10 Best Pizza In Connecticut Where Tradition Meets Taste
Dive into Connecticut's best pizza in connecticut paradise 10 legendary joints serving up tradition & tastebud-exploding pies.
Dec 26, 20231311 Shares31980 Views
Oh, pizza from Connecticut! A symphony of crisp crust, zesty sauce, and melty cheese sings the famous American pizza chorus. Put an end to the stale notions that one particular style predominates in the state; Connecticut's pizza scene is a vibrant tapestry made of creativity, history, and a never-ending quest for flavor.
Indeed, and quite rightly so, New Haven receives a fair share of attention. The famous New Haven-style pie, which stands out for its thin, blackened crust and slightly scorched underside, is a product of its coal-fired ovens. But explore farther than Elm City, and you'll find an array of pizza options.
Go north to Fairfield County, where sausage and clam toppings come alive with smokey overtones from wood-fired ovens, which rule supreme. Traveling west to the Litchfield Hills will entice you with pies that are brimming with regional ingredients, such as handmade cheeses and farm-fresh greens. Pizzas piled high with seafood and smelling like the seashore can be found along the Long Island Sound.
Furthermore, that's only the mozzarella iceberg's tip. Connecticut's pizzaiolos are culinary outlaws who innovate by fusing classic recipes with novel ideas. Do you want to dip your pie in fiery chorizo or Thai chicken satay? You comprehend. Pesto and grilled veggies—delightful vegetarian fare? Not an issue. There are even dessert pizzas waiting to entice your sweet craving, dripping with mascarpone and Nutella.
Top 10 Must-Try Pizzerias In Connecticut
Connecticut's pizza scene is a vibrant tapestry woven from history, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of flavor. Forget the stereotypes; you'll find diverse styles and experiences beyond just the famous New Haven apizza. From coal-fired classics to wood-fired wonders and unexpected twists on tradition, here are 10 must-try pizzerias in Connecticut.
- Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana (New Haven) -The undisputed legend. Coal-fired ovens since 1925, birthing the iconic New Haven-style pie with its thin, blistered crust and charred undercarriage. Their White Clam pizza is a must-try.
- Sally's Apizza (New Haven) -Another New Haven legend, known for its no-frills atmosphere and focus on pure pizza perfection. Expect long lines and thin-crust masterpieces dripping with mozzarella and fresh toppings.
- BAR (New Haven) -Modern takes on tradition. This award-winning spot elevates the New Haven style with unique toppings like duck confit and clams casino. Their "Grandma Pie" is a crowd-pleaser.
- Zuppardi's Apizza (West Haven) -Family-owned since 1959, specializing in coal-fired pies with a thicker crust and generous toppings. Their "White Pizza" with clams and garlic is a local favorite.
- Colony Grill (Stamford) -Old-school charm meets innovative pies. Wood-fired ovens crank out classics like Margherita alongside creative options like the "Buffalo Chicken" pizza.
- Little City Pizza (Avon) -Beyond the big cities, gems like Little City shine. Known for their crispy thin-crust pizzas, fresh ingredients, and warm family atmosphere. Try the "Pesto Veggie" for a vegetarian delight.
- BAR YARD (Manchester) -Upscale gastropub meets pizza haven. Locally-sourced ingredients and creative toppings like fig and prosciutto make this a unique and delicious experience. Their "Spicy Sausage & Fennel" pizza is a standout.
- The Essex (Old Saybrook) -Waterfront views and wood-fired pizza perfection. Enjoy stunning scenery while digging into their signature "Lobster Pizza" or any of their classic Neapolitan-style pies.
- Brick & Basil Wood Fired Pizza Co. (Various Locations) -A statewide favorite, Brick & Basil brings the wood-fired goodness to multiple locations. Expect creative salads alongside their delicious pizzas, like the "Truffle Mushroom" or the "Fig & Gorgonzola.
- Apizza 95 (Newington) -Family-friendly neighborhood gem. Thin-crust pizzas with generous toppings and a relaxed atmosphere make it a perfect spot for a casual pizza night. Their "Hawaiian" pizza is surprisingly good.
Pizza Tasting Experiences In Connecticut
Forget passive snacking; Connecticut's pizza scene begs for interactive exploration! Delve into the heart of this vibrant dough kingdom with these unique pizza-tasting experiences:
- Guided Pizza Tours -Dive deep into the history and nuances of Connecticut's diverse pizza styles. Stroll through historic New Haven with an expert guide, sampling signature New Haven-style apizza at legendary spots like Frank Pepe's and Sally's. Venture beyond Elm City on themed tours exploring wood-fired wonders in Fairfield County or coastal seafood-infused pies by the Long Island Sound. Each bite comes with a side of insider stories and pizzaiolo wisdom.
- Hands-on Pizza Masterclasses -Don your apron and channel your inner pizzaiolo! Learn the magic of dough-tossing, sauce-crafting, and fire-tending under the guidance of experienced pizzaiolos. Master the art of the thin-crust stretch, discover the secrets of the perfect char, and create your own personalized pizza masterpiece. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned pizza lover, these classes are a guaranteed blast with flour-dusted memories to cherish.
- Private in-home pizza parties -Bring the pizzaiolo to your doorstep! Gather your friends and family and let Connecticut's pizza passion come to you. Professional pizzaiolos arrive with mobile ovens, fresh ingredients, and boundless enthusiasm. Learn the art of pizza making together, creating custom pies, sharing stories, and laughing over flour-dusted mishaps. It's an unforgettable experience that transforms your home into a vibrant, delicious pizzeria for an evening.
- "Build Your Own" Pizza Crawls -Unleash your inner pizza architect! Embark on a self-guided tour of local pizzerias, each offering unique toppings and styles. Start with a blank canvas (a plain pizza crust) and journey from pizzeria to pizzeria, adding toppings at each stop. From spicy chorizo at one spot to roasted vegetables at another, craft your ultimate pizza masterpiece, bite by bite.
- Pizza and Beer Pairings -Elevate your pizza experience with a carefully curated beer pairing. Explore the intricate connection between pizza flavors and craft brews at local breweries or pizzerias hosting these special events. Learn about hop profiles and malt combinations, discovering perfect complements to enhance your chosen pizza's unique nuances. It's a journey for both your taste buds and your beer-geek soul.
Family-Friendly Pizza Spots In Connecticut
Connecticut's pizza scene isn't just for adults. It's a haven for family fun, filled with pizzerias that welcome even the pickiest eaters with open arms (and cheesy ovens!). Here are some top spots to create lasting pizza memories with your little ones:
The Playful Palaces
- Amore Pizzeria (Wallingford) -Vibrant, colorful atmosphere with a dedicated kids' menu featuring smaller pizzas and fun shapes like dinosaurs. They even have a ball pit to keep the little ones entertained while you wait.
- Family Pizza Restaurant & Grill of Colchester -is spacious and family-oriented, with a large playground outside for post-pizza playtime. The menu features fun sides like mozzarella sticks and chicken fingers alongside their delicious pies.
- Pizza Works (Old Saybrook) -A miniature train display winds through the restaurant, captivating young minds. The menu caters to all ages, with kid-sized pizzas and even gluten-free options.
The Game-Changers
- Brewport (Bridgeport) -This brewpub offers arcade games and a spacious outdoor patio, perfect for families. The menu features classic pizzas alongside kid-friendly options like mac & cheese and burgers.
- Coalhouse Pizza (Stamford) -This modern spot has a dedicated "Kids Zone" with TVs and games, keeping the little ones occupied while you enjoy your meal. Their kid-sized pizzas come in fun shapes like hearts and stars.
- Family Pizza (Southington) -This family-owned gem has a game room with foosball and air hockey, ensuring everyone gets in on the fun. Their menu features kid-friendly classics like cheese and pepperoni, along with pasta and salads.
The Sweet Endings
- Pleasant Pizza (Manchester) -Top off your pizza feast with their homemade ice cream, available in a variety of kid-approved flavors. They even offer mini ice cream cakes, perfect for a birthday celebration.
- Ocean Pizza Restaurant & Seafood House (Norwich) -Not just pizza! This waterfront spot offers a kid's menu with fish and chips alongside smaller pizzas. Finish your meal with a walk on the pier, enjoying the fresh sea air.
- Friendly Pizza & Restaurant (Montville) -Their dessert menu features a "Create Your Own Sundae" option, letting your little ones unleash their creativity with toppings like sprinkles, hot fudge, and whipped cream.
Connecticut Pizza Festivals And Events
Forget Coachella; Connecticut's got pizza fests! If you're a true pizza enthusiast, mark your calendars because the Constitution State is brimming with events celebrating all things doughy and delicious. Here's a glimpse into the Connecticut pizza festival scene.
Connecticut Pizza & Brew Fest (Bridgeport)
This newcomer (July 16, 2023) is already making waves. Sample pies from Connecticut's top pizzerias, wash them down with local craft brews, and enjoy live music, pizza panels, and dough-tossing competitions. (Mark your calendars for the next edition!)
Apizza Feast (New Haven)
A free, annual tradition (September 15, 2023) in the heart of New Haven. College Street transforms into a pizza paradise, with food trucks, local craft beer, live music, and a celebration of New Haven's iconic apizza style.
Litchfield Hills Pizza Challenge (Various Locations)
This month-long extravaganza (January–February) takes you on a culinary adventure through the charming towns of Litchfield Hills. Sample pies at participating restaurants, vote for your favorites, and discover hidden pizza gems.
The Great New England Pizza Festival (East Hartford)
This regional gathering (June 10–11, 2023) brings together pizzerias from across New England. Enjoy live music, cooking demonstrations, and a chance to taste pizzas from different states and styles.
Mystic Pizza & Brew Festival (Mystic)
Set against the picturesque Mystic waterfront (August 12, 2023), this event features pizza from local restaurants, craft beers, and live music. Enjoy the maritime ambiance while savoring delicious pies and brews.
Tips
Purchase tickets in advance for major events, as they often sell out quickly.
- Bring your appetite and wear stretchy pants!
- Be adventurous and try different pizza styles.
- Don't forget to hydrate—pizza and beer can be thirsty work!
- Most importantly, have fun and celebrate the joy of Connecticut's diverse and delicious pizza scene.
Conclusion
A colorful tapestry woven with tradition, creativity, and a constant pursuit of flavor, Connecticut's pizza landscape boasts a variety of options, from the coal-fired classics of New Haven to the wood-fired wonders of Fairfield County. Get rid of the stale notions that one certain style predominates in the state and venture outside of the major cities to find hidden treasures like Manchester's Bar Yard and Avon's Little City Pizza, both of which provide delectable and distinctive experiences.
A classic margherita with fresh mozzarella or a unique twist like fig and prosciutto are just a couple of the options available at Connecticut's pizzerias. Put down the takeout menu and gather your friends because the Constitution State is waiting for some incredible pizza adventures.
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