Zeneli Pizzeria in New Haven has secured its place among America’s top 50 pizzerias for the second consecutive year, as recognized by the prestigious Italian guide, 50 Top Pizza. Alongside Zeneli, two other pizzerias in Elm City were commended for their excellence in the guide’s 2024 edition.
Released on June 25, the 50 Top Pizza guide evaluates and ranks the finest pizzerias across Italy and globally, including those in the United States. Zeneli Pizzeria, known for its traditional Neapolitan style, shares its location on Wooster Street with renowned establishments like Sally’s and Pepe’s. It stood out as the sole Connecticut representative in the elite list of 50 pizzerias nationwide, also claiming the coveted Peroni Nastro Azzuro award for Best Beer Service.
According to the guide’s assessment, dining at Zeneli Pizzeria is an experience steeped in tradition and familial pride. The pizzeria, run by a family of Albanian brothers, prominently displays their names, symbolizing their journey from Italy to New Haven. Gazmir, the eldest brother, learned the craft of pizza making from master artisans in Caserta and Naples, bringing authentic Neapolitan flavors to each wood-fired pizza.
The menu at Zeneli features a variety of classic Neapolitan pizzas, calzones, and sweet variations, all baked in the wood-fired oven that serves as the heart of the restaurant. Complementing the pizzas are homemade breads, appetizers, and pasta dishes, paired with a selection of fine Italian wines.
The recognition from 50 Top Pizza underscores Zeneli Pizzeria’s commitment to quality and authenticity in its culinary offerings. As the guide celebrates the best of Italian culinary traditions worldwide, Zeneli’s inclusion highlights its status as a standout in America’s vibrant pizza landscape.
For pizza enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike, Zeneli Pizzeria continues to exemplify the essence of Neapolitan pizza culture, blending tradition with innovation to deliver a memorable dining experience in the heart of New Haven.