Is there any good pizza in Stamford?

[ryants]

I have lived in Stamford for almost three years now and still cannot find a great pizza place. There are two places that I do like very much, but they have their drawbacks: Colony and Spazzio.

I will admit that Colony's pizza is excellent. However, for one thing, it's a really unique pie with a crust that is so thin that it's crunchy. So, while it is excellent, it doesn't always satisfy my pizza cravings. Also, they don't deliver and they're even hard to order pickup from sometimes (they take the phone off the hook when busy).

Spazzio is a place I don't think many people are aware of (on Shippan). They make the more traditional neopolitan pie, but can be hit or miss.

So, please let me know who you think has the best pizza in Stamford. Thanks.

[louuuuu]

One of the most under-rated parlors in town is 122 Pizza on Broad across from Landmark Tower. Its WolfgangPuckish pizzas are flavorfull and creamy. While their softer california style crust may not appeal to some, I find it tasty and a nice compliment to the toppings... both contributing to a "light" and fresh mouth impression. One caution, don't order the clam pizza, especially if you're a Pepe's fan. They really skimp on the clams.

Good place after or before the Avon or other downtown cinemas. I like the modern Bistro ambience -- and the non pizza Italian offerings on the menu are delicous, like the pork osso bucco. Most of the entries in the mid teens and the drinks generous. The sectioned off bar is lively with sports on the two screens. Nice family run place with the brothers and mom usually on site

An easier alternative to the lines and parking problems of Colony. (Tho 122's pies aren't quite as sensational. )

And I, too, don't get Remo's. Haven't tried Amore... anyone else agree w/ SPT raves? Looking forward to Coalhouse. Got a good feeling about it.

[Scotty100]

IMO, Remo's offers a woeful expression of "pizza". There's nothing to like there. And I find that stamford pizza tour blog bizarre...they rate Remo's above tarry lodge and planet pizza above modern apizza in NH!! Yes, you read correctly - that Planet Pizza!!! Puuhhhleeeze, how many free beers and pies did it take to get that worked out guys?! All credibility instantly gone...

[CTburgerlover]

Hmmm...last time I checked Planet Pizza doesn't serve beer.

Not really a question of credibility, more one of personal opinion/preference. If they like Planet, so be it (though I myself am baffled at that one). If they didn't like Modern, oh well (Modern is my fave in NH). I love Colony, they didn't. To each their own.

If you read the reviews there were differing opinions within the "judges table" and the final ratings were cumulative scores that took everything into account, including ambiance/service. Remo's scored pretty high on that criteria which seems to have contributed for the high rating.

All it really proves is that (other than maybe burgers) pizza raises the most debate and disparate opinions than any other food.

[ryants]

Scotty, I totally agree. After reading stamford pizza tour, I am completely baffled. I think the vast majority of pizza in Stamford is plain awful. Yet this blog makes Stamford out to be something of a premier pizza spot.

I was amazed to read review after review, praising terrible pizza places. I found it to be totally amazing.

[Scotty100]

Ryants - sadly too true.

CTBurgerlover - Hmm, seems you didn't quite get how it works- on the SPT blog their review ratings are broken down into 3 categories:

"Establishment"
"Pizza"
"Hits the spot"

The "pizza" rating deals with the pie not the service or ambience. Remo's pie is rated 24/30 and Planet's 18/30. But of course, those who are "on the same wavelength" regards their opinions won't find anything at all to question the credibility of their ratings.

And sorry you couldn't get beer with your planet pizza, it might have helped wash the (non) taste away. Do they allow you to bring your own? If so, I suggest as much as possible to help blunt your next experience.

[CTburgerlover]

No, I quite "get it"...but instead of just looking at numbers as you appear to have done, I actually read the review. My impression is that the Establishment score enhanced the overall experience and contributed to the final cumulative rating( "The Bottom Line"). Sorry I didn't specify (dummy it down) for ya'.

Beer definitely goes with pizza, but not even sure if that could help wash down Planet. Definitely not a fan.

Anyway, back to the topic...yes, there is decent pizza in Stamford, and as mentioned before, the Stamford Pizza Tour is a great place to start your expedition. You might not agree with them, but it's a fun site to compare experiences and find your own favorite.

[Scotty100]

No need to specify - I understand your confusion. I too read all the reviews and looked at the numbers, the pizza quality is an individual rating and in the context of this thread, the key metric.

[queenregina]

I'm adding my vote for Remo's since I don't agree with the negative reviews above. We think it's the best in the area. We usually order the Spinach pizza but also liked the White Clam pizza. (We always eat-in instead of take-out, which could make a difference)

[moron66]

remos or tombstone i think its the same pie and while were on pizza you want to tell me whats up with that pepe place are you people in CT.kiddin with that overhyped place

[CTburgerlover]

Hi Moron, I definitely agree that Pepe's is overhyped. I do like Remo's more than Tombstone, particularly the Neapolitan-style, but what do I know? Been a while since I've had the former.

Not sure where you're located, but for good CT pizza, there's a little hole-in-the-wall place just off Exit 17 in Westport called Julian's. Great brick oven pies. Kicks the holy hell out of Pepe's.

Julian's Brick Oven Pizzeria
539 Riverside Ave.
Westport, CT

[moron66]

thanks cb ill try it

[adamclyde]

I went to Pepe's for the first time today. The clam pie is worth the hype. But the plain tomato pie? downright pedestrian in my mind. soggy crust, uninspiring sauce. Wouldn't drive 5 minutes for it.

But I really liked the white clam pie...

[Scotty100]

AC- I had a so-so tomato pie from Pepe's FFD during the summer. Was quite disappointed and wondered if they were on the downslide. However, I went back a month ago and had the same pie and it was back to usual good standard. This time I ordered 2 smalls instead of a medium or a large. My theory is the medium/large pies are not getting enough oven time, especially when the place is packed and the orders are flying in. I think if you order a small size you have a better chance of ensuring better crust. The sauce, however, I did not have a problem with. During the Summer they offer a local cherry tomato sauce that is outstanding.

[adamclyde]

I'll have to give it another shot. I did order smalls. Actually, I ordered (and fully consumed) to entire small pizzas on my own. All for the sake of pizza comparison. :)

[CTburgerlover]

Adamclyde, skip Pepe's altogether and give Julian's in Westport a shot, especially if you're going for a non-white clam.

Julian's Brick Oven Pizzeria
539 Riverside Ave.
Westport, CT

[foodiefoodster]

I agree, Pepe's isn't worth it, unless you live right next door. I heard that Julian's is GREAT, can't wait to go. Anyone else tried it? I still love colony the best-it is unlike any other pizza around and no matter how you feel after you eat it, you still go back again and again. How many places can actually take their phone off the hook because they are so busy-that says something.

[gillyweed]

For detailed descriptions of every pizza place in Stamford, see www.stamfordpizzatour.com People will agree/disagree with their ratings and reviews, but these guys were very thorough at having pizza from every place in Stamford.

Personally, Remo's is the go-to pizza place for my husband and I on Friday nights. We usually just pick it up since we live approximately 1 minute away, but I don't think they deliver, so I'm not sure if that helps you. They are great for take-out - we typically order around 7 or 8 on Friday nights (and I know they're extremely busy) and never have a problem with them answering the phone, and they usually give a pick-up time of 15-20 minutes.

We usually order a sausage napoletana. I like the thin crust (not as thin as Colony) and fresh mozzerella. Sauce is light and fresh tasting and generally in the perfect amount (i.e. it doesn't overwhelm the crust or cheese).

[ryants]

Thanks for this info!

[jfood]

jfood had some remo pizza at little jfood's apartment two weeks ago and it was not to his liking at all. The dough was not that great and the sauce was not to his liking at all. Jfood is not sure whether they do not travel well (it was four blocks for the delivery guy) or he had a bad batch, but jfood would not run back to Remos.

[shark_attack]

Anyone try Hope Pizza? I've never been but a guy I know really likes it. Also, anyone try Mancini's? Nice hot pepper and sausage pie, and they do have a coal oven.

[adamclyde]

I've been to hope pizza a few times. I think it's mostly a greek pizza place. Not thin-crust NYC style. Good for what it is, I guess. But I don't crave that kind of pizza. It's a lot like Post Pizza in Darien.

[shark_attack]

Thanks for the heads up.

[gillyweed]

Remo's does not travel well - I think since the crust is so thin. Not nearly as good once the crust gets soggy.

[CTburgerlover]

Lots of discussion on this, and the debate is actually the subject of the infamous Stamford Pizza Tour.

http://www.stamfordpizzatour.com/

That being said, in addition to Colony (far and away the best in town...get the Hot Oil & Sausage pie) I like:

-Springdale Pizza

Thicker crust, sometimes is great, sometimes has a strange aftertaste.

-Ridgeway Pizza

Really thin crust, great-tasting pizza, very close to a real NYC takeout style. Delivers all over Stamford.

-Cove Pizza

Tons of toppings to choose from, really nice place to sit down and eat, close to the beach.

Remo's

Really fresh ingredients, nice place to eat-in, ask for the pizza to be well-done, has both NYC and Neapolitan-styles.

Should also mention...in my hometown of New Canaan there is Joe's Pizza, which is quite good. I've been eating Joe's for more than 25 years, and the quality hasn't dropped off at all now that the son runs it. And in Norwalk we have Letizia's Pizza, which has great-tasting pizza and a really great family who own/operate it.

[ryants]

Thanks for this. Lot's of great info!

[jfood]

Jfood seconds CTb's Joes and Letizia recommendations. Add to the list as long as you are expanding outside STM, Fat Cat on Wall St in Norwalk and Strada 18 and Match on Washington St in SONO.

[ryants]

Thanks again for the info, CTB. A couple of points though:

First, I don't think I see eye to eye with the stamford pizza tour on much.

Second, I have to disagree with you on ridgeway pizza. I found their pizza to be very bland. If I'm being honest, I don't know if I could have told the difference between Ridgeway and Pappa John's.

[amanda3571]

Agree on Ridgeway. Stopped in for a slice and found it....meh.