TL;DR
New Haven Pizza Influence
While the discussions primarily focus on New Haven, it's worth noting that New Haven-style pizza is renowned for its thin crust and coal-fired ovens. Places like Sally’s, Pepe’s, and Modern Apizza are frequently mentioned as top spots in New Haven [1:1]
[4:1]. If you're near Harvard and looking for something similar, you might want to seek out pizzerias that offer New Haven-style pies.
Local Recommendations Near Harvard
For those specifically in the Harvard area, Cambridge offers some great local options. Pinocchio's Pizza & Subs is a well-loved spot known for its Sicilian slices and late-night hours. While not directly mentioned in the threads, it’s a staple among Harvard students and visitors alike.
Boston Pizza Scene
If you're willing to venture a bit further into Boston, Santarpio's Pizza in East Boston and Regina Pizzeria in the North End are iconic spots. Though these weren't directly discussed in the provided threads, they are often recommended by locals and visitors for their authentic flavors and longstanding reputations.
Unique Finds and Hidden Gems
In the broader Massachusetts area, Old School Pizzeria in Wellesley was highlighted as a standout "hole in the wall" with excellent pizza [2:1]. This could be a worthwhile stop if you're exploring beyond the immediate Harvard vicinity.
Considerations for Pizza Enthusiasts
When searching for the best pizza around Harvard, consider what style you prefer—whether it's the thin-crust New Haven style or the hearty, traditional Boston pies. Also, be open to trying lesser-known spots, as they can sometimes surprise you with exceptional quality.
Drove up to New Haven from the Philadelphia area to eat at 6 different pizza places in 2 days. I only ever had Pepe’s when I drove through once so I figured I needed a full weekend to knock out a bunch.
The picture order is below Sally’s as soon as it opened. I thought this was going to be life changing and I was a bit sad that it wasn’t one of the best pizzas I ever had. I have to give it another try.. we were one of the first tables seated, and it was crazy busy. The picture makes it seem like this pizza is going to be amazing… like I said above I’d love to give them another try!!! This led off the trip & gave me a little anxiety that I was fooled that New Haven’s pizza was GOAT.
Da Legna a quick pop in but an awesome place. Enjoyed a beer and a small Neapolitan hybrid style pizza which was a nice switch up from what I knew I was going to get from Pepe’s, Sally’s and Modern (based on pics). The vibes were high because I knew we were going over to BAR next and their pizzas look so good.
BAR was our “dinner” and night out.. we got their most popular mashed potato pie, and a second pie that was half buff chick half sausage peppers ricotta. Now this place was amazing. The pizza, service, drinks were all great. The pizza was unforgettable and probably top 10 I’ve ever had.
The next afternoon we stopped by Pepe’s and got a plain, sausage, and clam. Of all the pictures I took this one looks the ugliest but it was great pizza nonetheless. The clam pie was cool to try - I don’t really like clams but I felt like I needed to embrace it and say I had it. All in all a great start to the afternoon.
After Pepe’s we stopped by Zeneli which was tiny and just smelled like perfectly cooked pizza. I forgot to grab a picture because we sat down, got a pizza in 4 minutes and had it finished in about 4 more minutes. We didn’t want to hog a table and only wanted 1 pizza so it was a quick snack. Great pizza and place though.
Lastly.. after almost being pizza’d out… I really wasn’t excited for Modern but after going and trying their pepperoni and a white pizza I was blown away.. this place was instantly up there as one of the best pizzas I’ve ever had, I have it in my top 5 of all time. I had so much pizza flavor fatigue that I might be underestimating how good it was. But, I am very happy this was the last place we hit as it really brought the whole trip together.
All in all New Haven doesn’t need my stamp of approval but it gets it. There were a few others I wanted to try but didn’t get the chance to… having 10+ elite pizza shops in a 15 min walking distance is so insane and incredible. It’s only about a 2.5 hour drive from Philadelphia so I can see myself doing this again.
Awesome Modern is my favorite. One time we were working in New Milford and drove to New Haven after work and ate at Modem then we went to Pepe's and ate there lol
Da Legna is so underrated. I hope it stays that way so I can keep getting a table whenever I want haha
I'm one of those weirdos who doesn't love it. I've been a couple times, because I kept thinking my former bad experience might just be weird. Never liked it though.
I only had it once back in 2018 & it was completely underwhelming. Now that I live in CT, I need to give it another try.
Modern is soo good.
I'm assuming that is what heaven looks like..
I could never and have never uttered the words pizza’d out. I have been on major pizza trips where I had dozens of joints. My current two favorites around New Haven are Sally’s and Zuppardi’s. Pepe, Modern, Roseland (in Derby) are all great too.
I’ve eaten a lot of pizza and this hole in the wall pizzeria is quite possibly the best I’ve ever had. I’d have it once a week if I could get away with it
I'd fuck that pizza.
I dunno man, it was really hot when it came out of the oven and the grease from the pepperoni burned my fingers! Ouch haha!
God I love the pepperoni and onions combination.
My friend lives there! Wait is that Fellini?
Nope, the name is Old School Pizzeria. Delicious pizza
I’m in
Bobs is a solid alternative but it’s not thin crust.
Yeah Bobs is fine, that pickle pizza was all the rage when they first opened been a few years since I’ve had their pie
Pickle pizza is awesome. With ranch for dipping crust, oh man, all day.
Their happy hour bogo deal is awesome.
Is that ricotta cheese on top?
4 pepperoncinis? Hell yeah
4 pepperoncinis is the dream.
The taverns are excellent (25-30mins), but be sure to try one of their pan pizzas (~45mins). Filling is an understatement. I can do two pieces of their pan but that’s a struggle.
Oh! And order their fries, too, next time. $6 for a very good portion of perfectly crisp fries. They also have the chicago erequired pizza puff, but they call it a Pilsen Puff :)
And their coffee is the real deal; I suggest a flat white. These guys know their shit when it comes to making brew.
My only complaint about Novel Pizza is that I wish they were open on Mondays lol
I’ll def be back for a coffee in the morning one day and perhaps a pan pie in the near future more of a thin crust person myself
Yeah I'll usually bite into one after a slice or put the juice on a slice.
Not op but usually that is Ricotta.
Thank you. This looks so good.
Not a New Haven local but frequent here often for work. Have tried all of the staples Sally’s, Pepe’s, Modern, Colony (I know not actually New Haven) but no one talks about BAR’s pizza. IMO it’s phenomenal, is it just because bar is deemed as a party spot or am I missing something? Are we gatekeeping to avoid the insane hours long lines at Sally’s and Pepe’s? I need answers!
I think bar has the best potato pie and better beer choices than most. For any other kind of pizza (or if I'm not drinking) I prefer elsewhere. Zuppardi has the best sausage by miles.
Lots sleep on Zuppardi's (if you're not a NH-native), but I will die on the hill of 'they have the best white clam pie on the planet' hill. And in general, their pies are stellar.
As for BAR - the spot is still solid, even though it was noticeable when Brewport snuck out with the pizzaoli crew (head to Bridgeport for a taste of the "og" BAR)...but that Mashed Potato pie is exceptionally amped up with Bacon & Onions...just sayin.
Zuppardi clam pizza is other worldly.
Easy to park location and all their pizzas are fantastic. Like all the NH places, their old school vibe complements the killer pizza
Zupps shucks their own clams fresh, which many other places don’t. And the sausage they make too! Truly the best pizza around.
This was our neighborhood pizza joint in the 70s, my father’s best friend worked there for a while. It’s awesome that it’s recognized as one of the tops in the area.
Bar is decent. I think they are not as consistent with their quality, but they have some interesting pies... I only eat the red pie with mootz, so to me they are a poor man's Sally's (and with shorter lines).
Fair I usually venture there in the afternoon during the week and get the same and have felt it to be amazing, def poor man’s Sally’s but Sally’s has now become a 21 year olds line to the club lol I love Sally’s it’s amazing but simply don’t have the time to wait 2 hours to get it
Everyone who lives in New Haven knows and talks about BAR. Only people who aren't from New Haven think BAR is a secret.
Ive been going to BAR for like 30 years I had no idea people thought it was a secret its pretty much right up there with the big 3
Head to west haven for Zuppardi
Have to get the sausage pizza. Its $20+ a pie, but damn good and worth it
Aren't they all? Unless we're at Domino's, that is.
Got a pizza at a Lake Monsters game today… it was incredible! Gotta say I’m from New Haven County and the pizza here in VT especially compared to CT is…. hot garbage. Except for this one! It was amazing! And only $16!
Edit: I live here and have for some time now. Forgot to mention that part. The pizza here sucks.
You should check out Pizzeria Verita. Probably the best pizza I've ever had.
Oh that's so funny cause I posted an article in a comment above that they use the same kind of oven as Verita!
Hand built in Italy and installed with a crane? Or do mean their mobile oven?
Was expecting this to be an Idas troll post but was pleasantly surprised to have a good pizza tip that I didn't know about
I was shocked at how delicious it was for being at a baseball game! Took less than 10 minutes also
But in proper ida fashion you can't just buy a pizza
Hidden gem for sure.
But have you tried the Irish nachos in a hat?
What's this now?
Last time I went you could get Irish nachos in one of those plastic helmets. They were fucking awesome.
I had some last summer and was likewise very pleasantly surprised. Easily the best pizza I've ever had at a sports venue.
It is so delicious! Very quick too!
It’s SO good
Harvard Square definitely needs another pizza option /s
they want 25 dollars for a plain cheese pizza lol gtfo
*via door dash.
What is it when you actually walk over and get it? Doesn't seem like their online ordering is up and running yet.
Edit: Looking at other locations looks like it is still $24 for a cheese pizza. That's $4.50 more than an Upper Crust cheese pizza from Charles St (which is itself pricey). Seems like they're going for a premium price point based off... being NYC pizza? People will go for it because some people think NYC pizza is the be all/end all of pizza, but those people are kinda silly. I'll get a couple slices because I like pizza and I'll give it a try. I doubt it'll stand-up to plenty of other places around.
Which is wild because Upper Crust sucks balls
I’d rather a place increase prices and maintain quality than add service fees and use shit ingredients. Pino’s used to be my favorite and they’ve switched to a garbage plastic cheese but have kept prices the same.
Good god that's insane
Tried it yesterday. Noch’s is much better
We walked by it on the way to Felipe's, kind of wish we had gone to Joe's instead, but that's probably because I just love pizza so much.
Comparing ny style to Sicilian?
Comparing ny to ny. I cant do ‘Noch’s sicilian. Too much bread messes w/ my stomach. Its a sauce thing for me really. I like my pizza sauce with a little kick
Went yesterday. Thought it was incredible. It was $5 for a big roni slice and that filled me up
Was there already for one slice. Fun vibe, good pizza. Nice add to Harvard square.
I can't believe I found Sal's pizza. This place is an institution. It's the eighth-best pizza in the neighborhood.
it’s an institution!
Hello, I am new to Baltimore and have to ask the age old question of where the best pizza is? I live in fells so places near there would be great but I’m always down for a good pizza wherever it may be in the city!
It depends on the style you’re looking for. Classically speaking, Verde Pizza in Canton is actually a certified Neapolitan pizza place (yeah, that’s actually a thing). The thinner crust style can also be found at Iggie’s in Mount Vernon (with interesting toppings as well), and Pauly Gee’s in Hampden. Some people mentioned Matthews, and it’s pretty good, but also more of a thicker deep pizza - kind of its own thing, and not everyone’s cup of tea. Brick Oven Pizza is fine - nothing to write home about. I’ve never had Johnny Rad’s - I think the toppings are supposed to be a draw. The pizza scene here isn’t quite as developed as in DC or Philly, but there’s definitely good spots. Consider Barfly’s (Fort Ave) and Birroteca (Hampden) as well, and fish around for some newer places as well that are mostly also trying to do wood/coal and thin crust (Char’d City and a couple other spots). Good luck. Some of these are BYO, incidentally.
For Detroit style pizza Underground pizza Co. And Pig and Rooster make great pies.
Underground pizza is literally the capital of burnt and disgusting pizza. $30 for a pie that costs $10 to make. That’s a terrible recommendation compared to everything else Baltimore has.
Matthews is pretty close for you, I used to make an hour drive to get their pie. The sauce is on point .
My husband is obsessed with the duck duck pizza at Birroteca.
Underground Pizza was my introduction to a "Detroit style" pie. Imagine a square pan pizza loaded to capacity with pepperoni and cooked to perfection. Highly recommended.
Pig and Rooster has a better Detroit Pie. I’m pretty sure anyone who raves about Underground has never tried from other places lol.
Do you have a fav pie from Underground?
You cannot go wrong with a straight up pepperoni.
Agreed. Nothing else on the menu is particularly good, but the pizza is that no-frills good NY style.
Gotta have that New York slice lol. It's my main place for when I miss the (other) city.
Ribaldi’s for life!!!!!
Pizza is good, comparable to OG Greenwich village location. IMO neither are great pizza, definitely overhyped right now but expect that to die down.
Just got 12 slices for the family to try a variety. Pepperoni slice is good, cheese good, fresh mozz ok, white pizza pretty dry (there on some mikes hot honey and it was good).
Sicilian is awful, threw those away and said we’re getting Leones next weekend. 🦁
Source around the corner on church st is much better pizza, albeit a different style and not by the slice. Not a Pinocchio’s fan. If I’m in the area and want a slice I’d stop back in, but honestly might opt for OTTO if I want anything other than a pepperoni slice.
I've not been yet to Source, I'll need to give them a try. Thanks for the input and for trying out more of their pizzas
For sure! Great wood oven pizzas, the crust does vary from time to time fyi. One time I thought it was the best pizza I’ve ever had, then next time didn’t have some bubbly crust or char, but was still good. Classic margherita , pepperoni (this comes with onion by default fyi) and the “Eddie special” (buff chick, smoked gouda, bacon, poblano ranch) are our go to orders !
I hope they do well, but part of me wishes they were in a different location. It's right around the corner from Pinocchio's. There are so many parts of the city without good pizza and this is right around the corner from one of the best in the city.
They might not have too much of an overlap with the Pinocchio fans. I stop at Pinocchio’s to get a tasty slice with toppings while out and about. I’d get Joe’s if I wanted to split a whole pizza with friends.
I get Pinocchios to split with friends and it’s great! It costs like $50 for a pie, the pie weighs 25lbs and soaks through the box in the first 5s after it’s put in, and it’s enough food to incapacitate 4-5 people!
Same. :) Maybe I’m misremembering, but I could’ve sworn there used to be a Joe’s on the Upper East Side that we’d go to during school lunch breaks, but their website says there isn’t one there currently. I think it was on Madison in the 90s (both 90th-99th Streets, and 1990s years).
The flow is almost as bad as milk bars was, but the pizza is good
Yea, as far as NYC imports this was a massive improvement over milk bar
THIS. I just had Joe’s for the first time, two large pies, one plain. A couple ppl I know who already had it gave middling reviews, and I gotta say, I concur, and so did the people I ate with. We took to go and didn’t get to eat it for like 35~ min so I will try another slice, but I’m worried it’s not going to be like the NYC location consistently, which I’ve had in the past and liked
Flavors on point. Good news. How’s the slice price point?
$4 for cheese, $5 for pepperoni (only 2 available when I went)
The Maypole guys nail it every time, imo. Great base that is somehow thin yet chewy, crisp yet soft, incredibly simple yet flavour packed topping ingredients, and the key: milky and innocent yet lascivious mozzarella. Plus it’s a simple choose your toppings system. For me, it wins easily.
Contenders are Charlie’s Cafe near Grafton Centre, The Empress (tasty and fun but not for classic pizza lovers) and errrrrmm…..? Have heard good things about The Haymakers but have not yet been.
Left field one, but there's a pub called the Carpenter's Arms just off Histon Road that I swear by when people asked this question. They've got a pizza oven and it's made fresh.
Not leftfield at all - they are the sister pub to the Salisbury arms, and both do amazing pizzas.
I used to frequent the Salisbury Arms when I worked in town and agree on this one!
They have a gas pizza oven don't they?
Yeah there is something not quite right about Carpenters and Salisbury Arms for me. Tasty and all that but very much ‘pub pizza’. The fluffy light dough, milky mozzarella and sparing use of quality toppings aren’t what these guys major on.
No love for aromi? I know it's not classic neopolitan pizza, but I can't get enough. If you can drive (or fancy a longer cycle) la pergola out on the a603 is epic.
Aromi does great Focacci sandwiches/toastys
Scott’s and Salisbury Arms!
Scott’s on mill road!
Tradizioni. There are some other decent places, but nothing quite on that level imo.
I love Tradizioni!
Best pizza in Harvard
Key Considerations for Finding the Best Pizza in Harvard:
Variety of Styles: Look for places that offer different styles of pizza (Neapolitan, New York, Chicago deep-dish) to suit your preference.
Fresh Ingredients: Check if the pizzerias use fresh, high-quality ingredients, including homemade sauces and dough.
Local Favorites: Consider popular local spots that have good reviews and a loyal customer base.
Atmosphere and Service: A welcoming atmosphere and friendly service can enhance your dining experience.
Delivery and Takeout Options: If you're looking for convenience, check if the pizzeria offers reliable delivery or takeout services.
Recommendations:
Otto Pizza: Known for its unique toppings and high-quality ingredients, Otto offers a variety of specialty pizzas and is a favorite among locals.
Regina Pizzeria: A classic choice with a long history, Regina is famous for its traditional Italian-style pizza and has a loyal following.
Pinocchio's Pizza & Subs: A popular spot among students, Pinocchio's offers a wide range of pizza options and is known for its late-night hours.
Pino's Pizzeria: Offers a great selection of pizzas with a focus on fresh ingredients and generous portions.
These options should give you a great start in finding the best pizza in Harvard!
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