PizzaLab is the new address in Amsterdam for the most delicious pizza

To me, a good pizza is synonymous with a Neapolitan pizza. Of course, I’m also happy to devour other kinds of pizza, such as a greasy USA-style pizza, or, when I’m feeling very lazy, a Dr. Oetker frozen pizza (yes, I genuinely like it, with extra fresh toppings, naturally). But when it comes to the best pizza in the world, Neapolitan pizza stands head and shoulders above the rest, in my opinion. And as it happens, that is exactly the kind of pizza they make at the new PizzaLab in Amsterdam.

The Neapolitan way of making pizza is a true art form and has been recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage. This has everything to do with preparing the dough. In short: a ball of dough is carefully pushed out from the center by the pizzaiolo – the official term for a pizza maker – until it becomes a beautiful round shape with a raised edge. With a Neapolitan pizza, you taste the essence of the pizza and the beautiful structure of the dough in the crust. The pizza is thin in the center and extra thick at the edges, and naturally, Neapolitan pizza is topped with fresh ingredients and baked in a wood-fired oven.

PizzaLab on the Zuidas

This traditional Neapolitan preparation method, awarded UNESCO’s ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity’ status in 2017, requires considerable knowledge, craftsmanship and dedication. PizzaLab, located on the Zuidas in Amsterdam-Zuid, is happy to preserve this heritage.

Zucchini cream and Fior di latte

The menu is delightfully modest (great—no decision stress), with 10 pizzas. Four classic pizzas with a contemporary twist and six seasonal pizzas. Prices start at ten euros. Take the Call Me Rita (yep, the famous Neapolitan Margherita pizza), made here with organic San Marzano tomatoes, Fior di latte (mozzarella made from cow’s milk is called ‘Fior di latte’ in Naples) and basil. You pay the same price for the Marinara. This one is topped with more organic San Marzano tomatoes, roasted cherry tomatoes, anchovies (from Cetara), fresh oregano and garlic oil.

As traditional as the perfect thin base and thick, airy crust are, the toppings are just as innovative. While putting the menu together, the PizzaLab team travelled throughout southern Italy for inspiration. They work closely with local farmers to guarantee the authenticity and unparalleled flavor of every product. How about the Fig & Morty (€18), an unexpected combination of candied fig, Fior di latte, Mortadella cream, Stracciatella and a basil and lemon mousse.

Also fantastic: the pizza called Let’s Play In The Garden (€15,50), with zucchini cream, Fior di latte, yellow Vesuvius tomatoes, grilled eggplant, roasted red pepper and basil. Wonderfully fresh, light, pure, elegant and full of flavor. And that crust… truly the best crust I’ve eaten in ages. The homemade dough melts in your mouth—easy-going meltiness, as they call it themselves.

Happy pig

Also very special: the Happy Pig pizza (€18), again with yellow Vesuvius tomatoes, cime di rapa (broccoletti) cream, Fior di latte, Burrata and Salsiccia (handmade pork sausage)… all wonderfully pure Italian products.

Parma ham cream

Be sure to order some antipasti too, such as a board with Italian cheese and Italian charcuterie. The dollops of Parma ham cream and Mortadella cream are truly to die for! Prefer not to have meat or animal products on your plate or pizza? The menu features several delicious vegan and vegetarian options, as well as gluten-free choices.

With a knife and fork

And you might not expect it, but you eat Neapolitan pizza with a knife and fork. Unless, like the Neapolitans, you eat it on the street. In Naples, people eat pizza while walking or sitting on a bench in the sun. Traditionally, the pizza is folded into quarters and wrapped in paper. It’s called Pizza al portafoglio —pizza in a wallet. Here, cutting it is allowed. Add some Sangiovese, the ultimate Italian pizza wine, and you’ll be blissfully happy… In short, Amsterdam-Zuid has gained a wonderful new address for pizza lovers!

Open every day!

PizzaLab—did I mention how lovely the service is?—is open every day from 12:00 to 18:00 (but naturally longer soon, depending on the applicable coronavirus measures) and from 12:00 to 22:00 for takeaway and delivery via Uber Eats or Thuisbezorgd. You can reserve a table or place a takeaway order via the PizzaLab website.

George Gershwinlaan 534, Amsterdam

Please note: PizzaLab is now closed.

Read also:

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• Benvenuto Birra Moretti! Italy’s favorite beer is now available in supermarkets here too
• Recipe: how to make real spaghetti carbonara like they do in Italy