Pizza in Stamford

I am convinced that Luna Pizza on Summer St in Stamford, CT is the best NYC Style pizza in Stamford. I mentioned this to the guy who runs/owns(?) the place and he said I was perceptive in that NYC Pizza is based on a recipe from Naples as is his. Would love to hear the thoughts of others...Remember, we are talking NYC style pizza specifically.

[johnnymonstrous]

Remo's is the new NY style kingdom reigning over Stamford, CT.

Pappa's II has the best Greek pie - judge the Greek pizza by the sauce for authenticity....

I am a huge man...I have eaten pizza since I was 2....and I hail from Boston, MA...so it took me about 20 years to find out what NY style is - Sal's just pizza in Andover is good for that. I prefer Greek pizza...

Colony is thin crust....same as the Italian place near Tigin or Fiddler's...

[HKFanatic]

I just move back to stamford after 4 years and Springdale pizza use to be good, is it still good? I ate at Remo's and i have to admit it was pretty darn good. Also is Hope Street Pizza any good? It is always packed when i drive by it.

[RunawayBob]

Can't speak too much about Stamford pizza. I find it all so-so, including the massively overrated Colony pizza. For the BEST pizza in the area you need to go to GREENWICH. Cos Cob specifically. It's small and it's called PIZZA POST. (bring your own booze too) Located off of Route 1, the Boston Post Road. Incredible crust and sauce. Blows away all of Stamford. Eat there - you will thank me later.

[Scotty100]

Is that the place next to gofer ice cream? If so, respectfully disagree...I had the misfortune of eating one of their "pizzas" last summer when I didn't know better. Crust awful, toppings straight from a can and the sauce...omg, I don't want to think about what tin of tomato soup they used to slap onto the soggy dough...the best thing about it is the BYOB policy...but you need to abuse this in order to make the pies edible...it's a 10 beer minimum on my pizza scale. My advice, get on the I95 and head to pepe's fairfield...

[housepet]

Well, I'm a huge fan of pizza, I mean, it is literally my favorite food. With that said, I grew up in Stamford and moved to New York and I still have to say while I haven't tasted all New York pizza, Stamford's Bell Town pizza gives the ones i did try a run for its money. All the places you guys are talking about in Stamford are good but not great. For Greek pizza I would go to John's Pizza on Grove st., it's kind of greasy but it's good as with Atlantic pizza. Luna pizza is definitely New York style but not very good in my opinion. However, by far the best is Belltown Pizza, it's a very small place and I'm surprised not many people have mentioned it.

To those of you that said Fairfield County doesn't have good pizza...you guys have obviously not gone to the right places, I've traveled all around the country and world and found few places that can rival fairfield county pizza. It is delicious.

[louuuuu]

reading about Belltown in this thread, finally tried it this afternoon.

Traditional pizza and take out place. Nice people. Extremely clean.

Pizza a bit too gooey and soft crust for my taste. The kind I used to scarf in my teens.

Stamford has more interesting pies to offer ... like Colony, Pizza Bistro. (Notice Remo not on my list.)

And of course Pepes in NH and Fairfield blows all of them out of the water.

[anneross]

Mario the Baker up on High Ridge Road is owned by Tom Villani from Arthur Avenue in the Bronx. He started out making pizza when he was 14 years old and he still makes the dough and crusts by hand here at his restaurant. The pies are thin crust, tasty and smoky. The toppings are fresh and perfectly meted out so you don't drown in greasy cheese. My Bronx-born husband says it's by far the best in Stamford.

[MommaJ]

Okay, but to me it's just standard Stamford pizza. Just goes to show that pizza is the most subjective food, and the only way to find your own "best" is to try all the ones in your area, rather than relying on others' recommendations.

[steve h.]

i have to respectfully disagree. mario's was a goto place back in the 20th century. no longer. deb and i have been back a few times recently and regret to report that the crust is not very good, sauce is forgettable and cheese of suspect origin. this is too bad. the place used to be good.

[Matteaucubed]

I moved to Stamford from NYC 3 years ago. I've found that the best "NYC style" pie is at Springdale Pizza on Hope St. FYI, if you are ordering take out add 5-10 minutes to whatever pops tells you over the phone.

[laylag]

When we lived in Miami ('99-'02) there was no decent pizza to be found anywhere except for a place called Mario the Baker who made some really good pies. He was from New York. They'd been there a long time and I'd guess are still there. Don't know if it's still good. Any idea if these are related?

Yikes - I just went on line and found that the North Miami individual store Mario the Baker is now a franchise with a ton of locations down there. Can't still be good - well unlikely.

[pizzalamp]

hey
would anyone like to get together to enjoy pizza in stamford? i sure would sometime. what do you think? anybody interested??

[ajeanne]

Somewhat slim pickins in stamford. Colony is over-rated - sort of an urban legend in my opinion.
I keep going back to Remo's. The garlic shrimp Napolitana is excellent. I don't like
any of the 'greek style' pizzas. Especially don't like Hope St. Nick's is decent. Villa Italia is surprisingly good - has a medium-thick, tender crust but cut like a pie.

[pizzalamp]

i just tried Remos tonight
omg it was great-we got the classic style and the margerita napoleotina-so tasty-the margerita was great-reminded me of lombardis-the classic was great too-i tasted romano cheese-ill be bak next week
def the best of stamford besides colony and pellichis

[climbnutt]

Best I've had in Stamford is Pellicci's. Nice and crispy and well-done on the bottom.Top notch ingredients and great atmosphere. Of course the very best was cipri's back in the 70's but they are long gone now.

[pizzalamp]

im gonna be trying remos tommorow-im excited-its always packed
i tried Luna on summer on Friday-ughhhhh worst ever
The waiter had an attitiude, he said they only have 1 size personal-which was good not great
then we found out they have regular pizza on the way out-i got a slice to go-it had no taste and was dry
worst place ever

[PizzaBoi]

Alan Distassio loves Remo's pizza and believe me that's quite an endorsement! The guy batted like .900 on the IX softball team. Alan is my hero.

[PMS]

And Distassio should know he's not only a gizelle in the field but, he's the pizza king. A triple threat HAS to know his pizza.

[pizzalamp]

vinnys is pretty good-but i like colony better
i know a few of the bartenders and waitresses there and they said they prefer colony as well

[Panini Guy]

I have not been, since I no longer live in the area, but I've been tipped off to the place from my cousin, an ex-cop who used to be a Colony regular - Vinny's Backyard in the Springdale shopping center. According to my cousin, this pie beats the Colony. I would love to find out if it's really any good for next time I'm in the area.

[pizzalamp]

yeah both are still around-i like john the baker-good homestyle italian
i dont care for nicks too much
I do miss Newfield pizza and bulls head pizza-they used to be my fav

[pizzalamp]

I've lived in Stamford all my life and Ive always been looking for the best pizza. Of course I love New York pizza the best, but heres my feelings on stamford pizza
Pellichis-sooo good-fresh,crispy-i think they use romano and parmesan on it-its real distinct and great-historic restaurant
Lucys Pizza-real real good-greek style-
Colony pizza-sooooo soooo sooo good best crust, sauce cheese everything blends nice A+ my top pick
Michelinas-really good, nice big slice, thin crust, sweet sauce (inconsisent sometimes)
Calabria-from what i remember, not that much flavor
Planet pizza-slices are better than whole pies for some reason, good though-good size slice, very cheesy
Mario the Baker-too cheesy for me not enough sauce- popular though always busy on weekend nights
Sorrento-pretty good-its been a while
Springdale-above average-slices are thin and crispy-love the setting of the place
Pappas Pizza-real good Greek Pizza-you gotta try the original in downtown stamford
Atlantic another good greek place-very sweet sauce and pastry like crust
Hope pizza-classic Greek-very busy weekend nights-very good
Belltown-too gooey, no flavor
Ridgeway-super thin-sweet sauce-good but not great
Vinnys on hope-crazy thin-really good-too thin for me i had to order another one
Luigis-okay at best

[misohungrychewlow]

Is John the Baker in Bulls Head still in business? How about Nick's in Glenbrook?

[Panini Guy]

Reviving this thread again as I've got to go back home to Stamford for a few days for a funeral. Wife never liked Colony and I have to admit, it's not the same atmosphere with the kids manning the bar. That said,

- Is Colony's pizza back up to its former greatness from a few years ago?
- Is Remo still going and is it better now than the last couple of posts seem to indicate?
- Any other pizza news? (Please, no Greek pizza recos, no whole wheat crusts)

Thanks.

[steve h.]

colony's hot oil pie is still crispy, tasty and messy. go for lunch and sit at the bar. check out the clippings/photos on the wall. listen-in on your neighbor's conversation. interesting place, the colony.

remo is ok. certainly worth a try. best to go with modest expectations. sanitary to a fault.

scooting up the line to pepe's in fairfield may be your best bet.

[Low_Fat]

I like Michael's on Cove Road. Traditional thin crust.

BTW, I live in Fairfield, so would recommend the white clam pie if you go to Pepe's

[jfood]

jfood would save the trip to Pepe's and order another hot oil at Colony. Jfood may be in the minority but he is not overwhelmed by Pepe's. Yes it's crisp and crispy all around but the crust is flavorless and the clam pizza was over the top salty. Others will rave about it but not a jfood favorite.

[steve h.]

the bread on a clam pie at pepe's is supposed to be influenced by sea salt and oil.

hot oil at colony is a messy thing of beauty. irish pizza? goofy. locals get it.

[jfood]

the crust was tasteless, not influenced by anything and jfood thinks they are aiming for a crust that chars from theoven and they succeeded. Jfood agrees that the clams should be briney but there is briney and then there is tto briney. just a personal preference that jfood thought it was too briney.

Wrt the colony messy pie, jfood agrees it;s a thing of beauty.

[steve h.]

it's all good. deb and i will be heading back to nola in november. any foody stuff you would like to share?

[flavorboy]

I stumbled in to Springdale Pizza when passing through and found it light, crispy and delicious. A tiny place with fine pie! He didn't have sausage for me as he had to cook it. Sounds fresh to me.

[steve h.]

visited colony two weeks ago. hot oil pie with pepperoni plus a couple of becks and a bazillion napkins. interesting stuff. run away if you're some kind of pizza purist. still, this is good stuff.

went to remo's on thursday. pizza margarita and a pair o' heinekens. enjoyed the pie: decent crust, sweetish sauce, fresh mozzarella, chiffonade of fresh basil (chiffonade?). pleasant, for sure, but not a "goto" pizza joint yet. service is both young and attentive. prices are reasonable.

my stamford pizza vote goes to belltown pizza. very serviceable margarita pie. crust is crispy but could use more salt. sauce is decent, cheese ok and the basil is, well, torn and scattered around the way it should be. not up to napoletano standards, but pretty good nonetheless. besides, it's close to my house. primarily a take-out place but there are a few tables and chairs. note that a ton of city employees just happen to be in belltown during lunchtime.

[woodthrush]

I lovre Colony -last had it in July 2006, and it was great. I remember Springdale Pizza (upper Hope St., towards New Canaan) as being above average, but I haven't been there in years.

[Fairfield Foodie]

I loved Remo's...the NY pie was very close to many places in NYC, particularly ones I have tried on the Upper East Side (Anna Maria, Italian Village, Piazza). The Neapolitan was very good too...agreed that it could have been a little more charred, a la Lombardi's, Patsy's, et. al. I thought the sauce on both pies was great, particularly the Neapolitan.

But they also have great salads, and any place that serves Birra Moretti automatically gets a + on my list.

[Mopsik]

Tried Remo's on Bedford St. today for lunch with some friends, as the place is officially open now. We opted for a few different types of the thin crust, coal oven pies. Pizza was decent, but not great. I had some high expectations going in based on the previous posts! I will chalk it up to them still figuring out their ovens, etc. given this place just opened a few days ago. I expected a zestier pie, and everything was kind of bland. Crust could have been charred a bit more (ours came out kind of light). Ingredients, though, were very fresh. They did a great job renovating the space - nice and inviting with a bunch of booths and tables. Very good sized lunch crowd. I will try it again once the kinks are worked out, but for me, the hot oil pie with pepperoni at Colony Grill is still King of Stamford.

[tdchow]

Cool, glad to hear we'll actually be getting potentially GOOD pizza here in Stamford!

[cteats]

As it turns out, they aren't officially open, but were taking in customers if you asked. Nevertheless, the restaurant was full. As such, it wouldn't be fair to give a real review yet. Also, they weren't offering everything off of the menu, and I'm sure the service will improve once they all learn how to use the registers, etc.

But, briefly, the pizza was quite good. There are two varieties, a "New York" which means the kind of pizza you get by the slice at umpteen pizzerias, and a "Classic" variety which is more of the crisp, bubbly crust of a Lombardi's or Fontanellas. The latter is much better.

Toppings on both were good. They were also serving salads, which were nothing special but large and fresh.

I'll try a few more times and write another review. I am hoping that it turns out to be something more that just a little better than the other Stamford options.

[adamclyde]

Thanks for the quick report. If you go again, definitely let us know.

Can't wait to try it. What's the inside like? Take out place or a proper sit down?

Actually, don't answer here... we should probably start a new thread on this place so more folks see it.

[Johnleah]

I work near Bedford Street in Stamford, and the owner of Remo's was testing his ovens and gave some of the local business samples of his pies. I have to say, as someone born and raised in NYC, that this was by far the closest anyone has come to replicating true, thin-crust NYC parlor-style pizza. Can't wait til this place opens.

And mattczap, pizza is a topic that people argue about more than any other cuisine on this board. I have learned that arguing your point more vehemently does not make you correct. I am from NYC, and I have tried New Haven pizza, and while the clam pies are quite good, I prefer my old haunts in NYC (DiFara, Grimaldi's, Totonno's, Vinnie's, original Patsy's). Does this mean NYC pies are better? Absolutely not. Just an opinion.

[adamclyde]

Any idea on an opening date yet? Can't be far off if he's testing it out with locals...

[cteats]

They opened yesterday, I'm going tonight. Will report later.

[mattczap]

so I visited family back in the city and went to Totonno's and Patsy's...God it was soooo good. Better than I remembered, maybe it was the change of style, but I woulndt have wanted anything else

[jfood]

Let me give you some air cover on your statements. NYC and New Haven have two of the great pizzas in America. And as good as Colony and Leitizia is, they are both far cries from the places you mentioned. This relates to thin crust, traditional pizza with a thin crust, cheese, sauce and maybe some tradional toppings (yes you must include clam pizza for NH).

In fairness to my second love of deep dish pizza (notice you need a qualifier) Chicago can make a great pie. My west coast brethren add some very funky stuff on there pies but as I have said in other threads, you place Thai chicken on a cracker crust, give it another name, don't piggy-back on my pizza.

Other than Colony, STM is a wasteland for pizza. Some are OK, but great is a word we should hold near and dear for pizza.

[mattczap]

sadly Stamford Is a Pizza let down, Colony very good, Remos above average

[debvil]

drive to Norwalk and go to Letitzia's for New Haven style Italian Pizza. I like Hope Street Pizza in Stamford for Greek style Pizza.

[mattczap]

OK people...I lived in NYC for years AND New Haven, CT for as many...now in Stamford...New Haven pizza (Modern, Sallys, Pepes, Abate, BAR, Old World, Blues..etc) its just better pizza...I eat pizza every week, I absolutely love pizza from both cities (and colony is a great change of pace once a month for a Stamford pie). Its just that people form NYC have such an arrogance about things that they dont give New Haven pizza a fair shot. As an absolutely unbiased pizza lover Brooklyn and Manhattan are my home!!!, I am settling this one (do not attack me, this is only opinion of course) Unfortunatelly I am in Stamford now, where pizza is terrible (except colony) NYC and New Haven, CT are truly the only wo cities in the country with geat pizza

[cranberryfiend]

Best pizza in Stamford: Pappas; great sauce, great crust, great eggplant.

[Fairfield Foodie]

I guess it's just a matter of taste...I love Colony. But many of my coworkers do not. Some love Luna, I do not. Pizza and burgers seem to generate the most debate.

[Fairfield Foodie]

I love Colony. The hot oil pie with sausage is the best.

[lfortini]

I'm amazed that nobody considers Colony Grill's pizza the best anywhere! I was just there Friday night and it was crisp perfection...there is nowhere else in Stamford that compares in my opinion! There must be a reason they've been around forever and ONLY serve pizza!

[cteats]

I have to say I don't understand why Colony has such ardent fans.

I used to live nearby and have been 6 or 7 times. The crust is a non-event, the toppings ordinary. I've tried all the recommended pies, like the oil and sausage and the "stinger" peppers. I used to think that it got such great reviews because you had to wait so long for it to arrive (up to 90 minutes sometimes) and they don't even serve a salad with it for pete's sake, that everyone's starving when it arrives. The box would taste good.

In any event, I'm glad that it's in town and has it's fans, but it's not for me.

[tookie]

Letizia's is definitely the best in the area.Uncle Joe's in Norwalk is also good.As for Stamford,I think Michaels on Cove Road is pretty good.

[brooklynspo]

Big thumbs up to Letizia's in Norwalk/Wilton. Their 'Garbage' pie is delicious.

Stamford... nah so good.

B.

[stamworld]

Anybody try Calabria's in Stamford on Washington? My vote for the best pizza place, though have not tried luna pizza.

[MaineMangoMan]

Belltown pizza on Belltown Road has consistently good pizza, it is a very small pizeria that puts out great food. Other faves from there are the pasta e fagioli, and their veal parm wedge is always a winner.
They have nightly specials that are great for taking home when you are on the run.

[seafoodboy]

yes Colony has gone downhill but it is not too bad. It has the largest variety of pizza. Michelina's I don't care for. It is far too overpriced. For cheap pizza that delivers get luigi's. But the best pizza in Stamford is definitely Mario's.

[Fairfield Foodie]

Colony is still the best, mostly because there is nothing like it anywhere. Post Corner is good Greek pizza, as is Jordan's in Norwalk. Letizia's is my favorite Italian style pie. Pepe's in Fairfield is great New Haven-style pizza.

HOWEVER! I hear that there is a new place opening in Stamford that will blow everyone away. It will supposedly model itself after the Holy Trio of Grimaldi's & Totonno's in Brooklyn, and Lombardi's in Manhattan. Coal burning, brick-oven, charred crust, authentic sauce, and homemade mozzarella. A much-needed addition to the Stamford pizza scene.

Stay tuned for the name and more info as I hear it.

[cteats]

The name is Remo's and it is right on Bedford Street. I am very hopeful. I peered through the paper over the windows a few days ago and the interior looks finished. I expect they'll open soon, and are probably waiting for stuff like the liquor license and the payments system.

If this makes me sound desperate, please understand that we live in a pizza-deprived town, with a few edible options but nothing approaching good.

[adamclyde]

There's no such thing as desperation when it comes to searching for great pizza. Outside of NYC, the best I ever found was in a bizarre location in Point Pleasant, on the Jersey Shore. Wood burning brick oven... I've been dreaming of it ever since. If this place on Bedford is even half way there, I'm going to be a very happy camper.

By the way, we should probably start a new thread on this if we want to chat more about it, since this thread is 2 years old.

thanks for the heads up on Remo's...

[mattczap]

OK people...I lived in NYC for years AND New Haven, CT for as many...now in Stamford...New Haven pizza (Modern, Sallys, Pepes, Abate, BAR, Old World, Blues..etc) its just better pizza...I eat pizza every week, I absolutely love pizza from both cities (and colony is a great change of pace once a month for a Stamford pie). Its just that people form NYC have such an arrogance about things that they dont give New Haven pizza a fair shot. As an absolutely unbiased pizza lover Brooklyn and Manhattan are my home!!!, I am settling this one (do not attack me, this is only opinion of course) Unfortunatelly I am in Stamford now, where pizza is terrible (except colony) NYC and New Haven, CT are truly the only wo cities in the country with geat pizza

[piecrust]

Take a side detour to Devon (that section of Milford) and look for Papa's Pizza tucked away. It is only take-out with one picnic table outside, but you will think Pepe's airlifted on oven to Devon. Go on, try it!

[JT007]

Any word if Remo's has opened yet?

[cteats]

Not as of a few days ago.

[piecrust]

hmmm.... in Monroe try Jennie's on Rte. 111 (sausage or eggplant pizza), or Julian's on Rte. 25 (mushroom & onion) or further up, Carminuccio's on Rte 25 in Newtown - you will probably not be disappointed.

[misohungrychewlow]

I know Jenny's and Carminuccio's, but can you be more specific about where Julian's is located? Also, McGowan's on 111 used to be good -- have they recovered, are they still around? Vassy's is another good option in that region, farther south ...

For NYC style pizza, get on the train. For really good pizza in Fairfield County, try Post Corner Pizza in Darien on the Post Road. I've been going there for 30 years. Theirs is Greek style, cut in squares and with delicious crunchy crust. Also try Colony Grill in Stamford. Very thin, spicy pies. It's really a bar, but they do takeout if you don't feel like sitting in a bar. Sorry, don't have phone numbers or exact addresses at hand.

Colony Grill
203-359-2184
172 Myrtle Avenue
Stamford, CT

It's not really a pizza shop but a bar that serves pizza, and only pizza, no sandwiches or salads or soups, just pizza.

Colony has gone downhill. It basically sucks now. Go elsewhere

[Panini Guy]

Was there over Christmas. Grew up there. Been back at least once a year for past 12 years after leaving Stamford. Heard that neither Fitz nor Skeets are there anymore. Staff got busy and took the phone off the hook so you couldn't call ahead. Was told to wait 45 minutes for a take out order. Bar staff seemed rushed to point of being curt. Never would happen with Fitz on bar. Due to the wait, I didn't order. But the stuff leaving the kitchen didn't even LOOK the same as it did just a year ago.

They probably chip the good china now, too.

[steve h.]

"...probably chip the good china now, too." great line!

yeah, colony is a local bar. i go there for pizza and a beer twice a year - whether i need it or not.

[EmileJ]

Love the post corner pizza in Darien - great place - definitely Greek Pizza tho

I think you're right about Luna being among the best pizza in Stamford, but, in my opinion, that's not saying much. I've been mystified for years over why you can't get a good pie here, given the availability of lots of other decent cuisines, and the city's Italian heritage.

Maybe I'm missing something. I'd love to hear others POV.

CTEats - Nope, you're right on. It's definitely a mystery as to why there isn't better pizza in Fairfield County!

I think Michellina's (sp?) is as close to NYC pizza as it gets. They are off of High Ridge Road behind Main Wah. While in that neighborhood stop in next door to Fratelli Ravioli - they make great sandwiches, my favorite.

while I like the pizza from this place (michellina's or whatever it is called), I wouldn't really characterize it as NYC-style. The crust is totally different from the thinner, more charred, slightly more crips and almost smokey crust of a good NYC slice.

Well, this discussion confirms it, there are not a lot of great NYC style pizza options in this town. BTW, Colony is NOT NYC style Pizza, "greek" pizza doesn't count as well...keep those cards and letters coming :)