When it comes to pizza in Connecticut, one name stands above the rest. Frank Pepe Pizzeria is world famous: it’s even been named the best pizza in America. But did you know this place has authentic Italian roots that stretch back nearly a century? Frank Pepe now has locations throughout the northeast, but back in 1925, it was a single joint in New Haven founded by a newly-arrived Italian immigrant. Learn more about the history of this delicious pizza restaurant in Connecticut:

The restaurant's namesake immigrated to the United States in 1909 when he was just 16-years-old. He left to fight for his home country in World War I before returning to New Haven in 1920.
Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana/Google Maps
He worked for a noodle maker and bread bakery before branching out on his own to found his own bakery. He began selling traditional tomato pies, like many served in Italy.
Richard Fu/Google Maps
Pepe and his family lived above the shop, which eventually began to specialize in pizza.
In Pepe's Neapolitan dialect, pizza sounded more like "apizza," a name which stuck. It's still used today to refer to Connecticut-style pizza.
Shruti Kulkarni/Google Maps

Related Stories

Discover Authentic Italian Eats At Vero Cucino In Connecticut

Discover Authentic Italian Eats At Vero Cucino In Connecticut

 The Ultimate Pizza Pilgrimage Through Connecticut Makes For One Delicious Adventure

The Ultimate Pizza Pilgrimage Through Connecticut Makes For One Delicious Adventure

 The One Unique Restaurant In Connecticut Where You Can Eat Both Pizza And Mexican Food

The One Unique Restaurant In Connecticut Where You Can Eat Both Pizza And Mexican Food
Apizza is known for its thin crust and coal firing. Coal-fired ovens cook at much higher temperatures than other types of baking. This causes the pizza to cook much quicker, and also gives it a distinctive texture.
Matthew Tenney/Google Maps
In a world where restaurants come and go like clockwork, Frank Pepe Pizzeria would be considered unique for its longevity alone. Add in its quality food and the fact it's still being run by his descendants today, this is one of the most notable pizza parlors in Connecticut.
Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana/Google Maps
The restaurant started in New Haven, but now has locations throughout Connecticut and the northeast.
Don Zurbrick/Google Maps

Have you visited Frank Pepe Pizzeria? Share your experiences in the comments. You can find out more information on the restaurant’s website.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore Connecticut

Featured Addresses
Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, 157 Wooster St, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, 238 Commerce Dr, Fairfield, CT 06825, USA