15 Connecticut Pizza Spots That Outsiders Need To Try
Connecticut pizza stands in a league of its own, often overshadowed by its New York and Chicago rivals. The state’s unique ‘apizza’ tradition dates back to the 1920s, with thin-crust, coal-fired pies that have created cult followings and fierce local loyalties.
From the famous Wooster Street legends to hidden small-town gems, these 15 pizzerias showcase why Connecticut deserves serious respect in the pizza world.
1. Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana: The Original Coal-Fired Legend
Established in 1925, Frank Pepe’s sits at the throne of New Haven pizza royalty. The white clam pie here isn’t just food – it’s a cultural institution that draws pilgrims from across the country.
The coal-fired ovens create that distinctive char on a thin, chewy crust that somehow remains crisp.
I still remember my first bite at Pepe’s, that perfect balance of smokiness and salt had me converted instantly to the Connecticut way.
2. Sally’s Apizza: The Wooster Street Rival Worth The Wait
Founded by Pepe’s nephew, Sally’s has fueled a friendly family rivalry since 1938. The tomato pie here shines with bright, vibrant sauce spread across a perfectly charred crust.
Sally’s smaller operation means longer waits, but locals know it’s worth every minute.
The thin-stretched dough develops those magical blackened bubbles that pizza aficionados dream about while the interior stays tender and chewy.
3. Modern Apizza: The State Street Institution
Operating since 1934, Modern might be the locals’ best-kept secret. The Italian Bomb – loaded with bacon, sausage, pepperoni, mushroom, onion, pepper, and garlic – tests the structural integrity of their perfect crust.
Back in college, my roommate from Connecticut insisted we drive an hour just for Modern. After one bite, I never questioned his pizza judgment again.
Their brick ovens impart a subtle smokiness that elevates every topping.
4. BAR: The Mashed Potato Pizza Pioneer
Part brewery, part nightclub, all pizza paradise. BAR revolutionized Connecticut pizza with their mashed potato pie – a carb-lover’s dream topped with creamy potatoes, bacon, and garlic.
The industrial-chic space fills with college students and locals alike, creating an energetic backdrop for pizza innovation.
Their house-brewed beers perfectly complement the crispy-bottomed, puffy-edged pies that emerge from their gas-fired brick oven.
5. Zuppardi’s Apizza: West Haven’s Family Treasure
Family-owned since 1934, Zuppardi’s represents pizza tradition at its finest. Their fresh clam pie, topped with clams shucked to order, outshines almost every seafood pizza in New England.
When I visited with my dad last summer, three generations of the Zuppardi family were working side by side.
That commitment to family craftsmanship translates directly to the flavor of their hand-formed crusts and house-made sausage that’s applied in plump, juicy chunks.
6. Roseland Apizza: Derby’s Hidden Gem
This unassuming roadside spot has been serving exceptional pies since 1935. The marinated shrimp pizza represents their willingness to push boundaries while honoring tradition.
Roseland’s dining room feels frozen in time, with wood paneling and red checkered tablecloths creating the perfect old-school atmosphere.
Their slightly thicker crust supports generous toppings while maintaining that essential New Haven-style char and chew that pizza purists demand.
7. Zeneli Pizzeria: Neapolitan Excellence on Wooster Street
The Zeneli brothers brought authentic Neapolitan techniques to New Haven’s pizza paradise in 2019. Their wood-fired oven creates the signature leopard-spotted crust that puffs dramatically around the edges.
While newer than its legendary neighbors, Zeneli honors pizza’s Italian roots with imported ingredients and traditional methods.
The Diavola balances spicy soppressata atop their airy, tender crust.
8. Letizia’s Pizza: Norwalk’s Thin-Crust Tradition
Three generations of pizza expertise shine through in Letizia’s perfectly consistent pies. Their ultra-thin crust somehow supports generous toppings without sacrificing its distinctive cracker-like snap.
The modest storefront belies the flavor powerhouse within. My aunt, who lives nearby, claims she’s ordered the same sausage and mushroom combo every Friday for twenty years.
That’s the kind of loyalty Letizia’s inspires with their no-frills, all-flavor approach.
9. Colony Grill: Home of the Legendary Hot Oil Bar Pie
This Stamford institution began as an Irish tavern in 1935 but became famous for thin-crust bar pies drizzled with spicy oil. The signature hot oil pie delivers a slow-building heat that enhances rather than overwhelms.
Colony’s minimalist approach – no slices, no fancy toppings, just perfect pizza – creates an experience that’s about pure flavor.
The thin, almost cracker-like crust provides the perfect canvas for their signature hot oil and stingers (hot peppers).
10. Riko’s Pizza: Fairfield County’s Bar Pie Sensation
Riko’s elevates the bar pie concept with impossibly thin crusts and creative topping combinations.
Their signature hot oil carries just enough heat to wake up your taste buds without overwhelming the other flavors.
What began as a small Stamford spot has expanded throughout Fairfield County, bringing their distinctive style to pizza lovers across southwestern Connecticut.
The salad pizza, topped with cold greens after baking, offers a refreshing twist on traditional pies.
11. Willington Pizza House: Red Potato Pizza Pioneers
This unassuming roadside spot gained fame for their innovative red potato pizza, a masterpiece topped with sliced potatoes, bacon, and a blend of cheeses.
The contrast between crispy crust and creamy potatoes creates textural magic.
Located near UConn, generations of students have formed core memories around these creative pies.
During my college road trip through New England, we detoured 30 miles just to try their legendary potato pizza, a decision none of us regretted.
12. Krust Pizza Bar: Middletown’s Bourbon and Pizza Heaven
Krust brilliantly pairs wood-fired artisanal pizzas with one of Connecticut’s best bourbon selections.
The charred crust develops complex flavors from local hardwoods, creating the perfect foundation for their creative topping combinations.
The industrial-chic atmosphere in this converted factory space provides a modern contrast to Connecticut’s older pizza institutions.
Their Brussels sprout pizza with pancetta and balsamic glaze demonstrates their perfect balance of tradition and innovation.
13. Stanziato’s Wood-Fired Pizza: Danbury’s Artisanal Gem
Stanziato’s champions local ingredients and artisanal techniques to create distinctively Connecticut pies with a gourmet twist. The wood-fired oven imparts subtle smokiness to their chewy, blistered crust.
Their commitment to quality shows in house-made mozzarella that stretches perfectly with each bite.
The bee sting pizza – topped with sopressata, honey, and hot oil – creates a magnificent sweet-spicy-savory balance that showcases their flavor mastery.
14. Bohemian Pizza & Tacos: Litchfield’s Eclectic Pizza Paradise
This quirky spot perfectly captures Litchfield County’s artistic spirit with wildly creative pies alongside excellent tacos.
The buffalo chicken pizza with bleu cheese and ranch satisfies comfort food cravings with gourmet execution.
The funky, art-filled space feels more like your coolest friend’s living room than a restaurant.
Last autumn, we stopped in after apple picking nearby, and their seasonal butternut squash pizza with crispy sage convinced me that pizza innovation is alive and well.
15. Mystic Pizza: The Slice That Launched Julia Roberts
Made famous by the 1988 film, Mystic Pizza delivers solid pies that live beyond their Hollywood connection.
The seaside location adds charm to this pizza pilgrimage site where movie memorabilia shares space with busy pizza ovens.
While tourists flock for the movie connection, locals return for consistent quality and that signature slightly sweet sauce.
Their seafood pizza honors Mystic’s maritime heritage with fresh ingredients sourced from nearby waters.