Julio's Wood Fired Pizza & Grill

Restaurant

★★★★★ 4.5

288 reviews $20–30 per person

About Julio's Wood Fired Pizza & Grill

At Julio's, the atmosphere is casual yet inviting, making it ideal for a variety of dining occasions. With an appealing outdoor seating area, diners can enjoy their meals in a quaint setting. Customers highlight the friendly and attentive service they experience, often complemented by the warm ambiance of the restaurant.

Julio's menu boasts a range of hearty options, notably the wood-fired pizzas praised for their thin, crispy crusts. The fresh ingredients and flavorful combinations elevate each dish, making it a well-loved spot for both local residents and visitors alike.

Location & Contact

Address220 Main St S, Southbury, CT 06488
Websitehttps://julioswoodfiredpizzagrill.com
Phone(203) 264-7878
Links Order online · Get directions

What to Expect

Food lovers rave about the wood-fired pizzas, particularly the Margherita and Pepperoni varieties. The Sambuca Mussels and fried calamari also receive high marks for flavor. Diners appreciate the generous portions offered, with favorites like Pasta Bolognese and a robust short rib risotto standing out. The menu’s healthy options include the arugula salad, which some say could be enhanced with additional toppings, suggesting both freshness and creativity in the kitchen.

Overall, the quality of food at Julio's has made it a go-to for many seeking authentic Italian cuisine with a focus on fresh ingredients and comforting flavors.

Hashtag Pizza Fact's

Gennaro Lombardi: Pioneer of Pizza in America

Gennaro Lombardi is credited with opening the first licensed pizzeria in the United States in 1905, located in New York City's Little Italy. Lombardi's pizzeria began as a grocery store, selling tomato pies to Italian immigrants. Over time, it transformed into a full-fledged pizzeria, solidifying its place as a cornerstone in the history of American pizza.

History

Menu Highlights

From the Community

Julio's Wood Fired Pizza & Grill has become a beloved establishment in Southbury, well known for its outstanding wood-fired pizzas and Italian fare. Local diners appreciate the dedication to quality, with many claiming it's the best pizza in town. David Lynch notes, "I was really blown away by the quality of this pizza... it gives New Haven Apizza a run for its money," highlighting the restaurant's competitive edge in the area. The inviting ambiance, bolstered by friendly service, enhances the dining experience, making it a crowd favorite.

In addition to pizzas, Julio's menu features dishes that never fail to impress. Olga Hehl praised the service as "very efficient and cordial," noting that her family has consistently enjoyed their take-out for years. This establishment truly embraces a community spirit, as evident in the owners' commitment to customer satisfaction, with many reviews reflecting genuine gratitude for the staff's attention to detail. From an exquisite outdoor seating area to a cozy interior, dining at Julio's proves to be an all-around enjoyable experience.

Why Locals Love It

Olga Hehl ★★★★★

Olga and her family have been loyal customers of Julio's for years, appreciating not just the delicious takeout but also the wonderful outdoor dining experience. This sentiment indicates how the restaurant has become a staple in the community, where families gather not just for food, but for shared memories.

Cesar Losada ★★★★★

Cesar enjoyed a wonderful meal, praising the thin, crispy pizza crust at Julio's. His feedback reflects the community's love for high-quality, well-prepared dishes that bring satisfaction and joy, making Julio's a reliable destination for both locals and visitors.

David Lynch ★★★★★

David's enthusiastic review underscores how Julio's is setting a high standard not just for pizza in Southbury, but also for service and ambiance. His comparison to famed New Haven Apizza shows the pride locals take in supporting quality dining experiences within their own town.

Customer Reviews

Olga Hehl

★★★★★ a week ago

"We've been going to this restaurant for take-out pizza for several years and have never been disappointed. Recently, we had dinner in their outdoor area and it was great. Becky, our server, was very efficient and cordial. The food was delicious and the portions were more than adequate. We are looking forward to our next visit."

Cesar Losada

★★★★★ a year ago

"I recently visited Julio's Wood Fire Pizza and Grill and had a good experience overall, even though I only sampled a small portion of the menu. I ordered a pizza and an arugula salad. The pizza was great—I'm a fan of thin, crispy dough, and Julio's delivered on that front. However, I felt the pizza could have benefitted from more fresh basil. It seems the basil was added before the pizza was cooked in the wood oven, which caused it to shrink and burn at the tips. Adding the basil after the pizza is cooked might be a better approach. As for the arugula salad, it was bland but still good. I think it could be elevated with some shaved Parmesan cheese, prosciutto, crispy pear, and walnuts to add more texture and flavor. I look forward to trying more items from their menu in the future."

Lps

★★★★★ a month ago

"Stopped in with my husband for a quick bite to eat. We got the sausage and broccoli raw pizza and a pizza with tomato, garlic and basil. Both were delicious. Staff is very nice and such a cute outdoor seating area"

Kathy D

★★★★ a year ago

"Nice outdoor seating, tasty cocktails and flavorful food. Hard to discern Italian food between restaurants. It was good but nothing out of the ordinary."

Hashtag Pizza Fact's

The War That Made Pizza a National Craze

Pizza soared in popularity across America after World War II, when returning soldiers brought home a newfound love for the Italian dish. Prior to the war, pizza was largely confined to Italian-American communities. However, the post-war economic boom and soldiers' nostalgia propelled pizza into the mainstream, making it a staple of American cuisine by the 1950s.

History