I’ve written about Italian food in Amsterdam before, but I deliberately decided to create a separate post about pizza. I’m publishing this with some trepidation, since no debate is ever more heated than that surrounding the beloved pizza. Opinions abound among Italians and non-Italians alike, and at the end of the day that’s all this is: an opinion. I’ve travelled to many corners of Italy, including the birthplace of pizza – Naples – but I’m definitely no expert on pizza in Amsterdam or anywhere else for that matter. So take this with a grain of sale marino and a sense of humour. Let’s face it, dough with toppings is a pretty delicious thing – no matter where you eat it!
That said, if there’s one thing I know about pizza is this: proximity is key. If you’re craving pizza, it’s likely because you’re hungover, hangry or in the mood for takeaway. You don’t want to have to travel far for your pizza fix, and if your pizza is being picked up or delivered, you want to avoid a soggy bottom at all costs. That’s why I’ve structured this article around my favourite pizzerias in each neighbourhood. Because, as we say in Dutch: Oost west, thuis best.
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Where to eat pizza in central Amsterdam: La Perla
When it comes to thin-and-crispy Roman-style pizza, you can’t beat La Perla – which has been serving up some of the best in town since way back in 2009 (possibly earlier, but that was the first time I visited). They import most of their produce from Italy, and their buffalo mozzarella, ‘nduja and cinta senese fennel salami are to die for – hence why I’m a big fan of their “Calabrese di Spilinga” and “Finocchiona” pizzas. La Perla has a pizzeria on one side of the road (where they do mostly takeaway) and a restaurant on the other side (where you can order pizza plus various other dishes). Be sure to arrive early or reserve a table.
Where to eat pizza in Amsterdam West: nNea
Winning huge critical acclaim, nNea’s dough takes over 50 hours to produce, and the result is like a warm pillow… fantastic, if you’re in it for the dough. (If you’re the kind of person who leaves pizza bones on their plate, nNea is going to look like a waste of calories.) I ordered the amatriciana pizza because it included the magic word guanciale – possibly my favourite pork-based ingredient in the world. Think bacon but ten times sexier. The amatriciana also involved pecorino, basil, chilli oil and a decent layer of tomato sauce but without mozzarella. The result was the perfect balance of umami, spiciness and doughiness. I only had one glass of wine (a smooth red from Ischia) but the drinks and service were up to the same quality as the Neapolitan-style pizza.
Where to eat pizza in Amsterdam Oost: Pazzi
I only discovered Pazzi since moving to Oost, having walked past their location on Steve Bikoplein several times while walking my dog around the neighbourhood. They have an east-facing terrace, which has been particularly handy during the recent heatwaves hitting Amsterdam as it’s almost entirely in the shade. There’s a brick oven inside (which means it’s also very cosy in winter) turning out classics like the capricciosa (with prosciutto, artichokes and mushrooms), the tartufo (with truffle sauce, fontina cheese and ham) and the salsiccia (with fennel sausage, rocket and parmesan). I’ve also never been disappointed by their daily changing pizza van de dag, mixed antipasti or sgroppino. At the time of latest update, Pazzi has several locations across Amsterdam, so they’re a good bet even if you’re not in Oost itself.
Where to eat pizza in Amsterdam Zuid: Pizza Beppe
Pizza Beppe’s claim to fame is that it’s been accredited by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, which is no mean feat. We tried their branch in Oud-Zuid on the Roelof Hartstraat, but they now have locations all over Amsterdam and further afield as well. Their pizza oven makes for atmosphere and warmth, and the Italian service is just as warm and friendly. Here, we tried the margherita salsiccia, which was made with San Marzano tomatoes, cow’s milk mozzarella from Agerola, basil and fennel sausage. The dough was good, although slightly less puffy than nNea’s. Beppe’s “menu tip” was the tartufo, so we ate our way through a Coppa di Parma pizza topped with rocket and truffle sauce as well. A good, reliable, Neapolitan chain.
Where to eat pizza in Amsterdam Noord: Euro Pizza
Euro Pizza is proof that Noord’s old industrial edges keep turning into some of the city’s most interesting places to eat. It’s a small, hipster spot with a short, creative pizza menu and a well-chosen list of natural wines. Don’t come expecting a classic margherita – well, you can get the “margheritho,” but even that comes with miso tomato and fior di latte. Beyond that, it gets properly inventive, with pizzas like cacio e pepe or szechuan cumin lamb that sums up the kitchen’s whole approach: familiar pizza format, unexpected combinations. There’s also a small-plates and snacks menu if you want to make a fuller meal of it. Worth the trip up north if you’re after something a little different from your usual pizza night.
Planning your trip to Amsterdam
Before you can start munching pizza, you’re going to need to get here! Below are a few trip essentials, but my Amsterdam travel planning guide covers everything from transport to the best time to visit.
