A Slice of New Haven- Frank Pepe’s Pizza

What: Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana
Where: 157 Wooster Street, New Haven, CT (map)
When: Mon-Sat: 11:30am-10:00pm;  Sun: Noon-10:00pm

Everyone loves pizza, and for those who have never been to Pepe’s in New Haven, you’re in for a real treat.   Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana was first established in 1925 by Frank Pepe, who wanted to create a food that satisfied everyone’s hunger and cravings.   With pizza in mind,  Mr. Pepe created two types of pies, “plain” and “marinara”, which included a long list of ingredients such as oregano, chopped garlic, tomato sauce, and grated pecorino romano cheese and anchovies.   Years later, his restaurant has become  New Haven landmark, attracting tourists and food lovers from across the country.

At Pepe’s, it’s the coal-fired oven that makes the pizza so special. Holding numerous pizzas at one time, the coal oven cooks each pizza till perfection. The smell of the pizza is so enticing it pulls in customers in from off the street. Although the waiting line may be overwhelming, Pepe’s small waiting room keeps its guests warm until empty stomachs are filled.  Parking may be limited, so be prepared to fill up a parking meter.

With Pizza pie entree’s such as Pepe’s famous clam pie, consisting of fresh shucked clams, garlic and a white sauce, there is more than meets the eye to this low key famous pizzeria. The crust is thin and crispy, with fresh cheese and various listings of toppings and moderate spices for a complete flavor. The supposed rivals to Pepe’s pizza, such as Sally’s or Modern, just cannot compare. Even President Ronald Reagan preferred Pepe’s pizza over any other.  The great taste of pizza from Pepe’s is a bite into history dating as far back as 1925. Frank Pepe passed away on September 6, 1969, but the restaurant remains as a family owned chain and is currently expanding beyond New Haven.  Over 85 years later, Pepe’s may still be the best tasting pizza in New England.

For more information on how to try a taste of Pepe’s- visit: www.pepespizzeria.com

Tags: Dining, New Haven, New Haven County, Pizza, Pizzarias

Category: Dining, Reviews, Things To Do