Amato’s Pizza & Pasta

Amato’s is a casual, family-run takeout spot praised for a thin, crunchy crust, bright tomato sauce and generous, flavorful cheese.

Reviews repeatedly note specialty pies—mashed potato, clams casino and chipotle chicken—alongside classic pepperoni and sausage toppings.

Service is warm and efficient; customers mention a handy pick-up window and friendly owners who often sneak in late orders.

The kitchen also turns out Italian dinners and catering trays, so the place reads as both a quick lunch stop and a community catering resource.

Thin, crisp crust and a tangy, well-balanced tomato sauce are the through-line across reviews.

Cheese quality gets frequent praise, and the kitchen is known for a variety of specialty pies—mashed potato, clams casino, chipotle chicken, Napolitano—and well-made classics like pepperoni and sausage.

Beyond pizza, reviewers call out Italian dinners (eggplant parm, chicken parm), meatballs, subs and sides such as mozzarella sticks and salads.

Catering trays (eggplant parm, meatballs, penne alla vodka, chicken piccata) are also noted as reliably tasty.

Pizza's rise in America mirrors the broader story of Italian immigration. Initially confined to Italian-American communities, pizza gained nationwide popularity post-World War II as returning soldiers sought the Italian flavors they had enjoyed overseas. By the 1950s, pizza had become a ubiquitous American staple, thanks in part to television appearances like the 'I Love Lucy' episode featuring pizza, cementing its place in American culture.

Amato’s Pizza & Pasta has become a shore-side stop for people chasing big New Haven flavor without the city detour.

Customers repeatedly praise a thin, crunchy crust, lively tomato sauce and attentive cheese that lifts every slice.

One reviewer summed it up with a simple phrase: “thin crispy crust,” (Sue Marchini) while another called the pies “Flawless pizza it's literally perfect.” (Clinton Bonner).

Specialty pies share billing with steadfast classics—mashed potato, clams casino, chipotle chicken, Napolitano—and reviewers also highlight sturdy subs and family-style Italian dinners.

The owners and staff get frequent mentions for warmth and speed; “Great food and great people,” (John Mullenite) captures the common sentiment.

Regulars value the quick pick-up window and the fact that Amato’s will prepare large trays for events—customers have ordered eggplant parm, meatballs, chicken piccata and penne alla vodka for catered gatherings.

Busy Friday and Saturday nights are a frequent theme, so many recommend calling ahead.

Overall, Amato’s reads as a community staple where solid technique, high-quality ingredients and friendly service keep locals returning for pizza, subs and home-style Italian plates.

Pepperoni is the most popular pizza topping in the United States, with surveys indicating that it is preferred by more than two-thirds of Americans. This spicy, cured sausage was developed by Italian-Americans and is distinct from its namesake 'peperoni,' which refers to bell peppers in Italian. Despite its American roots, pepperoni has become a hallmark of the U.S. pizza experience, beloved for its bold flavor and signature curl when cooked.