New England boasts a vibrant culinary scene, and pizza holds a special place in the hearts (and stomachs) of its residents. From classic New York-style slices to inventive gourmet creations, the region offers a diverse range of pizza and restaurant menus to satisfy any craving. This guide explores the variety of options, helping you navigate the delicious landscape of New England pizza. We'll delve into typical menu items, regional variations, and even touch upon some popular establishments.
What are the typical menu items at a New England pizza restaurant?
Most New England pizza restaurants offer a fairly standard menu, but with regional twists. You'll almost always find:
- Classic Cheese Pizza: The foundation, a perfectly crisp crust with melted mozzarella and rich tomato sauce. Variations often include thin crust, thick crust, or Sicilian styles.
- Pepperoni Pizza: A perennial favorite, featuring spicy pepperoni slices atop the cheese and sauce.
- Specialty Pizzas: This is where New England shines. You'll find creative combinations reflecting local ingredients and flavors. Think lobster pizza, clam pizza (especially popular in coastal areas), or pizzas featuring local cheeses and produce.
- Subs and Sandwiches: Many pizzerias offer a selection of Italian-American sandwiches, like grinders, Italian subs, and meatball subs.
- Appetizers: Garlic knots, mozzarella sticks, onion rings, and other classic appetizers are common.
- Salads: Simple side salads are usually on offer, providing a lighter option alongside the richer pizza.
- Beverages: Sodas, juices, and a selection of beers are typical. Some establishments might also offer wine.
- Desserts: Simple options like cannolis or ice cream are often available.
What are some regional variations in New England pizza?
While the basic elements of pizza remain consistent, distinct regional variations exist within New England:
- Coastal Maine: Expect to see more seafood-focused pizzas, incorporating lobster, clams, or other locally caught seafood.
- Southern Maine/New Hampshire: These areas often feature pizzas with a more traditional New York style, emphasizing thin crust and simple toppings.
- Vermont: Vermont's pizza scene is influenced by its agricultural bounty, with pizzas incorporating locally sourced cheeses, vegetables, and meats.
- Massachusetts: Boston and its surrounding areas offer a diverse range of pizza styles, from classic New York-style slices to more gourmet creations found in upscale restaurants. The Cape Cod area might feature pizzas with a seafood focus, similar to Maine.
- Connecticut: Connecticut's pizza scene reflects a blend of New York and New Haven styles, with a focus on thin crust and classic toppings. New Haven-style "apizza" is a unique variation, characterized by its thin, charred crust and slightly spicy tomato sauce.
What kinds of pizza styles can I find in New England?
New England's pizza scene is remarkably diverse, with several popular styles:
- New York Style: Thin crust, large slices, simple toppings.
- New Haven Style (Apizza): Thin, slightly charred crust, slightly spicy tomato sauce.
- Chicago Deep Dish: While not as prevalent as other styles, you can still find some pizzerias offering Chicago-style deep dish pizza.
- Sicilian: Thick, rectangular crust, typically with a generous amount of toppings.
- Gourmet Pizza: This is where creativity flourishes, with innovative topping combinations and high-quality ingredients.
Where can I find a good New England pizza restaurant?
Finding a great pizza restaurant in New England is relatively easy, as most towns and cities have at least one pizzeria. To find a specific recommendation, you'll need to specify the town or city you're interested in. Online reviews (Yelp, Google Reviews) can be a great resource for discovering highly-rated local pizzerias.
How much does New England pizza typically cost?
Pricing varies depending on the restaurant, location, size, and toppings. Expect to pay anywhere from $15-$30 for a large pizza, with gourmet pizzas often costing more.
This guide provides a starting point for exploring the delicious world of New England pizza. Remember to check online reviews and explore local recommendations to find your perfect pizza slice!
