Welcome to Ernie's Pizzeria
Ernie's Pizzeria, located at 1279 Whalley Ave in New Haven, CT, is a beloved family-owned spot cherished by locals. Renowned for its standout thin crust and expertly balanced sauce, each pizza embodies perfect consistency and flavor. Customers rave about the meatball and fresh garlic pizza, as well as unique offerings like Basil-Garlic, ensuring there’s something for everyone. The warm, attentive service enhances the experience, making it feel like a home away from home. As a food reviewer, I appreciate how Ernie’s not only serves delicious pizza but also fosters a welcoming atmosphere—definitely a must-visit for pizza lovers!
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1279 Whalley Ave, New Haven, CT 06515, United States1279 Whalley Ave, New Haven, CT 06515, United States Hotline: +1 203-387-3362
Welcome to Ernie's Pizzeria, a hidden gem located at 1279 Whalley Ave in New Haven, Connecticut. With a passion for quality and a commitment to craft, Ernie's has established itself not just as a pizzeria, but as a beloved community staple where tradition meets flavor. This family-owned establishment takes pride in serving pizzas that resonate with both locals and visitors alike, taking pizza lovers on a delightful journey with every slice.
As you step inside, the warm, welcoming atmosphere immediately envelops you. The passion of the staff is palpable, making you feel right at home. It's this personal touch that sets Ernie's apart from the crowded pizzeria scene. As Jodie Simpson, a seasoned pizza enthusiast, notes, “the crust is thin, but not flimsy,” proving that Ernie’s commitment to perfection starts with the basics. The pizza's sauce strikes a harmonious balance—not too sweet and not overly marinara-y—making each bite an exquisite experience.
For those who love variety, the menu offers options like the classic Mozzarella pizza at just $10.90 or the tantalizing Ernie's Special for $15.95. Fans of unique flavors rave about the meatball and fresh garlic pizza, a recommended favorite that never disappoints. Each pizza is crafted with precision, resulting in a consistently delicious product that keeps patrons coming back for more. Patrick Matheis, a loyal customer for over 20 years, affirms, “Every pizza has had the same level of consistency every time.” This reliability, paired with the vibrant flavors, makes Ernie's a top choice among the pizza elite.
But it’s not just about the pizza at Ernie's. Enjoy a selection from their hot beverages, including espresso and cappuccino, perfect companions to your meal. And for those looking to unwind with a glass of wine, the Cupcake Pinot Grigio and Matua Sauvignon Blanc are available for a reasonable price, enhancing the dining experience even further. You can even indulge in their creamy soft serve ice cream—an unexpected delight that rounds out your meal with a touch of sweetness.
Ernie's Pizzeria goes beyond just serving food; it creates an experience filled with smiles, flavor, and comfort. From the perfectly cooked pizzas to the exceptional service that keeps guests engaged, every detail is considered. As Mohamed Elsankary beautifully puts it, it's a “really nice family-owned spot” that delivers not only on taste but also on heartfelt service. Whether you are a local or merely passing through, make it a point to stop by Ernie's Pizzeria. You won’t just be enjoying a meal; you’ll be participating in a local tradition that elevates pizza to an art form.
As a native New Yorker I've got to be honest, I had no idea that New Haven was so renowned for its pizza until I actually lived here. New Yorkers think we've got pizza in the bag, but I've been in CT for the better part of the last 30 years and there's really no competition. NY doesn't hold a candle to CT pizza. But it's not all Pepe's and Sally's. Whatever you do, DO NOT SLEEP ON ERNIE'S PIZZA! The crust is thin, but not flimsy. The sauce is not too sweet and not too marinara-y. It's not brick oven, but it's cooked to perfection - never undercooked and always one notch below too well done. I'm telling you, it's among my all time top 3 for the best pizza (one of those is my NY childhood pizza joint, that is most likely based on nostalgia, but nonetheless still maintains its position). I favor the meatball and fresh garlic, which came recommended by one of the waitresses our first time there years ago, but never ever disappoints. While these days we mostly do take out, the staff has always been kind and friendly and waitresses are great! Try it, you will not regret it!
A really nice family-owned spot, and you can feel that with the warm service they provide. This Basil-Garlic pizza was exceptional. Had no clue this place was so close to me and I’ll definitely be back
Hands down my favorite pizza, I’ve been going here for over 20 years since I was kid. Highly recommend the meatball and cherry pepper pizza or the traditional pie. Every pizza has had the same level of consistency every time. The owner and staff are extremely passionate about what they do. I try to avoid “the top 3” as they are tourist traps these days. Ernie’s for life!
Random stop on our way from NYC to Boston. Glad we did. Ordered a regular pie to go. While we waited we were asked down to the soft serve ice cream shop. Best dang creamy soft serve I’ve ever had! I walked back to our pizza ready! Sauce was similar to a marinara, Parmesan on top and the crispiest base and crust ever! No soggy pizza pie here
Pizza was amazing! We got 3 pies all cooked to perfection. My favorite was the mozzarella with hot cherry peppers. Waitstaff was fantastic! She was super helpful & efficient.
I have been coming here for a long time now and Pat makes a incredible pizza he is the only one that is on the bench making the pies. Everybody is very personable and friendly here they treat you like family I highly recommend you giving it a try if you have never had it!
Might be New Haven’s best kept secret. The owner makes ever pizza that is made there. Good crisp, lots of cheese, not too much grease. Service is quick and efficient, food takes some time but the owner is making everything to perfection and is very friendly with staff and take out customers
The pizza was great! Light and crispy- the meatball was definitely the way to go! Our server was so sweet and helpful as it was our first time trying it out! They only serve beer and wine which for us was enough. They do go heavy on the cheese-where we like more sauce. What a great experience!