Hey pizza lovers! Let's dive into a debate that's been sizzling for years: Is New Haven pizza the absolute best in the world? For those not in the know, New Haven, Connecticut, is home to a unique style of pizza that has garnered international acclaim and a fiercely loyal following. We're talking about the legendary "apizza" (pronounced ah-BEETS), a thin-crust, coal-fired masterpiece that breaks all the rules and tantalizes the taste buds. So, grab a slice of your favorite pie, and let's explore what makes New Haven apizza so special, why it sparks such passionate debate, and whether it truly deserves the crown of the world's best pizza.

What Makes New Haven Apizza Unique?

Okay, guys, let's get into the nitty-gritty of what sets New Haven apizza apart from the rest of the pizza pack. It's not just about slapping some cheese and sauce on a crust; it's a whole different ball game.

• The Crust: First off, the crust is the foundation of any great pizza, and New Haven apizza takes it seriously. We're talking thin, crispy, and slightly charred, thanks to the intense heat of coal-fired ovens. This isn't your soft, doughy crust; it's got a snap and a chew that'll keep you coming back for more. The coal-fired ovens reach temperatures of up to 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which not only cooks the pizza in mere minutes but also imparts a distinctive smoky flavor that's simply irresistible.
• The Sauce: Now, let's talk sauce. Or, in some cases, the lack thereof. A classic New Haven apizza often features a simple tomato sauce, made with high-quality tomatoes, a touch of olive oil, garlic, and oregano. But here's the kicker: some of the most iconic New Haven pies, like the white clam pizza, skip the tomato sauce altogether. This allows the other ingredients to shine and creates a flavor profile that's both briny and savory.
• The Cheese: Cheese is a crucial component. While mozzarella is a common choice, you'll often find "mozzarella" used – that's fresh mozzarella, adding a creamy, milky richness to the pizza. Some places even use a blend of cheeses to create a more complex flavor. However, one thing is for sure: the cheese is always applied sparingly, allowing the other flavors to come through.
• The Toppings: Speaking of toppings, New Haven apizza keeps it relatively simple. While you can find your usual suspects like pepperoni and sausage, the real stars of the show are the specialty toppings. We're talking about the famous white clam pizza, featuring fresh clams, garlic, olive oil, oregano, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. It's a flavor explosion that'll convert even the most skeptical pizza purist.
• The Coal-Fired Oven: Let's give some extra love to the coal-fired oven. These ovens are relics of the past, requiring skilled pizzaiolos to manage the intense heat and ensure that each pizza is cooked to perfection. The high heat not only creates that signature char but also gives the crust a unique texture that's impossible to replicate in a conventional oven. It's a labor of love that's well worth the effort.

The Big Debate: Why New Haven Pizza Sparks So Much Passion

Alright, so why all the fuss about New Haven apizza? Why does it inspire such fervent devotion and heated debates? Well, there are a few key factors at play.

• Nostalgia and Tradition: For many New Haven residents, apizza is more than just food; it's a part of their cultural heritage. These pizzerias have been around for generations, serving up the same delicious pies using the same time-honored techniques. It's a taste of home, a connection to the past, and a source of local pride. This deep-rooted connection creates a sense of loyalty and passion that's hard to match.
• The Unique Flavor Profile: Let's be real: New Haven apizza tastes different. It's not your typical greasy, cheesy pizza. It's got a complex, nuanced flavor profile that's both savory and satisfying. The combination of the crispy, charred crust, the simple sauce, the fresh toppings, and the smoky flavor from the coal-fired oven creates a taste sensation that's unlike anything else. This uniqueness is what sets it apart and makes it so addictive.
• The Scarcity Factor: You can only find true New Haven apizza in New Haven (and a few select locations). This limited availability adds to the mystique and allure. It's not something you can get just anywhere, which makes it all the more special. People travel from all over the world to experience the real deal, and that exclusivity only fuels the debate about its superiority.
• The Pizza Snobbery Factor: Let's be honest, pizza lovers can be a pretty opinionated bunch. Everyone has their favorite style, their favorite toppings, and their favorite pizzeria. And when someone dares to suggest that their beloved pizza isn't the best, sparks are bound to fly. The debate about New Haven apizza is just one example of this pizza snobbery in action. But hey, it's all in good fun (mostly).

New Haven's heavy hitters

Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana

No discussion about New Haven pizza is complete without mentioning Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, affectionately known as Pepe's. Founded in 1925 by Frank Pepe, this legendary pizzeria is considered by many to be the birthplace of New Haven apizza. Pepe's is renowned for its impeccable crust, simple yet flavorful sauce, and, of course, the iconic White Clam Pizza. This culinary masterpiece features fresh clams, garlic, olive oil, oregano, and grated Parmesan cheese, creating a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more. The lines at Pepe's can be long, but trust us, it's worth the wait. Stepping into Pepe's is like stepping back in time. The walls are adorned with vintage photographs and memorabilia, and the atmosphere is always buzzing with excitement. You can watch the pizzaiolos work their magic, stretching the dough, topping the pies, and sliding them into the coal-fired oven. It's a truly immersive experience that will make you appreciate the artistry and dedication that goes into every pizza.

Sally's Apizza

Just a stone's throw away from Pepe's, you'll find Sally's Apizza, another iconic New Haven pizzeria with a loyal following. Founded by Salvatore "Sally" Consiglio, Sally's is known for its slightly sweeter sauce, its perfectly charred crust, and its no-frills atmosphere. Sally's is a bit more laid-back than Pepe's, but the pizza is just as exceptional. The crust is thin and crispy, with a slight chewiness that's simply addictive. The sauce is sweet and tangy, and the toppings are always fresh and flavorful. Be sure to try the white pizza with just garlic, it is a great test to see how well the pizza maker knows how to make a good pizza.

Modern Apizza

Rounding out the New Haven pizza trifecta is Modern Apizza, a slightly more modern (pun intended) take on the classic apizza. While Pepe's and Sally's are steeped in tradition, Modern offers a bit more variety in terms of toppings and specialty pies. However, they still stay true to the core principles of New Haven apizza: thin crust, simple sauce, and high-quality ingredients. Modern Apizza is the perfect place to go if you're looking for a New Haven-style pizza with a little bit of a twist. They offer a wide range of toppings and specialty pies, including their famous Italian Bomb, which features sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, peppers, and garlic.

So, Is New Haven Pizza the Best in the World?

Okay, guys, the moment of truth. Is New Haven pizza truly the best in the world? Well, that's a matter of personal opinion, of course. Taste is subjective, and what one person considers the best, another might find underwhelming. However, there's no denying that New Haven apizza is a unique and exceptional style of pizza that deserves all the accolades it has received. The combination of the crispy, charred crust, the simple sauce, the fresh toppings, and the smoky flavor from the coal-fired oven creates a taste sensation that's hard to beat. Whether it's the best in the world is up for debate, but one thing is certain: it's definitely worth a try. If you're a pizza lover, a trip to New Haven is a must. Just be prepared to wait in line and to have your taste buds blown away.

Other contenders around the world

While New Haven apizza certainly holds a special place in the hearts of pizza aficionados, it's important to acknowledge that the world of pizza is vast and diverse, with countless regional variations and styles that are equally deserving of recognition. Let's take a quick tour of some other contenders for the title of "best pizza in the world."

Neapolitan Pizza (Naples, Italy)

No discussion about pizza is complete without mentioning Neapolitan pizza, the original pizza from Naples, Italy. Neapolitan pizza is characterized by its soft, pillowy crust, its simple tomato sauce, its fresh mozzarella cheese, and its basil topping. It's cooked in a wood-fired oven for just a minute or two, resulting in a slightly charred crust and a perfectly melted cheese. Neapolitan pizza is a true classic, and it's a must-try for any pizza lover.

Roman Pizza (Rome, Italy)

While Naples is known for its soft, pillowy pizza, Rome is known for its crispy, thin-crust pizza. Roman pizza comes in two main varieties: pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice) and pizza tonda (round pizza). Pizza al taglio is typically baked in large rectangular trays and sold by weight. It's a popular street food in Rome, and it's a great way to sample a variety of toppings. Pizza tonda is a thin-crust pizza that's typically cooked in a wood-fired oven. It's similar to Neapolitan pizza, but the crust is much crispier.

Sicilian Pizza (Sicily, Italy)

Sicilian pizza, also known as sfincione, is a thick-crust pizza that's typically baked in a rectangular pan. It's topped with tomato sauce, onions, anchovies, oregano, and caciocavallo cheese. Sicilian pizza is a hearty and flavorful pizza that's perfect for sharing.

New York-Style Pizza (New York City, USA)

New York-style pizza is a large, thin-crust pizza that's typically sold by the slice. It's characterized by its foldable crust, its slightly sweet tomato sauce, its generous amount of mozzarella cheese, and its optional toppings like pepperoni, sausage, and mushrooms. New York-style pizza is a staple of New York City, and it's a must-try for any visitor.

Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza (Chicago, USA)

Chicago deep-dish pizza is a thick-crust pizza that's baked in a deep pan. It's topped with cheese, tomato sauce, and a variety of toppings like sausage, pepperoni, and vegetables. Chicago deep-dish pizza is a hearty and filling pizza that's perfect for a cold winter day.

The Final Verdict

So, there you have it, guys! A deep dive into the world of New Haven apizza and a glimpse at some other contenders for the title of "best pizza in the world." Ultimately, the best pizza is the one that you enjoy the most. Whether you're a fan of New Haven apizza, Neapolitan pizza, New York-style pizza, or any other type of pizza, the most important thing is to find a pizza that makes you happy. And who knows, maybe your quest for the perfect pizza will take you on a culinary adventure around the world!