If you spend enough time in New Haven, eventually someone will lean in close, lower their voice, and ask the only question that really matters here: Where do you get your pizza? This is not a polite inquiry but a challenge to your taste, loyalty, and local knowledge. Myself, I have circled the city from Wooster Street to State Street on the hunt for the next slice that will ruin me for all others. Nothing brings out New Haven’s true character quite like arguing the merits of a chewy, charred crust or whether a white clam pie tops them all.
New Haven pizza is an obsession. The style — often called “apizza” — is distinct, with a blistered crust, fresh ingredients, and a local history that runs deep. You’re joining a tradition that started in brick ovens almost a hundred years ago, and every spot in this guide has their loyal fans and story to tell. Whether you favor old-school icons or the new crowd-pleasers, you’re in the right place to find your next favorite slice. Want to taste what all the fuss is about? Let’s get into it.
Where to find the best pizza in New Haven, CT
Here are some of the top spots to find the best pizza in New Haven, CT:
- Modern Apizza
- Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana
- BAR – Pizza, Beer and Nightclub
- Zeneli Pizzeria
- Nolo
- Sally’s Apizza
- One6Three
- Ernie’s Pizzeria
- Yorkside Pizza & Restaurant
- Brazi’s Italian Restaurant
1. Modern Apizza
Modern Apizza lives at the intersection of crispy crust and fiery brick oven devotion. Tucked on State Street since 1934, this landmark leans firmly into classic New Haven flavor with just the right singe around the edge. The scent hits before you even walk in: tomato, garlic, and that unmistakable wood-fired promise.
Sit at a checkered table and watch the staff weave pizzas in and out of the oven, old-school style. I’m convinced the standout is their Italian Bomb, a hearty, no-shortcuts pie stacked with peppers, sausage, mushrooms, and more — it’s a slice of New Haven storytelling. For purists, the plain mozzarella lets the crust shine.
Modern isn’t showy, it’s just quietly excellent — and always worth the second slice.
2. Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana
The aroma outside Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana tells its own story: nearly a hundred years of wood-fired magic and a line that never seems to dwindle. Walking in, there’s a buzz that feels almost sacred. I remember waiting for my first table here. When the server set down that bubbling, crisp pie, I understood the legend instantly.
Pepe’s signature is the famed white clam pizza — garlicky, briny, and loaded with fresh littleneck clams. It’s unmistakably New Haven, and no other pizzeria dares it quite like Pepe’s. The tomato pie, simple and bold, is another timeless favorite that brings regulars back week after week.
Strong traditions and a devotion to doing things right set Frank Pepe apart. This isn’t just pizza, it’s a rite of passage for anyone serious about New Haven flavors.
3. BAR – Pizza, Beer and Nightclub
BAR is where pizza meets late-night fun and a local craft pint. The gleam of the brick oven welcomes you before the dance floor does, and the vibe is always lively. My first time, a friend insisted I try the signature mashed potato pizza — a flavor mashup I’d never seen elsewhere. The result? Creamy, crisp, and garlicky, it’s a New Haven classic in its own right.
BAR isn’t afraid to rethink the rules. Their pies offer a crisp, chewy base with creative toppings, made for sharing at a crowded table. The space feels like part pizza haven, part energetic gathering spot.
Order the mashed potato pie or go half-and-half with something more traditional. Either way, it’ll change your mind about what pizza can be.
4. Zeneli Pizzeria
Zeneli Pizzeria on Wooster Street is where traditional Neapolitan techniques and New Haven’s appetite meet in style. One evening, I sat near the oven, watching the pizzaiolo work dough into impossibly airy rounds, each emerging with a soft center and charred edge. There’s a heritage here — not just in recipes, but in how every pizza is crafted from scratch.
The mozzarella is house-made and the tomatoes carry a sun-ripened sweetness that stands out. You get the sense that every ingredient tells a story, starting from the family’s roots in Albania and Naples, all the way to New Haven.
Order the Margherita or Bufala to see what Zeneli does best: simple, honest flavors that let the crust and cheese shine. It’s a slice of Naples in pizza-obsessed New Haven.
5. Nolo
Nolo is the go-to for anyone craving inventive pizza in a relaxed, stylish space on State Street. When I walked in, the mix of modern décor and the aroma of baking dough set the mood — casual, but with attention to detail. Here, wood-fired pies come out blistered and full of bold, balanced flavor.
Their Hot Oil pie stands out, delivering just the right kick while letting the fresh cheese and chewy crust shine. For something different, try their Honey Pie, where sweet meets savory in a way that surprises but never overwhelms.
Nolo’s menu is creative while staying true to New Haven’s pizza standards. Gluten-free and vegan options mean everyone gets a pie worth bragging about.
6. Sally’s Apizza
Sally’s Apizza is pure New Haven tradition, right down to the rattle of pans in the open kitchen. My first night here came with a wait outside and the promise that every minute would be worth it. There’s something about the crackle of the thin crust at Sally’s that sets the tone: bold, blistered, full of character.
Their tomato pie is a must — bright, tangy sauce over a cloudlike, chewy base, with just enough char to remind you of the old ovens. Order a classic mozzarella pie for the ideal mix of creamy cheese and subtle smoke, or try a fresh-tomato pie in summer for a seasonal twist.
Sally’s keeps things stripped down, letting each ingredient make its case, one hot slice at a time.
7. One6Three
One6Three puts a fun, modern spin on the New Haven pizza scene. The first time I stopped in, the staff’s energy matched the menu: creative, a little fearless, but always grounded in great technique. The space feels friendly for big groups and casual meals alike — the kind of spot that makes you want to linger.
Here, the Hot Chick pizza is a showstopper, built with spicy chicken, tangy sauce, and just enough cheese to keep things melty. For vegetarians, the Sweet & Spicy pie plays with jalapeño, pineapple, and balanced flavors you don’t expect to work so well together.
One6Three nails that rare trick of making both classic and inventive pies, always aiming to surprise and satisfy with every slice.
8. Ernie’s Pizzeria
Ernie’s Pizzeria is a true neighborhood gem tucked away on Whalley Avenue, where regulars are greeted by name and newcomers are treated like soon-to-be fans. My first slice here came after a long day, and it hit that perfect balance between comfort and craft. There’s nothing flashy — just genuine, Old-World-style pizza made with care.
The plain tomato and cheese pie comes out crisp-edged and deeply flavorful, letting the sauce and dough do all the talking. Try a vegetarian combo for a colorful medley atop that same perfect crust.
At Ernie’s, the focus is on simple, honest ingredients and a welcoming, no-fuss vibe that makes every visit memorable.
9. Yorkside Pizza & Restaurant
Yorkside Pizza & Restaurant sits right off the Yale campus, a fixture for students and locals craving comfort and consistency. Walking in, the vibe is easygoing, with bustling tables and a staff that seems to know everyone’s name. The first time I ducked in for a late lunch, the mix of pizza aromas and laughter felt unmistakably New Haven.
Their Greek-style pizza stands out, offering a light, crisp crust and toppings that don’t skimp on taste. The veggie pizza is loaded but never heavy, letting each fresh ingredient hold its own.
Yorkside manages to keep things simple but flavorful, and their menu offers something for everyone, from classic cheese to gluten-free pies. It’s a spot you’ll return to, slice after slice.
10. Brazi’s Italian Restaurant
Brazi’s Italian Restaurant balances old-school warmth with the serious business of pizza. My first visit was for a family dinner, where the atmosphere was as inviting as the freshly baked bread. You’ll spot families lingering over long meals and friends swapping stories over giant, flavorful pies.
Their Margherita pizza is a classic done right: thin, blistered crust, generous fresh basil, and bright sauce. For something more decadent, the vegetable-loaded primavera pie brings fresh crunch and color to every slice.
Brazi’s stands out by blending generous portions and genuine hospitality, making every table feel like home. It’s the kind of place where the pizza keeps coming — and so do the smiles.
More Things to Try in New Haven, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes New Haven pizza different from other styles?
New Haven pizza, or “apizza,” is known for its charred, chewy crust and thin, oblong shape. Baked in coal or wood-fired ovens, it’s typically less saucy, with a focus on simple, fresh toppings and a smoky flavor.
Which pizzerias are best for first-timers?
Frank Pepe, Sally’s Apizza, and Modern Apizza are legendary, and a perfect starting point for classic New Haven taste. For an inventive twist, try BAR or Zeneli.
Are there good vegetarian or vegan pizza options in New Haven?
Absolutely. Many spots offer vegetarian and vegan choices. Check out Zeneli’s Margherita, Nolo’s vegan pies, or Ernie’s for veggie combos.
Is gluten-free pizza available?
Yes. Several pizzerias, including Yorkside, Nolo, and Ernie’s, serve gluten-free crusts, so everyone gets a slice.
Do any pizzerias stay open late?
BAR is known for its late hours, as are other spots near Yale. It’s always best to check individual times, especially if you’re planning a late-night pizza run.