The 10 Best Pizzerias Across Connecticut’s Pizza-Loving Towns
Connecticut has earned its spot on the pizza map with distinctive styles and legendary institutions that keep fans coming back for more.
New Haven’s iconic “apizza” holds a cult-like status, while tavern-style pies in Hartford bring their own irresistible charm.
Locals swear by it, travelers seek it out, and these 10 pizzerias showcase the very best of the state’s proud, time-honored pizza tradition.
1. Sally’s Apizza – Charred Perfection Since 1938
Founded by Salvatore Consiglio, nephew of Frank Pepe, Sally’s carries on the family tradition of exceptional New Haven-style pizza with its own distinctive touch.
The tomato pie here achieves cult-like status – a beautifully charred crust topped with tangy sauce and just a sprinkle of pecorino. No mozzarella needed on this purist’s delight.
While they’ve expanded to new locations, the original Wooster Street spot maintains that old-world charm with its vintage booths and credit-card payments.
2. Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana – New Haven’s Pizza Royalty
Locals simply call it ‘Pepe’s’ – a New Haven institution since 1925 that pioneered Connecticut’s distinctive coal-fired ‘apizza’ style.
Their legendary white clam pie combines freshly shucked clams with garlic, oregano, and olive oil on a perfectly charred crust. No mozzarella needed!
Visit during off-peak hours to avoid the inevitable line that forms outside this Wooster Street landmark. The thin, crispy, slightly oblong pies are worth every minute of the wait.
3. Modern Apizza – State Street’s Brick-Oven Gem
Operating since 1934, Modern might not get the tourist attention of its Wooster Street neighbors, but locals know it deserves equal praise.
The Italian Bomb is their signature creation – a sturdy yet thin crust loaded with bacon, sausage, pepperoni, mushroom, onion, pepper, and garlic. My cousin once ate three slices and claimed he didn’t need to eat again for two days.
Modern’s brick ovens create a distinct flavor profile that sets their pies apart from coal-fired competitors.
4. Zuppardi’s Apizza – West Haven’s Clam Pie Paradise
Family-owned since the 1930s, Zuppardi’s maintains old-world pizza traditions with uncompromising quality.
Unlike some competitors, Zuppardi’s waits to shuck their clams until after you order, ensuring the freshest possible clam pie. The difference is immediately noticeable in both flavor and texture.
Their sausage is made in-house using a family recipe that hasn’t changed in generations, offering a taste of authentic Italian-American heritage with every bite.
5. Roseland Apizza – Derby’s Hidden Pizza Treasure
Tucked away in Derby since 1935, this unassuming spot serves some of Connecticut’s most distinctive pies.
Roseland’s sauce-forward approach creates a perfect balance with their slightly thicker crust. The special shrimp pizza remains a local favorite that regulars order without even glancing at the menu.
I remember my grandfather bringing home Roseland pies for special occasions – the rich aroma filling the car was almost as satisfying as the first bite.
6. BAR – New Haven’s Mashed Potato Pizza Pioneer
Part brewery, part nightclub, part pizzeria, BAR breaks all the rules with delicious results.
Their signature mashed potato and bacon pie sounds bizarre until you try it – creamy potatoes spread over a thin crust with crispy bacon bits and a garlic kick. The contrast of textures creates an unexpectedly perfect bite.
BAR’s late-night hours make it a favorite among Yale students and night owls seeking substantial sustenance after an evening of revelry.
7. First & Last Tavern – Hartford’s Historic Pizza Institution
Since 1936, First & Last has been serving Hartford residents tavern-style pies in an atmosphere rich with local history.
Their crisp, thin-crust pizzas come loaded with toppings that extend right to the edge, making every bite flavorful. The sausage and pepper pie remains a timeless favorite, featuring house-made Italian sausage with the perfect spice blend.
Regulars know to arrive during happy hour for the best combination of value and atmosphere in this Hartford institution.
8. Bohemian Pizza & Tacos – Litchfield’s Quirky Fusion Spot
Housed in a colorful, art-filled space, Bohemian breaks all the rules by expertly combining two beloved food categories.
Their pizzas reflect the eclectic atmosphere with creative combinations like the Taco Pizza, which brilliantly merges their dual specialties. The unexpected fusion works surprisingly well.
A friend dragged me here years ago despite my skepticism about the concept. Three bites in, I was already planning my next visit to try more of their inventive menu in this whimsical, vibrant setting.
9. Domenick & Pia Downtown Pizzeria – Waterbury’s Beloved Slice Shop
This downtown Waterbury institution keeps things refreshingly simple in an era of gourmet pizza experimentation.
Their rectangular sheet pizzas feature a distinctive thin yet airy crust that supports generous toppings without becoming soggy. The pepperoni remains the bestseller, with perfectly curled cups that crisp at the edges.
Lunchtime brings a diverse crowd of office workers, shoppers, and longtime residents who’ve been enjoying these slices since childhood.
10. Letizia’s Pizza – Norwalk’s Crispy Crust Specialists
Family-owned for generations, Letizia’s has perfected the art of the well-done pizza that keeps loyal customers coming back.
Their signature move? A thin crust cooked until it achieves that perfect crackling texture while maintaining a tender interior. The sausage and onion pie showcases this technique beautifully.
When ordering, locals know to request their preferred doneness level. ‘Extra crispy’ fans are rewarded with a crust that shatters pleasantly with each bite, creating a textural experience unlike any other Connecticut pizzeria.