Tramonto's Pizza in Ocean Township serves specialty pies that are out of this world

Detroit-style deep dish with crispy, cheesy crust, dripping in Mike's Hot Honey.

Or how about a seeded pizza, loaded with honey butter biscuit-fried shrimp in a boom boom sauce.

Is your mouth watering yet?

These pies and many more can be found at Tramonto's Pizza, which Teddy Megaris opened next to Sunset Diner in Ocean Township, a business his family has owned for over 20 years.

Along with dozens of pizza, the Tramonto's menu includes sliders, chicken and rice bowls, fried pasta blocks (think mozzarella sticks, but stuffed with pasta), loaded fries, subs made with Boar's Head products, and sweets like s'mores empanadas, funnel cake fries with strawberry sauce, and Nutella pizza.

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Teddy and his wife Leanna are challenging the stereotype that a large menu means a restaurant is choosing quantity over quality.

For them, it just means a bigger canvas.

“At the diner, I had to keep it classic, but with pizza, we can do anything … The sky's the limit."

Teddy, a professional photographer, considers the shop his "art studio."

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Try the penne vodka burrata, which comes with nearly two servings of homemade penne vodka, four burrata balls and fresh mozzarella.

Or the Sexy Italian, which is a white pie with prosciutto, homemade and freshly breaded chicken cutlets, roasted red peppers, ricotta, basil and balsamic glaze.

The Big Mac Attack has hamburger bits, American cheese, shredded cheese, homemade Mac sauce, and minced onions on a sesame seed crust.

And for the indecisive eater who wants to try it all, get the Tri-State Granny, a thin crust pie loaded with gooey cheese, and striped with three different kinds of sauce: a sweet marinara, a herby pesto and a decadent vodka.

“Everything is made homemade," Leanna said. "We make our short-rib in-house, bread the chicken cutlets."

“We even make homemade wing sauce,” Teddy added.

Gluten-free cauliflower pizza crust is available, and vegans can try the Portabella Mushroom pizza (with vegan cheese, portabella mushrooms and spinach). Other vegan options include chickpea bites, and veggie pasta (vegan linguini packed with mixed vegetables, tossed in garlic and olive oil).

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Teddy and Leanna remodeled everything from the floor boards to the custom-built bar to the stenciled walls decked out with pop-art, movie posters and family photos.

The restaurant was most recently Luigi's Pizza. But years ago, it was the Megaris family's bakery.

"I always told myself, one day we’re going to go back and make it right," he said. "And I’ve been on the block for 20 years. I’m a familiar face."

Sarah Griesemer contributed to this story.

Gabriela L. Laracca joined the USA TODAY NETWORK New Jersey in 2021 and eagerly brings her passion for cuisine and culture to our readers. Send restaurant tips to [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Tramonto's Pizza in Ocean Township serves specialty pies