Modern Apizza

Where coal-fired tradition meets culinary mastery, Modern Apizza + New Haven stands as the crown jewel of America's pizza capital, delivering authentic New Haven-style apizza that has captivated discerning palates since 1934. This legendary establishment transforms the humble pizza into an art form through time-honored techniques and an unwavering commitment to excellence that defines New Haven fine dining.

Founded by Italian-American baker Antonio "Tony" Tolli and perfected under the stewardship of the Pustari family since 1988, Modern Apizza represents nearly a century of culinary heritage. Owner Bill Pustari, a master craftsman who has dedicated decades to perfecting his craft, maintains the original secret family recipe while embracing modern hospitality standards. This dedication has earned Modern Apizza recognition as part of New Haven's "Holy Trinity" of pizza alongside Pepe's and Sally's, with accolades including Pizza Today's 2023 Pizzeria of the Year and features in acclaimed documentaries celebrating America's finest pizzerias.

The cuisine centers on authentic New Haven-style apizza, distinguished by its thin, crispy crust achieved through unique oil-fired brick ovens that create an incomparable char and texture. The signature "Italian Bomb" showcases a symphony of premium ingredients—sausage, bacon, pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, peppers, and garlic—atop the restaurant's legendary crust. The celebrated "Clams Casino" pizza elevates seaside flavors with fresh littleneck clams, bacon, and roasted peppers, while the classic "Plain Tomato Pie" honors traditional Italian simplicity. Each pizza begins with naturally fermented dough, cold-aged for 24 hours to develop complex flavors, then fired rapidly in brick ovens that reach intense temperatures for the perfect balance of crispiness and chew.

The dining experience balances historic authenticity with contemporary comfort, featuring padded seating within a warmly lit space that showcases Modern's rich heritage through vintage menu boards and archival photographs. The casual yet refined atmosphere welcomes everyone from local families to visiting celebrities, with attentive service that reflects the restaurant's community-focused philosophy. The thoughtful beverage program includes local Foxon Park sodas, craft beers, and carefully selected wines that complement the bold flavors of New Haven apizza. Modern's commitment to sustainability shines through compostable packaging and plastic-free initiatives, while dietary accommodations ensure inclusivity for all guests.

For the ultimate New Haven fine dining experience, Modern Apizza operates on a walk-in basis Wednesday through Sunday, with peak hours requiring patience befitting the best restaurants New Haven offers. Reserve time for this pilgrimage to pizza perfection, where each bite delivers nearly nine decades of culinary mastery.