One bite, and you’ll never look at pizza the same way again.
There’s pizza, and then there’s New Haven apizza (pronounced “ah-BEETZ”). Whether you’re an apizza acolyte or simply someone who respects the perfect combination of crip, char, and chew, then the New Haven Pizza Trail is calling you.
Here in New Haven, we take our pizza seriously – like, lifelong debates over “my spot is better than yours” and multi-generational family tradition seriously. That’s what makes our city, the nation’s pizza capital, the home of America’s greatest slice. And if you know you know, that was a trick. We don’t eat apizza by the slice, we count our blessings in pies.
But what makes New Haven’s apizza so special? It’s not just the name. Our coal-fired masterpieces have been turning skeptics into die-hard fans for generations with their distinctive characteristics: crispy crust with the perfect char and a chewy interior, the smokiness that comes only from a coal-fired oven, and high-quality toppings atop a notably lighter blanket of cheese.
The best way to explore New Haven’s pizza scene is neighborhood by neighborhood. You can literally stroll from one legendary pizzeria to the next, walking off those slices before diving into the next culinary adventure.
New Haven’s pizza scene isn’t just about the crust, sauce, and cheese – it’s about history, culture, and a bite of the good life. From coal-fired classics that have stood the test of time to innovative newcomers pushing the boundaries of what apizza can be, our small Connecticut city packs a serious punch when it comes to pizza perfection.
So grab your walking shoes (and your appetite) and join us for a pizza pilgrimage this summer. We crawl well with others.
Wooster Square
- Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana: The apizza legend that started it all. Known for its coal-fired ovens and iconic white clam pie, this is pure New Haven history on a plate.
- Sally’s Apizza: Family-run since 1938, Sally’s serves up charred, chewy perfection in every bite. A Wooster Street classic that draws lines for a reason.
- Zeneli Pizzeria e Cucina Napoletana: Albanian-owned and proudly Neapolitan, Zeneli brings serious craft to every wood-fired pie. Intimate, authentic, and full of heart.
East Rock
- Modern Apizza: Off the beaten path but never forgotten. This beloved State Street spot is known for its brick oven crisp and no-nonsense, flavor-packed pies.
- Atticus Market: This is the place where sourdough mastery meets apizza tradition, crafting pies with seasonal flair and a cult following.
- Ozzy’s Apizza: This latest East Rock addition is already a local favorite slinging coal-fired chaos with crispy crusts, metal riffs, and pure New Haven soul.
Downtown
- BAR: Home of the legendary mashed potato & bacon pizza (yes, really). This funky brewpub meets apizza icon is a must-visit, with house-made beers and a lively crowd.
- Marco Polo Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant: Tucked into the historic 9th Square, this spot delivers on classic pies with a cozy, old-school charm.
- Yorkside Pizza & Restaurant: A New Haven institution since 1969. Catch a game, grab a pie, and soak in the nostalgia.
Chapel West
- Est Est Est Pizza & Restaurant: Crispy crusts, tangy sauce, and a no-frills vibe—it’s all about the love of pizza here.
- Pizza at the Brick Oven: A late-night favorite serving crispy, topping-loaded pies, including the fan-favorite Mexican Pizza. Open late for your midnight cravings.
- Pizza House: Cozy, unpretentious, and serving up generous portions of cheesy, saucy goodness. Feels like your go-to neighborhood spot, even if you’re just visiting.
- Ricotta Kosher Pizza and Bakery: Delicious, kosher-certified apizza made with fresh ingredients and classic flavors. A must-try for a unique New Haven pie.
