Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, commonly known as Pepe's, is a family-owned restaurant that has been serving up delicious, authentic Neapolitan-style pizza for over 90 years. Founded by Frank Pepe in 1925, the restaurant has since expanded to several locations throughout Connecticut, New York, and Massachusetts. Despite its growth, Pepe's remains committed to using the same traditional methods and quality ingredients that have made it a beloved institution among pizza enthusiasts.

Pepe's pizza is known for its thin, crispy crust and fresh, flavorful toppings. The dough is made daily from only the finest ingredients: high-gluten flour, filtered water, yeast, and a touch of salt. It is then allowed to rise for several hours, resulting in a light and airy crust that is perfectly crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. The pizza is cooked in a coal-fired oven, which gives it a unique smoky flavor and perfectly charred edges.

One of Pepe's most famous and beloved pizzas is the original tomato pie, which consists of just tomato sauce, garlic, oregano, and grated cheese. This simple yet delicious pie perfectly showcases the quality of the ingredients and the expertise of the pizzaiolos. Other popular options include the white clam pizza, which features fresh clams, garlic, olive oil, and grated cheese, and the signature pepperoni pizza, which is topped with sliced pepperoni that curls up into little cups when cooked.

In addition to its famous pizza, Pepe's also offers a variety of appetizers, salads, and entrees. The Italian-style salads are made with fresh, crisp greens and topped with house-made dressings, while the entrees range from classic pasta dishes to seafood and steak options. There is also a selection of desserts, including the decadent cannoli, which is filled with sweet ricotta cream.

Despite its success today, Pepe's journey to becoming a beloved pizza institution was not without its challenges. In fact, the original Pepe's location in New Haven was almost shut down due to financial struggles in the 1950s. However, Frank Pepe's son, Frank Pepe Jr., took over the restaurant and worked tirelessly to turn things around. He introduced new menu items and expanded the restaurant's seating capacity, which helped to attract more customers and boost sales. Eventually, the restaurant regained its popularity and went on to become the iconic pizza place that it is today.

Today, Pepe's continues to attract customers from all over the country, who come to experience the authentic taste of Neapolitan-style pizza. The restaurant has won numerous awards and accolades, including being named the "Best Pizza in America" by The Daily Meal in 2013. While the restaurant has certainly grown and evolved over the years, it remains true to its roots and continues to serve up delicious, high-quality pizza to its loyal customers.

Visit Frank Pepe's website. https://order.pepespizzeria.com/