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At Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, our story began in 1925 with a commitment to family tradition, originality, and quality. Over the past 100 years, we’ve grown from our roots in New Haven to 17 locations, sharing our iconic New Haven-style apizzas (ah-beetz) with guests far and wide. Our grandfather, Frank Pepe, crafted pizzas using simple, time-honored recipes that have fed generations. Known for our signature white clam pizza and crispy, chewy, charred crust, we’re proud to be one of the nation’s oldest and most respected pizzerias, offering a truly authentic experience at every location.
Casual local pizzeria chain serving a menu of coal-fired pies, beer & wine since 1925.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 7101 Democracy Blvd, Bethesda, MD 20817
Phone: (301) 304-7373
Website: https://pepespizzeria.com/
Menu Photos
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Coal Fired New Haven Pizza in Bethesda – Frank Pepe Pizzeria …
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Reviews
Jeff Chornock
Alright, here it is… let’s start with the most important part…the crust. It’s impressively thin, with just the right amount of chew. Every bite gives a satisfying bit of resistance before yielding to those toasted, yeasty notes that only a hot coal-fired oven can deliver. Light and airy, the crust is studded with bubble pockets and kissed with char that adds both flavor and texture.
The balance between crust, cheese, and sauce is spot-on. The sauce itself is delicate and restrained, it presents pure tomato flavor with subtle undertones of oregano and garlic. No heavy sweetness here, which earns big points in my book. That simplicity shines especially on the Original Tomato Pie, which keeps things minimal with just crust, sauce, and a dusting of Pecorino Romano.
But the is where things level up. It builds on the original with creamy mozzarella and a generous layer of thick-cut pepperoni cups, their edges perfectly curled and crisped by the coal fire. The result is smoky, savory, and utterly satisfying, especially with an ice-cold beer and the game on.
The real test, though, will be later tonight (or maybe breakfast tomorrow): does a cold slice still call my name from the fridge? My guess? Absolutely.
Final score: 8.4/10
… moreThe balance between crust, cheese, and sauce is spot-on. The sauce itself is delicate and restrained, it presents pure tomato flavor with subtle undertones of oregano and garlic. No heavy sweetness here, which earns big points in my book. That simplicity shines especially on the Original Tomato Pie, which keeps things minimal with just crust, sauce, and a dusting of Pecorino Romano.
But the is where things level up. It builds on the original with creamy mozzarella and a generous layer of thick-cut pepperoni cups, their edges perfectly curled and crisped by the coal fire. The result is smoky, savory, and utterly satisfying, especially with an ice-cold beer and the game on.
The real test, though, will be later tonight (or maybe breakfast tomorrow): does a cold slice still call my name from the fridge? My guess? Absolutely.
Final score: 8.4/10
Yiran Liu
First time trying New Haven pizza. Really liked the white clam pizza. Never had anything quite like it before. The margherita pizza was good as well but to me it didn’t stand out as much as the clam one.
… more欣玥 Xīn Yuè
Never been here before, came to use the restroom and ordered a small pie split with calebrese and margarita and small burrata salad. Took the first bite as soon as I got it out the box. Didn’t want to reheat later. A picture is worth the effort of words.
Happy Chinese New Year!
… moreHappy Chinese New Year!
Jacob Lozier
Our favorite pizza in Maryland. Perfectly crispy, chewy, and flavor. Ordered the tomato pie (always) and the pep + cherry pepper, which was incredible. Jack was our waiter and he does a fantastic job. Can’t wait to go back.
… moreCarrie Mohan
We saw this pizza place on a pizza show and we went today. They immediately asked us if it was our first time, and gave us a 10 dollar off our first visit. Our waitress Mya could not have been nicer or more informative about the menu. Most delicious Gorgonzola pizza ever. And we got a ricotta n meatball that was to die for. Bathrooms were so fancy n clean. So terrific food, terrific price, service and ambiance. Best pizza place I’ve ever been to. Truely. We lived it! My Sangria was so good too!
… moreSpiral Tote
4May2024 I’ve eaten at the original Frank Pepe’s in New Haven, Connecticut(the building in the back)several times during my 8 yrs of living in Connecticut. The pizza there was so delicious just like the one in the Montgomery mall.
The atmosphere here is wonderful and friendly. Loved every moment in this location. The customer service was great as well as the food. I’ll be back again.
12June2024 I’m back after being outta town for 10 days. Ce Ce was so wonderful and patient at 11:30a.m. with my person and I deciding what we wanted on our pizza. The Date Night(pizza with 2 toppings, bottle of delicious wine, a nice size salad for two, and a delectable dessert)offer was great and delicious for the day. The pizza was(a bit) burnt than usual and was good.
Another good experience at Frank Pepe. Thank you pizza makers and our server Ce Ce.
… moreThe atmosphere here is wonderful and friendly. Loved every moment in this location. The customer service was great as well as the food. I’ll be back again.
12June2024 I’m back after being outta town for 10 days. Ce Ce was so wonderful and patient at 11:30a.m. with my person and I deciding what we wanted on our pizza. The Date Night(pizza with 2 toppings, bottle of delicious wine, a nice size salad for two, and a delectable dessert)offer was great and delicious for the day. The pizza was(a bit) burnt than usual and was good.
Another good experience at Frank Pepe. Thank you pizza makers and our server Ce Ce.
Brad R
TLDR: Frank Pepe Pizzeria in Bethesda is a fantastic recreation of the original New Haven location. The interior captures the original Frank’s charm and the pizzas have the signature coal charred crunch. This is a must visit if you want true New Haven style pizza without traveling to Connecticut.
Frank Pepe Pizzeria in Bethesda does the original New Haven spot justice. Located at the Westfield Montgomery Mall near the food court entrance, the space is styled to mirror the original with tall green retro booths, simple decor, and photos of the New Haven location. The restaurant offers both sit down dining and carry out with easy online ordering. For carry out, there is reserved parking right out front in a separate lot which makes pick up very convenient.
On my last visit, we ordered the famous clam white pizza, seasonal fresh tomato cheese pizza, the meatball and ricotta pizza, and the meat lovers. The medium size is perfect for two to three people while the small works well for one to two. Each pizza had the signature coal charred crunch and chewy dough that defines New Haven style. The toppings were generous yet balanced so the slices held together without flopping which is essential .
Every pie was excellent and worth the slightly higher price compared to your standard mall pizza. Overall, this is an outstanding option that scratches the New Haven Apizza itch without the drive to Connecticut.
… moreFrank Pepe Pizzeria in Bethesda does the original New Haven spot justice. Located at the Westfield Montgomery Mall near the food court entrance, the space is styled to mirror the original with tall green retro booths, simple decor, and photos of the New Haven location. The restaurant offers both sit down dining and carry out with easy online ordering. For carry out, there is reserved parking right out front in a separate lot which makes pick up very convenient.
On my last visit, we ordered the famous clam white pizza, seasonal fresh tomato cheese pizza, the meatball and ricotta pizza, and the meat lovers. The medium size is perfect for two to three people while the small works well for one to two. Each pizza had the signature coal charred crunch and chewy dough that defines New Haven style. The toppings were generous yet balanced so the slices held together without flopping which is essential .
Every pie was excellent and worth the slightly higher price compared to your standard mall pizza. Overall, this is an outstanding option that scratches the New Haven Apizza itch without the drive to Connecticut.
Bruce Schwalm
True to the original in New Haven. They are meticulous in recreating the setting, and more importantly the pizza!
Crust has the typical “char”, but they ask if you would rather have a pie without it. In the summer get the Fresh Tomato pie, add pepperoni for a real treat.
Service is fast, without being abrupt. They clearly want to take care of you.
This is in a mall, but also has an external entrance. It is not in the food court. Pro tip: they get busy a little before closing time for the mall, so plan your visit accordingly.
… moreCrust has the typical “char”, but they ask if you would rather have a pie without it. In the summer get the Fresh Tomato pie, add pepperoni for a real treat.
Service is fast, without being abrupt. They clearly want to take care of you.
This is in a mall, but also has an external entrance. It is not in the food court. Pro tip: they get busy a little before closing time for the mall, so plan your visit accordingly.
Elyce Nollette
If you haven’t tried Connecticut style pizza definitely give Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana a try. The thin crust is delightful and if you have a toddler & are lucky enough to get a kitchen window side booth, you may be able to position them to watch the team make the pizza. My toddler loves that & the team there was very kind often waving to him while he watched them work.
… moreWayne Viener
Best pizza in the area. 5th visit to this location. New Haven pizza, while expensive, is pure joy. Excellent crust, perfect sauce and lots of toppings.
It is pricey, 1 large pep, two beers and salad came to $75 incl tip.
The large pie fed three people and there were leftovers to take home.
Had to wait for a table late on Saturday night. So it is still popular.
… moreIt is pricey, 1 large pep, two beers and salad came to $75 incl tip.
The large pie fed three people and there were leftovers to take home.
Had to wait for a table late on Saturday night. So it is still popular.