The quest for the best pizza in the Eternal City

Isn’t pizza one of the main reasons you come to Rome for? Admit it, we all tend to think of pizza as the second most important wheel in the history of mankind, but when you arrive to the motherland of this amazing culinary invention, it’s easy to get lost amidst the mind-boggling selection of pizzerias. But fear not – below is a list of our picks to make your search easier.

The best pizza in Rome – the Holy Grail of foodies?

First, let us make one thing clear – there’s no such thing as the ‘best’ pizza in Rome, as the term ‘the best’ is highly subjective and depends on an individual’s taste. Second, you should be aware that Roman pizza is much different from Neapolitan pizza. The former is usually very thin, with little rim around the edge; the latter is generally ‘doughier’, thicker and comes with a puffy crust around its edge (and in 2009, upon Italy’s request, it became registered as a Traditional Specialty Guaranteed dish by the EU). There are, of course, some ‘combinations’ of the two, as well.

One more thing before we get to the main course, so to speak. Basically, there are three types of ‘pizza’ that you can come across in Rome:

• Pizza. If you say simply ‘pizza’, you usually mean the typical kind of pizza we’re used to all over the world. These are baked and served by pizzerias, which are usually open at night or in the evening
• Pizza bianca. This is what you can get in bakeries that you’ll find across the city, and it is considered a real ‘street food’ that you can eat right away once you get it; it usually comes in the form of white pizza dough
• Pizza a taglio. Another variation of the aforesaid ‘street food type’ pizza. It is sold by small specialized store fronts, but also in bakeries (though not all) and comes in portions and with a variety of toppings, on sheets.

Now, once you know the ropes, let’s get to a list of five spots that are bound to please your palate.

Ai Marmi (Viale di Trastevere, 53/57)

This place is also known as ‘Panatonni’ or ‘L’Obitorio’ (translated as ‘the morgue’ (!) – because of its marble counters), though if you ask about Ai Marmi, every local should know the name. Expect some crazy crowds and not much sitting space, but, boy, is it worth it! The crispy dough and the whole range of fresh additions will keep your mouth watering!

Da Remo (Piazza di Santa Maria Liberatrice, 44)

This is another spot to go for a true Roman-style pizza. Thin crust, delicious flavors, charming atmosphere, and all that in a truly remarkable setting. First, try the solid basic – the classic Margherita, and if you’re in for something lighter, get your fingers on their amazing fritti (fried treats)!

Pizzeria Leoncino (Via del Leoncino 28)

Not only is this place close to the legendary Spanish Steps, but it’s also open for lunch – a real rarity! The pizzeria alone is quite old-fashioned, but this only adds to its overall appeal and makes their pizza taste even more authentic.

Gatta Mangiona (Via Ozanam 30-32)

Many regard this place as the best pizzeria in Rome. This is probably because of the owners’ inventive approach to tradition, which is manifested in the rich variety of toppings that you can choose for your Roman-Neapolitan breed of pizza. Highly recommended for dinner!

Sforno (Via Statilio Ottato 110-116)

If you happen to be wandering near Parco degli Acquedotti, you are forbidden to miss the opportunity to pay a visit to this fantastic place. This might well be the king and queen of pizzerias in the city. Here, you can expect a rather Neapolitan-styled pizza, with rich topping and thick rim, but it’s not stuffy at all – it’s simply delicious. Find it and try it yourself.