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In a city known for its tapas and traditional Spanish cuisine, the emergence of Fratelli Figurato in Madrid has brought a refreshing taste of Neapolitan pizza to the heart of Spain. Founded by two Italian brothers, Riccardo and Vittorio Figurato, this pizzeria has taken the local food scene by storm, combining authentic Italian flavors with Madrid’s vibrant culinary landscape.
Since its inception, Fratelli Figurato has become widely regarded as one of the best pizzerias in Madrid, offering a pizza experience that captures the essence of Naples while embracing the creativity and innovation that comes with modern pizza-making. In this article, we’ll delve into how Fratelli Figurato was started, what makes it stand out, how it became popular, the story behind its success, the must-try pizzas on the menu, and the prices you can expect.
How It Started: A Dream of Bringing Naples to Madrid
Fratelli Figurato was born out of a shared passion for food and a desire to introduce the authentic flavors of Neapolitan pizza to Spain. The Figurato brothers, Riccardo and Vittorio, grew up in Naples, the birthplace of pizza. They were immersed in the rich culinary traditions of the city, where pizza is more than just a dish—it’s a way of life.
Riccardo, who studied gastronomy and trained as a chef, and Vittorio, with a background in business and marketing, decided to combine their skills to embark on a new venture. Their mission was simple: to bring the real taste of Naples to Madrid, where pizza often leaned more toward the Roman style, with thinner crusts and a crisper texture. They wanted to introduce the Spanish public to the traditional Neapolitan pizza with its soft, chewy crust, blistered edges, and fresh, high-quality toppings.
In 2017, after months of planning, perfecting recipes, and finding the ideal location, Fratelli Figurato opened its doors in the Chamberí district of Madrid. The brothers were hands-on from the start, with Riccardo working in the kitchen and Vittorio managing the business operations and customer experience.
Why Fratelli Figurato Is the Best: The Secrets to Their Success
Fratelli Figurato quickly gained a reputation for serving some of the best pizzas in Madrid. Several factors contribute to its status as a standout pizzeria:
1. Authentic Neapolitan Pizza Technique
The hallmark of Fratelli Figurato’s success is their commitment to authentic Neapolitan pizza-making techniques. This begins with the dough, which is made using Caputo 00 flour, a finely ground flour that is essential to achieving the light and airy texture of true Neapolitan pizza. The dough undergoes a slow fermentation process for 24-48 hours, which allows the gluten to develop, resulting in a crust that is soft, flavorful, and easy to digest.
The pizzas are then cooked in a wood-fired oven at extremely high temperatures, typically around 450-500°C (840-930°F), for about 60-90 seconds. This quick cooking time gives the pizza its characteristic charred spots on the crust, while keeping the center soft and slightly moist, as is typical of Neapolitan-style pizzas.
2. High-Quality Ingredients
At Fratelli Figurato, every ingredient is carefully selected to ensure the best possible flavor. The tomatoes used for the pizza sauce are San Marzano DOP tomatoes, grown in the volcanic soil near Mount Vesuvius, known for their sweet and tangy flavor. The mozzarella di bufala is sourced from Italy, offering a creamy, rich texture that perfectly complements the dough.
In addition to traditional toppings, the Figurato brothers have also incorporated locally sourced Spanish ingredients to add a unique twist to their pizzas, creating a fusion of Neapolitan and Spanish flavors that has resonated with both locals and visitors.
3. Innovation with Respect for Tradition
While Fratelli Figurato stays true to the fundamentals of Neapolitan pizza, the brothers are not afraid to experiment and innovate. They regularly introduce seasonal pizzas that feature creative toppings and flavor combinations, blending traditional Italian flavors with contemporary culinary trends.
One example is their pizza topped with truffle cream, pecorino cheese, and mushrooms, which brings a luxurious touch to the traditional pizza experience. Another inventive creation is their pizza with figs, goat cheese, and honey, offering a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
This blend of tradition and innovation has earned Fratelli Figurato a loyal following, as they continue to surprise and delight customers with new and exciting pizzas.
How Fratelli Figurato Became Popular: From Local Favorite to International Acclaim
Fratelli Figurato’s rise to popularity can be attributed to a combination of factors, from the quality of their pizza to their ability to connect with customers. Here’s how they became one of Madrid’s most beloved pizzerias:
1. Word of Mouth and Online Reviews
From the beginning, Fratelli Figurato benefitted from word of mouth, as locals who visited the pizzeria couldn’t stop raving about the authenticity and quality of the pizzas. Positive reviews quickly spread on social media platforms like Instagram and TripAdvisor, where customers shared photos of their pizzas, praised the friendly atmosphere, and recommended the restaurant to others.
Within months, Fratelli Figurato gained a strong online presence, and soon after, it became a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists.
2. Recognition from Pizza Critics and Awards
Fratelli Figurato’s success was further solidified when it began receiving accolades from prominent food critics and organizations. The restaurant was named one of the Top 50 Pizzerias in Europe, which brought even more attention to their establishment. This award not only recognized the Figurato brothers’ dedication to quality but also put them on the map as a serious contender in the global pizza scene.
The attention from international pizza experts, combined with their local popularity, helped cement their status as one of the best pizzerias not just in Madrid, but in Europe.
3. Connection with the Italian Community in Madrid
Another factor that contributed to Fratelli Figurato’s popularity is its deep connection with the Italian community in Madrid. Italian expats living in the city were thrilled to find a pizzeria that offered a taste of home, and many became regulars. This helped to establish Fratelli Figurato as a cultural hub, where both Italians and Madrileños could come together to enjoy great food.
The Story Behind Its Success: The Figurato Brothers’ Passion for Pizza
The story of Fratelli Figurato is one of passion, dedication, and a love for pizza that runs deep in the hearts of its founders, Riccardo and Vittorio Figurato. Their journey from Naples to Madrid was driven by a desire to share the culinary traditions of their hometown with the world.
Both brothers bring their own expertise to the table—Riccardo, with his background as a chef, is responsible for crafting the perfect pizzas, while Vittorio, with his marketing and business acumen, has helped build the brand and create a welcoming environment for customers.
Their dedication to quality, authenticity, and customer satisfaction has been at the core of their success. The brothers continue to be personally involved in the day-to-day operations of the pizzeria, ensuring that every pizza meets their high standards.
The Best Pizzas to Try at Fratelli Figurato
Fratelli Figurato offers a wide range of pizzas, from traditional favorites to more innovative creations. Here are some of the must-try pizzas on their menu:
1. Margherita
A classic and a true representation of Neapolitan pizza, the Margherita at Fratelli Figurato is made with San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella di bufala, fresh basil, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. The simplicity of this pizza allows the quality of the ingredients to shine through, making it a favorite among purists.
2. Diavola
For those who like a little spice, the Diavola is a popular choice. This pizza features spicy salami, mozzarella, and tomato sauce, offering a perfect balance of heat and flavor. The salami is imported from Italy and has a deep, smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the fresh mozzarella.
3. Tartufata
One of Fratelli Figurato’s more indulgent offerings, the Tartufata is topped with truffle cream, mushrooms, and pecorino cheese. The earthy flavors of the truffle and mushrooms combined with the rich, sharp pecorino make this pizza a luxurious treat.
4. Pizza Blanca with Ricotta and Lemon
This pizza is a testament to the Figurato brothers’ creativity. It features a base of ricotta cheese and is topped with lemon zest, arugula, and Parmesan shavings. The freshness of the lemon and arugula contrasts beautifully with the creamy ricotta, making this a light and refreshing option.
5. Fig and Goat Cheese Pizza
A seasonal favorite, this pizza combines figs, goat cheese, and honey for a unique and delicious combination of sweet and savory flavors. It’s a perfect example of how Fratelli Figurato blends traditional pizza-making techniques with contemporary ingredients.
Prices at Fratelli Figurato
One of the reasons Fratelli Figurato
has become so popular is that it offers high-quality pizzas at reasonable prices. Here’s a breakdown of the price range for pizzas at the pizzeria:
- Margherita: €9-11
- Diavola: €12-14
- Tartufata: €13-15
- Pizza Blanca with Ricotta and Lemon: €10-12
- Fig and Goat Cheese Pizza: €14-16
In addition to pizzas, Fratelli Figurato offers a selection of appetizers, salads, and desserts, with prices ranging from €5-10 for starters and €4-8 for desserts. Beverages, including Italian wines and craft beers, are also available, with prices starting at €3 for a glass of wine.
Visiting Fratelli Figurato: An Authentic Slice of Naples in Madrid
Fratelli Figurato is located in the lively Chamberí district of Madrid, making it easily accessible to both locals and tourists. The pizzeria’s warm and inviting atmosphere reflects the Figurato brothers’ commitment to hospitality, and the friendly staff ensures that every guest feels like part of the family.
Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends, as the pizzeria tends to fill up quickly due to its popularity. Whether you’re a local looking for a new favorite pizza spot or a traveler seeking an authentic taste of Naples in Madrid, Fratelli Figurato is a must-visit destination.
In conclusion, Fratelli Figurato is more than just a pizzeria—it’s a celebration of the art of Neapolitan pizza, brought to life by two brothers with a passion for food and a commitment to quality. From the first bite to the last, a meal at Fratelli Figurato is an experience that will leave you craving more, and it’s no wonder that it has become one of the most beloved pizzerias in Madrid.
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