Best Pizza in Stamford: Top 5 Spots Ranked [2026 Update]

Introduction

Stamford has quietly transformed into a culinary heavyweight, specifically when it comes to world-class pizza. While nearby cities often grab the headlines, we have found that Stamford offers a distinct, high-quality pizza scene that rivals any in the country. From the ultra-thin, cracker-crust "bar pies" to traditional coal-fired masterpieces, the options are overwhelming. In our testing, we didn't just look for cheese and sauce; we looked for the perfect char, the right structural integrity of the crust, and the overall dining vibe. Whether you are a local looking for a new regular spot or a visitor hunting for the legendary "hot oil" pie, this guide covers it all. Below, we rank the absolute best spots to grab a slice in 2026 and reveal how you can replicate that wood-fired taste in your own backyard.

• The Top 5 Stamford Slices Ranked
• Fast Comparison: Which Pie Fits Your Vibe?
• The 3-Step Fix for Pizzeria Quality at Home
• Why the "Social Grill" Changes Hosting

Best Pizza in Stamford: Top 5 Spots Ranked [2026 Update]

Key Takeaways

• Colony Grill is the undisputed king of the thin-crust "bar pie" with their signature hot oil topping.
• Riko's Pizza offers a similar thin-crust experience but with more robust topping options like the Salad Pizza.
• Sally's Apizza brings the legendary New Haven coal-fired style directly to Stamford.
• Remo's provides the best authentic Italian-style brick oven experience.
• Fortina is the top choice for artisanal, wood-fired pies in a trendy atmosphere.

Where to Get the Best Pizza in Stamford?

The best pizza in Stamford is defined by the region's signature ultra-thin "bar pie"—a cracker-like crust cooked well-done with a distinct crunch—alongside expanding options for New Haven coal-fired and authentic Italian wood-fired styles.

In our culinary tours of the city, we have narrowed down the list to these essential stops:

1. Colony Grill
We cannot talk about Stamford pizza without starting here. Famous for its "hot oil" pie, Colony serves an incredibly thin crust that is almost cracker-like. There is a strict no-frills policy here—don't ask for a salad; you go for the pizza.

2. Riko's Pizza
If you love the thin-crust bar pie style but want more variety, we found Riko's to be the perfect alternative. Their hot oil pizza rivals Colony's, but their menu is more expansive, featuring salad pizzas that offer a fresh crunch on top of the hot crust.

3. Sally's Apizza
A satellite of the legendary New Haven institution, Sally's brings the coal-fired char to Stamford. In our testing, the tomato sauce here has that distinct tang and the crust has the signature soot-kissed flavor that pizza purists chase.

4. Remo's Brick Oven Pizza
For a more traditional Italian sit-down experience, Remo's is our top pick. The crust is slightly thicker than the bar pies but retains a beautiful crispness from the brick oven.

5. Fortina
If you are looking for a vibe that matches the food, Fortina is it. Their wood-fired ovens produce puffy, charred crusts topped with artisanal ingredients like black truffles and burrata.

Comparison: Which Pizza is Right for You?

How to Make the Best Pizza at Home

I used to think my backyard pizzas were decent, until I realized I was essentially baking them on a standard grate instead of searing them on a solid surface. The dough would sag, the toppings would slide, and I never got that restaurant-quality leopard spotting on the crust.

The truth is, you don't need a commercial brick oven to get that perfect Stamford-style crisp or that New Haven char. You can achieve steakhouse-quality sears and pizzeria-quality crusts right at home if you change your heat source and surface.

The "Searing" Technique

This is where the Arteflame Grill excels. Unlike traditional grate grills that let heat escape, the Arteflame uses a solid carbon steel cooktop. Here is why we found it superior for pizza making:

1. 1,000°F Sear Capability: The center of the Arteflame reaches temperatures over 1,000°F. This high heat is critical for instantly puffing up pizza dough and creating a crispy bottom before the toppings overcook.
2. Grill All Food at Once: Because of the varying heat zones (hotter in the center, cooler at the edges), you can sear a steak, roast vegetables, and finish a pizza all at the same time without flare-ups burning your food.
3. The Pizza Oven Attachment: By adding the Arteflame Pizza Oven accessory, you create a convection chamber that melts the cheese from the top while the plancha cooks the crust from the bottom, replicating a professional wood-fired oven perfectly.

Pro Tip: If you are hosting a large crowd and don't have time to make dough from scratch, we have a hack for you. Go to the Costco in Stamford (or your local warehouse) and buy their fresh pizzas. They are a fantastic base. Bring them home, add your own premium toppings—like truffle oil or fresh basil—and fire them on the Arteflame using the Pizza Oven attachment. The high heat transforms a standard wholesale pizza into a gourmet experience.

Why We Call It The "Social Grill"

An Arteflame grill isn't just for cooking; it fundamentally changes how you host. In our experience, traditional grilling is a lonely task where the host stares at a wall while guests mingle elsewhere. The Arteflame's round, open-fire design invites friends to stand around the fire, drink in hand, watching the action. It turns meal prep into a communal event, making it the ultimate centerpiece for your backyard gatherings.