The Best Pizzeria In Connecticut Is...

NEW HAVEN, CT — Whether you like thick or thin crust, light or heavy cheese or even with white sauce, everyone has their own preference when it comes to pizza. This holds even more true in the Nutmeg state, with hundreds of top-notch pizza options to choose from.

However, according to a new ranking from the Daily Meal, New Haven-based Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana reigns supreme in Connecticut. The publication determined the best pizzerias in each state as well as Washington, D.C. and decided that the institution's Napoletana-style coal-fired pies are the class of the Nutmeg state.

"Two words: clam pie. This is a Northeastern pizza genre unto its own, and Pepe's is the best of all — freshly shucked, briny littleneck clams, an intense dose of garlic, olive oil, oregano, and grated Parmigiano-Reggiano atop a charcoal-colored crust," wrote the Daily Meal. (To receive free news alerts from your hometown in Connecticut click here.)

The Daily Meal recognized Pepe's as the nation's best pizza for four straight years, but the legendary New Haven eatery was upstaged by two New York City favorites. Pepe's was named No. 3 in the country.

The publication identified more than 800 "great pizzerias" from across the country, and asked a panel of food bloggers, experts and pizza authorities to comment on their favorites. Among the notable names on the panel is Travel Channel host Andrew Zimmern.

Since opening in Wooster Square in 1925, Pepe's has since taken its secret recipe to seven other Connecticut locations as well as across state lines in Massachusetts and New York. It hasn't lost its roots, however, as Frank's 10 great-grandchildren operate all of the locations.

Frank Pepe's has locations in New Haven, Fairfield, Manchester, Danbury, West Hartford, Yonkers, NY, Uncasville and is opening a location later this month in Waterbury. There is also a location in Chestnut Hill, MA.

Do you think Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana is the state's best pizza? Let us know in the comments section.

(Photo courtesy of Pepe’s on Facebook)