Kent P.
Yelp
Came to New Haven for a show, and of course we have to hit a pizza place.
Over the years, I believe I've tried every pizza place in New Haven and surrounding area. (Sally's, Modern, Frank Pepes, BAR) and I don't know that I ever made it to Zuppardi's before this visit. We arrived to a line outside which is always a good sign. Many seemed to be running in to get takeout.
I entered and asked if there was a list to be able to dine in and there was and also asked how long take out would be (approximately).
Take out was running over an hour and there was only a few names on the dine in waiting list and as I looked around, many tables were finished eating or close to leaving. We put our name on the list and waited.
Many tables opened all at once and we were sat in the order our names were given. We were ready with our order, since we had been waiting, and since we viewed the menu and had a show to get to. Unfortunately, it took quite some time for a server to arrive. No biggie, they were slammed, and were doing the best they could, especially for a Sunday night.
We placed our order for the special pizza (mushroom and sausage) and the Clam white pizza + Cheese; My dining partner also asked for a cheese pizza "to go" at the time of ordering
The pizzas came out after a long but to be expected wait and they were delicious. The fresh clam stole the show. Caution: it is listed as "market price" and we made the mistake of not asking prior to ordering. It ended up being 40 dollars. We were full and ready to pack our pizza to go and pay the bill and unfortunately our server went missing for a LONG time. We weren't checked on during our meal at all. Other servers and cleaners (bussers) were passing by and we asked for to go boxed twice, from 2 people (1 server, 1 busser) and they said sure and then neither came back with them. So I got up and went to the back room and asked.
Next, our server arrived and saw us with the boxed pizzas and table cleaned up and we asked for the check. She said sure. Our to-go pizza hadn't been ordered or cooked. It wasn't put in until we were ready to go. Again, mistake on us apparently, my friend didn't specify when he ordered. Paying was a hassle, as well. We wanted to leave a tip on a the card and lady at front counter explained her POS/touchpad couldn't do that. we said fine, then we will just leave cash. she sent us to the take out counter to pay but warned us again,we couldn't leave a tip on the card. The very young girl rang us out and the hand held credit card machine asked us if we wanted to add tip. Strange.
The restaurant slowed way down after the dinner rush when we had arrived but then it literally froze into a dead standstill. No more line. Empty tables. No more take out orders people waiting but it was very difficult to pay or get boxes or get out of there.
Overall, the pizza was fantastic. Proper size, great chew, texture, taste, flavor and it was cooked well. The service needed improvement. from arrival, to the meal, to the closing, all not great.
It's probably in my top 3 for New Haven pizza and will likely try again, but man, it was hard to pay and get out of there!