Top Pizza In Connecticut
340 N. Elm St.
Canaan, CT 06018
(860) 824-1554
www.statelinepizzacanaan.com
To those who live in the Northwest Corner, there is no finer pizza than that at State Line – which is, just about literally, on the Connecticut-Massachusetts state line. This is the firmest pizza in the region. When diners pick up a slice, it does not flap down – it is as if the dough was made with the pizza equivalent of Viagra. The dough is firm, lightly sweet and chewy. The toppings are also amazing – especially the breaded eggplant, which is like having mini-eggplant parmesans all over the pizza. There is also a nice sit-down restaurant and bar, with a charming, friendly and attentive wait staff (many of them local college girls) and a full menu of big dinners, calzones, grinders, salads and, of course, pizza. The pizza comes in several sizes and shapes, including the massive party pizza, which has 30 square slices. Surprisingly affordable, State Line Pizza is to many the finest pizza not just in the Northwest Corner, but in the state.
163 Wooster St.
New Haven, CT 06511
(203) 865-5762
www.pepespizzeria.com
Frank Pepe was an immigrant from Italy who, along with his wife, began making their unique recipe pizza in 1925. Frank is long gone, but the family business and tradition lives on, not only at 163 Wooster Street, known as "The Spot" because it was the location of the first shop Pepe owned, but also at the nearby larger store a few doors down. The two New Haven stores are not competitors – they complement each other, as they are both always packed. Pepe's pizza is a religious experience for those who love pizza – and especially for those who grew up with Pepe's as part of their weekly ritual. The pizza has won many city, state and national awards (the white clam pizza, voted the best in the country by one magazine, is simply amazing). Pepe's won another award, of sorts, this sprin, when local boy Alex Deibold brought home the bronze for snowboarding from the Olympics; Alex is the nephew of Frank Pepe's grandson, Tony Roselli.
35 Lake Ave. Extension
Danbury, CT 06811
(203) 885-1057
wwww.stanziatos.com
To be voted "Best Pizza in the Universe" is no small matter, but neither is it much of an overstatement, because the pie at Stanziato's in Danbury is just about that good. This is gourmet pizza – which means it is a little more expensive than the average pizza parlor pie. It does, however, live up to its reputation of being "a memorable experience," perhaps because it uses the farm-to-table model of choosing ingredients from local sources as much as possible. That even goes for the teas, coffees and pastries on the menu, all of which come from other local vendors (Harney & Sons Teas from Millerton, Redding Roasters coffee from Bethel, etc.). The atmosphere for dining in is very simple and Spartan, but one bite of one of these specialty pies will make any diner forget they are sitting on hard chairs in a pizza parlor in Danbury – instead, they will think they are sitting on a cloud in pizza heaven.
179 Union Ave.
West Haven, CT 06516
(203) 934-1949
www.zuppardisapizza.com
Zuppardi's Apizza, or just "Zupp's" as the local patrons lovingly call it, has been serving pizza in West Haven since 1934. The recipe has not changed much, and that is a good thing, for Zupp's has a loyal and multigenerational following that simply would not stand for a major change (although it has altered the ingredients in the homemade sausage to reduce the fat content somewhat). The family tradition at Zupp's is a winning one, and one of endless variety (as a glance at the unusually long list of toppings and types of pizza will attest). Just how special is the pizza? Loyal fans who have moved out of the area still have such a taste for Zupp's that the store has an online order business that will ship them anywhere (six to a box, packed in dry ice).
874 State St.
New Haven, CT 06511
(203) 776-5306
www.modernapizza.com
Although it says "Modern" in the title, Modern Apizza on State Street in New Haven began making its pizza in 1934. Gourmet Magazine and Playboy Magazine have both applauded its pizza and blessed this little shop in the Elm City with commendations, recommendations and awards. The "Italian Bomb" and its meatless "Veggie Bomb" sister are probably the best pound-for-the-buck pizza in the state – and a delightful if belly-busting treat at that. The Seafood Supreme and Margarita pizzas are also legendary – but then again so is the simple, basic cheese pizza, which has not changed in 80 years.
Related: Top Italian Delis In Connecticut
