Introduction: Why Frank Pepe’s Pizzeria is a Must-Try in New Haven
Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana is a legendary pizza destination that has been serving the New Haven area for over 90 years. Known for its coal-fired pizza and fresh, high-quality ingredients, Pepe’s has earned its place as a must-visit spot for pizza lovers.
The restaurant’s authentic Italian-American style has made it an iconic establishment in the world of pizzerias.
The Immigrant Who Changed Pizza Forever
Founded in 1925 by Frank Pepe, an Italian immigrant, Pepe’s vision was clear: create pizza with quality ingredients and a distinctive cooking method. Frank’s dedication to perfecting the art of pizza led him to develop the coal-fired oven method, which became the heart of his pizzeria’s success. Over the years, Frank Pepe’s pizza has evolved into a beloved American tradition.
The Secret Sauce: What Makes Frank Pepe’s Pizza Legendary
So, what sets Frank Pepe’s Pizza apart from other pizzerias? The secret lies in its coal-fired crust and use of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. The crust is crispy on the outside yet soft and chewy on the inside, a signature texture only achievable with a coal-fired oven. The toppings, from classic pepperoni to the famous White Clam Pizza, are always fresh and generous, creating a truly unique flavor profile that has earned rave reviews from customers and food critics alike.
Must-Try Pizzas at Frank Pepe’s
When you visit Frank Pepe’s, make sure to try these fan favorites:
- White Clam Pizza: Fresh, tender clams, garlic, olive oil, and Pecorino Romano cheese.
- Traditional Pepperoni Pizza: Classic, bold, and flavorful, with crispy pepperoni.
- Margarita Pizza: A simple yet divine combination of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil.
These pizzas showcase Pepe’s commitment to authenticity and quality, and they’ve become a tradition for anyone visiting Frank Pepe’s Pizzeria.
Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana Menu With Prices
Specialty Pies – Limited Time Only
| Item | Description | Price |
| The Caprese | Fresh & Whole Milk Mozzarella, Roasted Marinated Cherry Tomatoes, Garlic, Pesto Cream Sauce*, Pecorino Romano & Olive Oil Blend (*Nut-Free) | From $18.00 |
Specialty Pies
| Item | Description | Price |
| Original Tomato Pie | Crushed Italian Tomatoes, Grated Pecorino Romano & Olive Oil | From $11.25 |
| White Clam Pizza | Fresh Clam, Garlic, Oregano, Grated Pecorino Romano & Olive Oil (Dine-In & Takeout Only – No Delivery) | From $18.75 |
| Margherita | Crushed Italian Tomatoes, Fresh Mozzarella, Fresh Basil, Grated Pecorino Romano & Olive Oil | From $15.75 |
| Quattro Formaggio | Crushed Italian Tomatoes, Mozzarella, Asiago, Ricotta, Pecorino Romano with Olive Oil | From $15.75 |
| Meatball and Ricotta | Crushed Italian Tomatoes, Mozzarella, Meatball, Ricotta Cheese, Grated Pecorino Romano and Olive Oil | From $18.00 |
| Onion, Peppers, Mushrooms | Crushed Italian Tomatoes, Mozzarella, Onions, Peppers, Mushrooms, Grated Pecorino Romano & Olive Oil | From $18.25 |
| Amanti Della Carne | Crushed Italian Tomatoes, Mozzarella, Meatball, Pepperoni, Sausage, Bacon & Grated Pecorino Romano | From $18.50 |
| The Veggie Special | Crushed Italian Tomatoes, Mozzarella, Spinach, Broccoli, Mushrooms, Peppers, Onion, Pecorino Romano & Olive Oil | From $18.25 |
| The Special | Crushed Italian Tomatoes, Mozzarella, Bacon, Pepperoni, Sausage, Mushrooms, Peppers, Onion, Pecorino Romano & Olive Oil | From $18.75 |
Fan Favorites
| Item | Description | Price |
| Original Tomato Pie with Mozza | Crushed Italian Tomatoes, Mozzarella, Pecorino Romano & Olive Oil | From $13.75 |
| Bacon & Onion | Crushed Italian Tomatoes, Mozzarella, Bacon, Onion, Pecorino Romano & Olive Oil | From $17.75 |
| Pepperoni & Hot Cherry Peppers | Crushed Italian Tomatoes, Mozzarella, Pepperoni, Hot Cherry Peppers, Pecorino Romano & Olive Oil | From $17.75 |
| Chicken Diavolo | White Pizza: Mozzarella, Hot-Sauce Roasted Chicken, Onions, Gorgonzola, Pecorino Romano & Olive Oil | From $18.75 |
| Mozzarella and Pepperoni | Crushed Italian Tomatoes, Mozzarella, Pepperoni, Pecorino Romano & Olive Oil | From $16.25 |
| Doppio Pepperoni | Crushed Italian Tomatoes, Mozzarella, Extra Pepperoni, Pecorino Romano & Olive Oil | From $17.50 |
| Chicken & Broccoli (White) | Mozzarella, Roasted Chicken, Broccoli, Pecorino Romano & Olive Oil | From $19.25 |
| Shrimp (White) | Mozzarella, Shrimp, Garlic, Red Pepper Flakes, Pecorino Romano & Olive Oil | From $20.25 |
| Rustic Mushroom & Sausage | Mozzarella, Italian Sausage, Roasted Mushrooms, Caramelized Onions, Garlic, Italian Seasonings, Pecorino Romano & Oil | From $18.25 |
| Spinach, Mushroom & Gorgonzola | Mozzarella, Spinach, Mushrooms, Gorgonzola, Pecorino Romano & Olive Oil | From $14.50 |
Build Your Own Pizzas
| Item | Description | Price |
| BYO – Original Tomato Pie with Mozza | Crushed Italian Tomatoes, Mozzarella, Pecorino Romano & Olive Oil | From $13.75 |
| Start from Scratch | Blank Pizza Crust: Choose Sauce, Cheese & Toppings. Includes Pecorino Romano & Olive Oil | From $11.25 |
Salads
| Item | Description | Price |
| Pepe’s Italian Salad | Mixed Greens, Romaine, Grape Tomatoes, Kalamata Olives, Cucumbers, Pepperoncini, Red Cabbage, Balsamic Vinaigrette, Shaved Pecorino Romano | From $8.00 |
| Pepe’s Salad with Roasted Chicken | Same as above plus Roasted Chicken Breast | From $11.00 |
| Caesar Salad | Romaine Hearts, House Croutons, Pecorino Romano, Savory Caesar Dressing | From $8.00 |
| Caesar Salad with Roasted Chicken | Same as above plus Roasted Chicken Breast | From $11.00 |
🥤 Foxon Park Sodas
| Item | Price |
| Kola | $2.95 |
| Diet Kola | $2.95 |
| Orange | $2.95 |
| White Birch Beer | $2.95 |
| Diet White Birch Beer | $2.95 |
| Root Beer | $2.95 |
| Cream Soda | $2.95 |
| Ginger Ale | $2.95 |
| Gassosa | $2.95 |
| Cherry | $2.95 |
| Lemon-Lime | $2.95 |
| Grape | $2.95 |
🧃 Other Beverages
| Item | Description | Price |
| Poland Spring | Spring Water, 16.9 Oz | $2.50 |
| Pellegrino | Sparkling Natural Mineral Water, 16.9 Oz | $3.50 |
| Milk | $2.50 | |
| Chocolate Milk | $2.50 | |
| Apple Juice | $2.50 |
🍰 Desserts
| Item | Description | Price |
| Cannoli Pie Slice | A flakey crust made of cannoli shell filled with cannoli cream, topped with powdered sugar, cocoa powder, etc. | $8.00 |
| Tiramisu | Ladyfingers dipped in espresso, layered with imported mascarpone, dusted with cocoa. | $8.00 |
| Limoncello Mascarpone | Sicilian lemon-infused sponge cake with Italian mascarpone and white chocolate curls. | $8.00 |
| Flourless Chocolate Cake | Made with Belgian semi-sweet chocolate, butter, cocoa, and vanilla. | $9.00 |
| Caramel Mascarpone Cheesecake | Caramel fudge, imported mascarpone, cream cheese, baked on a buttery crust. | $10.00 |
| Dessert Trio (Option 1) | Cannoli Pie, Tiramisu, Flourless Chocolate Cake | $22.00 |
| Dessert Trio (Option 2) | Tiramisu, Limoncello Mascarpone Cake, Flourless Chocolate Cake | $22.00 |
Step Inside: The Family-Friendly Ambiance of Frank Pepe’s
When you step into a Frank Pepe’s Pizzeria, you’re greeted with a warm, inviting atmosphere perfect for a family-friendly dining experience. The restaurant combines the charm of a classic Italian pizzeria with the modern appeal of an American favorite. Whether you’re there for a casual meal or a special occasion, the atmosphere always enhances the enjoyment of the meal.
Order Online, Pickup, or Delivery: Enjoy Frank Pepe’s at Home
Craving Frank Pepe’s pizza but can’t make it to the restaurant? No worries! With online ordering and delivery options, you can enjoy your favorite coal-fired pizza from the comfort of your home. The restaurant’s easy-to-navigate website allows you to place an order quickly, ensuring your pizza arrives fresh and hot.
Accolades and Appearances: Recognized by Food Critics and Celebrities
Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana has received numerous accolades over the years. It has been featured in prominent publications like Bon Appétit and The New York Times. Additionally, Pepe’s has appeared on food shows such as “The Best Thing I Ever Ate”, solidifying its reputation as one of the best pizzerias in the U.S..
Quality and Sustainability: Sourcing the Best Ingredients
Frank Pepe’s commitment to quality goes beyond taste. The restaurant prioritizes sustainable sourcing for its ingredients, including locally grown tomatoes and fresh seafood for the White Clam Pizza. The use of high-quality ingredients ensures that every pizza is not only delicious but also ethically sourced, making it a sustainable choice for pizza lovers.
Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana Reviews
Overall Ratings: 4.5/5 (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐) Based on 9,489 reviews
i) Adam Nichols: 4.5/5 (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐) (04-28-2025)
We were driving through New Haven and decided to stop at the famous Frank Pepe’s on a Friday afternoon. There was a line outside, but it moved fast. The way they organize seating is really smooth.
We got a table in the back and ordered a medium cheese pizza with gorgonzola and a small salad — though the portions were huge! The “small” salad was big enough for all of us, and the pizza had 12 slices. The crust had that nice coal-fired char, and it tasted amazing.
The staff was friendly, and both the salad and pizza were delicious.
Food: 5/5 | Service: 5/5 | Atmosphere: 5/5
ii) Mobbe59’s: 5/5 (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐) (04-19-2025)
Three of us went to Frank Pepe’s on a nice spring Sunday. The pizza really lived up to the hype — it was thin, crispy, and clearly made in a coal-fired oven, which makes a difference.
We arrived at 11:00 AM when they opened and only waited 10 minutes. By the time we left, the line was wrapped around the block. So, if you don’t get there early, expect to wait an hour. Parking is limited too.
We ordered a regular cheese, a tomato, and a clam pizza. I didn’t think I’d like the clam pie, but it was actually excellent.
Food: 5/5 | Service: 5/5 | Atmosphere: 5/5
Recommended: Margherita, White Clam, and Fresh Tomato pizzas.
For more reviews and ratings, visit Google Reviews.
Frank Pepe Locations: Expanding the Legacy
While the original location in New Haven, Connecticut, remains the heart of the operation, Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana has expanded with several locations across the region. Pepe’s now has restaurants in Fairfield, Manchester, Danbury, and Chestnut Hill, ensuring pizza lovers across the area can enjoy their favorite pies.
Hours of Operation
| Day | Hours |
| Sunday | 11 AM – 10 PM |
| Monday | 11 AM – 10 PM |
| Tuesday | 11 AM – 10 PM |
| Wednesday | 11 AM – 10 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM – 10 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM – 10 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM – 10 PM |
Location On Map:
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the original Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana located?
The original Frank Pepe’s Pizzeria is located in New Haven, Connecticut.
What is the secret to Frank Pepe’s pizza?
The coal-fired oven and the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients are what make Frank Pepe’s pizza so special.
What’s the best pizza to order at Frank Pepe’s?
White Clam Pizza and Pepperoni Pizza are two of the most popular and highly recommended options.
Does Frank Pepe’s offer gluten-free pizza?
Unfortunately, Frank Pepe’s does not offer gluten-free pizza due to the risk of cross-contamination in their traditional oven.
Can I order Frank Pepe’s pizza online?
Yes, Frank Pepe’s offers online ordering and delivery services through their official website.
Final Thoughts: Why Frank Pepe’s is a Must-Visit
For anyone in the New Haven area or beyond, Frank Pepe’s Pizzeria Napoletana is a must-visit for a true pizza experience. With its rich history, iconic coal-fired pizza, and commitment to quality, it’s no surprise that Frank Pepe’s remains a household name. Whether dining in or ordering out, you’ll experience why this pizzeria is loved by many
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