When most people think about food in Italy they think about pizza and pasta. Even though pizza originated in Italy, not all pizza is created equal. Take my word for it, I’ve had more than a few bad pizza experiences in Italy.
I recently spent some time in Vicenza, a lovely city in the Veneto region that is famous for the many works of Andrea Palladio. Pizza in Naples is known for having thicker, chewier crust, while pizza in Rome typically has a thin, almost cracker-like crust. I was curious how pizza is done in the north, so I set out on a taste test to find the best pizza in Vicenza.
Here are my top 3 picks for the best pizza in Vicenza:
1. Pizzeria da Vittorio
This was my favorite pizzeria that I found in Vicenza. It’s a short walk outside the city center. It’s a small place frequented by locals, and is quite affordable. The owner and the staff are super nice. Da Vittorio serves pizza napoletana (Naples style pizza), and they have an extensive list of pizzas with different toppings for you to chose from. I opted to have artichokes added to mine. It arrived shaped in a heart and cooked to perfection. Buonissima!
Pizzeria da Vittorio doesn’t open until 7:00 PM. I arrived right when they opened the doors and 10 minutes later the place was packed with locals. My pizza, water and half bottle of red wine costs less than €10.
If you want an authentic pizzeria experience at a very affordable price, head to Pizzeria da Vittorio.
2. Pizzeria Tony’s
Pizzeria Tony’s is also located outside the city center in a residential area. Although you could walk, it would be best to drive or bike there. Don’t let the short distance deter you from going though, the pizza will be worth it. Tony’s has plenty of seating inside and several tables set up outside. The owners and staff are really friendly as well.
I ordered the pizza verdure (vegetable pizza) which came topped with zucchini, mushrooms, bell peppers and purple onions. Tony’s also makes their crust thick like you’ll find in Naples. A bottle of water, glass of red wine and a pizza costs just over €10.
3. La Bottega
La Bottega is located in the city center, right off from Piazza dei Signori, the main piazza in Vicenza. It’s a small place that serves pizza al taglio, or pizza by the slice. They always have 5 or 6 types of pizza with different toppings to choose from. You just tell the person behind the counter which pizza you would like then they’ll cut it and warm it in the oven for a few minutes.
Although they do have 2 or 3 bar stools lined along a tiny counter, most get their pizza to go. They serve it in a little paper sleeve to make take-away easy and to help you keep the mess down. This is a great option if you’re looking for a quick bite to eat while exploring the city center. And since La Bottega is conveniently located right off the main piazza, just grab a slice and join the locals who head to the piazza for an afternoon break.
– Pizzeria da Vittorio
Via Borgo Berga, 52
open Wed – Mon 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM
– Pizzeria Tony’s
Via Maffeo Todeschini, 66
open Tues – Sun 4:30 PM – 12:00 AM
– La Bottega
Piazza Biade, 21
closed Mondays