Introduction and Expectations
After being blown away by Colony Grill in Stamford, we were not sure if anything in New Haven could match that experience. Hunger made the decision for us, and we headed to Modern Apizza. Modern is often mentioned in the same breath as Pepe’s, Bar, and Sally’s. Having tried all four, I would rank them with Pepe’s and Modern holding the top two spots, Bar in third, and Sally’s in fourth. To be fair, I have only had Sally’s once, so it might deserve another chance, but today’s focus is Modern.
Three Pies, Three Slices
We ordered three pizzas and I had at least one slice of each: the cheese pizza, the white clam pizza, and the Italian Bomb.
Cheese Pizza
The cheese apizza was a reminder of why New Haven is famous for its pizza. The crust was thin with just enough char, and the balance between sauce and cheese was nearly perfect. It was straightforward, but every bite was clean, flavorful, and satisfying. This is the kind of thin crust pizza New Haven is known for.
White Clam Pizza
The white clam apizza is one of Modern’s most talked about pies. It came topped with chopped clams, garlic, olive oil, and a sprinkle of cheese. The briny flavor of the clams worked nicely with the garlic and crust, but it did not hit quite as hard as some versions I have tried at other New Haven pizza restaurants. Still, it was worth trying and added variety to the meal.
Italian Bomb
The Italian Bomb lives up to its name. Loaded with sausage, bacon, pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, peppers, and garlic, this pie was bold and heavy on flavor. It had a lot going on, but the quality of the crust helped keep it balanced instead of overwhelming. If you are looking for one of the most indulgent pizzas in New Haven, this is it.
Online Queso Pizza Scores
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Cheese Pizza: 8.2 / 10
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White Clam Pizza: 7.9 / 10
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Italian Bomb: 8.1 / 10
The cheese pizza stood out for its simplicity and balance. The Italian Bomb delivered a flavor-packed indulgence. The white clam pizza was good, though not quite the highlight of the night.
Quick Facts About Modern Apizza
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Founded: 1934, originally called State Street Apizza
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Style: New Haven-style thin-crust apizza cooked in an oil-fueled brick oven
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Reputation: Considered part of the top tier of New Haven pizza alongside Pepe’s and Sally’s
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Awards: Named Pizzeria of the Year in 2023 by Pizza Today and praised by national food publications
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Clam Pizza: Uses a mozzarella base with pre-shucked clams and bacon, different from Pepe’s more traditional approach
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Location: Found on State Street in New Haven, just outside the famous Wooster Street strip
Final Thoughts
Modern Apizza showed why it consistently ranks among the best pizza restaurants in New Haven. The cheese apizza highlighted the balance and craft of the kitchen. The Italian Bomb delivered on flavor with its loaded toppings. The white clam pizza offered variety, even if it did not quite match the very best versions in town. If you are planning a pizza tour of New Haven, Modern deserves a spot near the top of your list.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What makes Modern Apizza different from Pepe’s and Sally’s?
Modern uses an oil-fueled brick oven, which gives its pizzas a slightly different texture and flavor compared to the coal-fired ovens at Pepe’s and Sally’s.
2. What is the Italian Bomb at Modern Apizza?
The Italian Bomb is a loaded pizza with sausage, bacon, pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, peppers, and garlic. It is one of Modern’s signature pies.
3. Is Modern Apizza part of the New Haven pizza scene?
Yes. Modern is considered one of the best apizza restaurants in New Haven, right alongside Pepe’s, Sally’s, and Bar.
4. How does Modern’s white clam pizza compare to others in New Haven?
Modern’s version uses pre-shucked clams and mozzarella, giving it a slightly different taste than Pepe’s more traditional approach. It is still flavorful but not quite as iconic.
5. Has Modern Apizza won awards?
Yes. It was named Pizzeria of the Year in 2023 by Pizza Today and has been featured in multiple national food publications.
6. Where is Modern located?
Modern is located on State Street in the East Rock neighborhood of New Haven, a short distance from the more famous Wooster Street pizzerias.
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