More than 13,000 votes were cast over six weeks to choose the pizzerias that will be included in the state’s first-ever Connecticut Pizza Capital Trail and the list of the top 20 has been released. This was the first step in a statewide celebration of the independent pizzerias. The votes are to choose the top 100 pizzerias that will make up the trail. The full list will be released in the fall for the launch of the Connecticut Pizza Capital Trail in October, which is National Pizza Month. Top 20 vote-getters These are ranked in order of the votes.

• Modern Apizza, New Haven
• Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, multiple towns
• Sally’s Apizza, multiple towns
• Zuppardi’s Apizza, West Haven
• BAR, New Haven
• Roseland Apizza, Derby
• Tony’s Pizza, Willimantic
• Colony Grill, multiple towns
• Little City Pizza, Avon
• Domenic’s & Vinnie’s, multiple towns
• Pizzeria Marzano, Torrington
• Ernie’s Pizzeria, New Haven
• Little Rendezvous, Meriden
• Vero Cucino Rustico, Middletown
• Mangos Wood Fired Pizza Co, Mystic
• Pizza Palace & Restaurant, Old Saybrook
• Grand Apizza, multiple towns
• Mondo, Middletown
• Fuoco Apizza, Cheshire
• Est Est Est Pizza & Restaurant, New Haven

NBC ConnecticutNBC Connecticut “This is exactly what we hoped to see, “ Anthony Anthony, chief marketing officer for the Connecticut office of Statewide Marketing & Tourism, said in a statement. “Yes, New Haven made apizza put our pies on the map, but this list shows that Connecticut’s passion for pizza runs statewide, from shoreline to the Notch, and everywhere in between. From charred crust to Greek-style pies, what unites all of these pizzerias is their local loyalty, generational roots, and the kind of pride you can taste in every bite.” Local

There will be a statewide bus tour to put a spotlight on stops across the trail. Not really sure why this matters, but it seems like a great way to explore all the top pizzerias in Connecticut. The tour will showcase these pizza joints from different towns, giving pizza lovers a chance to taste the variety of pies across the state. Maybe it’s just me, but I feel like this tour is a must for anyone who calls themselves a pizza connoisseur. Don’t miss out on this cheesy adventure!