Food Network recently released a list of the best pizza slices in each state around the country, a criterion that excludes many of the most nationally acclaimed pizzerias in Connecticut.
The classic “apizza” experience offers customers charred pizza straight out of a coal-fired oven that typically reaches upwards of 650 degrees, with iconic vendors Frank Pepe’s, Sally’s and Modern APizza exclusively offering whole pies. For the best standalone slice in Connecticut, Food Network went with Da Legna X Nolo, a New Haven pizzeria with an “emphasis on distinction” — one of these distinctions is that the restaurant offers slices on Friday, Saturday and Sunday during lunch.
“The son of Italian immigrants who grew up in Connecticut, [chef Daniel Parillo] has found a way to bring together the tastes of these two worlds via his pizza,” Food Network wrote about the pizzeria. “The New Haven-meets-Neapolitan pies come adorned with local (whenever possible) and imported ingredients like San Daniele cured meats, San Marzano tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella.”
Da Legna is a relative newcomer in the historic New Haven pizza scene, as Parillo relocated his restaurant to State Street in 2012 and grew up idolizing Frank Pepe in a childhood surrounded by pizza. He’s providing an updated twist on the city’s classic pies as well, featuring toppings such as barbecue pork, truffle honey and broccoli rabe.
It’s not the first time Food Network has spotlighted Da Legna, with the pizzeria among the six New Haven restaurants spotlighted on Guy Fieri’s “Best Bite in Town” show. Da Legna’s The Honeypot was also selected as staff pick for the best pizza pie in New Haven by Hearst Connecticut Media in 2020.
