Olde World Brick Oven Apizza is a New Haven-style pizzeria that opened in North Haven, Connecticut in 1995. It was founded by business partners Bill McCarthy and Joe Houde. McCarthy started making pizza at the age of 13. He received his training by working at local pizzerias such as La Bella's and Sorrento's. Once he reached adulthood, he started a career with the railroad. He worked with the railroad for several years until a physical injury caused him to retire. He went back to pizza-making when he started an eight-year stint at the popular Modern Apizza in New Haven. Eventually, he and Houde partnered up to open their own pizzeria. After 30 successful years, McCarthy and Houde decided to retire and sell the pizzeria. In April 2026, Olde World reopened under the ownership of business partners and chefs Robert Marcarelli, Jared Schulefand and Isarel Lopez. Marcarelli actually started his career working at Olde World, before going on to study at the Lincoln Culinary Institute. Schulefand started his career working as a busboy at Modern Apizza, before going on to study at Johnson and Wales University. He now owns Home Restaurant in Branford. Marcarelli & Schulefand both have their own restaurant consulting business (Pi Restaurant Consulting), and they co-own Supreme Seafood in North Branford, the Shanty in Branford, the Galley in Guilford, and NEBCO Kitchen in Branford. Lopez was a longtime pizzaiolo at Next Door Pizzeria in New Haven and nearly bought it before a deal fell through and it closed. In addition to New Haven-style thin crust apizza, Olde World also makes calzones, Italian entrees, pasta dishes, subs, stuffed breads and salads. I recently visited Olde World after they re-opened under the new ownership. I had eaten their pizza multiple times over the years and always loved it. How would the pizza taste now with the "new guys"? The new partners prepared a variety of different pies and dishes for my small group to sample. The classic "Mozzarella" (red sauce, mozzarella, pecorino) still tasted just as good as it ever did. In addition to the classic offerings, the partners have added some more modern twists to the menu, such as "Mashed Potato" (white, mashed potato, caramelized onions, bacon, garlic), "Crab Rangoon Pie" (white sauce, crème fraîche, imitation crab, sweet chili drizzle), and "Spring Fling" (asparagus, seacoast maitake mushrooms, ramp pesto, mozzarella, goat cheese, Szechuan chili honey). The latter (a special of the month) was my favorite of the tasting! We were also treated to some "Penne, Sausage & Broccoli Rabe" and "Burrata Salad" (asparagus, spicy capitol, herb marinated artichokes, tomato confit, baby greens, garlic crumb, balsamic truffle). Paired with some local Foxon Park sodas, we were treated to quite the feast! Not only is the food just as good as it ever was... it's even better now! I must tip my hat to our excellent hosts. I plan on coming back again and again! read more

See all

Great pie. Take out only. Classic New Haven without having to go downtown. They have new owners who have promised to keep the pizza the same. I hope so. They will start taking credit cards. They were cash only. read more

Having been here many times with the previous owners we decided to give them a try.We went around 4:00 pm on a Thursday, we were first people in. We had a large Italian combo (Sausage, bacon, pepperoni, mushroom, peppers, onion and garlic). It was a perfect charred thin crust with with great ingredients. Great pizza we will be back often. read more

We have been following the CT pizza map and found this gem! We ordered their mashed potato and bacon pizza. It! Was! Amazing! On top of that everyone there was so nice and the service was top notch. Extra shout out to Ella for her over the top amazing service. 100% recommend! Thank you Ella!!! read more

Olde World Apizza - Mashed potato and bacon pizza - Pizza Near Me - North Haven, Connecticut

We stopped one afternoon when it had just opened for the day. I never went to the old restaurant so I have nothing to compare it to, but I will say that our lunch was delicious. We both eat lots of pizza and we aren't afraid to drive for a good pie. This pizza had a nice thin charred crust. The toppings we choose were great as well. We will definitely go back. Well done! read more

My first trip with the new owners - pizza is delicious. We had mozz, half pepperoni and a meatball. Miss the large pizza for sure but good taste. Very crowded. Hopefully they sell beer soon and we can sip while we wait. read more

I've been coming here for years but this visit was different. First thing was they had a hard time taking my order but that's fine. Second thing was the pizza dough? It seemed so tough to chew not sure what's going on with that. Third was the over charred pizza. I'm from New Haven and like some char but this was excessive. I'll wait a little bit before I go back but I wouldn't say I'm done with this place just based on all the past great pizzas. Fix whatever is job on with the tough dough. read more

I loved the pizza before the new owners and was worried about how new owner pizza would be. even better. I asked for a 16" bacon well done as usual. and they actually cooked it well done!!!! something the old owners never did. superb. and a bigger menu now read more

Well it was fantastic while it lasted. Restaurant was recently sold and I was disappointed big time. We ordered a large pepperoni and bacon pizza well done. What we got was more like a medium size pizza that we could basically see through, ridiculously thin. There was so little mozzarella on it that I actually asked my wife if there was any on it at all. A couple close friends who have been going there for years had similar experiences after the sale. It's a shame really what has become of a once community staple. I won't be back. read more

I was pretty excited to order since they reopened. I didn't know before it was new owners but as soon as I saw the boxes I was worried. From the size to the taste nothing was the same. Wasn't the worst pizza but probably won't be going back for a while hopefully they will get it closer to the original. read more

Same name same ingredients but NOT close to the same pizza!! One of the worst pizzas (ordered two)I have had in a long time. It was burned, dough was tough, and the pizza lacked any cheese. Damn I loved Olde World and will now have to find my new local fav. read more

First apizza was ordered. The sauce did not enhance the pizza. I liked the crust. Decided to give them a second chance by ordering apizza with toppings. I ordered my second pizza from them today: mushroom/garlic topping apizza. 1. Turns out the garlic wasn't present for what I paid for. 2 dollars down in the drain along with 2 dollars tip making the pizza pricey. 2. the tomato sauce had no flavor. Seems like its watered down. 4. the brick cooking of the pizza crust was the only thing. That was impressive, After two times with this experience, I have chosen not to return. They can do better because of the pizza crust, I have given two stars. I hope they would improve. read more

This pizza was absolutely delicious. we had bacon pizza they were like half strips. Staff is super friendly. The place has a couple tables in there so you can sit in there and eat. read more

See all

We've been going to Olde World for at least 25 years and it's always been great. We decided to give it a try under the new owners last night and we were really disappointed! First of all, there are only two sizes now so we ordered an all white large fresh tomato with basil and garlic. I asked them to add bacon to one half. I have done this for years and it's great! Got it home and opened the box and the half with the bacon was just bacon. No fresh tomato, etc. Okay, it was a misunderstanding. There must have been a half pound of bacon on there. I love bacon but this was disgusting. There was almost no cheese, just dough and the dough was nothing like it used to be. Way too thin and no taste and it was chewy. The bottom looked like matzah. If you are going to buy a very successful place and keep the name, then you have to keep the product the same. Pay the previous owners to come back in and train you how to make "their" pies. I will give it one more try but I don't have high hopes. read more

Really good pizza. Got a large cheese. Had a little more cheese than other local places but still had the charred crust. Overall an excellent pie. read more

Olde World Apizza - Pizza Near Me - North Haven, Connecticut

Pizza was very good, folks working there were fast and friendly. Space is a bit small with 3 tables but we were able to sit and enjoy our meal. No cards accepted but there is an atm if needed. Has Foxon park beverages which I think is a nice local product. Would return again read more

Perfect brick oven pizza done the original way with perfect crust and char. Perfect thickness. Delicious fresh toppings. Friendly and fast service, cooked in 700 degree oven. read more

Olde World Apizza - Cheese Pizza - Pizza Near Me - North Haven, Connecticut

A family favorite! Great New Haven area apizza that rivals the "big names" in town. Great flavor and friendly staff! Cash and check only - no cards read more

Made the trip from NYC to try this gem, so glad I did. It's similar to Modern in New Haven. There's no runnyness of oil or grease on their pizza, so you know they use fresh & real ingredients. Excellent char(as expected from a CT pizzeria) sauce was on point, no flop & heavenly cheese. If you find yourself in CT, please go here. You'll love it. read more

See all

A brick oven mozz pie from Olde World is just phenomenal-- as thin and tasty as Sally's in New Haven. The apizza NEVER disappoints and they sell the Foxon park Kolas . Hands down the best pizza in Hamden!! read more

Olde World Apizza - Mozzarella Pizza - Pizza Near Me - North Haven, Connecticut

Amazing service! Super nice! Pizza is New Haven style. The decor is modern to! Pepperoni is ALWAYS perfect. read more

Olde World Apizza - To go. Pepperoni. - Pizza Near Me - North Haven, Connecticut

I checked out this place since its across the street from my dermatologist's office. Solid 4. Classic New Haven style pizza as crust is thin with nice char. Good sauce and reasonable price ($18 for medium sausage). Very small seating area with only 3 tables but the interior is super clean and well kept. Staff is super nice. Cash only but there is an ATM next to the door. read more

Olde World Apizza - Medium sausage pie ($18) - Pizza Near Me - North Haven, Connecticut

Looking to try a new place for pizza we stop in at Olde World Brick Oven Apizza. This is basically take out. We ordered a large pepperoni and it was so good. The crust was very thin, and chard to perfection just around the outer edge. The sauce was delicious, and the pepperoni had a nice spice to it. This is excellent New Haven style pizza without the wait. read more

Olde World Apizza - brick oven pizza - Pizza Near Me - North Haven, Connecticut

See all

True Score: 4.75 The little guy that could give the big wigs a run for its money on the New Haven area. Cash Only Ordered a simple roni pizza well done. This thing came out crispy and delicious. One of the best pizzas that I have had in a long time. I see some reviews about the rudeness from the staff or owner and I can attest are simply not true. The whole crew came out from the back oven area and told us the story of the place and the documentaries that were made about it. Pretty cool. We were on a pizza review run through New haven that day and had 5 or 6 boxes of pizza in the car. I found myself sneaking back into Olde World's box to grab another slice. So good. Take a few minutes out of the way and try this place, if you like well-cooked crispy pizza you'll dig this place. Thanks read more

I've been excited to try the pizza here, as it is on my way home from work and as a new resident to Hamden, I'm on a mission to be an aficionado of local pizzerias. First off, I put an order in on a Sunday afternoon during football season and the pizza was ready for pickup in less than 20 minutes, so we were off to a strong start. I ordered a small pepperoni and garlic pie which ended up being ~$13 which seemed a tad pricey, but it was definitely larger than what I would classify as a 'personal pizza'. The pizza itself was solid, and they were quite generous with the pepperoni topping, but I can't say the same with the garlic unless the garlic just didn't have a kick to it. Regardless, I will likely return, but next time I'll probably size up to make it more economical. IMPORTANT: CASH OR CHECK ONLY. The young woman working the phone pointed this out before I came to pick up the pizza which was helpful. read more

Olde World Apizza - Small Garlic and Pepperoni - Pizza Near Me - North Haven, Connecticut

Great pizza. The only gripe I have is the crust is a little too thin. You can't really fold it in half like you normally would a typical thin crust pizza and the toppings usually slide off onto your plate (use a plate). The outside crust is sometimes burnt (hard black crust) vs. "char" (black bubbles) but the flavor of the cheese and sauce are amazing. There's a window inside where you can watch the guy making the pizzas. This guy makes it look easy....... so cool! My favorite pizza place in Hamden. read more

BEST PIZZA IN NORTH HAVEN/HAMDEN Was tipped off to this place from a pizza group on another social media site. Man I'm glad, can't believe that they have been open for 25 years and I've never been there. The guy on the phone was super nice and repeated the order to make sure he got it right, said 15 minutes and was spot on. Friendly service when I arrived, said my pizza made him want one even after he's been doing this so long. Got a small sausage, cherry pepper and onion pie with a liter of Gassosa. The smell in my car made me salivate and couldn't wait to dig into this pie. When I opened the box all my mind could think was grab a piece NOW. This pizza was fantastic. The toppings were plentiful and proportioned perfectly. The crust was charred as you would expect and was crispy/chewy. The sauce is fantastic and you can tell all quality ingredients were used. Hell yeah I will be back. read more

Olde World Apizza - Sausage, cherry peppers and onion - Pizza Near Me - North Haven, Connecticut

See all

poor customer service. I didn't call ahead to order the pizza; I placed my order in person. While I was waiting, the staff displayed extremely rude behavior, looking at me as if I had seven heads. They even made comments like, 'What's she doing here?', 'What's she waiting for?', and 'Why is she still here? read more

Olde World Apizza - Pizza Near Me - North Haven, Connecticut

I guess I am late to the party with Olde World..but I'll echo everyone else who says they have an awesome pizza pie! I usually stick to East Haven/ New Haven pizza joints but read a lot of good reviews and word of mouth about Olde Worde. Was not disappointed. Very thin crust that held up with toppings..half bacon/half mushroom in my case. I recommend! read more

Olde World Apizza - 1/2 Bacon 1/2 Mushroom - Pizza Near Me - North Haven, Connecticut

See all

I'm a New Havenite who absolutely will take Olde World over Modern/Pepes/or Salles. Takeout is always blazing fast, steaming hot, fairly priced, and served with a smile. They're the best around, and that's saying a lot for around here. read more

I ordered a pizza and was disappointed, it wasn't cooked properly, very doughy and the bacon on it felt like it still had a pulse, I was also told they do not accept credit or debit cards but only cash, to me this is not acceptable, and for this reason I will not return. read more

Read about Olde World Apizza in the September '23 issue of Connecticut Magazine. Then checked out the reviews on Yelp and based on the very positive comments, I went. Very happy I did. Outstanding New Haven style Apizza at its best. I ordered a large white clam. It was perfect. The interior of the restaurant is very clean with three tables that seat four people each. The owner, Joe is onsite and very accessible. Gave my party his personal recommendations and they were spot on. The young woman working the counter was very helpful. Eat in and enjoy your Apizza with the owner and his staff as everything about Olde World is five stars. read more

Great char, crust, sauce, and overall flavor-- the best take out in the area! And the counter staff is friendly!

Wonderful, true New Haven pizza without the parking issues. You won't be disappointed with your pizza, and parking

Very good pizza worth a visit. Friendly staff and you can tell these people have been at this for a long time.

seems like this is new haven pizza. Cant go wrong with this one. Very good white clam pizza

Pizza was good, when they got the order right. I have been a customer for quite a while now, but never again will I go there. I ordered 2 large pies, when I got home one of the pies was totally wrong. I ended up with a chicken pizza, when I had ordered sausage and pepperoni. The hours posted are 3pm to 9pm, they wouldn't pick up the phone and it was only 8:30. When I called them the next day to complain they told me to call somewhere else. That is horrible customer service. This isn't the first time they screwed up my order, but it is the last time. I will say I always thought this place was sketchy, they only accept cash or check. They could easily process cards since they have an ATM right inside the place that uses a data line. read more

Had a nice char on the crust. Cooked perfect, cheese blend was on point, A really good pie read more

Olde World Apizza - Mozz pie - Pizza Near Me - North Haven, Connecticut

Olde World was recommended to us so we tried it out. Minimal seating, 3 tables. Service was very friendly. Cash n check only. They do have an ATM. We tried 2 pies. Sm w/mushroom and half cherry peppers. Sorry to say it was bland. Generous with cheese and toppings. Other pie was red w/ fresh tomato and garlic. This pie was great. Flavorful. Wouldn't go outta my way to try it again. read more

Olde World Apizza - Fresh tomato n garlic pie. Very very good. - Pizza Near Me - North Haven, Connecticut

See all

The apizza was absolutely mouth watering delicious. Came from Milford, Connecticut. Called a half hour ahead, ordered a medium apizza with mozzarella and it was ready when I arrived. Have had pizza at over thirty other apizza restaurants in Connecticut, New York City and Massachusetts over many decades and Old World Apizza is the BEST. Thanks! read more