Zeneli Pizzeria e Cucina Napoletana

If you are looking for a slice of Italy in the heart of Connecticut, then Zeneli Pizzeria e Cucina Napoletana is a destination you cannot miss. Located on the legendary Wooster Street in New Haven, this establishment is a benchmark of authenticity. Here, they don't just prepare food; they carefully preserve traditions that originated in Naples back in the 19th century.

Founded by the four Zeneli brothers, the pizzeria quickly became a magnet for foodies from across the USA. The restaurant's main pride is its magnificent wood-fired oven, clad in golden tiles. It was specially imported from Italy and designed to resemble the majestic Mount Vesuvius, emphasizing the establishment's unbreakable bond with its Neapolitan roots.

Unlike many modern chain restaurants, the focus here is on the classics: airy dough, the freshest mozzarella, and traditional sauces. The atmosphere inside is filled with warmth and hospitality, while the open kitchen allows guests to witness firsthand the magic of transforming simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece. It is not just a restaurant, but a true gastronomic embassy of Naples.

For your convenience, we have gathered up-to-date contact information to help you book a table or check for availability. Zeneli Pizzeria e Cucina Napoletana is always happy to welcome guests, and the staff will be glad to answer your questions by phone or through the official website.

The main reason to visit is the opportunity to try one of the 15 variations of legendary Neapolitan pizza. The selection ranges from the minimalist "Marinara" to the exquisite Tartufella with delicate mushroom cream and black truffle aroma. Thanks to the incredibly high temperature in the oven (around 800 degrees), each pizza is baked in just 90 seconds, acquiring that signature "leopard-spotted" crust.

In addition to pizza, be sure to check out the antipasti section. Try the traditional Ricotta e Miele—a combination of creamy ricotta and honey on crispy bread—or order a platter of select prosciutto and Italian cheeses. For those seeking heartier dishes, the menu features classic pasta types prepared according to the Zeneli family's home recipes.

Visitors can not only enjoy the flavors but also watch the captivating process of the pizzaiolos at work. If you're lucky, you'll see Gazmir Zeneli, a champion of international competitions, handling the dough with incredible speed and skill. This spectacle turns an ordinary lunch into a real culinary show, allowing you to touch the high culture of Neapolitan cuisine.

The establishment is located at 138 Wooster Street, in the heart of a historic district considered the city's gastronomic center. Getting here is quite simple: you can walk from the central square in just 10–15 minutes while enjoying the architecture of the old town. If you prefer comfort, a taxi from anywhere downtown will bring you to the pizzeria's doors in literally 5 minutes.

For those using public transport, several bus routes connecting Wooster Square with other neighborhoods pass nearby. The nearest train station is also within walking distance, making the restaurant an excellent spot for lunch immediately after arriving in the city.

If you are traveling by car, keep in mind that Wooster Street is very popular with both tourists and locals. Finding parking right in front of the entrance can be challenging, especially on weekends, so it is worth considering parking on adjacent streets or using nearby municipal lots.

The story of this place began far beyond the USA, in the coastal regions of Albania. In the 1990s, the four Zeneli brothers—Aleko, Jetmir, Jeshar, and Gazmir—decided to head to Naples to master the secrets of Italian culinary arts. Each chose their own path: some studied the art of mozzarella production, while others honed their skills with the wood-fired oven.

For more than twenty years, the brothers lived and worked in Italy, fully immersing themselves in the local culture. Over time, Gazmir Zeneli became a recognized master pizzaiolo and even won a championship title at an international competition. Their accumulated experience and passion for authentic recipes led the brothers to the idea of opening their own establishment in America to introduce the local public to the true taste of Naples.

The restaurant opened its doors in 2019 and quickly earned a reputation as one of the best spots on the famous Wooster Street. The choice of location was no coincidence: it is a historic enclave of Italian immigrants where the culture of pizza-making is held in high esteem. In August 2024, the establishment solemnly celebrated its fifth anniversary, remaining faithful to family traditions and uncompromising ingredient quality.

You should set aside approximately 1–1.5 hours for a full visit to the restaurant. This is plenty of time to leisurely browse the menu, enjoy some appetizers, and wait for your main course. Even though the pizza itself is prepared very quickly, the atmosphere of the place encourages lingering over a cup of espresso.

It is important to remember that authentic Neapolitan pizza should be eaten immediately after it comes out of the oven. Culinary experts joke that its flavor begins to change with every ten meters of the journey from the kitchen, so ordering for takeout is not encouraged here. Plan your time so you can enjoy your meal right in the dining room while watching the masters at work.

The restaurant operates on a consistent schedule, making it easy to plan your visit in advance. The doors are open to guests on Monday and from Wednesday to Sunday from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM. This is the perfect time for both an early lunch and a cozy Italian-style family dinner.

Note an important detail: Tuesday is a day off. On this day, the Zeneli brothers rest and prepare for the new work week, so plan your visit for any other day to avoid arriving at closed doors. It can get especially crowded on Saturday and Sunday, so it's worth arriving early.

Taking a stroll around the neighborhood after a hearty meal is a great way to continue exploring the local flavor. The area surrounding Wooster Street is famous for its architecture and cozy parks, perfect for a leisurely break.