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Bologna, a city known for its fresh pasta, has seen incredible growth in the world of pizza in recent years. Although not a traditional Emilian dish, the quality and variety of offerings have increased significantly. Great attention is paid to the choice of doughs, long leavening times, and the selection of high-quality raw ingredients, transforming pizza into a true gourmet experience. Here are some of the pizzerias offering an authentic taste of this trend.
Berberè Casa Madre: pioneers of gourmet pizza
Berberè was one of the first to bring the concept of gourmet pizza to Bologna. Here, the care for ingredients is paramount, with products that change according to the seasons. They offer different types of dough, all characterised by great lightness thanks to special processing techniques. The pizza is often served in slices, inviting you to try multiple flavours in a single visit. This is a place that has truly raised the bar for pizza in the city.
Da Zero: a journey through Southern flavours
Da Zero brings the authentic flavours of Southern Italy to Bologna, with a particular focus on Neapolitan tradition. Their pizza is a tribute to genuine tastes, with selected ingredients that tell the story of the region. The atmosphere is welcoming and the service attentive, making every visit a small gastronomic journey.
Margherì: Neapolitan tradition in Bologna
For those seeking true Neapolitan pizza, Margherì is an almost obligatory stop. Here, tradition is respected in every detail, from the soft, airy dough to the pronounced crust. The ingredients are carefully chosen to ensure an experience faithful to the original, offering a corner of Naples in the heart of Bologna.
Pizzerias in Bologna with innovative doughs
Pummà: attention to dough and seasonal ingredients
Pummà is part of the trend of pizzerias that pay great attention to the quality of the dough and the selection of ingredients. Here you can choose between a hydrolysed dough, which is lighter, or the classic Neapolitan style. The menu includes both classic pizzas and seasonal variations, allowing you to even select the most suitable olive oil to enhance the flavour of your pizza. This is a place where experimentation meets tradition, offering a taste experience refined in every detail.
Storiedipinte: different types of dough and an artistic atmosphere
Storiedipinte, although no longer active in Bologna, deserves a mention for Francesco Oppido's innovative approach to gourmet pizza. The establishment, located in San Lazzaro di Savena, offers classic and creative pizzas, with the possibility of exploring different types of dough. In addition to pizzas, you can also find burgers and appetisers, all in an environment that combines art with good food. Their ability to innovate leavening techniques and approach toppings from a gastronomic perspective is a strong point.
Historic and traditional pizzerias in Bologna
Regina Sofia: high quality and sought-after products
Regina Sofia, with its Salerno management, is among my favourite pizzerias in Bologna. The pizza here is a tribute to tradition, but with an extra edge given by the use of selected, high-quality products. Their Battipagliese pizza, with yellow Piennolo tomatoes, fior di latte from Agerola, and Parmigiano shavings, is a true spectacle for the palate. And if you like stuffed crusts, here you can have it with ricotta, a real delight.
Antica Pizzeria da Michele: a corner of Naples
For just over a year, Antica Pizzeria da Michele has brought an authentic piece of Naples to the heart of Bologna. This pizzeria boasts a history of master pizzaioli and a global presence with twelve other locations. The aim is to maintain traditional pizza, using typical ingredients and limiting variations so as not to alter the classic taste that distinguishes them. This is a place where tradition is sacred.
Vito a San Luca: tradition and alternative doughs
In the heart of Bologna, in a historic area, is Vito a San Luca, an establishment that has been a true landmark since the 1970s. Here, you don't just eat pizza, which today follows the Neapolitan style, but you can also enjoy traditional Emilian first courses. A tip: try the crostino with mortadella mousse and lemon zest before moving on to the pizza, perhaps with seasonal ingredients. The atmosphere of the Colle della Guardia, where the establishment is located, adds a special touch. Also interesting is the offering of alternative doughs, such as those based on kamut and hemp, as well as a good selection of wines and aperitif drinks. If you're looking for an experience that combines history and taste, this is the right place, a bit like discovering O' Fiore Mio – Pizze di Strada for a different taste.
Bolognese pizzerias with unique offerings
SPAN: growing success and spectacular crusts
SPAN, an acronym for Società Pizzaioli Anonimi Napoletani (Anonymous Neapolitan Pizzaioli Society), is gaining a lot of popularity in Bologna, especially for its eye-catching crusts. They don't limit themselves to classic pizza but also offer montanarine, fried cuoppi, and typical Neapolitan desserts. They even have slightly unconventional offerings, such as the "Dytonno" pizza, which combines fiordilatte, semi-dry cherry tomatoes, caramelised onion, and katsuobushi dried tuna. This is a place that celebrates Neapolitan roots with a modern touch.
The Gallery — Pizzart Food & Drink: art gallery atmosphere
This establishment stands out for its art gallery-like atmosphere, creating a unique setting for enjoying pizza. The idea is to combine visual art with culinary art, offering a different experience from the usual. The pizzas here aim to surprise, with combinations that focus on originality, while still paying attention to the quality of the ingredients.
Ranzani 13: gastropub with gourmet pizzas
Ranzani 13 presents itself more as a gastropub, where in addition to pizzas, you can find burgers and a wide selection of craft beers. The pizzas here have an appearance reminiscent of richly topped focaccias. Among the offerings to try is the one with mozzarella, fiordilatte, Bronte pistachio cream, mortadella, and Parmesan shavings. It's a place that combines the conviviality of a pub with a more careful approach to pizza toppings.
Charitable pizzerias and ethical projects in Bologna
Porta Pazienza: pizza and solidarity trattoria
In the landscape of Bolognese pizzerias, one establishment stands out that goes beyond simple culinary offerings: Porta Pazienza. This place is not just a pizzeria but also a trattoria with a strong social commitment. The idea is to create employment opportunities for people facing vulnerabilities, offering them a training path in the restaurant industry. The procurement of raw materials follows an ethical philosophy, favouring suppliers who support social cooperatives or manage land confiscated from the mafia. The pizza here is an expression of this philosophy, with a long-leavened dough, designed to be particularly digestible. In addition to enjoying excellent pizzas, such as the Belzebù or the Via Pirandello, you can actively contribute to the project through the 'suspended pizza', a gesture of solidarity towards those in need.
Other recommended pizzerias in Bologna
Pizzeria Smeraldino: digestible Neapolitan pizza
If you're looking for a pizza that's a soft and light embrace, Pizzeria Smeraldino in San Lazzaro di Savena might be the place for you. Here, the pizza is Neapolitan style, with that lovely high crust we all love. They say the dough is particularly digestible, which is always a plus, and the ingredients are always abundant and of good quality. It's one of those safe choices when you fancy a round pizza that won't weigh you down too much.
Donna Sofì: quality Neapolitan inspiration
In the municipality of Casalecchio di Reno, Donna Sofì offers a pizza inspired by Neapolitan tradition, but with a touch of originality that makes it special. It's not the usual gourmet pizza, but a refined version, where the quality of the ingredients is evident, even when venturing into slightly bolder combinations, such as pesto and buffalo mozzarella in the centre. It's a place that shows how tradition can be reinterpreted with taste.
Pizzikotto: customisable dough choice
Pizzikotto, with its branch on Via del Lavoro, offers an interesting experience for those who like to customise their pizza. The real peculiarity here is the ability to choose your preferred dough: do you want a thin and crispy pizza? Or perhaps a thick one, with that soft crust? There's even an intermediate option. In addition to this, the selection of raw materials is carefully curated, ensuring tasty and traditional toppings. It's a different way to enjoy pizza, adapting it to your own tastes.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pizzerias in Bologna
Is Bologna famous for pizza?
Although Bologna is best known for its fresh pasta, many fantastic pizzerias have opened in recent years. Many pizzaioli here use special techniques and top-quality ingredients, making pizza in Bologna an experience not to be missed.
What types of dough can be found in Bologna?
In Bologna, you can find lots of different doughs! There are traditional Neapolitan ones, but also lighter doughs made with sourdough or special techniques like hydrolysis. Some use particular flours, such as wholemeal, kamut, or hemp, to offer unique flavours and lightness.
What does 'gourmet pizza' mean?
Gourmet pizza is pizza made with carefully selected ingredients, often local or special products, with great attention to dough preparation and creativity in toppings. It's like a edible work of art!
Are there any pizzerias that help others in Bologna?
Yes, there are special places like 'Porta Pazienza' that not only make excellent pizza but also support social projects. They use ingredients from ethical suppliers and provide jobs for people who need a helping hand, creating an experience that is good for the heart and the palate.
Where can I eat authentic Neapolitan pizza in Bologna?
If you're looking for true Neapolitan pizza, you can try places like 'Da Zero', 'Margherì', or 'Antica Pizzeria da Michele'. They use typical ingredients and follow tradition, with that high, soft crust everyone loves.
What are the most innovative pizzerias in Bologna?
To try something different, check out 'Storiedipinte', which has an artistic atmosphere and various types of dough, or 'Ranzani 13', a gastropub with gourmet pizzas and craft beers. 'Pummà' is also interesting for its attention to dough and seasonal ingredients.