Jeff’s Pizza Stuns Dave Portnoy With New Haven-Style Pie in East Providence

It's New Haven pizza without driving to New Haven.

Noted pizza authority Dave Portnoy recently visited Jeff's Pizza in East Providence, Rhode Island, and gave a rave review.

"I was wicked nervous. My hands wouldn’t stop shaking when I cut the pie and slid it into the box. What a cool experience, super humbled. Just...honestly grateful. Very grateful," owner Jeff Stafford said on Instagram.

A Visit From Dave Portnoy

Portnoy is known for his "One Bite" reviews, trying hundreds of pizza shops from across the country and in just a bite (or two), judges the pies.

For local restaurants, being featured can mean a major boost in business, putting them on the map for pizza lovers and attracting new customers.

READ MORE: Dave Portnoy Finds the Best Pizza on Cape Cod

"Honored he stopped by. A real once in a lifetime thing for a small pizzeria like ours," Stafford said in his IG post.

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Inside the One Bite Review

Portnoy seemed pretty blown away by the whole experience. "Veteran move by the way, not closing the box," he said when receiving the pizza.

A pro move, in my opinion, if you're looking to maintain a crispy crust.

READ MORE: Massachusetts Pizzeria Scores Highest Ever Rating From Barstool Sports' Dave Portnoy

The Barstool founder cited a good "undercarriage" on the pie, noting the integrity of the dough.

His reviews typically happen outside the locations he visits, but after a couple of quick bites, he went inside to speak with the owner.

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Why? Well, he wanted to know how Jeff would describe the style. "I would say it's a New Haven meets New York," Stafford said.

Portnoy agreed.

"If you like New Haven style, this is as close as I've had around here," he said. "This is an 8.1 pizza to me. I love this style. It's close enough to New Haven where he can get away with saying it's New Haven-style pizza."