Connecticut Pizza Trail Challenges New York’s Pizza Supremacy

Connecticut has turned up the heat in its friendly culinary rivalry with New York, boldly claiming its pizza is the best in the country. What started as a playful jab from the state’s tourism office has exploded into a media sensation, sparking thousands of conversations across the U.S.

With a proud “apizza” heritage and tons of independent pizzerias, Connecticut is now drawing food lovers from everywhere. The campaign isn’t just about pizza—there’s a whole lot of state pride and a real push to put the Nutmeg State on the map for travelers.

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Connecticut’s Pizza Pride Takes Center Stage

Anthony Anthony, Connecticut’s chief marketing officer (and, fun fact, a former New Yorker), has jumped into the pizza rivalry with both feet. He says the debate has led to more than 4,000 media mentions, sending Connecticut’s pizza reputation way beyond state lines.

The campaign’s made a huge splash in New Haven, which Governor Ned Lamont calls the “Pizza Capital of the United States.” People are flocking there for day trips, eager to try the city’s coal-fired “apizza” with its thin crust, charred edges, and that unmistakable garlic-laced sauce.

A Tourism Boom Fueled by Pizza

New Haven’s pizza fame recently landed it on Skyscanner’s list of the top 10 trending global destinations for 2026. That’s pretty wild for a midsize city in Connecticut.

This wave of attention is part of a bigger tourism push, with cities like Bridgeport, Hartford, Waterbury, and Norwalk showing off their own beloved pizza joints.

Why Connecticut Claims the Pizza Crown

Connecticut has over 1,300 pizzerias, the most per capita in the country. These spots churn out about 150 million pizzas every year, keeping both locals and visitors happy.

Even more impressive, around 80 percent of these pizzerias are independently owned. That’s a big jump from the national average of 43 percent.

The Connecticut Pizza Trail

For National Pizza Month, the state rolled out the Connecticut Pizza Trail, mapping 100 top spots picked by public vote. Over 13,000 ballots came in, which shows just how passionate folks are about their pizza.

Towns like Stamford and Danbury jumped on board, offering stops on the trail that celebrate their local flavors and family-run traditions.

A Slice of History and Signature Style

Connecticut’s “apizza” style goes way back, thanks to Italian immigrants in the early 1900s. The coal-fired ovens in New Haven give the pies a texture that’s crispy outside and chewy in the middle—fans swear you just can’t find that anywhere else.

Legendary spots like Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, Sally’s Apizza, and Modern Apizza keep drawing crowds. Folks from Middletown and Milford make the trip for a slice, too.

Debate Over the Best

The Pizza Trail highlighted fan favorites, but some critics say expert voices got left out. Pizza historian Colin M. Caplan stepped in with his own map and expert top 10, hoping to spotlight the most historically important and technically perfect pies.

Taking the Pizza War Nationwide

Connecticut isn’t keeping its pizza pride to itself. The campaign’s reached places like Chicago and New Jersey, inviting travelers to “come hungry” and see for themselves.

With options in towns like Greenwich and Norwich, visitors can try everything from classic charred “apizza” to creative artisan pies. Who wouldn’t be curious?

Final Thoughts for Connecticut Pizza Lovers

The playful rivalry with New York goes way beyond bragging rights. It gives Connecticut a chance to show off its deep culinary roots and sparks tourism in towns all over the state.

Maybe you’re wandering through New Haven on a sunny afternoon. Or maybe you’re grabbing a late-night slice somewhere in Hartford—either way, Connecticut’s pizza scene feels like a mashup of tradition, passion, and local pride.

If you’ve always believed New York makes the best pie, well, the Nutmeg State might just change your mind. One slice is usually all it takes.

Here is the source article for this story: Connecticut launches a pizza trail and fighting words in quest for total domination over New York

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