The pizza my roommate brought back from Yale! Incredibly delicious! Bufalina: It was tremendous! The sugar from the San Marzano tomatoes and the nutty aroma of the prosciutto di parma combined perfectly after baking to create a warm caramel aroma. The fresh, smooth olive oil base creates a rich, syrupy texture. The basil aroma emerged in the aftertaste, adding layers to the rich, creamy cheese. The cornicione was crispy but not dry, and the crust was very chewy. Tartufella: Relatively less impressive. The black truffle aroma wasn't strong; the main flavors were the savory, sweet, and meaty notes of the Italian sausage. read more

Zeneli Pizzeria - Bufalina - Pizza Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

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We love everything about Zeneli! The staff is so nice and accommodating. Whether it's a dinner for 2 or a party of 8, the service is always super. All of the pizzas are delicious. It's impossible to pick a favorite. No matter how busy it is, we are always seated promptly. The pasta dishes are great too. And the whipped ricotta is to die for! We've sat in the dining room, at the bar, and in the sun room. It's a warm restaurant with warm people. The staff really makes you feel at home. There's not a bad seat in the house. Even when it is busy you can trust you'll be cared for with a friendly face and trustworthy service. read more

I have never tried this pizza place, but sad that I haven't. We started off by sipping on some wine at the bar, a nice peach Bellini and a sauvignon blanc Service was quick and the bartender and staff were very friendly Their margarita pizza is very good. Fresh basil and fresh sauce. The pizza is a little thinner than I'm used to, but it's still very good! Their cacio e Pepe is very delicious, especially with their freshly grated Parmesan cheese read more

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This place really stands out if you're looking for authentic Italian pizza and fresh pasta. Coming from someone who loves the classic New Haven bar pizza style, this felt different in the best way -- much more traditional, with an incredibly fresh, flavorful tomato sauce and a pizza where the sauce and cheese truly shine in every bite. I also ordered the cacio e pepe, which is one of my favorite dishes anywhere, so I'm picky about it -- and this version easily ranked in my top 3. Rich, balanced, and done the right way. What impressed me just as much was how fast the service and food were. Everything came out quickly, but nothing felt rushed or low quality. The staff was friendly, attentive, and welcoming the whole time. The restaurant itself was clean, authentic, and had a great vibe. If you're looking for fresh Italian food, great pizza, homemade pasta, and fast service, this spot is absolutely worth visiting. read more

Zeneli Pizzeria - Pizza Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

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Wow Just discovered one of the best pizza spots in New Haven , Connecticut . We started off with arugula salad, then we had prosciutto and fresh mozzarella sprinkled balsamic vinaigrette and grape tomatoes. It was delicious. Then We tried many different pizzas to include margarita pizza, truffle and sausage, original cheese, prosciutto, and basil. They were all good. I think my favorite was the margarita pizza. We also had meatballs with sauce and cacio e Pepe topped with fresh grated parm cheese. The food here was amazing. I would definitely come here again. The owners of this restaurant are brothers and you could tell they really care and take pride in what they do. read more

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Still excellent. The best pastas and pizzas. I'm so happy Zeneli has become part of the fabric of Wooster Street. Tip: if you're flying from Tweed - Zeneli's makes a wonderful pre flight stop for some great food. And then it's very easy to get onto the highway for a quick trip to the airport. We love absolutely everything we get here plus the amiable staff. read more

Zeneli Pizzeria - Pizza Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

Went here for a lunch meeting with colleagues and, wow, what a gem! We started with an arugula salad and shared about five different pies. My favorite was the tartufella, though the salsicciotta was equally good. I was surprised by how quickly everything arrived and yet it did not detract from the quality. Everything was fresh. The staff was friendly. Good vibes here. Go visit the next time you're on Wooster Street. read more

Truly a gem and staple pizza spot in Wooster Square. Staff is always so warm and welcoming and the pizza is phenomenal! The restaurant is spacious and they have outdoor and indoor seating. Perfect for date nights, events, and celebrations! Been here a few times now and the food is always consistently good! read more

Zeneli Pizzeria - Cake - Pizza Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

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I was in Venice, Italy around 9 years ago and I had a very tasty, house made, brick oven pizza. Of all the pizzas I've had since then the pizza at Zeneli's is the most like the Venice one. Zeneli's is a very small Italian pizza restaurant in New Haven. From the wood walls, to the exposed oven, to the almost 700 4.5 star reviews, I knew my friend and I made the right choice by choosing to dine here. We got a serving of Gnocchi alla Sorrentina and a Calzone Napoletano. Talk about homemade, comfort food in the dead of the winter. This is it! The gnocchi were super, super fresh and tender. Surrounded by the freshest red sauce. I actually ate the sauce with a spoon, once the gnocchi was gone, that's how good it was! The Calzone was equally as fresh. The charred edges and the uneven shape give it so much character. While the edges were charred, the center was thin and stuffed with prosciutto and fresh mozzarella. Of course it was topped with that dreamy sauce and mozzarella. This was so delicious and made to blow my mind. I absolutely cannot wait to return to try more of their specialties at Zeneli's. read more

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Always the best meals here! I have come multiple times and never have a bad experience. Everything is always delicious and the service is always fantastic. Forever a favorite spot! I love when I have family visit and we bring everyone here as part of their Connecticut experience! read more

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You know a place is out of this world when you can hear customers around you going mmmmmm with every bite they take. Today was totally epic. In honor of my birthday, we splurged with a number of items on the menu. From the prosciutto appetizer to the limoncello dessert and the peach Bellini's, every thing made you feel like you were in heaven. read more

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Heard great things about this pizza spot so had to try it out. There was a line to wait for a table but it honestly went super fast. It would be especially easy to wait for a table when it actually warms up! They were very busy but the service was still good. The pizza was a classic Italian style crust and toppings with great flavor. Very good tangy sauce and fresh basil. read more

Visiting my son for parents weekend at Yale University. After a very long day of travel, we were tired and hungry with New Haven pizza on our mind. We drove through little Italy and it was already getting busy. There are many options but Zeneli's is one of my son's favorite. We walked in and were seated pretty quickly for a party of three. Most tables were filled all around us! You can see them hard at work behind the counter. (Great story of how they came to America on back of menu.) We ordered two pizzas, salad and some beer and wine. The salad came out first. Simple with arugula and shaved parmesan cheese and light oil and vinegar. Delicious! The pizzas came out piping hot! Pulling a slice from the pie, careful to hang on to your toppings. The pizzas came margherita is one of my favorites. The sauce was delicious and it complimented my salad. The room was buzzing and filled with conversation, clinking of glasses and happy customers. Everyone was so friendly. At the end, the owner took the time to take our picture. Good all the way around read more

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First time trying Zeneli's and I was pleasantly surprised! The ambience was warm and welcoming, and the staff were super friendly and attentive. I ordered the Spaghetti al Pomodoro and Cacio e Pepe--both were absolutely delicious. The flavors were fresh and authentic. I also had the Margherita pizza with mushroom toppings, which was perfectly baked with just the right balance of cheese, sauce, and mushrooms.Would love to visit again and try more. read more

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Came to New Haven for a quick trip, used to live in the area. Wanted to go to either Sally's, Pepe's or Modern but friends recommended Zeneli's. We ordered 2 margarite pies. There were 4 in my group and only the ladies were asked what we'd like to drink. My son was overlooked or ignored. The pie came out pretty quickly, but def should have been cooked longer. The cheese and sauce slid right off the dough-which tasted under cooked. Not what I hoped for. read more

Zeneli Pizzeria - Pizza Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

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Very busy! When you first walk in the man at the register appears welcoming however the two women waiters were not. They looked like they were overwhelmed and overworked and it poured out onto their attitudes. Bottom line...If you want great pizza then go but don't expect great service! read more

Zeneli Pizzeria - Prosciutto and fig - Pizza Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

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This is the best pizza in the state. Their pizza oven is a piece of art. Authentic Pizza served to you fast. Amazing atmosphere read more

Zeneli Pizzeria - Olive mushroom basil garlic marinara - Pizza Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

An enjoyable introduction to apizza! The Ricotta e Miele was a great combo of sweet and savory flavors over nicely toasted bread. All pizzas had solid dough texture and taste, though we thought the crusts were slightly burnt. Tartufella pizza was our favorite: it had a nice truffle flavor without being too overpowering. Tre Carni pizza had a tasty spread of proteins. Margherita pizza unfortunately was a bit bland. We were seated at their pleasantly-heated side building. Worth the stop! read more

Zeneli Pizzeria - Menu as of 11/26/25 - Pizza Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

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Holy moly! The pizza here is fire!! I've had Frank Pepe's both in Boston and in New Haven, and I feel like I've been missing out! We got the Bufalina and the Margherita pizzas, and both were amazing. The crusts had a perfect amount of blackening. The bufala mozzarella is really something you need to try if you haven't had it. Very unique and very good. The margherita is very simple, but there is truly beauty in the simplicity. Sauce, cheese, crust, all fantastic. For the Bufalina, my one complaint is that the prosciutto really comes off in one bite, leaving the rest of the bites of each slice prosciutto-less. Cherry tomatoes were so good. Service was excellent. The seating areas are also great. They have so much seating, both indoor and outdoor. read more

Zeneli Pizzeria - Bufalina - Pizza Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

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Grateful to the Albanian brothers and their family at Zeneli Pizzeria for their incredible hospitality in hosting us. Their passion, hard work, and excellence in making the best pizzas we've ever had truly reflect why New Haven is known as the pizza capital of the U.S! read more

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oh my God this pizzeria has to be in the top 5 of best pizzas in New Haven. I ordered the Margarita pizza and it was absolutely amazing. The flavors were fresh and balanced. The sauce had just the right amount of flavor, the cheese was perfectly melted and the dough was full of flavor. You can tell that they use good quality ingredients. Definitely I will come back to try their other options. read more

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This place is packed all the time and for good reason. I'm not really a fan of neopolitan pizza (i prefer pizza that i can fold) but this place is good. I think the standout is the sauce, it's one of those things where you take a bite and think WOW... that's something special. read more

This place was excellent - great service and a good to die for . Here's what we had : 1) bofalina pizza - the dough is incredible . Amazing . I have so many superlatives . The tomato sauce was to die for . And the persecute . 6 stars 2) ricotta e Miele - wife enjoyed it very much. The ricotta was incredible . 3) pizza margarita - classic and excellent . Very very good All together we had a blast and will come back for sure to try other options in the menu ! The Neapolitan pizzas were as good as they come read more

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Simply delicious authentic Neapolitan dishes. The pizza tastes like it came from a brick oven in Naples. The Cacio e Pepe pasta is the perfect balance of flavor and simplicity. read more

Zeneli Pizzeria - Amazing Neapolitan pizza - Pizza Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

We were excited to try Zeneli's after hearing their pizza was rated among the best in New Haven--and that's saying something. Located in the former home of Tony and Lucille's, the space has been thoughtfully renovated and now feels like a proper neighborhood bistro while still honoring its past. The menu offers many appealing choices, and given our long affection for Tony and Lucille's calzones, we ordered Zeneli's version, along with a Margherita pizza and their meatballs. The calzone was generous, with a gently caramelized crust that was tender and full of flavor. Inside, it oozed ricotta layered with prosciutto. While satisfying, we would have enjoyed it more if the meat had been crisped to deepen the flavor. There are no alternative fillings offered, which felt a bit limiting. The meatballs tasted good, but the texture missed the mark for us--slightly overmixed and dense. We suspect veal may be part of the blend, which can easily push a meatball past that ideal, tender balance. That said, the marinara was sensational, clearly made from excellent Italian tomatoes. The pizza itself was wonderful. Their Neapolitan crust has the high hydration needed for that springy, soft interior with beautifully charred spots from the gold-tiled, wood-fired oven. It reminded us of what Sally's and Pepe's once did so well. Unfortunately, both have lowered dough hydration over time, resulting in harder crust edges and a stiffer base--something Zeneli's gets right. We finished with a recommended slice of limoncello mascarpone cake, which did not disappoint. It arrived with a classy presentation on a caramel-drizzled plate, and the coffee was excellent. Service, however, was a letdown. The server who initially took care of us disappeared midway through the meal, and no one really picked up the table until one of the women noticed toward the end. Given the recent hype and high expectations surrounding Zeneli's, the experience fell just a bit short overall. That said, we would certainly return--there's a lot here done very well, and it feels close to being truly exceptional. read more

Always fresh and delicious with prompt service. They have plenty of seating options. I got the Stella which had fresh and vibrant tomatoes. The light focaccia allowed me to get my carb fix without feeling so heavy. I recommend! read more

Zeneli Pizzeria - Miele - Pizza Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

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Great little pizzeria without the super long waits you get from Sally's or Pepe's (and arguably better). The staff was so nice and quick to my constant water refills and their food was amazing. I absolutely love their margherita pizza, but decided to try something new out with anchovies in this one (a little too salty for my taste) and overall a good pizza. We also bought gnocchi, which was definitely the best I've had so far. read more

Zeneli Pizzeria - Anchovies, olives, and basil - Pizza Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

I drive from West Hartford just to get this pizza and it didn't disappoint! As soon as I walked in (around 5pm) I was greeted by 2 ladies and a gentleman at the counter. They were smiling and super welcoming. It was a rainy day so I asked for a short expresso and ordered a cheese pizza for the kids and a quattro formaggi pizza. They were both delicious! I want to go dine in next time because the place is cozy and smells amazing! Was worth the drive! Highly recommend!! read more

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Came in for a dinner at the end of last week and was quickly seated on a busy (and hot) night. The oven was doing double-time work and the staff was also buzzing around the place trying to keep everyone with fresh water, great wine, and wonderful Italian food. I will say we were served a little slower than I would like, but I totally understand given the number of customers both inside and outside the restaurant at the time. But, the pizza was divine. Like: people always tell me about New Haven pizza and I haven't quite felt as connected to it as everyone who raves. But this was my favorite pizza I've had in New Haven. I liked it way more than Pepe's or Sally's, honestly. It was fast, the crust was paper thin, the sauce not acidic and not too sweet, and the toppings quite fresh and rustic. Really beautiful, and with that wonderful smokey aroma you get from a wood-fired oven. Overall, a wonderful meal and I can't wait to come back! read more

Zeneli Pizzeria - Napoletana pizza. - Pizza Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

Looking for a slice of Italy? This is the place for fresh pasta and Naples style pizza; NOT to be mistaken for New Haven's famous brick oven pizza. Service is great, history of the restaurant is beautiful and ambiance is quaint. Dessert is 10/10 as well! read more

Zeneli Pizzeria - Limoncello Mascarpone Cake - Pizza Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

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What a great spot! We were lucky enough to order ahead and get a cheese pizza on a very busy Saturday night. The service was awesome. We were told 10 minutes before pick -up and the pizza was ready when we arrived. It was very busy inside the restaurant and bar area. There is a small hut-like area that is built on the sidewalk, which was full of customers. I would guess there are 5-6 tables with great lighting and plenty of room. The hut was inviting on this beautiful fall night. The vibe that the staff has created inside of Zeneli is palpable. Everyone had a smile on their face. The kitchen was rocking. Pizza was great. Cooked the way we like it....dough was fresh, sauce was tasty! This is a place that I would love to come back to. To sit down and have a full service experience would be awesome. Price was cheap ($14 for a pizza) Parking was great....parked out front Ambience was fantastic Service was 5-star read more

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Excellent pizza! We started with the stella appetizer and got two pies. Between four of us, we devoured it all. The crust is excellent with a slight char. All freshly made. I would come here again. read more

Can't say enough good things about this place. Our second annual trip here from NC. We didn't get try Zeneli last summer. It's now my number 1! As good as what we had in Naples. Service was excellent too! Can't wait to return next summer. read more

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Skipped the line at Sally's to support a highly recommended alternative! Boy was I glad I did! Staff was immediately 100x more friendly and made sure to seat us as quickly as possible! Of all the New Haven pizzas have had... this place has been the best! Relatively small location with a small parking lot and 3 separate seating areas. I wouldn't recommend a group of more than 5-6 as the seating areas are pretty tight. Perfect location for a casual date! Now to the food! The Margherita was perfect is almost every way! Perfect amount of sauce without making the crust soggy. Crust was soft, airy, and light, yet still filling, maintained structure when folded, had that light burnt taste every good crust should have. Close your eyes and take a bite and you might forget that you're having a slice in New Haven! Comparable to my fave spots in NYC! The Tre Carni was a bit soggy but the taste made up for its inability to hold structure and the soggy crust. Not shown was the Spaghetti Al Pomodoro which was delightful to share and the freshly grated parmesan on top was a nice touch! For a party of 4 the 2 pies, spaghetti, and the appetizer was plenty for a light to medium dinner with room for dessert! Looking forward to coming back to Zeneli's in the near future! read more

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I was very excited to try this pizza place in New Haven, after reading the reviews. There were many many 5 star reviews, so I thought...the pizza should be Excellent. The food turned out to be ok. Nothing extraordinary. The staff was very polite and professional. Rushed because how busy they were, but very attentive. Our Margherita pizza lacked any "wow" factor to deserve a 5 star review...good it was...excellent....not... read more

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We love Zeneli Pizza & have been coming from afar to enjoy it. However the last two times, the pizza was beyond disappointing: tasty still but completely soggy & limp. You could barely get it off the tray. I didnt write the review the first time thinking it was a one off. But now I see the super thin middle may have something to do with it. Everyone around me had the same soggy pizza. I urge them to go back to nice thickness pizza. The waitresses were lovely & helpful. The restaurant inside & out is pleasant. read more

Zeneli's neapolitan pizza gets better and better after each bite. The char, simply spectacular! The sausage, top quality goodness! The cheese pull, magnifico! The tomato sauce, prefect a mundo! To simply put; Zeneli's is one of the top tier pizza experiences in New Haven. So, don't skip this place on your next pizza tour. I must admit when the secret is out the lines at Pepe's and Sally's might clear out especially once the word gets out about how spectacular this pizza really is. On a previous thread on Yelp I gave Zeneli's 4 stars... I gravely made a mistake, this pizza is pure 5 star excellence... That's a review. read more

The pizzas are very good, but I am most fond of their gnocchi and pastas with their cheeses and sauces. The owners are very nice to customers and there every day. The owners had a restaurant in Naples Italy before they came to America, so I think it is more genuine Neapolitan cooking than most of the italian restaurants in New Haven. read more

For four of us, we ordered two pizzas and an arugula salad which to be honest was not enough. Note that the pizzas are very thin so I don't think you're able to get full on just the pizza. Both pizzas were pretty yummy and flimsy so it is hard to pick up like normal to eat. I liked the margarita pizza, so simple and tasty. The arugula salad is very delightful, I really enjoyed the parmesan used. They have two separate dining rooms for when it gets busy which I love since the main one is super small. Service was pretty good and our food came out fairly quickly. read more

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Great place to get New Haven pizza but without a crazy line and with a nicer atmosphere. We did everything family style so got to try a lot of stuff. Definitely have to start with the ricotta e miele, the flavor combo of ricotta and honey is unique but so so good. The bread was perfectly grilled too. The arugula salad was good, but nothing super special. It was a nice fresh source of greens for the table, though. For the mains we got the margarita pizza, cacio e Pepe pasta, and rigatoni bolognese. The pizza was super yummy. It looks huge but is very thin. The char on the crust was really nice. The cacio e Pepe was heavenly. Super thick and cheesy sauce that perfectly coated the noodles. The rigatoni bolognese comes with a nice dollop of ricotta on top that goes so well with the meat sauce. It's a great flavor combo. Even though we were stuffed we wanted to try the Nutella pizza. You really can't go wrong with bread and Nutella but this was really good! If you have room def order it. The server was very nice and constantly refilled our water. The menu is small but his recommendations were on point. read more

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