3 Best Restaurants in New Haven, Mystic, and the Coast, Connecticut

Frank Pepe's Pizzeria Napoletana

$$ Fodor's choice

Pepe's may serve the best pizza in the world, as so many people claim. Try the justifiably famous white-clam pie (especially good topped with bacon), but just thinking about the original tomato pie (with mozzarella) makes your mouth water.

157 Wooster St., New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
203-865–5762
Known For
  • long line for a table—often an hour or more—but takeout is quicker
  • thin-crust pizza baked in a coal-fired brick oven
  • pies cut in odd-shaped pieces—great for kids
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Reservations not accepted

Modern Apizza

$

It's not what Modern Apizza has that sets it apart from the rest but what its signature pie doesn't have: toppings. The pizzeria's "plain" pie is a thin crust with a layer of tomato sauce and just a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese. If you want "mootz" (mozzarella in New Haven–speak) or any other toppings, then you have to ask. But why mess with a classic? Modern Apizza has been serving its "plain" pies since 1934, and business is still booming.

Sally's Apizza

$$

This place has been a rival of Frank Pepe's since 1938, when Salvatore Consiglio, Pepe's nephew, decided to break away from his relatives and open his own place. The result of this family feud is two competing pizzerias and a divided city: those who believe Frank Pepe's serves the best pizza and those who are devoted to Sally's.

237 Wooster St., New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
203-624–5271
Known For
  • plan to wait—for a table and then for your pizza
  • hand-tossed pies baked in a coal-fired brick oven
  • Sal's family sold out in 2017, but new owners vow to continue the tradition

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