In the battle between Naples and Rome on pizza plates, every dish is backed by stories, legends, but above all, centuries-old traditions. Some swear by the smoky edge of Neapolitan pizza’s crust, the deep crimson hues of its tomato sauce, and the airy dough that crackles lightly when bitten and rightly so: Neapolitan pizza is an undeniable Italian icon, respected and loved in every corner of the world.
Those who have already immersed themselves in the delicacies of Roman pizza know that there is a quietly conquering next level of pizza artistry, an even more refined version than the Neapolitan style: this is pizza Romana, or Roman pizza.
What makes Roman pizza more perfect than Neapolitan pizza?
At first glance, Roman pizza appears more restrained, more modest—but that’s only an impression, one that lasts right up until the first bite. Here, it’s not about charred, blackened edges—the crust of Roman pizza is never burnt or overly thick; instead, it is crisply elegant. What truly makes it special is the perfectly baked dough: thin yet substantial, balancing airy lightness with a distinctive crunch in every bite.
The center of the pizza is never undercooked or soggy the baking technique of Roman pizza ensures that both the dough and the toppings are perfectly cooked, creating a unified, harmonious experience. Forget overloaded, heavy crusts! With every bite, you taste the finest dough, and of course, at Trattoria Toscana, we work with first-class ingredients to deliver the perfect experience.
And best of all: Roman pizza can be enjoyed just as easily as a starter or even as a main course. It doesn’t overpower the meal—it fits perfectly into a long, conversation-filled dinner, just the way Italians love it.
Trattoria Toscana – the stronghold of Roman pizza in Budapest.
Of course, what are words worth without the experience behind them? Trattoria Toscana is the number one home of perfect Roman pizzas in Budapest. In our kitchen, every single dough is left to rise for long hours, carefully prepared in a traditional way, and baked at high temperatures to achieve a pizza that is both crispy and light—inside and out.
We source our ingredients directly from Italy, placing special emphasis on premium-quality tomatoes, olives, cheeses, and Italian cured meats that truly bring every slice of pizza to life. We believe that behind an authentic Roman pizza lies not just a recipe, but a mindset, expertise, and a deep respect for tradition. Of course, even the finest ingredients would mean little without the passion of our chefs—for them, perfection is the only standard.
The best Neapolitan pizza places in Budapest
You can enjoy the best Roman pizza with us, but we must also acknowledge the pleasures of Neapolitan pizza. Here are a few popular—and lesser-known—spots in the capital that are definitely worth a visit if you’re craving an excellent Neapolitan pizza!
Amore de Napoli
At Amore di Napoli in District IX, authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas are crafted by a pizzaiolo with decades of experience. Their thin, airy dough is well known across the capital. Owner Ákos Tar trained with Italian masters and has worked alongside world champion pizzaiolos—already a guarantee of quality. He places strong emphasis on premium ingredients, carefully proofed dough, and, of course, pours his heart and soul into every pizza.
You can find them here: 28 Karinthy Frigyes Road, 1111 Budapest, Hungary.
Belli
Opened in 2019 on Akácfa Street, Belli di Mamma quickly rose to popularity, and in 2021 it was ranked among the best pizzerias in Europe at the prestigious 50 Top Pizza Europe Award. Their light and flavorful pizzas are made with high-quality Italian ingredients, and their doughs—after long fermentation—are baked in a stone oven to achieve that truly Neapolitan character. Alongside classics like the Margherita, they also offer seasonal specialties.
You can find them here: 45 Akácfa Street, 1072 Budapest, Hungary.
Donna Mamma Pizza Napoletana
This is the only place on the Pest side awarded by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (the Association for True Neapolitan Pizza). The venue was opened by gastroblogger János Jancsa—the creator of the already legendary Bamba Marha Burger—together with co-owners Bálint Kazár and Gergely Szabó, and they specialize in authentic, certified Neapolitan pizza. After mastering every detail of Neapolitan pizza-making at the AVPN’s official course, they guarantee a truly Neapolitan experience for their guests. Premium ingredients sourced from Italy—such as San Marzano tomato and buffalo mozzarella—deliver an outstanding gastronomic experience. The pizzas are baked at extremely high temperatures in a wood-fired oven in just moments, resulting in an airy crust with the signature “leopard-spotted” finish.
You can find them here: 1–3 Rákóczi Road, 1088 Budapest, Hungary..
IGEN
Characterized by quality ingredients and an authentic flavor profile, IGEN Pizza—which debuted in 2015 (originally on Madách Square)—has grown into one of the capital’s favorite Southern Italian pizzerias. Their light and flavorful pizzas feature a thin, slightly soupy center, topped with a choice of eighteen different variations. IGEN was also the first in Budapest to receive certification from the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, guaranteeing that their Neapolitan pizzas are made using the most traditional methods and ingredients possible. IGEN is the 791st pizzeria in the world to receive this distinction.
You can find them here: 60 Margit Boulevard, 1027 Budapest, Hungary..
Periferico
The storybook-worthy collaboration of a mathematics teacher and a political scientist gave rise to Periferico in Csepel—perhaps the best suburban Neapolitan pizzeria in the city. András Ferenc Dukán and András Pencz transformed an old lottery shop with their own hands into what has since become a cult-favorite and widely loved pizzeria. In their cozy, intimate restaurant, they prepare their outstanding pizzas with exceptional dedication—not only for the local Csepel crowd. It’s well worth the trip, even if—just as their name suggests—they operate on the outskirts of the city.
You can find them here: 50 József Attila Street, 1212 Budapest, Hungary.
Book a table with us and taste the Roman way!
The richness of Italy’s flavors, the joy of gathering around the table, good wine, and friendly conversations, you’ll find it all at the table of Trattoria Toscana.
Book a table with us, taste the pizza that the other half of Italy is talking about, and let a little bit of Rome be yours—if only for an evening!
