This Connecticut Pizzeria Has Been Bringing Families Together For Nearly 50 Years

Pancakes for breakfast, pizza for lunch, and a big seafood dinner later? Yep, this family restaurant has all three covered.

The menu is surprisingly huge, but the family story behind it might be even better. The same family has been running the place since 1978, and the third generation took over in 2022.

That’s a whole lot of pizza dough and family memories.

It’s easy to see why a place like this fits so naturally into everyday life in Connecticut. Kids can pick their favorite pizza, parents can explore the grill menu, and nobody has to agree on one kind of food.

Nearly 50 years later, the family tradition is still going strong. That’s pretty sweet.

1. Three Generations Have Kept The Ovens Warm Since 1978

Keeping a family business going across multiple generations is no small achievement.Family Pizza Restaurant & Grill in Colchester, is now on its third.

The story starts in 1978 with Pappou and Yiayia, Kathy and Jimmy. Those are the Greek words for grandpa and grandma, which tells you a lot about the roots here.

Their first location sat on Lebanon Avenue. Later, Anna and Kosta joined an aunt and uncle to take over the business.

That second generation moved the restaurant to its current spot on South Main Street. Moving a beloved restaurant is risky, but it clearly worked out.

Then came January 2022. Dimitri, Foti, and Jocelyn Anastasiou stepped up as the third generation running the show.

I believe that kind of handoff says something important. People don’t pass along a business they don’t care about.

Think about how much has changed since 1978. Phones, cars, and music all look totally different now.

Yet this kitchen kept going, generation after generation. That’s nearly 50 years of birthdays, Friday nights, and Sunday breakfasts.

So when the name says family, it isn’t a marketing trick. It’s simply the honest truth about who runs the place.

2. The Pan Pizza Is The Reason Your Order Will Get Bigger

Pizza is right there in the name, so let’s start with the star. The pies here are handmade, and that matters more than you might expect.

Pan pizza holds a special spot on the menu. It’s known as a local favorite around Colchester, which is high praise in pizza-loving New England.

You can keep things classic with simple toppings. Or you can get adventurous with one of the specialty pizzas instead.

Feeding a whole crowd? Party-size cheese pizzas exist for exactly that kind of chaos.

Gluten-free pizza is on the menu too. That’s a big relief for families where one person always gets left out.

Here’s my practical tip. Order one pizza the whole table agrees on, then add one wild card.

That way nobody goes hungry, and somebody discovers a new favorite. Everybody wins, except maybe your plan to eat light.

The restaurant has also been nominated for Best Pizza in New London County. Competition around here isn’t gentle, so that nod carries weight.

Honestly, it’s hard to sit in a place called Family Pizza and skip the pizza. I wouldn’t even try.

3. Breakfast Here Comes Stuffed, Fluffy, And Seriously Tempting

Stuffed French toast at a pizza place sounds like a dare. Yet breakfast is a big deal at Family Pizza Restaurant & Grill.

The morning menu covers the comfort classics. Fluffy pancakes, savory omelets, and corned beef hash all show up.

Then there’s the stuffed French toast. It’s the kind of dish that makes ordering plain toast feel like a mistake.

I love that a pizzeria takes breakfast this seriously. Most pizza shops don’t even turn the lights on until lunch.

Breakfast also solves a classic family problem. Early risers and late sleepers can usually find something to share.

Hours can shift, so check before you go. Current listings show a morning opening most days, with Tuesdays closed.

Sunday hours run shorter than the rest of the week. Plan your brunch run accordingly so you don’t miss out.

My advice is simple. Bring someone who orders savory while you order sweet.

Then trade bites halfway through. Corned beef hash and French toast make a surprisingly great team.

It’s a fun way to start a weekend. Pancakes first, pizza plans later.

4. Greek Roots Show Up In The Best Possible Way

Moussaka on a pizza menu is a clue. It points straight back to the Greek family that started this place.

Remember Pappou and Yiayia? Their heritage still peeks through the menu today.

The menu features a Moussaka pizza topped with chopped eggplant, meatballs, ricotta, marinara sauce, and mozzarella. Finding it next to burgers and pizza feels like a happy little secret.

Baked feta also appears on the appetizer list. Warm, salty cheese is a pretty great way to open any meal.

These dishes give the menu real personality. They remind you that a real family built this kitchen.

For a fun move, try something Greek alongside your pizza. It’s like sampling two parts of the family story at once.

Kids who’ve never tried Greek food might surprise you. Cheese is cheese, after all, and baked feta is a friendly first step.

I believe menus tell stories if you read them closely. This one says the family never forgot where it came from.

That’s the charm of a multi-generation spot. Tradition stays on the plate, even as new dishes join the lineup.

So scan past the pizza section once. You might find your new favorite order.

5. The Grill Side Of The Menu Deserves Equal Attention

& Grill isn’t just decoration in the name. The dinner side of this menu goes way beyond dough and sauce.

Steaks and seafood dishes make regular appearances. Baked fish comes as haddock or flounder, a very New England choice.

Italian comfort food shows up in force too. Lasagna, stuffed shells, ravioli, and several pasta dishes fill the lineup.

Parmigiana fans get three options. Pick eggplant, veal, or chicken, depending on your mood.

There’s also a grilled pork chop for those who want something hearty. And daily specials keep things fresh for repeat visitors.

Here’s why this matters for families. Not everyone wants pizza every single time, no matter how good it is.

Picky eaters and big appetites can both win here. That’s a rare trick for one kitchen to pull off.

Sandwiches, burgers, and salads round out the choices. So lighter eaters aren’t stuck with heavy plates either.

I like a menu that respects different tastes. This one feels built for real families who rarely agree.

Ask about the daily specials when you sit down. You might skip your usual order entirely.

6. Fried Pickles And Mozzarella Squares Make Sharing Easy

Mozzarella squares, not sticks. That one shape change somehow makes them feel more fun.

The appetizer menu at this Colchester favorite is perfect for a crowd. Everyone grabs a little something before the main event.

Fried pickles bring a tangy crunch. Fried calamari adds a seaside touch that fits Connecticut nicely.

Chicken lovers have options too. Wings, boneless chicken tenders, and a buffalo chicken quesadilla are all on the list.

Loaded fries round things out. They’re basically a dare to stop after one bite.

My tip is to order two or three for the table. Sharing starters gets conversation going before the big plates arrive.

Kids especially love this part of the meal. Finger foods feel like a party, even on a regular Wednesday.

Just pace yourself a little. The main dishes are still coming, and you’ll want room for dessert.

I believe appetizers are where families relax. Hands reach across the table, and the jokes start flowing.

That’s kind of the whole point here. Good food that brings people closer, one shared plate at a time.

7. Save Room, Because The Dessert Case Will Find You

Chocolate mint pie is a strong argument for skipping that second slice of pizza. Seriously, plan ahead.

Family Pizza Restaurant & Grill offers a wide selection of fresh, house-style sweets. Cakes are a big part of the lineup.

Desserts are a smart choice for families with mixed schedules. Grab a treat after dinner, or take one home for later.

Celebrating something small? A slice of cake turns an ordinary night into a little party.

Here’s my honest strategy. Decide on dessert before you order dinner.

That keeps you from getting too full to enjoy it. Trust me, regret over a missed pie lasts longer than the drive home.

Sharing works well here too. Order two different desserts and pass the plates around.

I like that a pizza place gives sweets real attention. It shows the kitchen cares about the whole meal.

So when the server mentions dessert, don’t wave it off. This is the course where memories get sticky.

8. Grab A Seat On The Big Deck When The Weather Cooperates

Warm days call for fresh air. Luckily, this restaurant has a large outdoor deck ready for them.

You’ll find Family Pizza Restaurant & Grill at 296 S Main St in Colchester. The big porch is one of its standout features.

Eating outside changes the whole mood. Pizza just tastes more like summer when there’s a breeze nearby.

Inside, the vibe stays casual and family-friendly. Air conditioning keeps things comfortable when the heat gets serious.

Customer parking makes arrivals easier. That’s a real bonus when you’re unloading a car full of kids.

Restrooms are available too, which every parent appreciates. Small details like that make outings less stressful.

My practical tip? Head out a little early on nice days.

Outdoor seats are popular when the sun is shining. Nobody wants to watch the porch from the parking lot.

I can’t imagine a better setting for a lazy weekend lunch. Good food, open air, and nowhere you need to be.

Bring the grandparents, the cousins, or just your best friend. The deck has room for a lot of stories.

9. Take The Party Home With Catering, Takeout, And Gift Cards

Hosting a graduation party for fifty people sounds stressful. Handing off the food to a 48-year-old family kitchen sounds much better.

Family Pizza Restaurant & Grill offers catering for special events and larger gatherings. Birthdays, reunions, and team parties all qualify.

Takeout and delivery cover the quieter nights. Some evenings call for pizza on the couch, and that’s completely okay.

Gift cards are available too. They make an easy present for teachers, coaches, or that neighbor who shovels your driveway.

There’s also a loyalty program for customers. Frequent visitors can get a little something back for coming in.

One helpful habit for takeout orders? Give the bag a quick check before leaving.

It takes ten seconds and saves a return trip. Every busy kitchen appreciates a double check.

I love that the family spirit travels beyond the dining room. Their food can show up at your own celebration.

That feels fitting for a place built on togetherness. Three generations have fed this community, and they’re still going.

So next time your crew can’t agree on dinner, you know where to turn. Everybody gets their favorite here.