“Dedicated to preserving the trade”
– Da Legna
Daniel Parillo, a native of Hamden, CT, opened Da Legna in 2013 on the corner of State and Clark Street in New Haven, CT. One might ask why? With so many pizza places in New Haven, why Da Legna? What makes this place so special? I would say it is their dedication to authenticity. Using fresh local ingredients and other ingredients imported from Italy. Then there is the wood fired pizza. Many restaurants claim to make wood fired pizza but what they do not tell you is that their oven also has some sort of gas assist. The Chefs at Da Legna work hard to provide the perfect crust, whic
h is incomparable. Chef Parillo has been nurturing his sourdough recipe for years, and you can taste the love. Other than delicious pizza Da Legna also offer
s a creative mix of salads and small plates which are orchestrated by Chef Dave Foster previously of Foster’s in New haven.
The main dining room is simple but welcoming with its exposed brick, an unfinished cement floor, dark-wood tables, and booths lining the walls. There is a small bar where you will find a well curated collection of craft and local beers, Italian wines by the glass, and specialty cocktails. They offer a Sunday brunch with a Bloody Mary station, where you can choose from the usual standard Bloody Mary sides or choose a slice of pizza.
In the summer time, outdoor seating is available. Picnic tables line the front for a community dining experience where everyone is welcome, including the family dog. The owners focus on hospitality setting this pizza experience apart from the rest. All the pizzas are cooked in one wood fired oven that can fit about 5 pies at a time and reaches up to 1,000 degrees. Chef Dan Parillo has rolled the dough by hand since day one.
You cannot go wrong at Da Legna. Choose from one of their artisanal offerings such as the Clark street pizza topped with eggplant, ricotta cheese, fresh tomato, and basil. Or, go for one of my favorites, the Pecora which is a sweet pizza topped with truffle honey, crushed pistachio, ricotta, and goat cheese.
If you are a meat lover then definitely try the Wimpy, a cheeseburger inspired pie, or the State, a pizza with all the toppings you could imagine! Or keep it simple and just choose your favorite toppings and create your own masterpiece, whatever your choice is, you will not be disappointed. Be sure to start your meal with a special salad or small plate. This menu has a selection of favorites that stay year around but also changes seasonally. Truly creative fare, things like goat cheese tartlet, warm goat cheese in tart topped with a balsamic shallot glaze. There are plenty of options like the edamame humus, house made meatballs, sausage, and pasta all in tapas sized portions.
Da Legna is unique in that they also offer a selection of Vegan and Gluten free pizzas and small plate options, you can feel comfortable knowing that there is something for everyone.
Keep your eyes peeled because Da Legna is on the verge of creating a new space in the New Haven area and it is sure to be a delight!
Visit Da Legna online at
La Belle Vie 