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In 1976, Emilio Buonincontri opened a pizzeria in Budd Lake with little more than hard work and a dream of building a better life for his family. Fifty years later, Enzo’s Ristorante & Pizzeria is still run by his family, and the pizza sauce still follows his original recipe.
Enzo’s was named one of the 8 Best Italian Restaurants in Morris County, and in 2026 the Mount Olive favorite is celebrating five decades of serving the neighbors who have made it part of their birthdays, holidays and family dinners. We caught up with the Buonincontri family to hear how a small pizzeria grew into a three generation tradition.
Enzo’s Began With One Man’s Dream in 1976
Emilio came to America from Naples, Italy, and did not speak English when he arrived. What he did have was determination. He first established himself in Brooklyn, then took the chance to open a pizzeria in Budd Lake.
His son, Ernesto, known to everyone as Ernie, grew up working alongside him, making the daily trip from Brooklyn to Budd Lake and learning what sacrifice and dedication really meant. Years later, Ernie’s wife, Vincy, joined him in carrying the dream forward. She manages the kitchen and helped build the restaurant into what it is today.
Three Generations Keep the Family Tradition Going
Today, Ernie and his son Emilio carry on the father and son tradition that started with the elder Emilio in 1976. Three generations of the Buonincontri family have now been part of the restaurant’s story.
“What started as one man’s dream has grown into a family business that has served generations of customers who have celebrated their most meaningful moments with us,” the Buonincontri family told us. The homemade food and pizza recipes keep people coming back, but the family believes “it is the love, care, and personal connection behind every dish that truly make Enzo’s special.”
What to Order at Enzo’s on Your First Visit
The family’s advice for first timers is simple: come hungry and ask your server for a recommendation. A few dishes stand out.
- Zuppa di Pesce: calamari, mussels, clams, scungilli and scallops in homemade marinara with a touch of spice, served over pasta.
- Della Nonna pizza: a thin, crispy Sicilian style crust topped with homemade marinara, fresh mozzarella and basil.
- Sicilian pies: golden and crispy on the outside with a soft, airy center.
- The classics: chicken, veal and pasta dishes, plus rotating specials that showcase seasonal ingredients.
The Pizza Sauce Still Follows Emilio’s 1976 Recipe
Some things at Enzo’s have never changed. The pizza sauce is still made from Emilio’s original 1976 recipe, and the kitchen still prepares its food in house with an eye on consistency. When the family adds new dishes or seasonal specials, they build them on recipes passed down through the generations.
Treating every guest like family also means making room for different needs. The kitchen accommodates dietary and preparation requests, and the menu includes gluten free, dairy free and vegan options alongside the traditional dishes.
Live Music Fills the Dining Room Every Saturday Night
Every Saturday from 6 to 9 PM, Enzo’s hosts live music with a rotating lineup of vocalists, guitarists and pianists. The family keeps the volume light so tables can still talk, and separate dining rooms give guests a quieter option if they prefer. Whether you stop in for a quick slice, a full dinner with cocktails from the bar or a private celebration, there is a room for it.
Catering and Private Events for Every Kind of Celebration
Enzo’s hosts weddings, birthdays, graduations, corporate events and holiday gatherings. On premise events take place in the restaurant’s private dining spaces with sit down dinners or buffets, plus cocktail and wine selections.
For parties at home or the office, off premise catering offers a variety of menus. Depending on the package, the team can provide staffing, servers, setup, breakdown and cleanup.
An Italian Wine Dinner on November 5 Kicks Off the Holidays
On Thursday, November 5, 2026, at 6 PM, Enzo’s will host an Italian wine tasting dinner with five wine tastings paired with a five course meal. A wine professional will guide the evening, guests will be welcomed with complimentary prosecco and live music will round out the night. Call the restaurant at 973-691-1330 for details.
After that, the dining rooms get decorated for Christmas, and the family hosts Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve celebrations with food, live music and specialty cocktails. Holiday off premise catering is available too. Follow @enzospizzabuddlake on Instagram for upcoming events and specials.
A 50th Anniversary That Belongs to Mount Olive
After five decades in Budd Lake and Mount Olive, the family says its greatest accomplishment is the trust and relationships it has built with the community. Families who grew up eating at Enzo’s now bring their own children, and the restaurant gives back to local schools, sports teams, fundraisers and community causes.
“Mount Olive may be a small town, but it has an enormous heart,” the Buonincontri family told us. “This anniversary belongs just as much to our community as it does to our family.”
Visit Enzo’s Ristorante & Pizzeria in Budd Lake
- Address: 382 US Route 46, Budd Lake, NJ 07828
- Phone: 973-691-1330
- Hours: Monday to Thursday 11 AM to 10:30 PM, Friday and Saturday 11 AM to 11 PM, Sunday 12 PM to 10:30 PM
- Website: enzospizzabuddlake.com
- Instagram: @enzospizzabuddlake
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