The historic pizzeria Sorbillo has officially opened its doors at Roma Termini station, marking a significant expansion for the renowned Neapolitan brand. The inauguration took place on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, and was made possible through a collaboration between SSP Frabeli and Grandi Stazioni Retail. The new location aims to provide travelers and locals with a taste of authentic Italian pizza, showcasing a menu that features both classic and contemporary options.
Located in Terrazza, the food lounge of Roma Termini, Sorbillo offers a diverse selection of pizzas that pay homage to the culinary traditions of Italy’s various regions. Gino Sorbillo, the founder of the pizzeria, emphasized the importance of quality ingredients, which have become a hallmark of the brand. "We want to create a meeting place that offers authentic and memorable culinary experiences to travelers from around the world," said Gérard d’Onofrio, CEO of SSP France Belgium Luxembourg Italy (Frabeli).
Alongside the classic margherita, the menu includes a range of pizzas designed to represent the flavors of every Italian region, aiming to delight both Italian and foreign visitors alike. This initiative aligns with Grandi Stazioni Retail's commitment to enhancing the gastronomic offerings at train stations. Riccardo Fiori, Head of Leasing at Grandi Stazioni Retail, stated that the collaboration with Sorbillo is part of their broader goal to elevate the quality of food available at transit hubs.
The new pizzeria operates from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, catering to the needs of all travelers, from early commuters to those rushing to catch the last train of the day. Prices at Sorbillo remain competitive, with an average pizza costing around 7 euros. For those looking for a quick bite, the 'pizza a portafoglio' is available for just 4 euros, while specialty pizzas may be priced slightly higher.
During the opening event, Gino Sorbillo took the opportunity to address current economic concerns, particularly in light of tariffs announced by former President Donald Trump on the same day. In a symbolic gesture, he introduced the "no dazi" pizza, reflecting his apprehension about the potential for a trade war. "I fear that the tariffs could lead to an endless conflict," Sorbillo expressed to Ansa, highlighting the challenges that small businesses may face in the wake of such economic policies.
Meanwhile, the day following the pizzeria's grand opening saw significant disruptions in train services at Roma Termini. On Thursday, April 3, 2025, high-speed trains experienced delays of up to 80 minutes due to a technical issue on the line near Gragnano, which began around 1:40 PM. Trenitalia reported that trains were rerouted via Cassino or Formia, causing severe delays for services coming from Calabria, Naples, and Salerno, as well as routes heading to Turin, Trieste, and Milan.
The Frecciarossa 9642 train, which was scheduled to travel from Reggio Calabria Centrale to Torino Porta Nuova, was among those affected, remaining halted for several hours. Although technical teams resolved the issue around 3:00 PM, the delays only increased as the situation unfolded. Passengers at Roma Termini faced long wait times and uncertainty as they navigated the busy station amidst the chaos.
As travelers dealt with the delays, many took the opportunity to visit the newly opened Sorbillo pizzeria, which provided a much-needed respite with its freshly baked pizzas. The combination of the pizzeria's vibrant atmosphere and the ongoing transport issues created a unique scenario at the station, where food became a comforting distraction for weary travelers.
Overall, the opening of Sorbillo at Roma Termini represents a significant step forward for both the brand and the culinary landscape of the station. With its commitment to quality and authentic Italian cuisine, Sorbillo is poised to become a favorite among commuters and tourists alike, even as the challenges of the broader economic climate loom large. The dual narrative of culinary celebration and transport disruption paints a vivid picture of life at one of Italy's busiest transit hubs.
