delicious combinations of cheeses mixed perfectly, while the oil wasn’t obnoxiously dripping off the slice, but was still existent. The crust was soft but still thin enough so the pizza wasn’t too doughy. Overall, it was the most unique white pizza I have ever had and provided an extra flavor that is absent in most white pies.

Local pizzerias should watch out because Gianni’s pizzerias have taken over the area and are selling one of a kind pizza.