Oakland Pizza Co.

Today I had the honor of sharing lunch with The Slice Mob—a group of lifelong friends who travel Connecticut in search of the best pizza the state has to offer. Today’s feast took place at Oakland Pizza Co. in South Windsor, a cozy, no-frills spot that gives off classic pizza joint vibes. It’s the kind of place that welcomes everyone—from loyal regulars to crust-obsessed aficionados and everyone in between. The staff was pleasant and professional, and believe me—dealing with seven hungry guys ordering nine pizzas and apps is enough to test the patience of even the most saintly among us. Respect. For those who follow me, you know I always start with the basics—a true test of any great pizzeria. No gimmicks, no distractions. Just dough, sauce, and cheese. So I kicked it off with the plain Detroit-style. This pie did not disappoint. Let’s talk crust: thick, but light, airy, and tender, yet sturdy enough to hold that glorious sauce and cheese. A true feat of gluten genius. It was incredibly soft to chew, with a balanced, clean flavor. The sauce? Pure and simple. Not over-seasoned. Just the right touch of salt to let the tomatoes shine—a perfect sweet-acidic balance. The cheese? A generous layer of shredded mozzarella that melted into a gooey dream, stretching for inches. But the best part? The frico. (Not an Italian swear word—I promise.) That glorious crispy, caramelized cheese that forms around the edge when mozzarella hits the hot pan. It’s crunchy, cheesy gold. This was easily one of the best Detroit-style pizzas I’ve ever eaten. Next up: I went spicy (ya baby!) with the Spicy Roni, made on a thin crust that lives somewhere between New Haven and Neapolitan styles. I’m starting to think this hybrid deserves its own name—maybe “East of the River” style—since I keep finding it at pizzerias east of the Connecticut River. The crust was thin with a beautifully crisp undercarriage, thick enough to support generous toppings, yet thin enough to give that perfect crunch. The cornicione (fancy word for crust) was airy with a tender chew, and again, perfectly seasoned. This pie was topped with fresh mozzarella over a killer tomato sauce, then loaded with crisped-up, cupped pepperoni, sliced onions, and hot peppers. The contrast was incredible—light and airy crust, crunchy spicy ‘roni, the sweetness of the onions, the kick from the peppers, and that warm, gooey mozzarella pulling it all together. Two totally different styles. Two perfectly executed experiences. The doughs are fermented differently. The toppings are applied differently. The baking methods? Night and day. But the one thing they share in common? They were both outstanding. It takes real skill to master one style of pizza. Oakland has mastered two. I tip my toque to the team. If you haven’t tried Oakland Pizza yet… what are you waiting for? You won’t be disappointed. And remember: Pizza is life. See you at the next slice

Best gluten free pizza I’ve ever had. Great cocktails too.