About Sapore Ristorante & Pizza Bar

Sapore Ristorante & Pizza Bar combines a friendly vibe with exceptional dishes in a relaxing setting. Guests frequently rave about the attentive staff and the ambiance that makes each visit special. People are drawn to the inviting decor and cozy seating, perfect for both lively gatherings and intimate dinners.

The food shines, particularly the pizza, which boasts a thin, crispy crust and high-quality ingredients. Diners repeatedly highlight the fresh toppings and exquisite flavors. With a diverse menu that includes pastas and savory appetizers, every meal at Sapore is a celebration of taste.

Location & Contact

What to Expect

Pizza takes center stage at Sapore, with options like the acclaimed Pizza Margherita and the innovative Doppio Pepperoni. Guests savor the perfectly charred crust and fresh toppings, such as the creamy Burrata and flavorful eggplant. Additionally, diners love the hearty meatball subs and the generous portions of pasta dishes, like Fettuccini Cardinale. Customers also appreciate the happy hour specials featuring small plates and drink deals, which make trying multiple flavors easy and enjoyable.

Cannolis are a must-try dessert that adds a sweet finale to any meal, leaving diners satisfied and wanting to return for more.

Hashtag Pizza Fact's

Lombardi's: The Pioneer of American Pizzerias

Lombardi's Pizza in New York City is celebrated as the first licensed pizzeria in the United States, dating back to 1905. Initially, it served tomato pies to the Italian immigrant community before transforming into a full-fledged pizzeria. Lombardi's not only introduced Americans to the joys of pizza but also laid the foundation for New York's iconic pizza culture, which features large, foldable slices beloved by locals and tourists alike.

History

From the Community

Nestled in Old Lyme, Sapore Ristorante & Pizza Bar is quickly becoming a local gem featured in conversations across the community. Known for their thin-crust pizza, patrons rave about the expertly crafted menu. "By far, one of the top three pizza places in my life," says Brandyn Rubeck, after enjoying the Margarita 2.0 topped with creamy burrata and fresh basil. The inviting atmosphere and warm service enhance the dining experience, making it more than just a meal; it's a gathering place for friends and families. Reviewers consistently highlight the fast, friendly service, with Tony Stanley commenting on how Laura, a staff favorite, always ensures refills without asking. Beyond just pizza, the extensive menu encompasses hearty pasta dishes and delightful sides like the eggplant rollatini. "Every time I dine at Sapore, I always leave full and satisfied," shares Natalie Violette, who emphasizes the generous portions and vibrant flavors. It’s clear that Sapore is committed to quality, aiming to be a cornerstone of the community’s dining scene.

Why Locals Love It

Brandyn Rubeck β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…

Sapore stands out in the hearts of locals not only for their pizza but for their commitment to quality and service. Brandyn's experience highlights the restaurant as a top pizza destination, showing how deeply the community values great dining experiences close to home.

Tony Stanley β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…

Tony emphasizes the welcoming nature of the staff and the consistently great service, which keeps locals returning. His observation about Laura’s attentiveness illustrates how Sapore has become a gathering spot for neighbors and friends alike, reinforcing a sense of community.

Suzanne Damron β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…

Suzanne’s remarks about Sapore being a family-friendly establishment resonate with many locals. Her experiences reflect the warmth and hospitality that Sapore provides, creating a place where families feel comfortable and valued, vital for making lasting memories.

Customer Reviews

Brandyn Rubeck
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜… a month ago

"Our server Tes was amazing. Really chill and knew a lot about the menu. The pizza was superb. By far, one of the top three pizza places in my life. The margarita 2.0 is just next level. The creamy Barada, the fresh basil on Point. The Crust is amazing. Thin crispy, bubbly, chewy everything one would look for in a delicious pizza crust. You could basically put any topping on this pizza and it’s gonna rock."

Pizza review photo
Pizza review photo
Pizza review photo
Pizza review photo
Cole Z
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜… Edited 3 months ago

"3rd time trying Sapore and might be our last. The people there are nice so it pains me a bit to write this review, but I also really dislike paying a lot of money for inedible food. Unfortunately, our pizza was so burnt that all you could taste was that, well, bitter burnt taste. Don’t get me wrong, I like my pizza with good color, some β€œleoparding” on the bottom, sure. This was just plain burnt. Surprised they let this walk out the door- if I were the owner I would have said make it again and send it out right. Thursday night isn’t so busy that food shouldn’t be coming out right. You can have great dough, tasty sauce, fresh toppings, but execution is everything. 6/20/2025 This is an update to the review above. The owner kindly reached out and offered to remake a pizza on them given the pizza we had received. He assured that was not their standard quality and after our second pizza there, I believe him. It was delicious and they did not know it was pizza going to a once unsatisfied customer- we ordered it under regular circumstances without letting them know until it came time to pay (or in this case not pay). Excellent customer service and very kind people. We will be back!"

Pizza review photo
Pizza review photo
Pizza review photo
Pizza review photo
Natalie Violette
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜… 4 months ago

"Every time I dine at Sapore I always leave full and satisfied! When I asked for zuppa di pesce they truly delivered! No skimping on portions here! Staff is kind and attentive. Love this gem tucked away in Old Lyme."

Pizza review photo
Pizza review photo
Pizza review photo
Pizza review photo
Dennis DiGiovanni
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜… 2 months ago

"My wife and i had an incredible experience once again at Sapore. Mary took us to our table and was very kind and helpful. Hanna was our server/bartender and was terrific! My wife had the Basil chicken which she loved, I had the pepperoni pizza which was great and the arrancini we both thought was the best we have ever tried. All the other staff members were kind and Mary and Hanna enhanced the evening. Another flawless trip to Sapore and we'll be back again this week before finishing vacation!"

Pizza review photo
Pizza review photo
Pizza review photo
Pizza review photo

Hashtag Pizza Fact's

The Coal-Fired Charm of New Haven Apizza

New Haven's signature 'apizza,' pronounced "ah-beets," is distinct for its coal-fired, chewy crust and minimalistic toppings, with the white clam pie being a standout creation. Frank Pepe's Pizzeria Napoletana, opened in 1925, and Sally's Apizza, opened in 1938, are icons of this style, often sparking debates over which serves the best pies. This regional specialty underscores Connecticut's pride in its pizza heritage, drawing pizza enthusiasts from all over to taste its unique flavors.

Culture

The Great Tomato Transformation

Initially met with suspicion as a potentially poisonous fruit, the tomato's integration into Neapolitan cuisine in the 18th century revolutionized pizza. Its addition transformed a basic flatbread, known simply as 'pizza,' into the vibrant and flavorful dish we recognize today. This pivotal change not only defined the taste profile of pizza but also marked the beginning of its journey from humble street food to global culinary staple.

Ad Placeholder

Connecticut's Premier Pizza Destinations

Current location in red, 8 nearest in blue, all others in gray

Sapore Ristorante & Pizza Bar

163 Boston Post Rd, Old Lyme, CT 06371
β˜…4.6
(367 reviews)

Pizza Wars: The Slice Debate

The rivalry between New York's thin-crust pizza and Chicago's deep-dish style is legendary, often sparking spirited discussions among pizza aficionados. New York's version is characterized by its large, foldable slices, while Chicago's deep-dish is more of a savory pie, boasting layers of cheese and toppings. Each style reflects its city's unique culinary identity and underscores the diverse interpretations of pizza across America.

Ad Placeholder

Explore Nearby Restaurants

Click any restaurant to view details

Italian Simplicity vs. American Abundance

Italian pizzas are known for their simplicity, often featuring just a few high-quality ingredients such as San Marzano tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella. In contrast, American pizzas tend to be more indulgent, with generous layers of cheese and an array of toppings. This contrast highlights the adaptability of pizza to local tastes, with Italy emphasizing tradition and quality, while the U.S. showcases creativity and variety.

Ad Placeholder