With it's seaside location, you might expect New Haven to be known for seafood restaurants. Instead, it's most famous for its pizza parlors, in New Haven's Little Italy neighborhood--centrally located if you are biking or driving through town. Locals, as well as pizza-obsessed foodies, engage in an ongoing argument about who makes the best pie: Pepe's or Sally's. If you're traveling through New Haven, pizza is the ultimate local dish.
New Haven-style Pizza
Traditional New Haven-style pizza has a thin bottom crust and blistered, chewy edges. It's made in a coal oven, at temperatures of more than 700 degrees, which gives the crust a smokey, charcoal taste. In addition to typical toppings available elsewhere, such as pepperoni and peppers, New Haven is known for its clam pizza. It is said that Frank Pepe, of Pepe's Pizzeria Napolitana, invented the clam pizza as a way to use the abundant supply of clams from New Haven's local fisherman. While it sounds odd, clam pizza is delicious. Imagine linguine with white clam sauce and lots of garlic, substituting the pasta with a crisp, crunchy crust.
New Haven's pizzerias, are informal places--ambiance and service are secondary. Be warned, however, they don't take reservations and it's common to see people lined up outside. It's worth the wait. Your best bet is to arrive early.
Pepe's Pizza Napolitana
Pepe's is the original New Haven pizzeria, founded by Frank Pepe in 1925. Pepe's now has several branches, but the original is a "must see" with it's cavernous coal ovens and pizza chefs working out in the open. It is most famous for it's clam pizza, made with freshly shucked clams. The clam pizza is available with red or white sauce, with or without mozzarella. Those "in the know" order the white clam pizza without cheese, adding just a shake of Parmesan, if desired. Pepe's is open for lunch and dinner.
Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napolitana
157 Wooster Street
New Haven, CT 06511
(203)865-5762
pepespizzeria.com
Sally's Apizza
Sally's was founded by Sal Consiglio, Frank Pepe's nephew, who left his uncle's pizzeria in 1938 to open his own place. Sally's Pizza was a favorite of Frank Sinatra; his image is feature prominently on the walls. It's not as famous for clam pizza as Pepe's, but Sally's offers its own specialties. These include a fresh tomato pizza, and a broccoli rabe pizza, available only in season. They also make a potato, and rosemary pizza, served without tomatoes. Sally's is also known for its "Italian Bomb" pizza, which you have to ask for, since it's not on the written menu. It's a carnivore's fantasy of meat toppings, and not for the faint of heart. Sally's is open for dinner only and doesn't accept credit cards.
Sally's Apizza
237 Wooster St
New Haven, CT 06511
(203) 624-5271
sallysapizza.net
For Dessert
If you still have room after your pizza feast, stroll down the street to Libby's, an old-fashioned Italian bakery and cafe. Try a cannoli, a slice of ricotta cheesecake or one of Libby's homemade Italian ices.
Libby's Italian Pastry Shop
139 Wooster St
New Haven, CT 06511
(203) 772-0380
About The Author
Fleur Forsythe writes about the arts, crafts, cooking, entertaining, travel and DIY home design. She began writing professionally in 1996. She is also an artist whose art, crafts and photography have been licensed commercially and exhibited for 17 years. She holds a B.A. in art history and studio art from New York University. Her articles can be found on eHow, Answerbag and Trails.
