Anyone who knows anything about pizza knows that the best pizza in the U.S. can be found in New... Haven. Connecticut. Sorry, New York.
New Haven-style pizza, locally known as “apizza”, is a style of Neapolitan pizza that originated in 1925 at Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana. And guess what? It was an inspiration for the New York Style pizza.
I grew up nearby, where families were either Pepe's or Sally's devotees, fiercely loyal to whichever side they chose. My friend even had Pepe's cater her wedding rehearsal dinner—it is part of her family tradition, and that tomato sauce is just as thick as blood at this point.
For anyone traveling out to New Haven, however, you don't need to choose just one, take a little tour of all the best pizza spots: Franke Pepe's, Sally's, Da Legna, Bar, Modern, and Tony & Lucille's are our top picks. We sent photographer Navid nice work if you can get it Baraty out to shoot all of these pies recently, and you can click through for a look at what you can expect.
To get to New Haven from New York, simply hop on Metro-North in Grand Central, it will get you there in about 120 minutes. During off-peak times, a round trip will cost you $32.50. Driving? It will take you about the same amount of time give or take 20 minutes. You can even schedule a Pizza & Pints bike tour for you and some friends, for an easy way around to all the pie-slingers.
Currently, New Haven is celebrating National Pizza Month, so all of the top spots are offering unique menu items... but you can never go wrong with a classic tomato or white clam pie.
