The Definitive Ranking of New Haven Area Pizza

… in my personal opinion

My family have been Connecticut residents my whole life, we are also Italian American, and Foodies all around. So those are my qualifications for my ranking!

1) Bobby’s Apizza

What.. my top ranked spot isn’t on Wooster Street?! I KNOW. Although there are a few of the classics on this list, they don’t take the top stop. This is my families go to spot for pizza night. The quality is excellent, the toppings delicious, and it is consistently a solid pizza. However don’t sleep on their calzones either. And you don’t have to fight the crowds on Wooster street to enjoy it.

What makes Bobby’s special?

Generally, I think it’s all in the sauce. Bobby’s also does a double dough, which we often get. Which makes a really nice pizza. What we generally order is the Special, and we sub hot peppers (but fair warning, they are HOT).

2) Zuppardi’s

Once again, off of the Wooster street path. But this should be spoken in line with the greats. There is not usually a wait, which is a big bonus too. Located a short drive away in West Haven, they even have frozen options to take and bake it home later.

What makes Zuppardi’s special?

Their sausage is a must. I am not even a big sausage on pizza girl, but their sausage is excellent. So whatever you get, get that with it on it.

3) Sally’s

Do I think Sally’s makes the best on Wooster Street? Yes. But here is why I am ranking it third on this list. First, damn its gotten expensive. This is a have on a special occasion kind of pie, not a we need an easy dinner pie. Second, it really is best eaten in house, the quality has been way down when we’ve taken it to go. In order to eat in house you are either going at a weird time, or waiting in significant lines. So although I do think it is a really excellent pizza… those other factors pull from my overall ranking

What makes Sally’s special?

There is a wonderful and rich history on Wooster Street, and Sally’s is a part of that. The tomato pie is one of the best around, and a MUST if you are going. When you think about it, how can tomato sauce and dough taste so good? You realize Sally’s really is a cut above. I am talking just the New Haven location, not so sure how their other locations compare.

4) Modern

Another one of the greats for a reason. It has cemented its name amount the highly contested top three (Modern, Sally’s, Pepe’s). And it is good, but as I write this I don’t have a lot to say about it. Favorite pie, meh nothing of note, it is just going to be consistently good. Again, its not often we stop here, but worthy to at least try once.

What makes Modern special?

Consistently a good pie across the board. In my mind it is the least charred of the big three too. This is some of my friends die hard favorites, and they are a good pie. However it did not get documented on our last visit, so no picture to share!

5) Tolli’s

This one is a short drive away from the main pizza hub, and they have a lot more seating than any of the Wooster street joints. They also have a full menu and bar, so it’s a good location for people who want more than just pizza. The other Italian specials are also good, but lets focus on the pizza!

What makes Tolli’s Special?

My favorite pizza is a eggplant and ricotta, and Tolli’s makes one of the best. I’m drooling thinking about it right now.

Honorable Mentions

• I cannot say my favorite pizza in CT without mentioning Iliano’s. They are not New Haven Style and they have locations across the state. The must orders are the Grandma Pie (this is thick style) and a spinach wheel. My favorite location is the South Main St Middletown spot!
• If you are on Wooster Street and looking for a location that has the closest to Italy pizza I have had state side, you got to get to Zeneli’s. Their pizza is light and airy, and their ingredients are absolute top quality
• If you are in CT and want to bring the party to you, can not recommend Little Italy Pizza truck more. Excellent pizzas, and accommodated several dietary and allergy restrictions. They drive the New Haven Style pizza to you!

Okay, go fight in the comments about what your rankings would be! Who did I forget?