Watch Pizza: A Love Story

Pizza: A Love Story is a documentary film released in 2019, directed by Gorman Bechard. The movie explores three iconic pizzerias in New Haven, Connecticut and their impact on the community. The three restaurants featured are Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, Sally's Apizza, and Modern Apizza, all of which have been serving brick oven pizza for decades.

The film begins by setting the scene of New Haven and its vibrant food culture. The city has a long history with pizza, dating back to the early 20th century when Frank Pepe first opened his pizzeria. The documentary takes the audience on a journey through the lives of the pizza makers and the customers who have been loyal to these establishments for generations.

The first pizzeria featured in the film is Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, which opened its doors in 1925. The restaurant's founder, Frank Pepe, came to America from Italy when he was just a boy. He learned to make pizza from his mother and after years of perfecting his craft, he opened his own pizzeria. The documentary features interviews with Frank Pepe's daughters, as well as current and former employees, who share stories of the founder's passion for pizza and the family atmosphere that still exists at the restaurant today.

The second pizzeria featured in the documentary is Sally's Apizza, which opened in 1938. The current owner, Bobby Consiglio, took over the restaurant from his uncle, Sal Consiglio, who inherited it from his father, Salvatore Consiglio. Bobby's daughter, Ruth, is now also involved in the business. Sally's Apizza has a loyal following of customers who come from all over the country to sample their famous pies. The documentary explores the history of the restaurant and its unique recipes, which include a mix of oregano, garlic, grated cheese, and olive oil.

The third and final pizzeria featured in the film is Modern Apizza, which opened in 1934. The restaurant is owned by the Cimino family, who have been making pizza for over 80 years. The documentary showcases the family's dedication to their craft, as well as the history of the building that houses the restaurant. The Cimino family shares stories of how they have adapted to changes in the industry and how they continue to make their pizza using traditional methods.

Throughout the film, pizza experts and self-proclaimed foodies weigh in on the debate of which pizzeria reigns supreme. The documentary also includes interviews with notable figures such as Lyle Lovett, who grew up in the New Haven area and has been a longtime customer of the pizzerias featured in the film. Other personalities interviewed include politicians, actors, and musicians who all have a connection to the pizza culture in New Haven.

One of the most compelling aspects of the documentary is the sense of community that surrounds these pizzerias. Customers who have been coming to these restaurants for decades share their memories and stories, creating a sense of nostalgia and kinship. The filmmakers capture the atmosphere of the pizzerias, with shots of the ovens, the pizzas being made, and the crowds of people waiting for a taste of the legendary pies.

Overall, Pizza: A Love Story is a fascinating exploration of the history and culture of pizza in one American city. The film showcases the passion and dedication of the pizza makers, the loyalty of the customers, and the sense of community that has grown from these iconic pizzerias. It's a must-see for anyone who loves pizza or food culture in general.

Pizza: A Love Story is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.