About Domenic's & Vinnie's Pizza

Domenic's & Vinnie's is a neighborhood pizza parlor in Middlebury that leans into crisp, thin crusts and a sauce-forward profile praised by regulars.

Large pies often come square-cut, toppings run from classic pepperoni and sausage to playful options like mashed potato and buffalo chicken, and many reviewers note the pizzas travel well cold or reheated.

Service impressions vary, but the room is described as clean, comfortable and family-friendly.

Reviews emphasize consistent bakes and a welcoming, nostalgic room.

Value is solid for shareable pies and grinders.

Location & Contact

What to Expect

Expect a sauce-forward pie layered with plenty of mozzarella and thoughtfully seasoned toppings.

Cheese pizza and the Large 20 Cheese figure prominently on the menu previews, while reviews highlight special pies such as buffalo chicken and mashed potato.

Customers also mention shredded broccoli, generous sausage and peppers, and a crust that gets pleasantly crisp when requested.

Several reviewers say the pizza stays tasty cold or after reheating, and large pies are often cut in squares.

Hashtag Pizza Fact's

The New York vs. Chicago Pizza Rivalry

The rivalry between New York and Chicago pizza styles is a beloved aspect of American culinary culture. New York's pizza is known for its large, foldable slices and thin, crispy yet chewy crust, perfect for eating on the go. In contrast, Chicago's deep-dish pizza offers a thick, buttery crust filled with generous layers of cheese and toppings. This friendly competition highlights regional pride and preferences, sparking heated debates among pizza aficionados who passionately defend their city's signature style.

Culture

From the Community

Domenic's & Vinnie's Pizza in Middlebury has built a strong local following on a foundation of thin, well-cooked crusts and a dependable tomato sauce.

Regulars praise the balance between sauce and cheese, and many point to the generous topping selection — everything from standard pepperoni to mashed potato pies and a popular buffalo chicken offering.

"One of the best pizza places in Connecticut, hands down," wrote Nathan Williams, while Jon called it "my forever pizza place."

Takeout is a big part of the business; several reviewers note that pies travel well and even taste good cold or reheated.

Large pizzas are frequently square-cut, and customers praise the well-done crust and plentiful cheese.

Pricing and packaging draw mixed comments — some find large pies a great value, others mention higher-than-expected totals and paper-wrapped takeout — but the overall consensus centers on flavor: a crisp, savory pie that keeps locals coming back.

Why Locals Love It

John Atchison ★★★★★

John Atchison has been loyal for three decades, saying he’s "been getting pizza here for 30 years" and calling it his favorite in the area. That kind of long-term devotion tells neighbors this place delivers consistent pies—thin crust, steady sauce, and the familiar comfort people return to again and again.

Nathan Williams ★★★★★

Nathan Williams called Domenic's "one of the best pizza places in Connecticut, hands down," praising how the pies hold up hot or cold. For locals who want a reliable dinner that reheats well or travels for a picnic, that durability and flavor make it an easy choice for family meals and weekend plans.

Pat Carpentieri ★★★★★

Pat Carpentieri singled out the buffalo chicken pie and appreciated that it’s sauced without marinara and comes with blue cheese on the side. That attention to how a specialty pie is built—letting the topping shine and offering condiments separately—resonates with locals who want bold, well-considered flavors.

Customer Reviews

Luciana Lattore
★★★★★ 6 months ago

"My husband and I stopped in for the first time. Our waitress, young lady, was extremely accommodating and nice conversation... We are the couple from NY:) coming from a family who owns Italian restaurants, customer service is one of the most important things. I felt horrible coming in there almost at closing..she reassured us it's okay, No problem enjoy your food. The pizza was very good and the prices are great. We will definitely be back!"

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Pizza review photo
Pizza review photo
Pizza review photo
Lisa Wright
★★★★★ 2 years ago

"Incredibly good pizza. When I grab a pizza from D&V's I like to send a pic of it to my West Coast friends to make them question their life choices. This is one of the very best tasting pies in the area, hands down."

Hashtag Pizza Fact's

Pizza's Historical Role in Social Gatherings

Pizza has long been a staple of social gatherings, owing to its shareable nature and universal appeal. From childhood birthday parties to college dorm study sessions and office lunches, pizza is a convenient and enjoyable choice for feeding groups. Its ability to bring people together is exemplified in events like "pizza parties," where communal eating strengthens social bonds. This role in fostering community and connection is a testament to pizza's enduring cultural significance as a food that transcends mere sustenance.

Culture

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crust like at Domenic's & Vinnie's?

The crust is thin and often cooked well-done with a crisp finish. Reviewers compare it to New Haven/Waterbury styles and say it can be requested a bit crispier for more crunch.

Do they have a classic cheese pizza?

Yes. A plain cheese pizza is a core menu item and gets frequent praise for its sauce-to-cheese balance and ample mozzarella.

Is there a buffalo chicken pizza?

Yes. The buffalo chicken pie is highlighted by customers; it’s noted for not using marinara and for offering blue cheese on the side.

Do they make a mashed potato pizza?

Yes. Reviewers mention a mashed potato pie and call it one of the best they’ve had, so it’s a recommended specialty to try.

How are large pizzas typically cut?

Large pies are often square-cut, which makes for smaller, interior slices. Small pizzas may be cut in traditional pie slices.

Are there good veggie topping options?

Yes. Toppings include things like shredded broccoli and spinach. Some reviewers note the broccoli is shredded and well integrated; others suggest fresh veggies can vary.

Will the pizza still taste good if I reheat it?

Many locals say the pies travel well and taste good cold or after reheating, with some even reporting microwave reheats that held up flavor.

How does the sauce taste?

The sauce is frequently praised for its flavor and balance with cheese, though a few reviewers find it milder or slightly sweet on certain pies.

Are there meat-forward pizzas like sausage and pepperoni?

Yes. Sausage and pepperoni are common toppings and reviewers mention generous portions of both on specialty and classic pies.

What pizzas are most popular at Domenic's & Vinnie's Pizza?

From the menu, people often pick Peppers, Large Pizza, Cheese Pizza, Large 20 Cheese. Reviews highlight consistency more than novelty, so these are safe, crowd-pleasing choices.

The Birthplace of Modern Pizza: Naples’ Humble Beginnings

Modern pizza emerged in Naples during the 18th century, evolving from simple flatbreads topped with garlic and lard to the tomato-topped versions we recognize today. This evolution was spurred by the introduction of the tomato from the Americas, which initially faced suspicion in Europe. By the late 19th century, Neapolitan pizza had become a beloved local specialty, cementing Naples as the birthplace of the pizza we know and love.

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Connecticut's Premier Pizza Destinations

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Domenic's & Vinnie's Pizza

1625 Straits Turnpike, Middlebury, CT 06762
4.4
(286 reviews)

The Royal Connection: Pizza Margherita’s Noble Legend

One of pizza's most enduring legends concerns the creation of the Margherita pizza in 1889 by Raffaele Esposito for Queen Margherita of Savoy. The pie, topped with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, was designed to represent the Italian flag. Whether myth or fact, this story helped elevate pizza from peasant food to a dish worthy of nobility, symbolizing a culinary turning point in Italian history.

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From Italy to America: The Pioneering Pizzerias

Pizza made its American debut thanks to Italian immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Lombardi's in New York City, established in 1905, holds the title of the first licensed pizzeria in the United States. Initially serving the Italian-American communities, these early pizzerias laid the foundation for the pizza's integration into the broader American culinary scene.

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