New Stratford Pizzeria Reopens After Coronavirus Forced Closure

STRATFORD, CT — A Stratford pizzeria is reopening after its entry into the town’s restaurant scene was interrupted by the coronavirus pandemic.

ZA Pizza originally opened in February at 1345 Barnum Ave., serving pizza and other pizzeria classics in a modern setting. It closed for over a month in the spring, then offered only pickup and delivery starting in May, according to the pizzeria's Facebook page. The eatery, which has fully reopened, is operated by Julio Duque and brothers Michael and Mark Cerreta, according to a news release.

Duque, who started in the pizza business in the kitchen of Rosie’s Pizza in Stratford and Rosie’s II in Oxford, created his own restaurant, Julio's Wood Fired Pizza, in Southbury, before joining the Cerretas to open ZA Pizza, the news release said.

The pizzeria’s pies are made with dough that is fermented two days before being baked in a brick deck oven, producing a light, crisp, thin-crust pizza with San Marzano tomatoes, whole milk mozzarella, and fresh toppings, according to the news release. Diners can build their own pie or order a house special, such as shrimp scampi with gulf shrimp, mozzarella, garlic and lemon or the “buff chick” with roasted chicken, mozzarella, Gorgonzola, hot sauce and celery bits.

ZA Pizza also serves panutzas, Duque’s take on a classic grinder. Freshly baked bread is overstuffed with chicken Parmesan, sausage and peppers, meatballs, buff chick toppings, or roasted vegetables, and topped with melted mozzarella, the news release said. Classic calzones are available, stuffed with ricotta, mozzarella and Romano cheese, and filled with meat or roasted vegetables. Appetizer options include garlic knots, fried mozzarella, and wings with garlic and rosemary. Fresh salads round out the menu.

The eatery is open for lunch and dinner Monday to Saturday. Customers can stop in for a slice at the stand-up counter or community table, or get a pie to go. For takeout and delivery, call 203-296-1738 or order through Uber Eats. For more information, visit www.zapizzact.com.