OT: Best Pizza in CT

[Fishy]

Governor Lamont: Connecticut Doubles Down on Its Title as Pizza Capital of the United States

(NEW HAVEN, CT) – Ahead of National Pizza Day, which is celebrated this year on Sunday, February 9, Governor Ned Lamont, state and local officials, and dozens of small business owners from across Connecticut announced a bold set of new initiatives the state is taking to celebrate its world-famous pizza culture, including through a series of high-profile events and activations that blend food, fashion, and pop culture.

“Connecticut pizza isn’t just food, it’s a way of life,” Governor Lamont said. “From New Haven to Hartford to Mystic, our pizza culture is unmatched, and these initiatives will make sure the whole world knows it. This isn’t just about great sauce and slices – it’s about the stories, traditions, and rivalries that have made Connecticut the beating heart of America’s pizza culture.”

Leading the charge is the launch of The Pizza Capital Trail, a statewide collection of Connecticut’s top pizzerias as determined by public voting and a panel of food experts. Other highlights include an interactive pizza-inspired art installation, a fashion collaboration featuring custom Air Jordan 1’s, and a record-setting pizza party aiming to claim a spot in the Guinness World Records.

“Connecticut pizza isn’t just something you eat – it’s something you argue about, obsess over, and defend like your sibling or favorite sports team,” Anthony Anthony, Connecticut’s chief marketing officer said. “We’ve always known we’re the Pizza Capital of the United States, but now we’re proving it in ways that go beyond the food – through art, fashion, and experiences that celebrate the passion baked into every slice.”

A newly released report from the Office of Comptroller Sean Scanlon finds that there are 1,376 pizza restaurants in Connecticut, with New Haven leading the way with 63 pizza establishments. The report also notes Connecticut leads national rankings when it comes to pizzerias per capita and locally-owned establishments".

All of the pizza initiatives are listed here:

Governor Lamont: Connecticut Doubles Down on Its Title as Pizza Capital of the United States

portal.ct.gov

I love how Connecticut leans into the Pizza Capital of the United States. It’s brilliant marketing and as a bonus, it must absolutely infuriate people in New York, New Jersey, etc.

As good as the pizza is all over the state, it’s still not that well known and most of the flyover bumpkins still believe that some generic street slice in NYC is the best pizza man has ever created.

 

[Hoophound]

I love how Connecticut leans into the Pizza Capital of the United States. It’s brilliant marketing and as a bonus, it must absolutely infuriate people in New York, New Jersey, etc.

As good as the pizza is all over the state, it’s still not that well known and most of the flyover bumpkins still believe that some generic street slice in NYC is the best pizza man has ever created.

Are you being sarcastic? You don't generally compliment any foods other than cereal. The flyover bumpkins are rarely that impressed, they like their local slop. Also, I'm in the camp that says the average slice in NYC is generally very good. Its not John's or one of the other elite spots, but there's a crazy number of good slices in NYC.

 

[RuffRuff]

Pizza makes you fat. The end.

 

[huskymedic]

Governor Lamont: Connecticut Doubles Down on Its Title as Pizza Capital of the United States

(NEW HAVEN, CT) – Ahead of National Pizza Day, which is celebrated this year on Sunday, February 9, Governor Ned Lamont, state and local officials, and dozens of small business owners from across Connecticut announced a bold set of new initiatives the state is taking to celebrate its world-famous pizza culture, including through a series of high-profile events and activations that blend food, fashion, and pop culture.

“Connecticut pizza isn’t just food, it’s a way of life,” Governor Lamont said. “From New Haven to Hartford to Mystic, our pizza culture is unmatched, and these initiatives will make sure the whole world knows it. This isn’t just about great sauce and slices – it’s about the stories, traditions, and rivalries that have made Connecticut the beating heart of America’s pizza culture.”

Leading the charge is the launch of The Pizza Capital Trail, a statewide collection of Connecticut’s top pizzerias as determined by public voting and a panel of food experts. Other highlights include an interactive pizza-inspired art installation, a fashion collaboration featuring custom Air Jordan 1’s, and a record-setting pizza party aiming to claim a spot in the Guinness World Records.

“Connecticut pizza isn’t just something you eat – it’s something you argue about, obsess over, and defend like your sibling or favorite sports team,” Anthony Anthony, Connecticut’s chief marketing officer said. “We’ve always known we’re the Pizza Capital of the United States, but now we’re proving it in ways that go beyond the food – through art, fashion, and experiences that celebrate the passion baked into every slice.”

A newly released report from the Office of Comptroller Sean Scanlon finds that there are 1,376 pizza restaurants in Connecticut, with New Haven leading the way with 63 pizza establishments. The report also notes Connecticut leads national rankings when it comes to pizzerias per capita and locally-owned establishments".

All of the pizza initiatives are listed here:

Governor Lamont: Connecticut Doubles Down on Its Title as Pizza Capital of the United States

portal.ct.gov

Voting for the Connecticut Pizza Capital Trail will run from March 14 through May 1. Votes can be entered at pizzacapitaltrail.com.

 

[Dove]

I find Modern to now be the best of the Big 3. Pepe's not as consistent as it used to be, and Sally's underwhelming the last 2 times I went.

I had a slice from Lorenzo's in West Haven recently. NY style...superb.

Am hearing that Lorenzo's is going into the Guilford space that use to be Farina's Restaurant. On Rt 80 west of the White Valley Motel.

Not sure if this is a relocation or another location.

 

[boog204]

Are you being sarcastic? You don't generally compliment any foods other than cereal. The flyover bumpkins are rarely that impressed, they like their local slop. Also, I'm in the camp that says the average slice in NYC is generally very good. Its not John's or one of the other elite spots, but there's a crazy number of good slices in NYC.

I agree with this. Almost all of the neighborhood slice places in NYC are very good and consistently better than the random CT slice places. Not all of them mind you. But I’ve been very disappointed in some random CT slices. Can’t say I’ve felt the same in NYC. YMMV.

 

[superjohn]

I agree with this. Almost all of the neighborhood slice places in NYC are very good and consistently better than the random CT slice places. Not all of them mind you. But I’ve been very disappointed in some random CT slices. Can’t say I’ve felt the same in NYC. YMMV.

Where are the CT slice places?

 

[RuffRuff]

Guess the majority of the yarders on this thread have never been on a treadmill

 

[WrenchFan69]

Where are the CT slice places?

Plenty of places have slices. Mario's in Waterbury, Pietro's in downtown Hartford, Michel Angelo's in Rocky Hill, Three Fellas in Marlborough, Giovanni's in Glastonbury come to mind. Problem is they mostly suck

 

[superjohn]

Plenty of places have slices. Mario's in Waterbury, Pietro's in downtown Hartford, Michel Angelo's in Rocky Hill, Three Fellas in Marlborough, Giovanni's in Glastonbury come to mind. Problem is they mostly suck

I remember Mario from like 25 or so years ago when he was manning the ovens at Bacco's in Waterbury. I would sit in the Bacco's kitchen and have slices and cream sodas with my dad. Great memories.

 

[RichZ]

A few months ago, our neighbor came home from work with half a pizza. She had stopped on the way home and bought a medium, ate half of it and asked if we wanted the rest. I was leery. Pizza from a restaurant that doesn't even have pizza in its name? Yeah, right. I'm not buyin' it. MY wife reminded me that I WASN'T buying it. It was a gift.
Figured even mediocre pizza is better than no Pizza, so we took it home, stuck it in the oven and sampled it a bit later. I was shocked at how good it was.
since then, I've eaten a couple Pepe's, a Zuppardi and a Modern. The Zup was the best of the bunch.
Anyway, my wife and I had to drive up Main St. Trumbull today at lunch time, and I suggested we stop at the place the our neighbor had given us the pie in the first paragraph from... Old Towne Restaurant in the Town Hall Shopping Ctr. Ordered a large thin crust with meatballs, and went home full and happy. It was literally the best pizza I've had in recent memory. If you're in the neighborhood, give it a try.

 

[UconnMICK]

I remember Mario from like 25 or so years ago when he was manning the ovens at Bacco's in Waterbury. I would sit in the Bacco's kitchen and have slices and cream sodas with my dad. Great memories.

Loved and miss Bacco’s!

I always enjoyed seeing the 2 foot mountain of raw sausage just beyond the glass at the front counter that they’d pluck chunks from to top the pies.

 

[Huskybass]

I agree with this. Almost all of the neighborhood slice places in NYC are very good and consistently better than the random CT slice places. Not all of them mind you. But I’ve been very disappointed in some random CT slices. Can’t say I’ve felt the same in NYC. YMMV.

On the topic of "slices in Connecticut"
Some of the better ones I've found are Grand in Guilford and Milestone in Thomaston for New Haven style. For New York style Martino's in Oakville and Dominc and Pia in Waterbury both do a great job.

Any others to share?

 

[imno1]

On the topic of "slices in Connecticut"
Some of the better ones I've found are Grand in Guilford and Milestone in Thomaston for New Haven style. For New York style Martino's in Oakville and Dominc and Pia in Waterbury both do a great job.

Any others to share?

Michaelangelo’s in West Haven. Has anyone had Nica’s In New Haven?

 

[storrsroars]

Any of y'all familiar with F&F Pizza from Brooklyn (aka "The Franks")? Asking as it appears they're going to open two locations in Pgh soon, one of which isn't all that far from me.

I lost my go-to thin crust shop during the pandemic. Wondering if this might be something to look forward to.

 

[HooperScooper]

Any of y'all familiar with F&F Pizza from Brooklyn (aka "The Franks")? Asking as it appears they're going to open two locations in Pgh soon, one of which isn't all that far from me.

I lost my go-to thin crust shop during the pandemic. Wondering if this might be something to look forward to.

Yes, been there once. Brought the pizza over to Other Half Brewing. Although I ate a couple slices on the way over. It was very good. I'd imagine it'll be the best pizza you'll have near you.

 

[Woodson]

What the best pizza you can get these days in southeast CT/New London area? I don’t like a lot of stuff on it