Famous New Haven pizza coming to Boston, finally!

Frank Pepe’s, probably the most famous pizza north of NYC and south of Boston, is finally coming to Boston.  They were supposed to take over the Fireplace in Brookline last year but that deal was scuttled last year when Fireplace decided to stay put.  This time, it looks like they’re taking the old Papa Razi space in the newly fancified Chestnut Hill Mall.

If you don’t know their pizza, think of a thin crust made in a really hot oven.  Not NYC style, though.  I don’t think they are DOP certified but mostly I’d consider them a Neapolitan style pizza joint.

I went there once a few years ago after returning from a cruise out of New York while on the way back to Boston.  It isn’t a far trip off the highway if you’re in the area, and you can also get a chance to visit their arch rival, Sally’s.  There are lines out the door a lot of the time, but the pizza is worth the wait.  Also, their sauce is pretty unique.  I wish I could find the pics we took while there!

Anyway, I’m happy that they are going to be coming to Boston and I hope they find a good home in Chestnut Hill.  Like all of these things, I’ll believe it when I see it.  This makes me very happy as this kind of pizza is my absolute favorite.  We had a small taste of it while in Rome two years ago and I’d love to travel back over to Naples and get some real time with their pizza.  Peter Reinhart did a great bit on this in American Pie, a highly recommended book if you want to learn more about this style of pizza and also want to start making your own at home.