Unearth The Voyage
Connecticut is famous for its apizza, a style of pizza that locals take very seriously. While everyone knows about the big names on Wooster Street, there are dozens of neighborhood spots scattered across the state that serve pies just as delicious. These hidden gems have been quietly perfecting their craft for decades, earning devoted followings in their communities without all the tourist buzz.
1. Ernie’s Pizzeria (Westville, New Haven)
Tucked away in the Westville neighborhood, Ernie’s has been serving up no-nonsense apizza to loyal regulars for generations. The pies come out of the oven with beautiful charred bubbles and a thin, crispy crust that snaps when you fold it.
What makes Ernie’s special is its commitment to simplicity. They don’t try to reinvent the wheel with fancy toppings or trendy ingredients. Instead, they focus on getting the basics perfect every single time.
The atmosphere feels like stepping back in time, with checkered tablecloths and friendly service. Locals love that they can still grab an authentic apizza without fighting crowds or waiting hours for a table.
2. Roseland Apizza (Derby)
Walking into Roseland Apizza feels like entering a time capsule from the 1950s. This Derby institution has kept its vintage charm intact while continuing to serve some of the most creative apizza combinations in the state.
Their famous Shrimp Casino pizza is legendary among regulars. It combines tender shrimp, bacon, garlic, and just the right amount of cheese on their signature thin crust. The menu was updated in October 2025, but they’ve wisely kept all the classics that made them famous.
Families have been coming here for three generations, creating memories over shared pizzas. The casual atmosphere and reasonable prices make it a perfect spot for a weeknight dinner.
3. Tolli’s Apizza (East Haven)
Since 1954, Tolli’s has been baking brick-oven pies that keep East Haven residents coming back week after week. The restaurant has stayed true to its roots while adapting just enough to stay relevant in 2025.
Their brick oven creates a unique texture that’s hard to replicate. The crust develops these amazing crispy edges while staying tender in the middle, and the high heat creates those signature char marks that apizza lovers crave.
You can order online now, which makes things convenient, but many locals still prefer calling in their orders the old-fashioned way. The family-run operation ensures consistency and quality with every single pie.
4. The Little Rendezvous (Meriden)
Cash-only and coal-fired, The Little Rendezvous is about as authentic as Connecticut apizza gets. This Meriden classic doesn’t accept credit cards, and they’re perfectly fine with that because their loyal customers keep coming back anyway.
The coal oven creates incredibly high temperatures that give the crust an almost magical combination of crunch and chew. Those little black char spots aren’t burnt—they’re flavor bombs that add a smoky depth you won’t find in gas ovens.
Make sure to call ahead before visiting, as hours can vary. The staff knows most regulars by name, and first-timers are welcomed like old friends into this tight-knit pizza community.
5. The Parlor: A Pizza Joint (Stratford)
Don’t let the laid-back name fool you—The Parlor takes its New Haven-style pizza very seriously. This Stratford spot brings a slightly more modern, chef-driven approach to traditional apizza while keeping things relaxed and approachable.
The menu features both classic combinations and more adventurous options that showcase seasonal ingredients. Whether you stick with a simple margherita or try something unexpected, the foundation is always that perfect New Haven-style crust.
The atmosphere strikes a nice balance between casual and polished. It’s the kind of place where you can bring a date or show up in jeans with the kids, and either way feels totally right.
6. Good Old Days Pizzeria & Cocktail Den (Newtown)
Hidden in a basement location in Newtown, Good Old Days combines seriously good apizza with an impressive cocktail program. The unique vibe makes it feel like you’ve discovered a secret spot that only insiders know about.
Their pies come out with beautifully blistered crusts and creative topping combinations. What sets them apart is the attention to both the food and drink menus—you can pair your pizza with craft cocktails that actually complement the flavors.
A January 2025 local feature confirmed they’re still going strong and drawing crowds. The basement setting creates an intimate, almost speakeasy-like atmosphere that makes every visit feel special and memorable.
7. Grand Apizza North (North Haven)
Family lineage runs deep at Grand Apizza North, where generations of pizza-making knowledge go into every pie. This North Haven location carries on the traditions that made New Haven-style apizza famous worldwide.
Weekly specials keep regular customers excited to try something new while the core menu delivers consistent excellence. The family takes pride in using quality ingredients and techniques passed down through the years, never cutting corners or compromising on taste.
Active online ordering makes it easy to get your pizza fix, though dining in lets you soak up the warm, family-friendly atmosphere. Locals appreciate that this place treats every customer like family, whether it’s your first visit or your hundredth.
8. Grand Apizza (Clinton)
Serving the shoreline community from 9 East Main Street, Grand Apizza’s Clinton location brings that same family tradition to the coast. Earlier this year, they announced plans for a nearby move, but they’re still serving up excellent pies at their current spot.
Being in a shoreline town gives this location a slightly different vibe from its inland siblings. Summer crowds mix with year-round locals who depend on Grand Apizza for their regular pizza fix, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere.
The menu features all the New Haven-style classics done right. Whether you’re a tourist discovering Connecticut apizza or a local grabbing dinner after work, the quality remains consistently excellent across every visit.
9. Little City Pizza (Avon)
Out in the quiet Farmington Valley, Little City Pizza has built a devoted following without any hype or fanfare. Their official website keeps customers updated with current menus and information, making it easy to plan your visit to this Avon gem.
Connecticut-style pies are their specialty, featuring that signature thin crust that’s crispy but never brittle. The toppings are generous without overwhelming the delicate balance that makes great apizza so special and worth seeking out.
Families in the area consider Little City their go-to spot for pizza night. The low-key atmosphere and consistently delicious food make it the kind of place you want to keep as your own secret discovery.
10. Tony’s Pizza (Willimantic)
Willimantic locals have been relying on Tony’s Pizza for decades, and a September 2025 menu update shows they’re still going strong. This local staple serves crispy pies alongside a surprisingly broad menu that offers something for everyone in the family.
The pizza crust achieves that perfect crispiness that makes each bite satisfying without being tough or hard to chew. Tony’s doesn’t try to be fancy or trendy—they just focus on making really good pizza that keeps customers happy and coming back.
Small-town charm defines the experience here. The staff remembers regular customers and their usual orders, creating a sense of community that’s hard to find in bigger, busier establishments across the state.
