The culinary scene of Spain is experiencing impressive transformations, primarily inspired by the recent recognition of superb pizzerias steeped in Italian tradition. This year, the II Campeonato de España de Pizzas has brought to light standout establishments, particularly La Pizzateca and Baldoria, which have caught the attention of food lovers and critics alike.
Located at Calle León 35, in the barrio of Cortes, La Pizzateca continues to gain traction among Madrid’s Italian food aficionados. Rated highly with an average score of 8.63 based on customer reviews, it offers not just delectable food, but also memorable dining experiences. What sets La Pizzateca apart is its extensive menu laden with fresh, high-quality ingredients, particularly its pizzas which have earned rave reviews. A diner on Tripadvisor remarked, "The pizzas have unparalleled flavor, fresh and delicious." With reasonably priced meals averaging between 20-30 euros per person, it presents itself as a competitive option among nearby restaurants.
To cater to its increasing popularity, La Pizzateca encourages patrons to make reservations, especially during weekends when foot traffic spikes. Customers not only rave about the food but also commend the attentive service, boasting impressively high ratings of 9.2 on Google and 9 on Tripadvisor. Visitors have noted the restaurant's inviting atmosphere, making it suitable for family outings, with one reviewer appreciating how “the sound of laughter blends with good background music.”
Among the favorites on La Pizzateca's menu are signature pizzas like the truffle pizza and the vegetarian La Ruculona, as well as their lasagna—often highlighted as a perfect dish for sharing. Some patrons expressed the desire for pizzas to be served pre-sliced, but overwhelmingly, reviews remain positive with many asserting, "It’s a place you must return to." Social media engagement adds another layer of interaction, allowing diners to explore dishes shared by others, creating community around their culinary offerings. A customer positively observed, "The owners seem genuinely interested in customer feedback," highlighting the restaurant's commitment to constant improvement.
On the other hand, Baldoria has made waves this year by obtaining the title of the best pizza in Spain for its ‘Bufala Fest’ during the prestigious pizza championship. Operated by Neapolitan Ciro Cristiano, this restaurant has solidified its identity as a definitive source of authentic Neapolitan pizza. Crafted with care, the ‘Bufala Fest’ highlights the essence of Baldoria; each ingredient is carefully selected to create harmony on the palate. This distinctive pizza features San Marzano tomatoes, DOP buffalo mozzarella, confit tomatoes, basil pesto, crunchy Parmigiano Reggiano, and hints of Amalfi lemon zest.
Cristiano expressed his pride stating, "This recipe embodies our essence: authentic, fresh, and full of character. This award recognizes teamwork and passion put forth with every pizza." The annual competition, organized by La Mejor Pizza, showcases the finest pizzaiolos across Spain, making Baldoria’s achievement even more significant as it positions them as trendsetters within the Madrid dining scene. The traditional techniques embodied within Baldoria’s offerings celebrate not just the flavors of pizza but also the artistry behind it. The restaurant utilizes Italian flour and biga as its starter, yielding dough with about 50% hydration and allowing for 48 hours of resting time. This method results in airy and light bases, cooked at high temperatures using their Acunto oven imported from Naples.
The oven is pivotal as it reaches temperatures of up to 420 degrees to cook each pizza to perfection in approximately 80 seconds—a process ensuring each bite is crisp on the outside yet soft within. Cristiano elaborated, “What differentiates good pizza from extraordinary pizza is attention to detail. From flour selection to fermentation times, every step counts—plus, the oven is our greatest ally.” The title gained for the ‘Bufala Fest’ crowns what has been an outstanding year for the restaurant, which also achieved the 26th position on the global ‘50 Top Pizza World’ list, recognizing them as the second-best pizzeria in Spain and the best within Madrid.
Baldoria’s repertoire stretches beyond pizza. It offers artisanal pasta, antipasti, and classic Italian desserts, all curated from fresh, high-quality ingredients—many imported directly from Italy. The ambience at Baldoria resonates with vibrancy, where live music mingles with friendly service akin to the cozy environment of Naples, inviting diners to immerse themselves fully.
At the heart of Baldoria’s success lies Cristiano’s passion—a Napoletano immersed in his city’s culinary traditions. His commitment not only to authentic recipes but also to the stories and people behind each dish creates connections with the clientele. He notes, “Italian cooking is more than just recipes, it embodies stories, culture, and, most of all, people. At Baldoria, every dish tells a story and each customer is part of it.” The recognition of Neapolitan pizza as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO enhances the relevance of Baldoria’s victory. It bridges the divide between rich traditions and the dynamic Spanish culinary scene—an orchestra of flavors, history, and cultural identity.
Moving forward, Baldoria seems poised for growth and exploration, aiming not only for quality preservation but for innovation. Cristiano confirms, “We want to keep on innovatively surprising our customers, incorporating new ingredients, collaborating with international chefs, and advancing our gastronomical proposal without losing our essence.”
La Pizzateca and Baldoria exemplify the burgeoning appreciation for Italian pizza culture thriving across Spain. Their stories highlight how traditional methods and contemporary flare create culinary masterpieces to experience and enjoy, making the Spanish pizza scene richer than ever.
