Discovering New Haven Pizza: A Must-Visit for Pizza Lovers

Introduction to New Haven and Its Unique Pizza

As a pizza enthusiast hailing from Brooklyn, I spent my challenging childhood in Massachusetts dreaming of the food scene there. Growing up, I often heard that "you can't find good pizza here," and that sentiment stuck with me. If there's a signature pizza in New England, it's the Greek pizza: baked in a pan with a generous amount of oil, resulting in a fluffy crust and plenty of rich cheese. However, I was always taught that New York-style pizza is the pinnacle, with its thin crust, sweet tomato sauce, and foldable slices. So, when I arrived in New Haven, Connecticut, and learned that it proudly claims to be the "Pizza Capital of America," I was taken aback. It felt akin to Derek Jeter comparing himself to the legendary Babe Ruth.

New Haven Pizza: More Than Just a Pie

With a population of under 140,000, I was skeptical that this place could be a pizza hub. I knew about Yale University being located here, but that was about it. Luckily, I met Colin Caplan, a pizza expert and New Haven historian, who helped me dive deeper into the unique style of New Haven pizza and the pride the locals take in it.

Caplan explained that New Haven pizza is not just about the ingredients; it's also about the method of preparation. Characterized by its elongated shape and thin crust, the pizza is baked at high temperatures in a coal-fired oven. Interestingly, the pizza here is often referred to as "apizza," pronounced almost like "ah-beetz" — a legacy from the Neapolitan dialect of the early 20th-century immigrants who settled in New Haven. While it may sound strange at first, you'll get used to the pronunciation as you mingle with the locals.

Notable Pizza Spots in New Haven

If there's one standout pizza place in New Haven, it's Frank Pepe's Pizzeria Napoletana. This iconic pizzeria has been serving slices for over a century and frequently has long lines of eager patrons. Frank Pepe is credited with creating the modern pizza box back in 1936. Upon entering Pepe's, I was immediately drawn to the massive coal oven, three times the size of any I had seen before.

We tried their "tomato pie" topped with tomato sauce, garlic, olive oil, and a sprinkle of Pecorino Romano cheese. For me, the simplicity of this dish is its beauty. The "clam pie," loaded with littleneck clams, garlic, oregano, cheese, and olive oil, is a fantastic combination that I highly recommend for those looking to savor New England's fare without spending time in a seafood restaurant.

More Pizza Places in New Haven

After leaving Frank Pepe, we headed to Sally’s Apizza, founded in 1938 by Salvatore “Sal” Consiglio, Frank Pepe's grandson. Inside Sally’s, the cozy atmosphere is adorned with memorabilia signed by various famous artists. Caplan was surprised when I declined a local soda, wanting to save room for pizza. He respected my decision.

Modern Apizza, located less than a 20-minute walk away, offers a similar style of pizza but with a thicker crust and more cheese, resembling New York-style pizza. Meanwhile, Zeneli Pizzeria e Cucina Napoletana serves pizzas baked in a wood-fired oven, imparting a distinct Italian flavor to their pies.

Unique Pizza in New Haven

When we stopped by Bar New Haven, a blend of pizzeria, brewery, and nightclub, I tried a unique creation: Mexican street corn pizza — an unexpected delight topped with mozzarella, queso fresco, chipotle sauce, corn, and crunchy Takis. This was one of the most delicious pizzas I've ever had, and I shared with Caplan all the varieties of pizza I had enjoyed during my travel journalism journey.

A Must-Visit Destination for Pizza Lovers

Every pizza lover should make it to New Haven at least once, even if they don't have a dedicated pizza album. Visiting here is akin to a baseball fan making a pilgrimage to Cooperstown. New Haven's development of a unique and diverse pizza style showcases the artistry behind its pizza-making. Caplan even maintains an online map tracking all New Haven-style pizza spots around the world.

Useful Information for Vietnamese Travelers: If you plan to visit New Haven, you will need to apply for a US tourist visa. The processing time is about 2-3 weeks. Flights from Vietnam (SGN or HAN) to New York or Boston typically take around 16-20 hours, after which you can travel by bus or train to New Haven. A pizza meal here ranges from 200,000 VND to 400,000 VND depending on the type and location. Additionally, you can explore many other delicious dishes in New Haven for a complete culinary experience.

Article adapted and edited from: Matador Network