Ernie's Pizzeria

1279 Whalley Ave, New Haven, CT 06515, United States
+1 203-387-3362
$$$ Pizza restaurant
(708 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Welcome to Ernie's Pizzeria, a hidden gem located at 1279 Whalley Ave in New Haven, CT. Known for its inviting atmosphere and remarkable pizza, this local eatery is a must-visit for pizza enthusiasts and casual diners alike. The moment you step through the door, you are greeted by the scrumptious aroma of freshly baked pizza, which sets the stage for a delightful culinary experience.

Ernie's specializes in New Haven-style pizza, a regional favorite lauded for its crispy, thin-crust base and deliciously balanced toppings. As a customer, you'll have a delightful array of options, from their signature meatball and cherry pepper pizza—which patrons rave about—as well as a traditional pie that has won the hearts of locals for over two decades. For those who appreciate cheese, rest assured that every slice is generously adorned with gooey, melty goodness, inviting you to take that next bite with anticipation.

The cuisine here is more than just food; it’s an experience. As Chris S, a loyal customer, shared, “The owner makes every pizza that is made there.” This attention to detail and passion for quality is evident in every pie, taking you on a nostalgic trip with each crisp bite. Pair your meal with a selection from their wine list, featuring delightful choices like the Fish Eye Cabernet Sauvignon or the Gabbiano Chianti, both available at reasonable prices. A warm cup of cappuccino or a refreshing soda can also complement your meal perfectly.

But it’s not just the pizza that receives glowing reviews. The warm atmosphere and friendly staff make the dining experience at Ernie’s truly memorable. Reviewers frequently mention the welcoming service, further enhancing the homey vibe. "Our server was so sweet and helpful," noted B Noble, highlighting Ernie's dedication to excellent customer service.

Whether you're stopping by on a road trip or are a local looking for a reliable pizzeria, Ernie's Pizzeria promises unforgettable flavors and a community-oriented atmosphere. With consistently delicious offerings and an owner dedicated to quality, this restaurant isn't just about a meal—it's about embracing a piece of New Haven's culinary heritage. Come visit Ernie's, where every pizza is crafted with love, and let your taste buds embark on a delicious journey!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Service options
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Quick bite
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Openings Hours
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Monday

Closed

Tuesday

3:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Wednesday

3:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Thursday

3:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Friday

11:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Saturday

12:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Sunday

3:00 AM - 10:00 PM

708 Reviews
Chris S

30 Jul 2025

Might be New Haven’s best kept secret. The owner makes ever pizza that is made there. Good crisp, lots of cheese, not too much grease. Service is quick and efficient, food takes some time but the owner is making everything to perfection and is very friendly with staff and take out customers

Nichole Rosa

23 Jul 2025

Random stop on our way from NYC to Boston. Glad we did. Ordered a regular pie to go. While we waited we were asked down to the soft serve ice cream shop. Best dang creamy soft serve I’ve ever had! I walked back to our pizza ready! Sauce was similar to a marinara, Parmesan on top and the crispiest base and crust ever! No soggy pizza pie here

patrick matheis

09 Jul 2025

Hands down my favorite pizza, I’ve been going here for over 20 years since I was kid. Highly recommend the meatball and cherry pepper pizza or the traditional pie. Every pizza has had the same level of consistency every time. The owner and staff are extremely passionate about what they do. I try to avoid “the top 3” as they are tourist traps these days. Ernie’s for life!

Emily I

04 Jul 2025

Pizza was amazing! We got 3 pies all cooked to perfection. My favorite was the mozzarella with hot cherry peppers. Waitstaff was fantastic! She was super helpful & efficient.

Remote

27 Jun 2025

Great spot! Delicious pizza and always very welcoming staff. Perhaps a bit pricey compared to a few others in the area, but well worth dropping the extra bucks for. The way I look at instead of going to a mediocre spot once a week (pizza heaven) go here like once a month then. Also, I HIGHLY recommend getting fresh garlic added to whatever pie you get. Automatically makes you say mama Mia that’s good!

B Noble

19 Jun 2025

The pizza was great! Light and crispy- the meatball was definitely the way to go! Our server was so sweet and helpful as it was our first time trying it out! They only serve beer and wine which for us was enough. They do go heavy on the cheese-where we like more sauce. What a great experience!

DF MIX

09 Jun 2025

Everyone knows the competition for ‘best pizza’ in New Haven is white hot, but there is also something to be said about availability. There are always extremely long lines for Sally’s or Pepe’s. The locals told me not to forget about Ernie’s though! I consider it a local gem, especially if you are in Woodbridge or Westville. They made me a perfectly beautiful New Haven style pizza to go in 30 minutes, just call ahead and pick up. I finally got the real experience and the pizza was beautiful and delicious too. I found the staff very pleasant and great prices too. I would recommend Ernie’s to anyone looking for an accessible authentic New Haven pizza experience.

Ambika Singh

31 May 2025

This was the very best pizza I’ve ever had. Worth flying across the country for!!!!!

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