Here's Where To Grab The Best Slice Of Pizza In CT: Food Network

NEW HAVEN, CT — Thanks to the chefs and their ovens at Frank Pepe, Sally's, and Modern Apizza, New Haven has earned a reputation as the country's premier pizza city. And while the State of Connecticut has attempted to hitch a ride on the city's chariot with varying degrees of success, one thing is sure: being the best city (or state) for pizza by no means makes you the best place to grab just a slice of pizza.

This kitchen conundrum bothered Food Network enough that they sent an editor in search of the finest pizza slices— those grab-and-go dough triangles best eaten folded or atop flimsy paper plates — in all 50 states.

Happily, the best individual slice of pizza to be had in Connecticut is once again a product of New Haven, but you won't find it at any of the Big Three pizzerias.

Related: Just 1 Connecticut Pizzeria Ranked Among Top 50 In U.S.

Food Network named Da Legna X Nolo, located on State Street, as the top place in Connecticut to grab a single slice. Unlike Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, Sally’s Apizza and Modern Apizza — all of which serve only whole pies — Da Legna offers slices on Friday, Saturday and Sunday during lunch.

The network praised chef Daniel Parillo, the son of Italian immigrants who grew up in Connecticut, for combining New Haven’s coal-fired pizza tradition with Neapolitan influences. “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,” the feature noted.

Related: Iconic Spot Named Best Restaurant In CT, Foodie Site Says

The restaurant's owners call the venture their "scratch-casual approach towards New Haven pizza with an emphasis on distinction." Inspired by the nostalgia of the pizza parlors they knew in their youth, Da Legna chefs hope to honor those memories with "an artisanal nuance of offerings" from a pizza menu that includes mashed potatoes, broccoli rabe, wild mushrooms and freshly shucked clams.

Food Network acclaim is old news for Da Legna. The restaurant was previously featured on Food Network’s “Best Bite in Town” with host Guy Fieri, one of six New Haven eateries highlighted on the show.