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Although it is one of the most iconic dishes of Italian gastronomy, pizza has earned on its own merits the right to be considered a global gastronomic emblem -corroborated by UNESCO in 2017 when it declared pizza an Intangible Heritage of Humanity. In addition, every February 9 its day is celebrated, so it is almost mandatory to indulge in a culinary feast in its honor. Coinciding that this year falls on a weekend, we have compiled some of the pizza hotspots in Madrid and Barcelona for you to make a good route. Buon appetito!
Grosso Napoletano
A must-visit is Grosso Napoletano, named a few months ago as the Best Artisan Pizza Chain of 2023 in the 50 Top Pizza guide. The philosophy of this Madrid-based company, which already has more than 40 locations in our country, is based on four pillars: the refractory stone wood-fired ovens brought directly from Naples, its characteristic dough, Italian ingredients and, of course, the figure of the pizzaioli. Among its options, the Ofelia Tartufona, the Diavola, the Pomo D’Oro or La Vera Carbonara stand out. It also has its Senza Glutine di Grosso Napoletano, the first 100% gluten-free Neapolitan pizzeria in Spain. It currently has 16 locations in Madrid, 4 in Barcelona, 3 in Valencia and more in cities such as Seville, San Sebastian, A Coruña or Valladolid, among others.
Parking Pizza
Another pizzeria that is available both in Barcelona and in the capital. After years of success in Barcelona, one of the most desired pizzas has just landed in Madrid. It has already become another mandatory stop for pizza lovers who, in addition, already plans to open another location in the same city, as well as its expansion in Zaragoza. You can choose from basic options such as Marinara, with tomato, oregano and sliced garlic, to more elaborate ones such as Cheddar, Kale, asparagus, leeks, tarragon and Parmesan.
Can Pizza
Also included in the Top 50 of the best artisan pizza chains, specifically in position number 24. This already mythical Catalan pizzeria whose motto is ‘Respect The Pizza’, also has locations in Madrid and Ibiza. Its strong point? A Neapolitan tradition elaborations, which stand out for their dough fermented for 72 hours, being one of the most popular pizzas.
NAP
Another pizza queen is NAP Neapolitan Authentic Pizza. The Barcelona-born brand is certified by the True Neapolitan Pizza Association and already has 13 locations across the country, plus another in Frankfurt. Of course, it also ranks 23rd among the best artisan pizza chains.
Big Mamma (Madrid)
And to finish with the pizzerias that are in the ranking of the best in the world, the Big Mamma group, which won second place on its own merits. In Madrid they have two authentic temples of Italian food, such as Bel Mondo and Villa Capri, which will be joined very soon -on March 1- by Circolo Popolare in the heart of Torre Picasso.
Fratelli Figurato (Madrid)
This pizzeria in Madrid is another of those that always occupies the first places among the best pizzas. And no wonder because the brothers Riccardo and Vittorio Figurato know very well what they do. It is one of the best places in Madrid to enjoy authentic pizza and the Neapolitan atmosphere. In addition, they have another place in the form of Trattoria, to taste other types of Italian dishes.
MO de Movimiento (Madrid)
Since they opened in 2020, in the middle of the pandemic, MO de Movimiento has become a reference point for pizzas and gastronomy in general. In addition to the quality of its products, the space helps to create a most gratifying experience, which even Apple CEO Tim Cook has praised. In its menu you will find delicacies such as pizza with Cacio e Pepe base, sautéed boletus and maitake flavored with perris sauce and rosemary, plus slices of sheep’s milk cheese. Doesn’t it make your mouth water?
Garden Pizza (Barcelona)
This pizzeria, which started in San Cugat in an old greenhouse, and now has 5 locations throughout Catalonia, has established itself as a benchmark, thanks to its own artisan dough with 72 hours of fermentation, low refining and flour without additives. In addition, it was ranked 46th in the last ranking of the best artisan pizza chains. Its menu offers a wide garden -as they call it- of pizzas, also with plant-based options.
Sartoria Panatieri (Barcelona)
Rafa Panatieri and Jorge Sastre’s pizzeria is another of the most acclaimed pizza restaurants in our country. In May 2023 it was proclaimed the best pizzeria in Europe (outside Italy) and in September it came third in the ranking of the best pizzerias in the world. Their motto ‘From the farm to the pizza’ has made them a benchmark for quality raw material. In their menu you will find delicious options but, if you feel like innovating, right now they have a calçots pizza in their Gràcia restaurant.
La Balmesina (Barcelona)
Another of Barcelona’s gourmet pizzas par excellence is prepared at La Balmesina (which was named the best Neapolitan pizza in Spain in 2021). Here their pizzas are sourdough, made with organic flour and long fermentation. They offer a lunchtime menu for 13.90 € and you can taste such tasty options as Butifarra, Artichoke and Guanciale, or Manel, which has anchovies from the Bay of Biscay.