I Visited The Most Historical And Best Pizzeria In U.S.A.

[@vitoiacopelli]

Clams or Original Frenk Pepe Pizza?

[@NicholasRufa]

Get fresh tomato in summer, and my favorite is spinach, mushroom, gorgonzola

[@MeiMeiDoggy]

Clams for me! I live 15 minutes away!

[@alwayzsmarter]

Best place. And that is the og which is better than the franchise locations

[@zemun755]

Original all day 😊

[@countryfirstusa9072]

Original . Clams Are not meant for pizza

[@joshuawilliams6866]

Manager at Frank Pepe’s here: So glad you had a chance to visit with us! I’ve been a fan your channel for a while now, hopefully we can have more videos in the future!🍕🤙🏽😊

[@pejoly2]

And I have been a fan of Frank Pepe's. New Haven BABY!!

[@joshuawilliams6866]

@@pejoly2 We love you too!

[@Von_RX]

I love seeing your passion for pizza! keep up the excellent work!

[@mjmcnult]

I'm a fan of Frank Pepe's and I've never even been there! Maybe one day. Meanwhiile please accept warm greetings from Vancouver.

[@joshuawilliams6866]

@@mjmcnult Stop by our Burlington MA location and ask for Joshua(that’s me!) I’ll take care of you🤙🏽😊

[@CRtrain]

That’s my Dad right there. He’s incredibly passionate about preserving the legacy of my great grandparents. I grew up watching him make those pizzas. Wonderful video, Vito.

[@bilhamcobbly2957]

He’s the smartest person! Kind and friendly.Incredible!! And no wonder it’s still great.

[@iRunfastXC]

You going to take it over? Someone needs to!

[@pmiller7886]

Here in metro Detroit MI you can eat at Tomatoes Pizzeria, a Frank Pepe trained company started by Mike Weinstein. Best and only true Neapolitan pizza in Michigan! (I'm not related to Tomatoes, just a die hard fan😊)

[@franksindoneii5410]

Too bad the real owner died a few years ago

[@marciawellman8668]

❤

[@soundmind6477]

Seeing the grandfather make pizza on the video footage was actually very touching. Well done Francis for honouring your grandfather by continuing with his vision.

[@louskunt9798]

I agree. That got me in the feels too. Truly a special man. ✌️

[@pstreet2027]

I LOVE how respectful you were being an Italian but appreciating Italian american pizza even if it's different. Some Italians would immediately criticize this for not being "authentic".

[@1flash3571]

Yeah. Some of them Italians are Food Nazis.....Doesn't make sense. Even they have verities of pizza. There isn't the one styles of pizza. If that is true, why can't the NY style pizza be ok, or even Pepe's way of making pizza?

[@overip]

Right! Just like Americans would immediately criticize our burgers and fries in Italy. It's normal right?

[@C.ODubhlaoich-sp3to]

Do Americans do that? Even in America burgers and fries are such a customizable thing there is only "classic" and "other" not really "correct" ways lol

[@saccobello6516]

As an Italian, let me tell you: there is not such thing as an "authentic Italian" pizza. There is just pizza, some are are good and some are not so good, even in Italy.

[@C.ODubhlaoich-sp3to]

@@saccobello6516 If there was a true authentic pizza, it wouldn't even have tomato sauce right? Because I know the Spanish brought tomatoes to Italy just a few centuries ago from the Americas and before that I don't know what kind of sauce was used. Maybe an alfredo type sauce? Because Alfredo sauce on pizza is damn good too and I know pizza is much older than the tomato sauce style that is standard now.

[@yoreckable1]

What touches me is that I see freaking hard work based on passion and love, for the work itself and the family. Really inspiring story ❤️🍕

[@pepperonipete7566]

So much love and passion in that gentleman when he talked about his grandfather and the pizza, what a beautiful person.

[@quasarQuasar-e1o]

I m french, Italian origins...I love so much this italian vibe between you. Thank you both!

[@turbanheadless]

Didnt know Junior Soprano makes such a good pizza

[@SantisValiant]

He had to get good at pizza because, like his nephew, he never had the makings of a varsity athlete.

[@amyt2400]

Wonder if he’s ever been cast in.a movie. He’s a very like able guy. 🎥

[@Quroyo]

Went to the comments looking for something about uncle June 😂

[@TonyLasagna]

Yo 😂

[@aspjake123]

@@SantisValiant Hands were too small

[@imbykji]

You made that guy's day. He really wanted to nerd out and talk pizza details with you!

[@SHINE88]

I just found your channel and it's the best! I love your passion. Love, Frank Pepe's and Sally's

[@jnero79]

It’s amazing how the Italians that immigrated to America adapted to the new environment / ingredients with their traditional cuisine to create their own world renowned pizza styles.. New Haven, New York, Chicago etc

[@crazydubwise]

Right, that's the og Italian Spirit, not getting stuff really expensive from Italy, but using what's available locally. I won't call it Italian, but Italian American kitchen .

[@internationalbreakfastclub3812]

well, offcourse..lets say some Indian or Samoan comes now to USA works for others see its not paying the bills and remembers his familys recepies and opens his own restourant. Obviously if he was successful restourant owner back home he would not come, so means he will make what he remembers and will change some things wrongly or according to his taste. that is why USA pizza evolved from the original

[@frankrizzo4460]

Yes absolutely, my grandparents one side was from Naples and Sicily, and the other was from Bari. I grew up with amazing foods all the kids at my school would be eating bologna sandwiches and I was eating eggplant parmesan sandwiches. I wouldn't have it any other way.🇮🇹

[@nicodemoscarfo]

YEa, no more mozzarella de buffalo

[@pacri61]

Bravo Vito, I am from New Haven and you got to go behind the curtain of our one of our most beloved treasures. Now all you need to do is visit Sally's, Modern and Grand and you will leave New Haven only wanting to come back for more!

[@tommytunes303]

Excellent production, the use of the old footage, camera work, and audio are all top-notch, just like the pies at Frank Pepe's!

[@MrGoldenDome]

Made my first pizza pilgrimage to New Haven just a few weeks ago. Amazing heritage and world-class pizza.

[@ismailsalmane7199]

This man is so passionate, he’s carying the love of it you can hear it and see it when he’s describing things ❤❤❤

[@conscience-commenter]

New Haven , Connecticut is the pizza capital of the United States. Wooster Street Pizzerias (Frank Pepe, Sally's) are world renowned . Glad to see two men passionate about pizza enjoying their time together .

[@edwardgabriel5281]

I am 95 and still remember having raw clams and pizza at Pep's at age 17. I grew up in an Italian section of New Haven. I haven't been there for 72 yeas. It was a wonderful city.

[@LeNoLi.]

Frank pepe: The tomato pie wasn't that good, but the clams are. i knew i should have gotten something with mozza on it. to me that is essential for tomato based pizza. Sallys is just as good. had a plain mozzarella + tomato pie. they should just call it pizza instead of trying to be different. kinda annoying and appears snobbish. new haven has good pizza, but not the best. NYC has the best pizza of all time for me. i dream of it. that is the capital of pizza that i compare all pizza to. i am from kentucky but when i visit my relatives in the city, they know to bring the best pizza from all over the area. i could eat pizza every day while i'm there.

[@conscience-commenter]

@@LeNoLi. What is the name of this New York City Pizzeria that has the best of all time ?

[@jasoncapecod]

@@LeNoLi. I'm from NYC...I have to give the edge to New Haven... It's splitting hairs

[@monkabuda]

Vito thank you for making this video! This is a great treat. My favorite Pizza, Frank Pepe's and my Favorite Pizzaiolo Vito in one video!!! Frank Pepe's is the most amazing pizza I have ever had. I am glad you made it there!!

[@theothesammy]

I love the history montage for his grandpa with the music. So beautiful Vito! Your youtube channel is amazing and has increasingly good production. Love it!

[@wyldeman7]

That part was extremely well done.

[@kevinhutchins4222]

Thanks for reminding me of Bari, a city where I got lost, once. And, the most historic pizza place in the U.S. in Lombardi's in NYC.

[@imapurritoe]

This is such a great video, Vito! Love that you ask for all the little details about the dough making process. Grazie mille 🙏

[@joer1757]

Love Pepe’s. And this video is the best representation and explanation of the New Haven style ever made. Thank you for bringing attention to this style.

[@frankrizzo4460]

My Dad's side of the family are from Bari Italy and they would make a focaccia pizza with only crushed tomatoes, olive oil and oregano. It was thick almost like a Sicilian pizza but no cheese on it. I grew up eating this and it was amazing. Thanks for the video salute 🍕🇮🇹

[@scottgodkin781]

One of the best videos I’ve seen on New Haven pizza. Great content. 👍🏼

[@KCarubia]

We love the whole family and everyone who has worked at Pepe’s for many generations! Much love from your friends, the Carubias!

[@Tao_Peace]

Good heavens, you can feel the ❤️ through the video of this man and the pie and that’s what makes it wow!! I can’t imagine how wonderful it must taste! Bravo 👏 🍕🇮🇹

[@wyldeman7]

This is the collaboration we needed. That place is legendary.

[@rajmunch]

Have stopped into this place in New Haven a few times. Truly one of the best pizzas Ive ever had. It's up there with my experiences in Napoli and Roma. I'm working on my own pizza napoletana effort at home thanks to Vito!

[@Romafood]

i love these historical places, i hope to go there one day, Greetings from Rome

[@riodiooo]

Are you from a place called Rome in Utah, Texas or South Carolina? If you’re from Rome in Italy you should know some places that are even a little more historic that this pizza house… Greetings from Düsseldorf

[@rossikc]

@@riodiooowhat are you trying to say?

[@rickhimes]

We are so lucky here in CT. Pepe's is a national treasure. That clam pizza is no side hustle - it is amazing. Word of advice - if you want the full experience, eat in. The crust changes texture slightly after travel - at the restaurant it stays crisp. This mini series is fantastic. Vito's videos taught me how to make pizza at home, and when I want to remind myself what truly great pizza tastes like, I head to Pepe's. Worlds collide!

[@jimcasso407]

Yes! I live in CT and went to college in New Haven. I try to get to Wooster St and Pepe’s as often as I can. As you now know, the absolute best! So glad you got to enjoy. Thank you for the visit and the great video Vito!

[@jimhatch5873]

Glad you got a chance to try Pepe's. The original New Haven location (actually, in the back of the parking lot is the original building - open evenings - it's called The Spot) is the best pie in the world. I had to design my own pizza oven (wood fired black oven instead of Pepe's coal fired white oven) and build it in my backyard when I couldn't make it down to New Haven regularly. I've found Pepe's other locations to be somewhat erratic in their product, but New Haven never disappoints. New Haven has the most experienced pizzaiolos. And after you've had a couple of pies, go next door to Libby's for cookies and Italian ice! If you're going there via NY, you should stop at Lombardi's in Little Italy. It's the first pizzeria in the United States and is where Frank Pepe got his start. It opened in 1905 and has some awesome pies (and some not so awesome ones too - all depends on who is working in the kitchen). Catch it on a good night and you'll get a sublime pie. Pepe's in New Haven is more consistent though and is a little different with Frank's tweaks to what he learned in NY.

[@heimoschwarz1212]

One of the loveliest videos about the traditional of a pizzeria. Great video 👍

[@th3who213]

Video bellissimo. Capire la pizza, la passione del lavoro mi emoziona. Grande vito e w la pizza italiana.

[@joshuavanderstam1345]

what a nice guy, incredible genuine man.

[@SuperCaptain4]

Immediately asking about semolina in the flour mix, then hits us with the "that's Grana Padano 17 months old, saw it in the back". Nothing secret escapes Vito 😂❤

[@sandhill9313]

I think that was a reference to the throw on the peel, not in the dough...we live in a world where folks imagine even corn meal on the peel, semolina is what goes down first

[@SuperCaptain4]

​@@sandhill9313 Yes, the stuff he was using when shaping the pizza. However, I didn't quite get his answer, he said he wasn't using semolina but instead using Farina. Isn't farina just regular flour in Italian or does he mean something different? I don't think it is regular flour as Vito guessed semolina first.

[@SKRUBL0RD]

Grana Padano is similar to parmegiano reggiano

[@lurchamok8137]

@@SKRUBL0RD and a little cheaper

[@paulburgio8278]

I’ll be trying Grana Padano on the next NH style apizza I make at home.

[@FirstLast-il6ok]

love seeing an owner carrying on the tradition and sharing it with the world in such a beautiful way. I think I need to make a trip to new haven.

[@keiosaka02]

hi. I'm writing from Turquie. I have been following your videos for about two years, although not regularly. You are passionate about your work and it is inspiring. therefore, quality results always come out. Your visit to Frank Pepe was also very good. I loved your chat. I'm sure the pizzas there are delicious. I will continue to follow you 👍🏻 🍕

[@AnthonyDibiaseIdeas]

One of your best episodes. Thank you.

[@mariecook7910]

Vito sometimes even a pro has to take a backseat and let the Master show you how its done. I loved it when he said he wanted to show you how to put the pizza in the oven and was gonna hold your hand,😂😂 the look on your face was absolutely priceless and so child like. But you handled it well 😂😂😂

[@vitoiacopelli]

hahaha respect

[@proteinpapi7595]

The masters are in Naples, Vito doesn’t need to be taught from a new york pizza maker

[@mariecook7910]

@@vitoiacopelli my comment is all in good humor Vito I mean no disrespect to you as a master at your craft. I just thought it was adorable how he said that to you and you are always the one usually in charge of doing things and showing stuff in your videos. Apparently some think this man is not a master at his craft just like you are well I disagree. Even down to cooking with coals for heat he has managed to stay true to the craft of making Pizza. His whole process is so unique and I'm certain you came away from this trip with some newly learned techniques such as how he does the dough, cooling and freezing points. We are always learning everyday and I found this video and his techniques fascinating.

[@mariecook7910]

@@proteinpapi7595 not all of the are, and I never said Vito was taught by him. Him showing Vito how to put the Pizza in the oven is what i was referring to and Vito I'm sure I ew what i was referring to because i stated it in my comment if you bothered to read it and watch the entire video to know what i was referring to. You saying this man is not a Master is disrespectful.

[@jibril4000]

What An amazing video, restaurant, history and pizza masters. Thanks for the opportunity to learn more Vito. Next time we are close by we will be visiting Franks

[@user-hd2yx7bv3m]

what a fantastic story and family tradition. Wonderful host! Pizza looks amazingly great. On my bucket list.

[@FritzAlcindorJr]

Nice you came out to New Haven. I love living here. Hopefully you tried our other pizza in the city as well.

[@manuelsweingarten]

Thanks for the Video Vito! The secret, to grow the dough to the point of fermentation and then put it in the fridge is gold! 🥇 🙏🏿

[@ColDesignLLC]

Thank you, Vito. This was a different experience. Very lovely.

[@ChrisXMetal]

Excellent video. The owner was so down to earth too. I can’t wait to visit Frank Pepe’s in New Haven!

[@cubanmama4564]

I knew I recognized this place! New Haven pizza! I grew up in CT and had this pizza when I was in college nearby! It is amazing!

[@mariap4828]

VITO!!!! You were FORTY-FIVE minutes from me!! I Love Frank Pepe’s!! He had passione and skill!! The workers at their locations are All dedicated. He’s an artist and a great business man that Frank. I too haven’t tried Sally’s. Next on the list though. Next time I’m on 95 South. When you come back to the East Coast, make an announcement here per Piacere?!🎉

[@andreastullgren7595]

Will be one on the stops when me and my buddy travel to US for a pizza tour!

[@DH432hrtz]

Great episode. I love the passion you all share. Thank you

[@em0_tion]

Thank God I'm watching this full. I'm still salivating! 🤣🤗🙏

[@corben7874]

Vito like the way the videos are edited since few weeks, made the video more enjoyable to watch.

[@brewhadefeo707]

Grats Vito I have been following since the beginning. Glad you made it to New Haven!! Pepes my favorite..but I have not tried Sally's yet.

[@johnnaik]

Nice, if I'm ever passing thru New Haven CT I'm gonna make sure i stop by to taste this amazing looking pizza.

[@Edward135i]

2:25 that oven is what really makes these pies special, nowhere else in the world do they do coal fired pizza.

[@sparks6666]

I lived in new haven for a while. Loved my weekly visit to Pepe's. The white clam is amazing...

[@NelsonMontana1234]

You can tell a good pie just by looking at it.

[@ERone43]

I will not go to Connecticut without going to Pepe’s!!! I have stood in the line many times!!! Pro tip: buy one for while you’re there and another one to take home. It is just as good cold. The Sausage & Onion pizza at Pepe’s is iconic. Greetings from a Half New-Yorker from California!

[@MrWeliz]

I wish there was something like Pepe's hero in So CA

[@corylombard]

MODERN ROCKS

[@frischma1]

Vito thanks for this video. As luck would have it, I just flew into Boston, and will be in Connecticut in a few days and plan to visit Frank Pepe’s

[@alxdava2004]

Come back here and say your opinion about it

[@mokyingleung]

Great show 👍 I see love and family tradition behind the pizzas.

[@r.llynch4124]

He could play on the soprano's Pizza looks great and the oven is insane!

[@dennisferraro9829]

I grew up going to Pepe’ s . My father from the neighborhood. Thanks Vito you made me home sick watching this 😊 nice job thanks Paisan

[@Ladran_Sancho]

Best pizza video I have seen in a while. Congrats! I would love to try these pizzas!

[@kdub175]

Vito: “I’m here for ALL the secrets!!” Francis: “woah take it easy, not ALL of them…”😅

[@Mtl-zf9om]

Vito is too Italian for Frank.

[@kdub175]

@@Mtl-zf9om 💀

[@stoneone1479]

Great content. Those pizzas. The hospitality. What a great place.

[@Drizz1717]

Wow looks so good. Bring it to Michigan

[@clsieczka]

Watching this was close to torture. I’ve been hearing about Pepe’s for many years. People don’t realize the hard work and long hours it takes to be in this business, let alone being successful. Can’t wait to visit for a sit down . Chicago Chris

[@patriciahannifan3381]

Hi Vito. I really enjoyed your visit to Pepe’s. It always interesting to learn about other styles of pizza. I lived in Connecticut for 10 years and was told great things about “New Haven” style pizza. It’s not my favorite style. More like NY style pizza. I still like the classic Neapolitan style pizza, made with poolish fermentation the most. I would love to see you do a video on how to make Pizza Bianca Roman style pizza for someone using a home oven. I’ve looked up several recipes, but I know you will present the best recipes, with details that are so important.

[@johnwood551]

I’m in Nevada ,but the next time I’m in that part of the country I’m going to go there. Thank you for sharing. Funny to be shown something like this by someone from another country . Thanks again.

[@intoitreviews]

Wish they were in AZ! Can't wait to try your take one the recipe!

[@chrishibberson74]

Great video Vito! I loved this. Hope to see more content this way.

[@armandoespinozaaa]

Good Job Jr. Soprano

[@IFIXCASTLES]

Ate there some years back; they didn't have any clams at that time. Asked for little char. Came to us perfect. What a nice video my friend! Two pizza perfectionists. Love it man!

[@pistolpete8231]

Vito isn't even good, hahahah. Perfectionist?? He's an average pizza maker

[@jamesc8259]

I enjoyed this video a lot Vito. Thank you 😎👍🍕

[@txtacos817-3]

Vito gonna need this series once a week 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@ronrobichaud8648]

Great video! Love Frank Pepe! Have it at least once a month in Massachusetts. Francis reminds me of Corrado Soprano, or Junior Soprano...

[@SantisValiant]

As soon as he said "we want to treat it with respect" I knew the old guy had a real love and passion for his craft that can't be cheaply replicated.

[@gwendolyndefelice4441]

I am 68. I've been going there since I was a child. My father also went there as a child. I found his initials carved in a table dated1933 (in the old back building: not there any more I hear!). Best Pizza ever! It's a nine hour drive for me now in northern Maine, but my parents were Oak St people. That means a lot in New Haven! So I try to get there as often as I can. Hope you tried the clam pizza with bacon and white sauce! Then wander up to Libby's for dessert! Bless Wooster St. It keeps good memories alive! Even have a refrigerator magnet on the fridge to remind me of real food up here in the tundra!

[@Stopsign32v]

That pizza looks out of this world!!!!!!!!! WOW

[@arthurgumbus3969]

In my life, I can recall traveling from Bridgeport to New Haven for our typical Saturday APIZZA night at Frank Pepe's. In those days, before I-95, it took a long time to get there on Route 15. But boy it was and still is worth the trip to the MECCA of APIZZA. Buy the way, in Connecticut, especially in New Haven Pizza is pronounced Ahh-BEEZA. (AHH BEETS). Notice also how they cut the pie at Frank Peppe's in New Haven on Wooster... in managable slabs not triangles. BTW we have an engraved, 50th year Frank Peppe pizza cutter wheel which was presented to my Dad back in the day. So glad you came to New Haven and your video and the hospitality they showed you was amazing. The "chew" of the crust and flavors are hard to describe, Yes? To all who watched, please make it a point to get to Wooster St... in New Haven. Thanks for this Vito! Art

[@yurikakurai9781]

Original Frank Pepe! But I want to try clams too, then I can tell which I like! 🎉Both look so good, and the owner has a sweet personality like Vito!

[@alexjoel100]

Thank you from Vienna (Austria) my dear Vito- I love your channel and have watched all your amazing Videos- I am obsessed with pizza and thanks to you, I can also make half way decent pizzas (I mean not as good as you!) for my family and friends- which I do a minimum of every week on my Ooni Karu pizza oven! Best regards, Alex

[@serkansalah1883]

Thank you very much for this video maestro vito ! Been waiting for this...I already learned a lot and now you will make video with recipe ? can't wait for that one...Thnx

[@MDKTraining]

I would love to have this pizza. Thanks Vito for spotlighting this pizzeria!

[@keithbrookshire]

I ate at Frank Pepe two years ago. I plan to go back to New Haven to eat there again and try all the others as well.

[@bartonpercival3216]

My daughter and her bf and some other guests took me to Pepe's last year in 2022. We drove there from Boston and had like 3 different pizza's. They were truly incredible. Then we went next door to get some Italian ice. I got lime and another scoop of cherry ice. What a fantastic trip it was. Next time my daughter will take me to Santarpio's in East Boston. It's supposed to be incredible pizza as well!!!!! 👍🍕

[@Seegie16]

You shouldve went to sallys instead. There are like 20 pepes. The main restaurant taste like the chain except the oven is better and produces smokier char

[@conanobrian8580]

I like how excited they are to see each other. Hyping each other up for their techniques. It is like they share the same brain

[@lemoutonnoir967]

Wonderfull vidéo , amazing …Nice to see one of the oldest pizzeria of usa 😍

[@SFuruli]

Oh man, this looks so good! I hope the cameraguy got a slice too. :)

[@derbart07]

Great video and tip thanks mate!

[@westlakefarms]

Fresh tomato in summer or tomato and mozzarella, used to go to the Pepe in Yonkers...one of the best pizzas around!

[@chriskatzer]

It’s a fantastic place. Went there a couple years back. Best pizza really

[@JunixKuizon]

I like this dudes video. Love the energy.

[@illinoisvalleymusicians]

Really enjoyed the footage of his grandfather.

[@riproar11]

I can't wait to try both pies! Years ago there was a small pizzeria in my Hudson Valley New York hometown that offered a clam pizza, but it had red pizza sauce lightly on it too, and chopped roasted garlic. I would order Pepe's clam pizza and ask for garlic on it, to take it to the next flavor level. Ah! I checked Pepe's menu and garlic is part of their signature clam pizza! I knew that they know it! :)

[@ninapost9991]

What town?

[@riproar11]

@@ninapost9991 LaGrangeville in Poughkeepsie, New York. That pizzeria was only around for a few years back in the mid-1990s. Sadly, pizza is in decline in that area of the Hudson Valley with the loss of Tina's Pizza which was everyone's pizzeria since the 1970s. Google "The Pizza Belt" to learn about the section where the best pizza is in the tri-state area. It is very accurate since pizza becomes terrible by Rhinebeck, New York.

[@jt8402]

Vito could be talking about cereal or saltine crackers, and I'd still wanna eat it!😂Love his passion!

[@asairin1553]

I maybe a bit biased being from CT but I preferred NH apizza over NYC.. thanks for doing Pepe and New Haven proud. Thank you Vito ❤

[@atruewild]

Vito, when I learned how to make pizza from you, my goal was always to make a Frank Peppes inspired clam pie at home. So happy you visited my favorite pizza place. Cheers!!!!

[@herrlindner]

What a wonderful video. Will pay a visit to Frank Pepe ❤

[@carloslopez5086]

My home town New Haven CT The best Pizza in the USA and the home of the First Hamberger Place