Why Is New Haven Pizza So Good? | Pizza, A Love Story | Tonic

[@anacoman3265]

I'm West Coast born and bred but spent over 20 years living in Fairfield County, Connecticut. Though my wife and I had many good times there, we were very happy to escape the crush of people and the Northeast's hot and humid summers and retire to our part of the country in northwestern Washington state. This delightful, wonderful video, however, kindled treasured memories of one day in the 1990's when we made our one and only pilgrimage to Pepe's. I'm proud--and fortunate--to say that we kept our eyes on the prize, persevered in line the better part of two hours, and ultimately achieved Pizza Nirvana. My thanks to whoever put this video together. The historical backdrop provided wonderful context for how and why so many wonderful Neopolitans and other Italians found their way to New Haven; and the remarkable photos and videos of the heroes of the story, and of the good-natured partisanship among the supporters of Pepe's, Sally's, and Modern, reflected the very best of humanity.

[@ctfamily40]

As the member of an old Irish/Italian family in New Haven, and living elsewhere for work- this documentary got me pretty emotional, to be honest. This is so much more than the story of pizza, it's the story of our little corner of the world and the food that has brought all of us together for a hundred years. Thank you so much for this.

[@Cuyt24]

nobody cares

[@xxx_NOBODY_xxx]

@@Cuyt24 I do care indeed

[@manitheman0806]

@@xxx_NOBODY_xxx i care as well.....

[@BEYONDYOURIQ]

Madone

[@natenate2280]

I agree my friend

[@diannaloveshenry]

And I thought I was just learning about pizza. The story of the hardware factory, immigration, urban renewal, pizza boxes... Fascinating documentary!

[@Sacto1654]

I think Pepe's, Sally's and Modern pretty much defined the reference standard of what an _American_ pizza is. I think even more open-minded Italians think that way, once the Italians understood how the Italian immigrants at the beginning of the 20th Century adapted local ingredients into modifying the well-known Neopolitan pizza from the Naples region.

[@kevind3974]

It’s because it’s not normal pizza. It’s why you only see imitations outside of Connecticut. Without that oven your just making fancy New York style

[@Vortex493]

we live in the UK in a small town named Colchester and there is a new haven style pizza shop there called Finezza, my wife says its the best pizza she has ever had, the family that own it are from new haven.

[@encryptidconnections]

Colchester is also in Connecticut about 40 mins from New Haven, no coincidence there. New Haven style Apizza is something from the gods! It truly is special.

[@xdram]

this is the best pizza documentary I've seen. it captures the love and attention to detail these pizzerias have for their product.

[@TOCC50]

Ironically, New Haven pizza is wicked expensive

[@shable1436]

​@@TOCC50it's boutique pizza for snobs

[@ulf373]

Pizza plain. Get the basic product right and to perfection. If that doesn't work, don't try to make a better pizza. The same applies to burgers. Get the bun right, get the charred patty right and if that doesn't work don't bother adding fancy trimmings.

[@Kate-pz8ym]

Been working my way to the life of a pizzaiola since I was a young girl, hopping around to different pizza shops, working, and I'm proud to say I finally work at a place serving New Haven style pizza. I didn't know the difference until I started working there, but now I can't go back - it's simply the best. I get it now. And I feel honored to know the way of cooking in a coal-fire oven. As a woman, it was beautiful to learn that women were the ones to start making pizza as a means to care for others with what they had in times of need. Proud to be a pizzaiola and call it my way of life. Thanks for such a beautifully put together doc

[@marksalsbery9826]

😍

[@craftymulligar]

No kidding the woman's movement have other ideas. But that would be a political minded.

[@Jimmy-h6t]

God Bless you for your passion...TOO BE THE BEST

[@rollomaughfling380]

I clicked on this thinking it was 12 minutes long. At some point, I was like "wait, how long is this thing?" and I was over 40 minutes in. Had to finish the rest. Fantastic, so well done.

[@kristinebechard6905]

It is a full-lenght film! Glad you enjoyed!!

[@boltz8609]

What an absurdly good pizza Documentary this is. I learned more about pizza from this than 10 years of watching youtube. Seriously, bravo.

[@GregCurtin45]

I have no idea why this doesn't have millions (billions?)of views yet? "Greg! It's only been posted 12 days ago." I stand by my question! Thanks for posting this. This is a world class historical culinary journey. Everyone should watch this... at least twice!

[@ramencurry6672]

I agree. This should become recognized as a milestone documentary. People from all over the world should fly into the area. You can’t get food like this anywhere else in the world.

[@jasondelves8758]

I think the same. This is awesome to watch so much passion and the roots from where it all started was so Interesting and Amazing to watch!

[@jaykay6387]

I've now watched it three times straight through. I'm a "Sallys" guy, but I love Pepe's and Modern, too. Pepe's and Sally's are really two sides of the same coin, they are different but from the same place, and that is rather obvious if you are a true New Haven Pizza person.

[@chrisest1965]

Probably because they have Chris Murphy in it. He ruins everything.

[@mpopky100]

This was such an incredibly well done documentary. My wife is from West Haven, and I have been eating Apizza for almost 30 years. I did not know most of this history. LOVED this!

[@michaelcaprio5269]

That's my great-grandfather and namesake Michele Caprio's meat market (Mike's Meat Market) at 15:08. I'm really grateful to see such a comprehensive documentary about my familial roots and our food traditions in New Haven - thank you!

[@richarddixon2918]

I clicked immediately thinking this was Henry Winkler. The Fonz Knows Pizza. Ayye

[@JohnSmith-nf8bi]

Check him out doing a video with famous pizza reviewer Dave Portnoy

[@col.trautman6474]

Same

[@stj971]

Ask the creep about Heather O'rourke.

[@JohnSmith-nf8bi]

@@stj971 the poltergeist curse killed many of them I know

[@pochuyma9530]

😄 Same here!

[@alejandroduran1218]

I was in school in New Haven for a few years and live in New York now. The one thing I take the train back to New Haven for every now and then is the pizza! A day at the Yale art galleries and East Rock Park capped with a New Haven pizza dinner is about as good of a weekend day trip from NYC as I can imagine. Don't get me wrong, New York pizza is also mindblowing and a blessing to have in my backyard, but the pizza in New Haven is nothing short of a cultural treasure. Easily worth a day trip to New Haven on Metro-North. What's wild is just how many more small, independent, absolutely remarkable pizzerias exist outside of the classic lineup of Sally's Modern Pepe's Zuppardi's etc. New Haven is a gem of a city, and the pizza plays no small part in giving it its luster. And in my humble opinion, Sally's is king. No question. Just try the plain tomato pie when the tomatoes are in-season and you'll agree.

[@MatthewMuccino]

adding Zuppardi's made your whole comment even more credible :)

[@rascal211]

no I need cheese on my pizza.

[@jcm9356]

Not many times I would devote one hour and twenty minutes to a KZbin video but this one was well worth it. I never knew New Haven pizza was a thing but if I'm ever near it, I will stop in one...or all three.

[@maligatorbaseball2789]

You won’t regret it.

[@ramencurry6672]

People from all over the world should fly into the area.

[@RobAnderson-m9t]

If you go you gotta get all 3 of them. Sidenote I think New Haven also has the countries food Hamburger Restaurant called Lunchbox.

[@tristanmorgan852]

In Wales in the 50s there was an Italian cafe around my place that would open on a Sunday and was very popular. There was a law stopping shops and restaurants from opening on Sundays and the Italian owner would have a fine every Sunday and would pay the fine every Monday morning in court. Probably the most Italian story I have ever heard. Way before my time but i love the fact that the owner would make money in spite of the stupid rules of the time

[@dustinwagner1776]

I never wanted to go to Connecticut until today. What a great documentary.

[@KyleDavisMusic]

You should - it's a beautiful state.

[@boedillard270]

Try anywhere but New Haven in CT - SOOO much better - unless you like eating charcoal briquettes. I've been to Sally's and Peppe's a couple of time because I had friends that weren't too bright.

[@lowd747]

Go to CT. A moonbat state with taxes thru the roof, but if you just go for pizza you wont be hurt too bad.

[@encryptidconnections]

@@boedillard270 There’s a reason they make documentaries about the pizza here. A reason why they make the top 3 spots in the US as Food networks best pizza. A reason people travel from all over and celebrities have pies flown by private jet to their location to eat…because New Haven Apizza is the best!

[@JohnVC]

Don't feel bad. There's a comedian, I think Bill Burr (?) that says Connecticut is just the place you drive through to get between Boston and New York.

[@formalguy01]

How in the world do you have an 80 minute feature video, that is as good as a professionally done movie, and it has 30 seconds of end credits? That's absolute insanity, love this video.

[@earlgrey9964]

Impressively well put together documentary. I grew up in New Haven in the 50's and got to eat at all three. Would gladly enjoy a pie from any one of them as my last meal on Earth.

[@hulksmash8159]

It's pizza, not pies.

[@jaykay6387]

Fantastic piece. Nailed it. I love all three, but Sally's is my #1. Somebody toward the middle of the doc also nailed it when she said that to really judge a pie you have to get the "plain", with just the crust and the sauce. At that point, there is nowhere to hide, and that is where Sally's displays their pizza supremacy. Very few places can pull off a "plain" pie, and three of them are a stone's throw away from each other in the pizza capital of the world, New Haven, CT.

[@richardlopez5992]

"New Haven style pizza"? no such thing

[@jaykay6387]

@@richardlopez5992 Happy for you. That leaves more for us while you continue to consume Pizza Hut "stuffed crust" and other similar abominations.

[@pizzatherapy]

This is an amazing testament to New Haven pizza! I love this video. I am looking forward to the video series on other New Haven pizzerias! Thanks for putting this out.

[@bobhughes9628]

Michigan's "Tomatoes Apizza", owned by Mike Weinstein, who trained in New Haven under Lou Abate, has been serving New Haven style Apizza MAGNIFICENTLY and CONSISTENTLY in the Detroit area for over 20 years. My favorite of ANY style pizza, BY FAR.

[@Foog1]

Best pizza in Michigan

[@Mncrr]

I always eat Weinstein pizza after having Patty oriellys bagels hahaha

[@Mike_Greentea]

Michigan = "pure trash "

[@giannifraiolimodelsandadve5907]

best for sure in USA.....

[@MikeHoncho884]

I’m a Midwestern traveled all over the United States except for the East Coast when I retire fall of 2025 I am heading to New Haven!!! man I can’t wait!!!

[@rustybearden1800]

As a southern boy who moved to the Tri State area and lived there for over a decade, this subject is divisive, passionate, local and serious. Every little town from the Finger Lakes to Camden to Mystic has their own little pizza place with very similar but unique menus and their way of pizza. Some are obviously better than others but some are successful because of their location and association with other pizza guys. So many different ways and styles of making the same three ingredients: tomato sauce, italian cheeses and dough. Brick ovens, coal fired ovens, gas ovens, open flame, deck ovens, etc. The common thread is the passion and tradition passed from one generation of both owner/operators and customers. I thought I knew what pizza was before I moved to the area - boy, was I wrong. Sadly, I've never eaten New Haven pie but I've had all of the varieties made famous there. And I have my spots, mostly divey, sketchy looking places out of a mafia movie (sorry). But that's where you get the no kidding, faggeddahboutit, tear inducing pie. With icy cold Genesee draft beer and a large bowl of family style italian salad. Cannoli and a double espresso to finish. It's as much about the atmosphere, camaraderie and local hospitality as it is about the food - one makes the other better and one without the other is sad. God, I miss it terribly and sadly shake my head at most of the examples that people call pizza nowadays. There are exceptions but some things you just can't imitate. "There ain't no decent pizza, bagels or chinese food south of Philly".

[@joecaner]

I cannot believe I just spent 80 minutes watching a documentary about New Haven Pizza. Good story telling is always very engaging and can elevate any subject. Well done with a charred crust!

[@bjjbrawler1]

Same here. Road trip in my future from NJ to New Haven!

[@larrysementini2368]

Well said, Joe.

[@beenaturalinc]

I agree.

[@vanmoody]

One of the great things about the U.S. is we are one people, one nation, but we are a whole bunch of different cultures. This video is about Italians who came to the U.S. and lived out their passion.

[@joecaner]

​@@vanmoody Would it be fair to say then that it is our diversity and not our homogeneity that makes us great?

[@gzupe567]

It’s a past time that will transcend generations. My father and his family went to Pepe’s after a baseball and hockey game nearly drove a few hours away. Then I grew up driving from NC to have Pepe’s with our family. I remember waiting in line or going to the spot. When my girlfriend, now wife, brought Pepe’s on a plane to Utah for a ski trip she realized how cultish we were to the New Haven apizza. I make my own pizza with the memories of eating the greatest pizza in the world, trying to replicate the joy of having pizza with my family.

[@danielventre5040]

I spent some time in a group home called the Hamden children's center, in Hamden CT, right on the border of newhaven. We used to get pizzas from peppi's every Friday night. They donated them. Best pizza ever!

[@PneumaticTube]

I love the ratio of tomato sauce to cheese they put on the pies at Frank Pepe's and Sally's. Not over-covered with mozzarella. To me it looks like the right amounts for a perfect mouthful. I've never had any of these apizzas but they look phenomenal.

[@michaelderamo1866]

You are missing out on one of life's greatest experiences then. You won't get any less than a spectacular pie at ANY of these 3 shops but Sally's will always be tops for my taste buds.

[@madbrad6282]

Mmmm… it’s been too long. And you are so right about them not over-doing it with the cheese.

[@hulksmash8159]

Yet here you are, saying they are phenomenal when you have ZERO clue.

[@Foog1]

The ratio let's it all meld into 1 thing which is awesome

[@seanmcveigh27]

Yep. Light and well made with simple ingredients. So good.

[@bluetoad2001]

i didn’t know there was anyone in the world who cared an much about pizza as i do. i’ve been making pizza for over 55 years. 🔥🔥🔥🍕🍕🍕🍕🍕🍕🍕🍕🍕🍕🍕

[@zxcbvnm90]

Fantastic documentation of, not just a local food tradition, but a local culture. Gonna take a trip out myself soon.

[@TheFloatingBartender]

I commented 5 mins in, now i commenting at the end. I loved this documentry. I can feel the pride and love way over here in iceland. Thank you KZbin this was fantastic

[@SF-cn9sq]

I am Italian and I found this documentary pretty interesting, especially the fact that Frank Pepe had a Napolitan pizzeria, and Napoli is one of the schools of pizza in Italy, but, the pizzas portrayed in this documentary are actually Roman style, which is the other school of pizza in Italy. There is a big difference between the two styles. It’s funny how a Napolitan pizzeria turned to Roman style pizzas…. Also funny how the interviewed people pronounce ‘a pizza, with a heavy Napolitan accent :) Thank you, very interesting docu to see how Italian produce establish abroad.

[@shnnnsullivan]

New Haven Apizza is one of the things I miss most about my home state. I could cry… I want to feast in New Haven all day, Pepe’s, Libby’s, Mamoun’s, Louis Lunch, Bar. I’ve been away from home for going on a decade and this documentary catches me bittersweet.

[@Balderayne]

I can't say enough good about this documentary. Fantastic! Must watch for TRUE APIZZA lovers!

[@scorptarget]

Great Documentary. I was able to visit Sally’s, Modern and Zuppardi’s in West Haven last December and it was an absolutely amazing experience! Can’t wait to go back again soon and visit Frank Pepe’s too! 🍕🎉

[@TOCC50]

Marco Polo in New Haven

[@Ram44]

Sally’s is my personal favorite in New Haven. Pepe and Modern are both great too. And love Zuppardi’s Apizza in West Haven just as much.

[@veronaraven3099]

Zuppardis and Bar are hidden gems. I grew up about a half hour north of NH.

[@scorptarget]

Indeed! They are all great and yes Zuppardi’s is a hidden gem. Their special with mushroom and that fresh made sausage is incredible! 🎉🍕

[@tcaputo]

I waited at sally's for 2 hours in 1988. lot's of people walked past us. once we got in, it was the best apizza I ever ate. Also, if you are just interested in the apizza, there is no reason to wait at pepe's, just go to the spot (it's in pepe's parking lot).

[@NiteMoves2010]

Had a Pizza place on the west coast, had 2 "New Haven" style pies on the menu! Got as close as I could. One evening playing pool in the neighborhood bar, guy asked me about the pies that I would regularly just drop for the patrons to enjoy (my place was 10 miles away...so it was just an end of the evening pie or two I would take with me)...guy ask me if I knew where the best pizza was...I said New Haven...blew him away as he was aware of Pepe's...I will add to this list, "Grand Apizza"...no longer in New Haven proper...but has the same style pies along the various outlets on the Connecticut coast...and just as flavorable...so for me it is either a ride into Wooster Street for Pepe's or walk half a mile to Grand...and never more than one item on a 12 inch pie!

[@jameskonners8304]

Zuppardis Apizza of West Haven, CT. should be included in this documentary. No doubt. We’re so lucky!

[@hulksmash8159]

It wasn't because this doc is pure bullshite.

[@tinman4585]

I ate Zupps every Friday night the sausage and broccoli is the best in the world

[@jameskonners8304]

@@tinman4585 You inspired me, I'm ordering a large sausage and broccoli this evening. 😋 Zuppardis for the win!

[@mikerinn6187]

Thank you for the wonderful film. I’m currently calculating travel time from Western Maryland. Cheers

[@Freedum_Fries]

This is an amazing documentary!! thank you so much for sharing this with us foodies!! I;m going to watch it again tomorrow night with my family.

[@cisium1184]

I went to college in Middletown. New Haven pizza is best but CT in general is a great pizza region.

[@kendogg8237]

NYC is TOPS.

[@crownjewel9889]

What a wonderful documentary! I've had Frank Pepe's several times, and I can honestly say as a born and raised New Yorker, I would put it up against any pizza in NYC. I need to get myself to Sally's and Modern now. As an aside, Lyle Lovett is a national treasure.

[@m33ch_1]

Modern is my favorite

[@rahulshah1408]

I worked in ct and was taken to Pepe’s. Lovely. I bet the rest are awesome too.

[@randyman652002]

Modern and Bar should definitely be on your list!

[@mansgottaeat8879]

i forgot which place but one of the sauces has a tinge of orange to it , wonder if they add lil heavy cream kind of like a slight vodka sauce taste

[@briandeeley1599]

@@m33ch_1 Me too.

[@lil-g4879]

Superb content. As someone that is from the UK and lives in the UK, I am so jealous of the quality of pizzas (Apizzas) in the US. I really need to go on a Pizza tour there if I get the chance. First stop Pep...Sa...Mode...I don't know which to pick!

[@Ira88881]

This is what’s crazy about pizza in the states. I tell you this as an ex-New Yorker. Even in NYC, the city I grew up in, half of the pizzerias STINK, and the greatest ones…little mom and pop shops…you’ll never know about. They’re small, local places. Quality food in the big cities of the U.S. has suffered immeasurably over the past 30 years because the rents are too high and you just can’t run a profitable business with this kind of overhead. For example, I know London has outstanding Indian food. That’s because of your heavy Indian immigration, but it’s more because these guys can still operate small shops at a profit because Brits love it so much and support them. Not the same here in the states. The small family restaurant business is dying or already dead.

[@petegiant]

Italy is the place.

[@ExpectMiracles55]

Hello my friend, I copied this one comment from above for your appreciation, in case you missed it: "@Vortex493 1 year ago we live in the UK in a small town named Colchester and there is a new haven style pizza shop there called Finezza, my wife says its the best pizza she has ever had, the family that own it are from new haven." A friend and I are going there tomorrow, departing from Boston, MA. I just checked TripAdvisor to get Sally's address and am dismayed by the really bad recent reviews. I guess we'll skip Sally's for now but my aim has alwyas been Frank Peppe. Can't wait!

[@lil-g4879]

@@petegiantI’ve already done Napoli and yes the pizza was amazing!

[@zootedpears4533]

this is the greatest documentary i have watched in longer than i can remember. Thank you!!!

[@joeking6309]

I lived in NY and I lived in CT, I now live in FL and the miss of those pizzas is real.

[@TroyCityMedia]

This is legit the best pizza documentary ive watched

[@hulksmash8159]

That's pretty sad.

[@scorptarget]

💯

[@jooeey8967]

This is an amazing documentary. I’m proud to be from New Haven & lucky I get to eat this apizza every week 🙏

[@kevi5641]

What a great documentary. I`ve been to Franks Pepe`s and Modern Pizza many many times over the last 50 years. I sorry to say I never had Sally`s Pizza and am way over due to go and try them. When I was a boy in the 1950`s and 60`s growing up in Bridgeport Ct. I so remember the brick hearth oven at Jerry`s Pizza on Pequonnock St and Paul`s Pizza on E. Main St. The New Haven Pizzerias bring back these great memories. Again thank you for awakening this very pleasant past.

[@geneticrex]

Jerry's had a great pie.

[@nightengale2123]

Loved this video because I love pizza!! I am a lifelong Italian American from across the border in R.I. I would say probably the best old Italian American hot pizza in R.I. is Caserta located on Federal Hill the Italian section of Providence. Why I say hot is because what is very popular in the state is known as party pizza because a party is not a party without it. The authentic can be found in Italian bakeries which my favorite is from Sal's bakery on Chalk stone ave. in Providence. It is purchased in strips either with just a topping of sauce or crushed tomatoes, oregano, olive oil, and Romano cheese. The white version is the same but with no tomato and maybe sliced black olives and or pickled green pepoers. You would never think of heating party pizza up which would be considered a sin worthy of a trip to the confessional box. LOL Honestly, I have eaten pizza in Naples, Italy but prefer my local pizza.

[@paulburgio8278]

I grew-up eating Pepe’s in the ‘60’s. Now thanks to KZbin I found another video on how to make New Haven style apizza at home.

[@CoolcatzCorner]

So fortunate to have had all 3 places. 1. Modern 2. Sally's 3. Pepe's

[@overlandecuador8893]

Now I know what I’m going to do for my wife next year on her 25th anniversary because she loves pizza! We will fly from Ecuador to Connecticut to experience these three wonderful places! Any tips anyone out there can give us, it is much appreciated.

[@rascal211]

While in Connecticut might as well visit New York City.

[@NaptownClassic]

What a great look at the history of Pizza. I learned so much, and it was great fun the whole time.

[@chrisporter7200]

God bless the KZbin algorithm that this came up for me. I have been so curious about New Haven since Frank Pinello did his episode on the town.

[@stevealaska73]

Fantastic production here. I can not wait to indulge in New Haven A'pizza! I hope I get that privilege soon. I will happily visit each one of these fine establishments. Thank you for sharing this content with us all.

[@SpaneenOomlong]

Very well done. I almost went out for a late-night pizza but decided to wait and just made myself some pasta. Tomorrow I go to Andreas. I look forward to visiting New Haven on my next trip east. Here in the Twin Cities we do have a few very good pizza joints, but just a few. The one nearest me, Broder's Cucina is quite good, as good as my old neighborhood spot in Brooklyn. If I was forty years younger I'd go out to one of the three and apprentice for a few years before opening one up here.

[@xmas4203]

Learn something new everyday. Great documentary!

[@FritzAlcindorJr]

I liked this film the first time I saw it a year ago. Come thru New Haven for great pizza. So many more great spots and unique pizza not even mentioned here. Moderns Italian Bomb is my favorite pizza in New Haven.

[@jibe22686]

next time passing through try Zuppardis in West Haven, very close by

[@TheFloatingBartender]

another 3 am diamond reccomendation. this was a wondeerful watch

[@df5781]

This is one of the best documentaries I’ve ever seen in my entire life

[@dane961]

"We're very friendly, we all get along" "Do you ever eat their pizza?"...........No.

[@johnwinner8511]

To be fair she probably doesn't eat Abiza at all if she can avoid it.

[@lovesgibson]

@@johnwinner8511 exactly. Kind of a bad question. If you make pizza all day and can snack on your own whenever you want, you’re probably really never craving pizza enough, especially to want to go somewhere else to eat it. Especially when Frank’s has crazy wait times too

[@misstlc7136]

I work in an established restaurant of 44 years. When some competition opened 3 miles away with a very similar name We wished them luck. We don't eat there but hey more power to em. If we're out of something and a competitor may have it. I send our customer to them. If you put the customer first.....they know it. It's bad karma to want anyone to fail.

[@FasterDrivers]

I worked for an Italian family who owned several restaurants in South Central Pennsylvania. A&M Pizza. Let me tell you, this was on the 2000's, but their story us so similar to these early pioneers, down to the family splitting up! Fascinating!

[@picernjm]

what a fantastic documentary. just had sallys for the first time and it was the best pizza i ever had. plan on coming back to try pepes and modern as well

[@Seegie16]

Dis you have to eat it in that hideous barn they built or do they allow people to eat inside the pizzeria?

[@rsll510]

What a fantastic documentary! Simply the best

[@jgcramp50]

Sally's is my favorite, although they're all great. Plus, there are several other excellent pizza shops in New Haven; and not far away in West Haven is Mike's. Their pizza is amazing, too.

[@brinkee7674]

I have a pizza place in NJ that makes some of the best pie. It's a new place and he opened at the beginning of the pandemic. He is still thriving and can't get enough delivery guys. He had his oven built and made pizza for a month before he opened to learn his oven. Even went and had the dough and water analyzed from some of the best NY pizzerias. Is it the best, probably not but it's the best around here and has an awesome char

[@ryanmcnally4613]

What’s the name of it

[@dpelpal]

I drove all around the country for a year trying different foods, especially pizza. The one food that actually lived up to the hype was New Haven pizza (NY pizza was the biggest disappointment I've ever experienced, btw.) I was able to get pizza from Modern and Sally's (Pepes was closed for remodeling) and both were incredible. I love love love the charred crust and the funky and cool vibe of the neighborhood. Neither was expensive, and both delish. The only other place that gives this place a run for it's money is Berkley Cheeseboard pizza.

[@tubodechumbo8744]

Moved to Florida from CT a year and a half ago. The Pizza down here is so disappointing I had so many recommendations from native Floridians on “good” pizza. I don’t know what was sadder the pizza of the fact that they thought it was good. It got to the point I would ask the person where they grew up before I would even think about trying their pizza recommendation. Finally, someone said they were from CT and I should try Fantinis in Stuart. I drove the 40 minutes and I am finally back in business! Great Pizza! The owner is from New Haven. The Florida people I recommend it to tell me it’s the best pizza They ever had. I tell them it’s the only pizza they ever had.

[@lordmatthewanunnahybrid1356]

I’m up here in St. Petersburg. Is there a good new haven pizza shoppe up in this area?

[@Mike_Greentea]

Why did you move?

[@tubodechumbo8744]

@@Mike_Greentea taxes

[@bassmangotdbluz]

I have a friend from NJ who owns 2 Austin Pizzerias: "Saccone's, Pizza with a Jersey Attitude". He is also on the US Pizza Team, competing internationally where his pies were judged #1 in the Southwest. He carried tap water from Carteret to Texas and, took "The Pepsi Challenge ". There was no difference, one batch to the next. The water didn't matter.

[@JimiHendrix998]

A lovely, gentle documentary. Great old photographs. Thank you.

[@choboutube]

Have a like. I'm unlikely to ever get to New Haven, very unlikely to go back to America again. Good pizza is always worth hearing about. I was in Naples in February 2020, for my last overseas trips before the pandemic. Pizza there was great of course, but then Roman pizza is also good (IMHO).

[@BradMarcus]

Wonderful film!! I grew up on DiFara in Brooklyn, but now live close to New Haven and I'd stack New Haven apizza up against any of New York's best. Now I need to have one pie from each...

[@rycolligan]

We should all be so lucky to have access to good pizza.

[@terjetoshill]

Fantastic documentary. Made New Haven inspired pizza today. I live in Norway🇳🇴, so rumors about the world's best apizza have spread far and wide

[@wjack4728]

Cool! I remember many years ago being up in Connecticut, and eating this pizza that was out of this world. I've never been able to find anything like it since. This was the type pizza I was eating. I was beginning to think I imagined it, but after seeing this video I see I didn't, it was real.

[@shable1436]

Which one was it?

[@HighlySensitiveHealer]

This was a well done video. I’m blown away by it and New Haven. Can’t wait to visit some day

[@cathyu.1487]

Looks like a great day trip (or 2-3 days) to try a few of the options.

[@johnhastings1874]

I'm from Chicago. Born and raised. I want to go to all three of these places! Your story telling was excellent. Thanks.

[@joeysausage3437]

I'm from planet earth and Canada has the best pizza.

[@jerrywoods4066]

@angel paige chicago does

[@jerrywoods4066]

@@joeysausage3437 chicago does

[@jerrywoods4066]

@angel paige nope it's chicago and new york

[@jeffmeyer3195]

Had them all and all are fantastic!!! Pepe's first, Modern second and Sally's third! You can't go wrong at either one of the three!!!! Love New Haven Apizza!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@hulksmash8159]

The only real Apizza is in Italy. You are deluded.

[@johnlambert9447]

I live in San Antonio, Texas, and I have heard much about Pepe's from his nephew, Frank Colonna. In the 1960's, Frank came to San Antonio and started Colonna's Pizzeria Neopolitana. Generations of Southsiders enjoyed the best pizza ever in San Antonio. Frank was also a warm, friendly guy, and his customers enjoyed his company as much as his pizza. If I ever make it to New Haven, I'm headed straight to Pepe's.

[@robinluich6626]

Sally's pizza in New Haven Connecticut was the best brick oven white pizza I've ever eaten. Thanks to Dave Coochiaro for taking me!

[@kevi5641]

I definitely have to get down there and give it a try. Over the years I've heard nothing but great things about them.

[@eurkrj2609]

I've never had a New Haven Pizza. But man! After watching this and seeing this passion I'm - 100% on their side and I want to eat it every day.

[@victorialucy868]

I’m not a huge fan of pizza but Sally’s is the best! Once I had it I was hooked

[@tooniemama6959]

New Haven pizza truly is one-of-a-kind pizza. It is difficult to explain to someone who has never experienced New Haven pizza. It is a slice of heaven! I am from New England, aka the "Pizza Belt ", and grew up in the New Haven area, and this was a real treat to watch. 🍕 😋

[@PizzArchitect]

I'm a bit more of a Contemporary Neapolitan Pizza person - but this was a lovely documentary, fun to watch as a pizza-buff and a first generation child of Italian Immigrants. Kudos - I look forward to trying them all.

[@recoswell]

first generation of italian immigrants? you and half the population of the northeast genius

[@recoswell]

glad to see ginzo ginziatti checked in

[@meyou2236]

I like that it's been around so long. That's awesome. Pizza is quite simple, yet hits the spot.

[@encryptidconnections]

Growing up in Southeastern CT, my father started telling us the tales of the best Apizza in the world, and it was all on one street in New Haven. He is a Pepe’s guy. As a kid you don’t know food like you do as an adult. So while I loved Pepe’s as a child, as an adult I had to try all 3 of the originals. And my list is 1) Pepe’s…best tomato sauce ever and the ratio of sauce and cheese is perfect plus the dough and charred crust are just magic! 2) Modern is a close second. Another great sauce just not enough of it. 3) Sally’s was also good but for me, it just wasn’t up there with Pepe’s. And if you go to any of these amazing establishments then do yourself a favor and go next door to Libby’s Italian bakery and get dessert. Cannoli, gelato, pistachio cupcakes…you can’t go wrong!

[@MattyK-USA]

As someone who also grew up a Southeastern CT person, I'd have hoped that you would mention Ocean Pizza in New London - another multi-generational place with Pizza to die for. Very different style as it is Greek, but simply unbelievable pie with diehard fans. We go every time we come back to visit. I also remember Max on Main in Hartford, and Max a Mia in Avon - Connecticut pizza is simply the best.

[@encryptidconnections]

@@MattyK-USA yes I should have mentioned Ocean Pizza for sure. It is different from New Haven style cuz it’s Greek but it is very good pizza. And they have a huge menu of some spectacular food. The family is always nice and the place is always busy.

[@MattyK-USA]

@@encryptidconnections Good on ya! We still remember Ms. Maria at Ocean Pizza, taking care of us since the '60's when we started going (and I think the 2nd generation there).

[@bassmangotdbluz]

I'm an Austin musician, and anytime I work downtown on a Friday or Saturday night, I hit Homeslice Pizza afterward, where they sell beautiful slices of great NY Style Pizza, carryout only, until 3am. Once I waited online behind Lyle Lovett, and we talked Pizza, not music.

[@brianmasiello1002]

Zuppardis is up there with these places

[@phatmonkey11]

My husband has been talking about Sally's since we started dating in the 90's. His former girlfriend was from New Haven and he went up there to meet her family. He had tomato pie from Sally's. Finally, this year when our tomatoes were ripe, he sat down and figured out how to make one. He usually does a sourdough crust and cooked sauce. Never again. In fact, he just left for the store to go get some toppings for the apizza he's making tonight.

[@Ira88881]

I never had this type of pizza…grew up in NYC…but they opened a “New Haven Pizzería” where I’ve lived for the past 25 years in Coral Springs, Florida. It wasn’t very good and it’s since closed, but I blame that on THIS place not being very good, not the style itself. There’s another place that opened near me called “John The Baker,” and while they don’t call themselves New Haven style, it looks similar…and I love it. Always arguing with my wife about where to order from: I much prefer these thinner crusts where the sauce and toppings really stand out, as opposed to heavy, spongy crust which is most of what you taste.

[@jenniferflorio3233]

This is by far my favorite and most accurate Pizza Tale! I love New Haven pizza!!❤❤❤

[@TroyCityMedia]

I live in Mass and my friends think im nuts to drive 2.5hrs for pizza, unless you try you will never understand period

[@alpo2567]

Same But I drive 4.5 hrs!!! Lol!!!

[@alpo2567]

I pass through Springfield mass and stop At donut dip on way there ahahah

[@AbsitInvidea]

Dang. I used to love Pizza as much as the next guy. Then I went and worked for Dominos for over 20 years. Now I can't enjoy it like I used to. I'm sure all of the places in this video would taste way better including many other places around the country and world, but I wonder if I ever can enjoy it like I used to. That's why I'm glad I never worked at a BBQ or Mexican food restaurant. I still love those foods. Ok. Coming to New Haven is now on my bucket list. Ironically, within the year I am moving from Midland, Tx to Youngstown, Ohio which seems to be a great place for Mom and Pop Pizza and Italian food places. For some reason, thank God, I still like Italian food.

[@timothyslaughter476]

There is a local pizza shop in my neighborhood that's been in business for 60 years. They do not use mozzarella cheese but instead a mixture of provolone and white American. I know it sounds blasphemous but it really works. The mixture has much more flavor than mozzarella which is slightly bland. Try it sometime if you feel adventurous. This shop sells about2 thousands pies a week and its just a small single counter operation. 60 years they do something right.

[@lordmatthewanunnahybrid1356]

Very interesting. I think I’ll give this a try.

[@timothyslaughter476]

@@lordmatthewanunnahybrid1356 the sweet creamy America mixed with the smokey hearty provolone is excellent. I take friends and family from out of town to this pizza place and when they come back in town its the very first thing they ask.....can we go to Maria's.....lol. Mozzarella is a great cheese but really doesn't have a ton of flavor. This mix im describing does. Trust me.

[@Buddahmonk]

I do really like Detroit but after trying Sally’s and Modern… whoa. I will say, God do I love Brooklyn Square in NJ (thanks Dave for the review)

[@idrissamorehouse5776]

My friend put me onto a new gem in SoCal that has a proper char . It’s called THE MONROVIAN - but this New Haven pizza is looking supreme! I need to book a flight asap :)!

[@vampirrecs]

no need to book a flight. you can now order from Sally's through Goldbelly online!!

[@denisenilsson1366]

@@vampirrecs Not at those prices!

[@geneconroy7795]

ALL wood fire oven pizzas have that chard look... Taste incredible. And I consider myself an expert in pizzas. I've had pizza in many states and countries, and I can tell you, there are very few that taste different, I had two of the best pizzas ever... one is in Zihuatanejo MX at "Jungle Pizza" in Play La Ropa and at "CASS Winery" in Paso Robles, California, both were wood fire ovens... Also in Germany, Italy, N.J., NYC, Chicago, Hawaii, Alaska, Arizona, England, France... also in 34 other states and several other notable countries... the majority are prejudice to their own establishments, understandable. I liked this documentary and it's great to have food debates... it makes it fun.

[@KanWoo76]

Pepe's 4 Life!! RIP Gary, Sal, Sally & Flo

[@calmcanuck]

Brilliant! This is not only a loving story but American history, food history, ethnic anthropology, culinary education, humanity, collective social interaction....on and on. So beautiful!