For pizza chef Fabio Gallo, serving up wood-fired pies at Doma on Main is about more than just the food—it’s about creating a sense of belonging.
“Everyone here is like family,” Gallo says with a warm smile. After 25 years perfecting his craft at a celebrated New York City pizzeria, he’s brought his expertise and heart to this cozy trattoria in Branford. 
The distinctive sauce that graces every pizza is a cherished recipe from his Neapolitan grandmother, Maria Belardinelli. Even the dough—pillowy and golden—comes straight from her kitchen wisdom.
“It’s homemade recipes for a family place,” he shares, sliding a freshly baked pie from the brick oven as its rich, savory aroma fills the air.
Despite opening during the challenges of the pandemic and enduring one of the coldest, snowiest winters in recent memory, Doma on Main is thriving. Its wood-fired flavors and heartfelt hospitality have already garnered glowing reviews from customers who keep coming back for more.
For Gallo, the goal is simple: to make everyone who walks through the doors feel like they’ve come home.
Gallo’s connection to family runs deeper than his welcoming spirit.
The distinctive sauce that graces every pizza is a cherished recipe from his Neapolitan grandmother, Maria Belardinelli. Even the dough—pillowy and golden—comes straight from her kitchen wisdom.
“It’s homemade recipes for a family place,” he shares, sliding a freshly baked pie from the brick oven as its rich, savory aroma fills the air.
Despite opening during the challenges of the pandemic and enduring one of the coldest, snowiest winters in recent memory, Doma on Main is thriving. Its wood-fired flavors and heartfelt hospitality have already garnered glowing reviews from customers who keep coming back for more.
For Gallo, the goal is simple: to make everyone who walks through the doors feel like they’ve come home.
At the heart of Doma on Main’s success is executive chef Edgar Jara, a culinary artist whose reputation was forged over 15 years at the celebrated Elizabeth’s Cafe & Perfect Parties in Madison.
The Zagat-rated bistro, known for its upscale American cuisine, was a cornerstone of the community for over two decades before closing its doors last fall. Elizabeth’s Cafe owner, Elizabeth Parri Butler, holds nothing but admiration for Jara’s talent.
“I’ve known a lot of executive chefs, and many of them have been very good, but Edgar is a star,” she said. “He combines an attention to detail with an ability to stay unruffled, and a willingness to work hard and never stop learning. He deserves all the credit for my success.”
Jara brings his signature approach of simplicity and elegance to Doma on Main, emphasizing the use of locally sourced ingredients.
“We use a lot of fresh ingredients—fresh meats, fresh seafood—it comes every day, nothing frozen,” Jara shared. “We try to use as much local as we can.”
Meanwhile, at the brick oven, pizza chef Fabio Gallo and assistant chef Paola Spera create magic, one pie at a time. Gallo, a veteran of Koronet Pizza on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, is no stranger to culinary acclaim. The iconic pizzeria earned a spot on Business Insider’s 2015 list of the “best late-night food joints” in America.
For Gallo, the secret to Doma’s wood-fired pies lies in the process.
“The ovens run at about 700 degrees, combining the high heat with the wood-burning fire to give the crust that rich, smoky flavor and perfect char,” he explained. “The pizzas cook fast—about seven minutes—which keeps the toppings fresh and crisp.”
The menu reflects Gallo’s love for bold, creative flavors, featuring pies like spicy honey pepperoni, mortadella pistachio, and smoked bacon. And for those with a sweet tooth, the Nutella pie and cannoli pie offer the perfect finale.
For Jara, Gallo, and the entire team, opening during the pandemic has turned into a surprising advantage.
“Starting slowly gave us time to build our rhythm and learn to work together,” Jara said, glancing across the kitchen at Gallo and Spera crafting their latest masterpiece. “We’ve built something special here. I love this place—I call it home.”
Doma on Main, located at 576 Main Street in Branford, welcomes diners with the warmth of family, the artistry of great chefs, and the unmistakable flavor of wood-fired perfection. For reservations or more information, call 203-208-0828 or visit domaonmain.com.
