14 New England Pizzerias Where Old-School Taste Never Goes Out Of Style
Some of the best pizza in America comes from small, family-run spots that have been doing things the same way for generations.
New England is home to dozens of these treasured pizzerias, where coal-fired ovens, hand-tossed dough, and secret family recipes create pies that taste just as good today as they did decades ago.
I’m taking you on a delicious tour of 14 places where tradition meets incredible flavor, and where every slice tells a story worth savoring.
1. Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana
Nothing beats the aroma of coal-fired pizza that’s been perfected over nearly a century.
You’ll find this legendary spot at 157 Wooster St, New Haven, CT 06511, where it all started back in 1925.
Frank Pepe brought his Neapolitan pizza-making skills to Connecticut and created what locals call ‘apizza,’ a thin-crust masterpiece with a distinctive charred, crispy bottom.
The white clam pie here is absolutely iconic.
Fresh littleneck clams, garlic, olive oil, oregano, and grated cheese come together on that signature crust without any tomato sauce.
People wait in long lines just to taste this combination.
Every bite delivers that smoky, coal-fired flavor you can’t replicate in a regular oven.
Generations of families have made eating here a tradition, and once you try it, you’ll understand why this place has stayed popular for almost 100 years.
2. Modern Apizza
Right down the street from Pepe’s, another pizza legend has been serving up incredible pies since 1934.
Modern Apizza sits at 874 State St, New Haven, CT 06511, and locals debate endlessly about which spot is better.
I think both deserve their own special place in pizza history.
The Italian Bomb here is a flavor explosion with bacon, sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, peppers, and garlic all loaded onto that perfectly thin crust.
Their Clams Casino pizza offers a different take on seafood pizza than Pepe’s, with bacon adding a smoky richness.
The crust gets that signature char from their brick oven, creating a satisfying crunch.
What I love most is how this place has kept its authentic atmosphere.
The booths, the casual vibe, and the commitment to quality haven’t changed in decades, making every visit feel like stepping back in time.
3. Regina Pizzeria
Boston’s North End has been the heart of Italian-American culture for over a century, and this pizzeria has been part of that story since 1926.
Regina Pizzeria opened its doors at 11 1/2 Thacher St, Boston, MA 02113, bringing authentic brick-oven pizza to the neighborhood.
The family recipe they use today is the same one that was created 90 years ago.
That brick oven reaches incredibly high temperatures, creating a crust that’s crispy on the outside but still has a perfect chew.
Their cheese blend and sauce recipe remain closely guarded secrets.
Walking into the original location feels like entering a piece of Boston history.
The walls are covered with photos and memorabilia from nearly a century of service.
I recommend ordering the Giambotta, loaded with peppers, mushrooms, onions, and sausage, for a taste of old-school Italian-American pizza done right.
4. Pinocchio’s Pizza & Subs
Harvard Square has changed a lot over the decades, but this pizzeria has remained a constant since 1960.
Located at 74 Winthrop St, Cambridge, MA 02138, Pinocchio’s has fed generations of students, professors, and locals.
Their Sicilian pizza is what sets them apart from other spots in the area.
The thick, airy crust has a satisfying texture that’s different from thin-crust New Haven style.
They pile on the toppings generously, and the cheese-to-sauce ratio is absolutely perfect.
Late-night pizza runs here have become a rite of passage for Harvard students.
The prices are incredibly reasonable, especially for this expensive neighborhood.
You can grab a huge slice for just a few dollars and feel completely satisfied.
The casual, no-frills atmosphere keeps the focus exactly where it should be: on delicious, honest pizza.
5. The Tillerman Restaurant
Recognition from The New York Times doesn’t come easy, but this Vermont spot earned it in 2024 for serving some of the best pizza in America.
The Tillerman Restaurant is located at 1868 N 116 Rd, Bristol, VT 05443, in the beautiful Green Mountains.
What makes their pizza special is the commitment to using local ingredients whenever possible.
Vermont’s farm-to-table culture shines through in every pie they make.
The crust strikes a perfect balance between traditional techniques and creative touches.
Their wood-fired oven gives the pizza a subtle smoky flavor that complements the fresh toppings beautifully.
Beyond pizza, this restaurant offers a full menu, but locals know the pizza is the real star.
The scenic location makes dinner here feel special, like you’re discovering a hidden gem in the mountains.
I love how they’ve brought old-school pizza values to rural Vermont.
6. D. Palmieri’s Bakery
Rhode Island has its own unique pizza tradition, and this bakery has been keeping it alive since it opened.
D. Palmieri’s Bakery sits at 624 Killingly St, Johnston, RI 02919, serving up authentic Italian baked goods.
Their pizza strips are a Rhode Island specialty that you won’t find many other places.
These rectangular pieces of pizza are served at room temperature and are perfect for parties or quick snacks.
The bakery also makes incredible cannoli, éclairs, and dough boys that keep customers coming back.
Everything here is made using old-world techniques passed down through generations.
The smell when you walk in is absolutely heavenly, with fresh bread and pastries filling the air.
I recommend grabbing a box of pizza strips along with some cannoli for a true taste of Rhode Island Italian-American culture.
This is comfort food at its finest.
7. Sally’s Apizza
Family connections run deep in New Haven’s pizza scene, and this place was started by Frank Pepe’s nephew in 1938.
Sally’s Apizza is located at 237 Wooster St, New Haven, CT 06511, just down the street from its famous relative.
Some pizza lovers actually prefer Sally’s to Pepe’s, creating a friendly rivalry that’s lasted decades.
The coal-fired oven here produces similar results to Pepe’s, with that distinctive charred, crispy crust.
Their tomato pie is simple perfection: sauce, garlic, oregano, olive oil, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
No mozzarella, just pure tomato flavor shining through.
The wait times can be long, sometimes over an hour, but fans say it’s absolutely worth it.
Watching the pizza makers work the coal oven is like witnessing a piece of living history.
Every pie comes out slightly different, with unique char patterns that make each one special.
8. Santarpio’s Pizza
East Boston has its own pizza royalty, and this family-run spot has been serving the neighborhood since 1903.
Santarpio’s Pizza is located at 111 Chelsea St, Boston, MA 02128, in a building that’s seen over a century of history.
They actually started as a bakery before transitioning to pizza, bringing their bread-making expertise to every crust.
The garlic and oil pizza here is legendary among locals.
Simple ingredients create complex flavors when you know what you’re doing.
Their lamb skewers and sausages, cooked on an open grill, make perfect companions to the pizza.
The atmosphere is wonderfully unpretentious, with a neighborhood bar feel that makes everyone feel welcome.
Cash only, so come prepared.
This is the kind of place where regulars have their favorite tables and the staff remembers your order, creating a true community gathering spot.
9. Ernie’s Pizzeria
West Haven has its own pizza treasure that’s been delighting locals since 1929.
Ernie’s Pizzeria opened at 1279 Boston Post Rd, West Haven, CT 06516, and has stayed in the same family for generations.
Their pizza style is distinctly Connecticut, with a thin crust that gets wonderfully crispy in their brick oven.
What I appreciate most is how they’ve resisted the urge to modernize or expand too quickly.
The focus remains on making great pizza the way they always have.
Their cheese blend creates a perfect stretch, and the sauce has a slightly sweet flavor that balances the saltiness beautifully.
The dining room feels like stepping into a different era, with vintage décor and a warm, welcoming vibe.
Families come here for birthday celebrations, creating memories just like their parents and grandparents did.
That kind of lasting tradition speaks volumes about quality and consistency.
10. Lynwood Cafe
Bar pizza is a Rhode Island tradition, and this spot has been perfecting it since 1948.
Lynwood Cafe is located at 15 Lynwood Rd, Randolph, MA 02368, serving up pizzas that are cooked in well-seasoned pans.
The crust gets incredibly crispy on the bottom while staying tender on top.
These aren’t huge pizzas, but they’re packed with flavor and perfect for sharing over drinks.
The cheese goes all the way to the edges, creating those delicious crispy cheese bits that everyone fights over.
Their sauce is tangy and bright, cutting through the richness of the cheese perfectly.
The casual bar atmosphere makes this a great spot for a relaxed evening with friends.
You can watch sports, play darts, and enjoy pizza that’s been made the same way for over 70 years.
This is comfort food that brings people together, one crispy slice at a time.
11. Zuppardi’s Apizza
West Haven’s answer to New Haven’s pizza fame has been serving exceptional apizza since 1934.
Zuppardi’s Apizza is located at 179 Union Ave, West Haven, CT 06516, where three generations have kept the tradition alive.
Their fresh clam pizza rivals the best in New Haven, with sweet, briny clams covering the thin crust.
The coal-fired oven creates that signature char and crispy texture that defines Connecticut apizza.
What sets Zuppardi’s apart is their attention to ingredient quality.
They source fresh clams daily and make their dough from scratch every morning.
The dining room has a classic, no-nonsense feel that lets the pizza be the star.
Families celebrate special occasions here, and first-time visitors quickly understand why this place has such loyal fans.
The combination of history, quality, and consistency makes every visit special and memorable.
12. Monte’s Restaurant and Bar
Hartford County has its own pizza legend that’s been serving the community since 1946.
Monte’s Restaurant and Bar is located at 1646 E Main St, Meriden, CT 06450, in a building filled with decades of memories.
Their pizza features a medium-thick crust that’s heartier than New Haven style but still maintains a nice crisp.
The sauce here has a distinctive flavor profile that regulars crave.
It’s slightly sweeter than some other Connecticut pizzerias, creating a unique taste that sets them apart.
Beyond pizza, they serve classic Italian-American dishes that have been family favorites for generations.
The restaurant has that warm, neighborhood feel where everyone seems to know each other.
I love places like this because they’re not trying to be trendy or Instagram-worthy.
They’re just focused on making good food and treating customers like family, which is exactly what old-school dining should be.
13. Colony Grill
Stamford’s most famous pizza export started in 1935 as a neighborhood tavern.
Colony Grill is located at 172 Myrtle Ave, Stamford, CT 06902, where they invented their signature hot oil pizza.
The thin, crispy crust is topped with cheese, sauce, and their famous hot oil made from crushed cherry peppers.
That spicy oil creates a flavor that’s both addictive and uniquely Colony.
The pizzas are small, about ten inches, making them perfect for individual servings.
They’re cooked in well-seasoned pans that have been used for decades, adding flavor to every pie.
The bar atmosphere remains central to the experience, with locals gathering for drinks and pizza after work.
While they’ve expanded to other locations, the original Stamford spot maintains that authentic, old-school vibe.
This is pizza with personality, reflecting the working-class roots of its neighborhood and the generations who’ve loved it.
14. Cape Cod Cafe
Brockton has been home to this beloved pizzeria since 1956, serving up classic pies to generations of families.
Cape Cod Cafe is located at 1052 S Main St, Brockton, MA 02301, in a building that’s become a local landmark.
Their pizza features a distinctive crust that’s somewhere between thin and thick, with a satisfying chew.
The sauce is bright and flavorful, made from a recipe that hasn’t changed in decades.
What I find special here is how they’ve maintained their quality while other places have come and gone.
The toppings are generous, and the cheese blend creates that perfect gooey texture everyone loves.
The restaurant has a comfortable, family-friendly atmosphere that makes everyone feel at home.
You’ll see photos on the walls documenting decades of community events and celebrations.
This is the kind of place that defines what neighborhood pizza should be: consistent, delicious, and welcoming to all.
