New Haven, Connecticut has earned its reputation as one of America’s pizza capitals, offering a distinctive style known locally as “apizza.” This regional specialty features thin, coal-fired crusts with charred edges and simple but high-quality toppings. The best pizza places in New Haven include legendary establishments like Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, Sally’s Apizza, and Modern Apizza, which have been serving exceptional pies for decades and consistently rank among the top pizzerias in the country.
Locals and visitors alike flock to these iconic New Haven pizza destinations to experience authentic apizza. The tradition dates back nearly a century, with Frank Pepe opening its doors in 1925. What makes these pizzerias special isn’t just their history but their commitment to time-honored techniques and signature offerings like the famous white clam pizza. The New Haven-style pizza scene continues to thrive, drawing food enthusiasts from across the nation to this modest Connecticut city.
Get a discount of 15% to 70% on accommodation in Connecticut! Look for deals here:
Connecticut Hotels, Apartments, B&Bs
Iconic Pizza Places in New Haven
New Haven’s pizza scene stands apart with its coal-fired “apizza” tradition that dates back nearly a century. These legendary establishments have shaped American pizza culture and continue to draw food enthusiasts from around the world.
Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana
Frank Pepe, often simply called “Pepe’s,” is the undisputed godfather of New Haven pizza. Founded in 1925, this pizzeria pioneered the city’s signature thin-crust style that’s charred and crispy from coal-fired ovens.
Pepe’s most famous creation is their white clam pizza – a brilliant combination of fresh clams, garlic, olive oil, and grated cheese (no tomato sauce). This unique pie has earned national recognition and remains their signature offering.
The original Wooster Street location often has lines around the block. Pepe’s eventually expanded with a “Next Door” location to handle overflow and now has several locations throughout the Northeast. Despite expansion, they’ve maintained strict quality standards using the same coal-fired cooking technique that made them famous.
Sally’s Apizza
Just down the street from Pepe’s, Sally’s Apizza has been a fierce competitor since 1938. Founded by Salvatore Consiglio, Frank Pepe’s nephew, Sally’s maintains its own loyal following with slightly different pizza characteristics.
Sally’s is renowned for their tomato pie – a simple yet perfect combination of tomato sauce, a sprinkle of pecorino romano, and no mozzarella. Their thin crust emerges from the coal-fired oven with a distinctive char and chew that many fans consider unmatched.
The restaurant maintains a classic, no-frills atmosphere. Unlike some competitors, Sally’s has resisted major expansion, keeping their operation focused on their historic Wooster Street location. This commitment to tradition helps explain why many pizza purists consider Sally’s the most authentic New Haven pizza experience.
Modern Apizza
Modern Apizza, established in 1934, completes New Haven’s “Holy Trinity” of historic pizzerias. While slightly less famous to outsiders than Pepe’s or Sally’s, locals know Modern delivers equally exceptional New Haven-style apizza.
Modern’s Italian Bomb pizza (topped with bacon, sausage, pepperoni, mushroom, onion, pepper, and garlic) and their outstanding sausage pie draw particular praise. The crust emerges from their brick oven with the perfect balance of char, chew, and tenderness.
Located on State Street, slightly removed from the Wooster Street pizza scene, Modern typically offers shorter wait times while maintaining exceptional quality. Their welcoming atmosphere and consistent execution have earned them a dedicated following among Yale students and New Haven residents alike.
Unique Styles and Toppings
New Haven pizza, locally known as “apizza,” stands apart from other regional styles with its distinctive coal-fired thin crust and special toppings that celebrate local ingredients and Italian-American traditions.
White Clam Pizza
The White Clam Pizza represents New Haven’s signature contribution to American pizza culture. Frank Pepe’s Pizzeria Napoletana created this iconic pie, which features fresh littleneck clams, garlic, olive oil, oregano, and a touch of grated cheese—no tomato sauce.
The delicate seafood flavor pairs wonderfully with the charred, smoky crust. The clams arrive fresh from Rhode Island Sound waters, shucked daily in the restaurant kitchens.
Local tradition dictates enjoying this specialty immediately while the clams remain tender and juicy. Many pizza enthusiasts travel specifically to New Haven just to sample this unique creation that perfectly represents Connecticut’s coastal culinary heritage.
Specialty Pizzas
Beyond the famous clam pie, New Haven pizzerias offer remarkable specialty combinations that showcase tradition and creativity. The Italian Bomb stands as a monument to excess, piled with seven toppings including sausage and bacon.
The tomato pie represents New Haven’s purist approach—a simple yet perfect combination of crushed tomatoes, a sprinkle of pecorino romano, and olive oil on that distinctive charred crust. Many locals consider this the truest test of a pizzeria’s quality.
Other standout specialties include:
- White fresh tomato pie with mozzarella, basil, and garden-fresh tomatoes
- Mushroom and garlic combinations with premium olive oil
- Specialty sausage pies featuring locally-made Italian sausage
Seasonal Varieties
New Haven’s top pizzerias embrace seasonal ingredients to create limited-time offerings that highlight Connecticut’s agricultural bounty. Summer brings fresh tomato pies topped with local heirloom varieties, basil, and light cheese.
Fall introduces heartier combinations featuring local mushrooms, while winter specialties often include more robust toppings and cheese blends designed to satisfy during cold New England months.
Many establishments maintain close relationships with area farmers and seafood suppliers. Some pizzerias offer special weekend-only creations based on what’s freshest at local markets.
These seasonal offerings provide regulars with new experiences throughout the year and give visitors another reason to return.
Get a discount of 15% to 70% on accommodation in Connecticut! Look for deals here:
Connecticut Hotels, Apartments, B&Bs
Fairfield County
Hartford County
Litchfield County
Middlesex County
New Haven County
New London County
Tolland County
