Zeneli Pizzeria sits on legendary Wooster Street in New Haven, serving authentic Neapolitan pizza that’s earned recognition as #15 of 317 restaurants.
The 138 Wooster Street location opened in 2019 when four Albanian brothers brought authentic Naples techniques to challenge famous neighbors Pepe’s and Sally’s.
The gold-tiled Acunto oven imported from Naples cooks at 800+ degrees, and combined with Gazmir’s Caputo Cup-winning expertise, creates the fluffy 00 flour crusts worth discovering.
What Makes Zeneli Pizzeria Special
The four brothers—Aleko, Jetmir, Jeshar, and Gazmir—left Albania for Naples in the 1990s to learn authentic techniques, and Gazmir went on to win the prestigious Caputo Cup at Rossopomodoro in Eataly.
Jeshar makes all mozzarella in-house, including Buffalo mozzarella, using cheese-making expertise learned from an old local cheesemaker to create the signature ingredient.
During COVID when they’d just opened, the restaurant donated dozens of pies to Yale New Haven Hospital workers, building their reputation through generosity and earning Wooster Street respect despite being next to the legends.
The Story Behind the Restaurant
Zeneli opened on August 1, 2019, when the brothers from New York saw an opportunity for authentic Neapolitan pizza on New Haven’s famous pizza street—it took nerve to challenge the neighborhood giants.
The family story begins in Albania’s coastal region, where the brothers eventually traveled to Naples, the “city of a thousand colors,” to learn traditional techniques before bringing them to America.
The restaurant celebrated its 5-year anniversary in 2024, proving that New Haven had room for authentic Neapolitan style as an alternative to the traditional pizza.
Food Highlights
- Queen Margherita Pizza – The traditional preparation features San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and EVOO to create an authentic Naples experience worth seeking out.🍕
- House-Made Mozzarella – Jeshar’s cheese-making expertise, learned from an old Neapolitan cheesemaker, creates Buffalo mozzarella that forms the foundation for authentic flavors impossible with commercial products.🧀
- Rigatoni with Pancetta – This dish features Volpi pancetta, red onion, tomato sauce, chili, parmigiano reggiano, and basil, showcasing cucina Napoletana extends beyond just pizza.🍝
- Meatballs – The perfectly cooked meatballs disappeared before anyone could take photos according to reviews, proving traditional recipes create comfort food earning rave mentions.🥩
- Honey-Drizzled Ricotta Toast – Thick toasted rounds of house-made bread topped with honey-drizzled ricotta create the perfect antipasti to start your meal.🥖
- Limoncello Cake – This traditional Italian dessert provides an authentic finish, with family recipes creating memorable endings to your Neapolitan dining experience.🍮
Atmosphere
The Wooster Street location features an open kitchen design where watching pizza preparations in the gold-tiled Acunto oven becomes entertainment, creating theatrical dining.
Family photos decorate the walls alongside a hand-drawn mural showing the brothers’ journey to America, creating an intimate, mother-approved cooking space that feels like home.
Service is warm and welcoming, with the brothers greeting guests in Albanian, English, and Italian—the family atmosphere makes diners feel invited into their home.
Bottom Line
Zeneli Pizzeria delivers the four Albanian brothers’ authentic Neapolitan vision, where Queen Margherita pizza and house-made mozzarella have earned #15 ranking among New Haven’s 317 restaurants.
The rigatoni with pancetta and honey-drizzled ricotta toast showcase how Gazmir’s Caputo Cup expertise combined with an 800-degree gold-tiled Acunto oven creates fluffy crusts worthy of challenging Pepe’s and Sally’s.
Since opening in August 2019, this Wooster Street location has proved authentic Neapolitan has a place on New Haven’s famous pizza street, earning 4.7 stars on TripAdvisor and celebrating five successful years. 🌟
Address: Zeneli Pizzeria, 138 Wooster St, New Haven, CT 06511
Phone: (203) 745-4194
Hours: Mon, Wed-Sun: 11 AM – 9 PM | Tue: Closed
Features: Authentic Neapolitan | #15 of 317 New Haven restaurants | 4.7 stars TripAdvisor | Opened 2019 | Four Albanian brothers | Gold-tiled Acunto oven from Naples | 800-degree cooking | House-made mozzarella | Gazmir won Caputo Cup | Open kitchen | Outdoor seating
Links: Website | Menu | Yelp | TripAdvisor | Instagram