About Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana - Stamford

Frank Pepe in Stamford keeps the focus squarely on coal‑oven pizza, delivering thin, chewy crusts with a noticeable char that reviewers repeatedly praise.

Servers are often singled out by name for attentive, friendly service that smooths a busy meal into a relaxed visit.

Signature plates include the white clam, Margherita and Doppio Pepperoni, plus Caesar and Italian salads that many guests order alongside sampler pies.

The space is modern with nods to the original New Haven roots, and takeout or dine‑in experiences are noted as efficient and consistent.

Location & Contact

What to Expect

The menu leans on classic New Haven‑style offerings: Margherita, BYO Original Tomato Pie, Doppio Pepperoni and the much‑talked about White Clam Pizza.

Reviews call out a perfect chew on the thin crust and a smoky coal oven char that adds depth.

Reviewers also highlight sampler plates (four small pies), Caesar and Italian salads, focaccia, and dessert pies like the cannoli pie.

Soda selections and a sturdy, flavorful crust keep both longtime fans and first‑timers satisfied.

Hashtag Pizza Fact's

Pizza’s Place in American Comfort Food

Pizza is often cited as America's favorite comfort food, chosen by approximately 25% of people in surveys. Its comforting combination of chewy crust, savory sauce, and melted cheese provides a satisfying experience that resonates with many. Whether for a casual night in or a large gathering, pizza’s versatility and taste have made it a beloved staple in American households.

Statistics

From the Community

Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana’s Stamford outpost brings the coal‑fired traditions of New Haven to a suburban shopping center, and diners say the results are faithful and flavorful.

The kitchen’s emphasis on a thin, chewy dough and a pronounced char shows up on slices across the menu, from a simple Margherita to the Doppio Pepperoni and the white clam pie.

"The flavor and char on the pizzas is really what makes them unique and addicting," said Tiffany Wheeler after sampling a trio of pies.



Many guests use the sampler option to try multiple pies in one visit; reviewers praised everything from meatball and ricotta to bacon and onions.

The Caesar and Italian salads are reliable companions, and desserts such as the cannoli pie round out the meal.

One guest noted the clam pizza was "a bit of a surprise but not bad overall," a reminder that the white clam remains a distinctive choice rather than a universal favorite.



Service earns repeated mention by name—servers like Jessica, Connor and Matheus are credited with prompt, friendly attention—and reviewers report consistent takeout timing and solid dine‑in pacing.

For locals seeking classic New Haven flavors without the drive, Pepe’s Stamford location provides the familiar charred crust and ingredient‑forward pies that keep people coming back.

Why Locals Love It

Tiffany Wheeler ★★★★★

Tiffany’s note that "the flavor and char on the pizzas is really what makes them unique and addicting" captures why locals come back. The coal oven and chewy, thin crust make familiar pies taste deeper and more savory, and sampling several pies in one visit turns dinner into a neighborhood pizza tour. That dependable char and balanced toppings give Stamford residents a quick route to authentic New Haven‑style pizza close to home.

Angie Peck ★★★★★

Angie appreciated the staff’s confidence when ordering the clam pizza and then pivoting to a half plain, half pepperoni when tastes didn’t match. Her line that the half‑and‑half was "cooked to perfection" signals how the kitchen’s control over char and chew matters to the community—people want consistent, well‑handled pies and servers who will make it right if a slice misses the mark.

Food of CT ★★★★★

Food of CT praised Stamford’s consistency with the original New Haven place and singled out the pepperoni as "extra good." For locals, that kind of consistency matters: knowing a Doppio Pepperoni or Margherita will deliver familiar smoky notes and proper crust texture means Pepe’s becomes the go‑to for celebrations, quick lunches and family dinners alike.

Customer Reviews

Angie Peck
★★★★ 3 months ago

"This was my first time at the Stamford location. They have a great outdoor patio dining area. We opted for indoor dining with air conditioning and have zero regrets. Jessica was our server and she was wonderful. We wanted to try the clam pizza for the first time but were very nervous to order it in case we didn’t like it. Jessica told us if we don’t like it she’ll get us a brand new pizza so we ordered the clam pizza. As a seafood lover I did it find it very clammy tasting. There was tons of fresh garlic on a white sauce. We didn’t like it so we got a simple half plain cheese and half pepperoni. It was cooked to perfection! Great char and chewy thin crust! The flavors were phenomenal. Sometimes you just gotta go back to basics. We also got a sausage and pepperoni pizza. Sausage was tasty and not fennel heavy (I don’t like fennel seeds). You can ask for light, medium or well charred crust; we like ours medium. Check out the Stamford location and ask for Jessica."

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Alcy Leyva
★★★★ 6 months ago

"Pizza is a major staple of my family, so we took the challenge to see what this beloved chain has to offer. I must say that we were impressed. We got the sampler (4 small pies) and enjoyed all of the selections. We rated them (most fav to least fav) Meatball, Bacon and onions, three cheese, and plain. Ambiance was nice. Service was good too. Coal oven pizza is definitely a great experience from the usual NY pizza (still prefer but still a good selection). Their soda selections are worth a try, too"

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Tiffany Wheeler
★★★★★ 3 months ago

"This was our first time trying Frank Pepe, and I can honestly say it was beyond delicious. We did the sampler pizzas and had three different ones. The Margherita, Clam, and Doppio Pepperoni. More than enough for the three of us sharing them. We also had the Ceasar Salad. We left with two boxes of leftovers. The portions are fantastic. The flavor and char on the pizzas is really what makes them unique and addicting. The staff are friendly and on point. We will be back. Highly recommend!"

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John Michael
★★★★★ 2 weeks ago

"Our company CertaPro Painters had a team outing and had lunch here! Connor was our server and he was absolutely amazing! Food was great. Service was excellent will definitely be back!"

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Hashtag Pizza Fact's

Regional Pride: Pizza Styles Across the U.S.

The United States boasts a diverse landscape of regional pizza styles, each with its own loyal following. From New York’s foldable slices to Chicago’s hearty deep-dish and St. Louis’ cracker-thin crust, these variations reflect local ingredients and preferences. This diversity not only showcases pizza's adaptability but also sparks good-natured rivalries among aficionados of different styles.

Culture

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the white clam pizza taste like?

The white clam pizza has a garlicky, sea‑forward flavor on a white sauce base. Reviewers mention lots of fresh garlic and a briny bite from the clams, so it tastes more like a seafood‑forward white pie than a classic tomato slice.

Is the crust thin or thick?

The crust is thin and chewy with a crisp edge. Many guests praise the balance of chew and crisp plus a signature coal‑oven char that adds smoky flavor to each bite.

How does the coal oven affect the pizza?

The coal oven gives pizzas a quick high heat char and a slightly smoky note. Reviewers say that char deepens the flavor and creates a textural contrast between the crisp exterior and the chewy interior.

Which pie do people recommend trying first?

Reviewers often suggest starting with a Margherita to taste the fundamentals, then trying a Doppio Pepperoni or the white clam to sample more distinctive flavors. The sampler option is a good way to try several at once.

Are there options for cheese lovers?

Yes. Menu items include plain cheese pizzas and extra cheese plus pepperoni combinations. Reviewers praise the cheese‑forward pies for their melt and flavor on the thin crust.

Do salads pair well with the pizzas?

Yes. Several guests ordered Caesar and Italian salads to balance the pies. The fresh greens add a bright, crunchy contrast to the rich, charred slices.

Is the pepperoni special here?

The Doppio Pepperoni gets frequent praise for abundant pepperoni and a bold, satisfying topping profile that complements the smoky crust.

How should I choose crust doneness?

Guests note you can request different levels of char—light, medium or well—so pick what you like: lighter for softer crust and more char for a crispier, smoky bite.

Do they offer sampler or small pies for trying many flavors?

Yes. Reviewers mention a sampler of four small pies as a popular way to taste multiple menu items in one visit.

What should Stamford visitors know about the pizza style?

The Stamford location serves New Haven–style, coal‑fired pizzas: thin, chewy dough with a pronounced char and ingredient‑forward toppings that many reviewers say mirror the original flavor profile.

Pizza’s Role in Italian Heritage

In Italy, particularly Naples, pizza is more than a dish; it is a symbol of cultural identity and pride. The art of making Neapolitan pizza is passed down through generations, with pizzaioli revered for their skill and dedication. Italian pizza traditions emphasize simplicity and quality, with a focus on regional ingredients that honor the essence of the dish.

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Connecticut's Premier Pizza Destinations

Current location in red, 8 nearest in blue, all others in gray

Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana

64 High Ridge Rd, Stamford, CT 06905
4.2
(354 reviews)

From Flatbread to Culinary Star: Pizza’s Ancient Roots

Pizza's origins can be traced back to ancient flatbreads enjoyed by civilizations like the Greeks and Persians, who topped breads with oils and spices. These early iterations lacked tomatoes but laid the groundwork for the concept of topped flatbreads. The evolution from flatbread to pizza as we know it marked a significant culinary transformation, driven by the introduction of the tomato from the New World.

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The Economics of Pizza: A Billion-Dollar Industry

Pizza's immense popularity has propelled it into a billion-dollar global industry, with an estimated value of $145 billion. This economic impact is supported by a vast network of over 78,000 pizzerias in the United States alone. The industry includes both large chains and independent establishments, highlighting pizza's universal appeal and its role as a staple in the food economy.

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