Inspiration
Welcome to the Pizza Capital of the U.S.
Connecticut is the Pizza Capital of the U.S. It's just a fact. According to the Pizza King himself, Dave Portnoy, founder of Barstool Sports, “Connecticut is the best pizza state in the country.”
Last fall, Connecticut unveiled its first-ever Pizza Trail — a crave-worthy celebration of the local pizzerias that prove why the state reigns as the Pizza Mecca of the United States.
From legendary New Haven “ah-beetz” to Neapolitan, Greek, tavern and thick styles, our pies rank at the top year after year.
Out of 900+ contenders, these winners have earned a delicious honor: a place on the official Connecticut Pizza Trail, with geographic representation in all eight counties.
Take a closer look at the Connecticut Pizza Trail Map! (Click the link for an enlarged version, or click the image to download it as a PDF.)
New Haven Favorites
Connecticut is the Pizza State, and New Haven is its undisputed Pizza Capital. Pizza lovers from across the country journey here to taste our legendary apizza (that’s pronounced “ah-beetz”), the coal-fired, thin-crust style perfected for generations.
Within just 20 square miles, you’ll find 63 pizzerias—including the famed “Holy Trinity” of Pepe’s, Sally’s, and Modern. The city has a rich culture backed by more than 100 years of apizza pride.
Begin with the Big 3, then branch out along the CT Pizza Trail. Try BAR for its famous mashed potato pizza, Ernie’s for a classic neighborhood slice, or Zeneli, where Neapolitan tradition meets New Haven flavor. (Zeneli was named one of Yelp's Top 100 restaurants in 2026.) Da Legna at Nolo features a sourdough-based crust, including its signature Honeypot with San Marzano tomato, sliced hot pepper, onion, mozzarella, soppressata, and truffle honey.
So, pack your stretchy pants, bring your appetite, and see why Connecticut reigns supreme in the pizza world.
Statewide Pizza Excellence
While New Haven may be the crown jewel, Connecticut’s pizza greatness extends far beyond city limits. The CT Pizza Trail stretches statewide, from Stamford to Mystic—featuring not just apizza, but Neapolitan, thick, and Greek-style pies. Wherever you go, you’re never far from a slice worth writing home about.
Here are some of the Top 20 pizzerias on the Trail outside of New Haven, chosen by voters, celebrated by locals, and crowned by a panel of expert judges.
Zuppardi's Apizza, West Haven and Ansonia
New Haven-style apizza, known for its housemade sausage and shucked-to-order white clam pies.
Roseland Apizza, Derby
A Naugatuck Valley staple since the 1930s, Roseland is known for its coal-fired New Haven style pies - including a specialty loaded with lobster, scallops, and shrimp.
Tony's Pizza, Willimantic
Tony's in Willimantic is the highest-rated Greek-style pizzeria on the Trail, featuring a light, airy crust baked in a shallow pan.
Colony Grill, multiple locations
Colony's thin-crust bar pies are topped with an assortment of meats, vegetables, and its signature “hot oil” – a drizzle of pepper-infused oil that adds a telltale glow of heat. Find them in Fairfield, Milford, Norwalk, Shelton, and Stamford.
Little City Pizza, Avon
Thin crust rules the menu at this popular Farmington Valley spot, with specialties like its namesake signature (grilled chicken, melted leeks, artichoke hearts, roasted garlic spread, fontina and romano cheeses.)
The Little Rendezvous, Meriden
The Little Vous' coal-fired pies come from an oven that's more than a century old. The quirky pizzeria is cash only, offering pizza only (no slices, no salads, no dinners.)
Mondo, Middletown
Mondo, a family-friendly destination in Middletown for 15 years, offers classic and creative pies. Specialty pizzas include a fresh tomato and basil pie, a shrimp pizza with red onion, capers, and fresh basil; and BBQ and buffalo chicken options.
Grand Apizza, Clinton, Guilford, and Madison
Grand Apizza got its start on New Haven's Grand Avenue, but now has a strong shoreline presence for its thin-crust New Haven style pies.
Pizza Outings
Aside from touring the Pizza Trail, Connecticut dishes out so many ways to enjoy a few slices.
Want to make your pizza tour a full getaway? Stay over in this fun pizza-themed rental conveniently located near some of the top-rated pizza spots. Then learn to make New Haven style pizza with fun (and tasty) classes at the New Haven Pizza School! Try all different pies on a Taste of New Haven Tour or make it a party and hop on the Elm City Party Bike to tour the city known for pizza.
Want to learn more? "Pizza wasn't invented in New Haven. It was perfected there." Watch the documentary to learn more about the fascinating history behind Connecticut pizza.
Got a local favorite?
Have you made a pizza discovery that you want to share? Connecticut’s pizza scene is so extensive that it’s impossible to cover completely in a story like this, so feel free to pitch in with your own recommendations and other input on Facebook.
Hungry for More?
Find more pizza destinations across the state — including these Instagram-worthy icons!
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