Despite what New Yorkers claim, the very best pizzas can be found in Naples, Italy. But, our very own Brussels has a strong Italian community that can also provide an authentic Italian pizza experience.
This is largely thanks to the ease with which Belgium can acquire original ingredients from Italy: mozzarella, prosciutto, funghi porcini or 'Nduja. Hungry? Find our favourites below.
Award-winning pizzerias
Whether they are the best in Belgium or in Europe, these pizzerias are all worth writing home about – if you don't believe us, listen to the critics!
La Piola Pizza, Saint-Josse and Wolf food hall
Brussels pizzeria 'La Piola Pizza' in Saint-Josse-ten-Noode has ranked eighth place in the list of the '50 Best Pizzerias in Europe' two years consecutively, thanks to its "warm and welcoming" atmosphere, wood-fired oven at the back, and its fresh products straight from Italy.
Its pizza crust is made in the Neapolitan style, with respect to the tradition which is recognised as part of the intangible UNESCO heritage. The restaurant is also praised for its offer of Italian wines (it received an award for Best Wine List) and its extensive list of Belgian beers.
Credit: La Piola
Our recommendations: the famous Siciliana o' Cornicione (how can you say no to a ricotta cheese stuffed crust?) and the Funghi, salsiccia e Gorgonzola (with a mix of mushrooms from Brussels).
Find more information on the Saint-Josse venue here or Wolf venue here.
La Pizza è Bella, Sablon and Etterbeek
This restaurant's history starts in the Sablon, where it is located at the foot of the bustling square next to the Notre-Dame du Sablon Church.
Aside from the tasty pizzas, its ambience is another prime reason to eat here (try and get a table near the dome-shaped, golden pizza oven – you may even catch the pizzaiolos singing away in Italian).
Credit: La Pizza è Bella
Its second venue La Pizza è Bella Gourmet – which has also repeatedly been included in the listing of best pizzerias in Europe and in the world – opened in the Brussels municipality of Etterbeek following the success of the first restaurant.
Here, traditional Neapolitan pizzas (including fried ones) are served up, but customers are also given the chance to enjoy the new pizza trends. The menu also includes dairy-free options.
Our recommendations: the Montanara Fritta (Sablon) and La Nonna Anna (Etterbeek).
Find more information for the Sablon branch here and the Gourmet Etterbeek branch here.
Bottega della Pizza, Sablon and Saint Gilles
Another winner of many awards, Bottega della Pizza is a favourite among many Brussels locals and is a go-to for every season.
Its scenic set-up on the cobbled stones of Rue Rollenbeek in Sablon is perfect for a summer dinner under the twinkling lights strung across the street. Meanwhile, its cosy, traditional restaurant in Saint-Gilles is ideal for the colder days.
Credit: Bottega della Pizza
This pizzeria is known for its 'slow pizza' concept, making it ideal for people who want to take their time on a night out.
Our recommendations: the Impératrice (with wood-smoked mozzarella) and Diavolina. Ask the restaurant's friendly staff for wine recommendations, too.
Find more information here.
Gluten-free and vegan
The days when all pizzas were solely gluten-based and loaded with creamy cheese are over. Here's where to get the best alternative pizzas in Brussels.
CŎCĪNA Pizza, Ixelles
Many pizzerias now offer gluten-free options, despite still preparing pizzas in the same ovens as ones with regular dough. CŎCĪNA, however, is widely considered one of the most Coeliac-friendly places in Brussels, as all its pizzas are made without gluten.
Credit: CŎCĪNA
Importantly, all pizzas are also prepared in a separate place, ensuring there is no cross-contamination. The restaurant, a stone's throw from the bustling Place Flagey, also has a range of gluten-free beers.
Our recommendations: Pizza alla Carmelino (salted and smoked ricotta) and Tartufo Nero Fresco (with fresh, black truffle).
Find more information here.
Chicago Trattoria, City centre
Just down the street from Chicago Café, famed for its delicious cakes and weekend brunches, Chicago Trattoria has rapidly made a name for itself on the Brussels food scene since it opened at the end of 2019.
For its 'regular' pizzas – made with Molino Magri flour in an authentic Valoriani pizza oven – it uses all the best Italian ingredients, from Pecorino to Mozzarella Fior di Latte d'Agerola and Mozzarella di Bufala.
Credit: Chicago Trattoria
However, its vegan pizzas, adorned with vegan mozzarella that is made with cashews in Brussels, are the real show-stoppers. They are so flavoursome and light, some would even dare to argue they are better than normal pizzas.
Our recommendations: the Vegan Bianca, with its rich combination of vegan pesto and mushrooms, or the Vegan Rossa (add vegan salami for a meat-free take on a Pizza Pepperoni).
Find more information here.
New arrivals
Volta Supper Club, Ixelles
Last, but definitely not least, is Volta Supper Club which is relatively new to the pizza scene in Brussels. The funky pizzeria – which even has a disco ball pizza oven – stands out from others in the city as it specifically suggests cocktail pairings for every pizza on its menu.
Credit: The Brussels Times
From the cheery staff to the original names given to the pizzas and the unbeatable mozzarella bar, this restaurant is a real hidden gem.
Our recommendations: Run Forest (mainly for the name, but also for the divine flavours) and Maverick (for that smoked provola and 'Nduja combo).
Find more information here.
