By Laura Williams

You’ve heard us throw the words “slightly charred” and “chewy” out there when describing a pizza’s appeal. Well, we’ve found another pie that fits the bill. Brickside Pizza opened in late summer in the Ivoryton village. They had us at the header of the menu where they declare, “Hand Crafted, wood fired pizza baked well done. Charring is to be expected.”.

Despite the effects of a steamy September afternoon and a bazillion degree brick oven, co-owners Paul Capezzone and Will Nuss were welcoming and informative. Veterans of various shoreline restaurant biz and pizza joints, the pair imported a brick oven from Italy and combined their experience to create this little gem of a shop. The rest of the interior consists soley of a pickup counter, a cord of wood and a fridge full of Foxon Park sodas.

Although the menu offers both standard and a handful of curious toppings like mashed potato and shrimp scampi, I figured if they can get the Margherita and the White Clam right, then I can trust these guys. As soon as they took the bubbling White Clam masterpiece out of the blazing oven, I knew it was a winner. Freshly shucked, sweet clams are tossed atop a thin crust with garlic, olive oil, oregano, Pecorino Romano, then cooked to caramelized perfection. This was the best clam pizza I’ve had this side of New Haven. The Margherita was a close second. Yummy tomato sauce with a perfect punch of fresh flavor, basil ribbons, Mozzarella, more Pecorino, garlic and olive oil.

This place is strictly take-out. No seating. Take your picnic to the gazebo or the beautiful town green just across the street for an idyllic dinner.

Call in your order and they’ll give you an exact time to pick up. Open at 4pm. (860) 767-2555

View the menu here.

And visit their Facebook page for updates.

104 Main Street in Ivoryton

Easy parking at the spot or two right in front of the shop or directly across the street in the lot.