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Paris is renowned for its culinary excellence, often associated with fine dining, croissants, and baguettes. However, nestled in this gastronomic city is a pizzeria that has garnered international acclaim and captured the hearts of Parisians and tourists alike—Peppe Pizzeria. Located in the heart of Paris, this restaurant offers an authentic taste of Naples, serving some of the best Neapolitan pizza you can find outside of Italy.
In this detailed article, we’ll explore the origins of Peppe Pizzeria, why it has earned a reputation as one of the best, the story behind its rise to fame, and what makes its pizzas so irresistible. We’ll also dive into the best pizzas to try, provide insight into the pricing, and give you all the information you need to visit this pizzeria after reading.
How It All Started: The Vision of Peppe Cutraro
Peppe Pizzeria is the brainchild of Giuseppe (Peppe) Cutraro, an Italian pizzaiolo who hails from the birthplace of pizza, Naples. Peppe Cutraro’s journey to becoming one of the most respected pizza chefs in the world began at a young age when he fell in love with the art of pizza-making in Naples. After honing his craft in Italy, Peppe traveled to Paris to share his passion for authentic Neapolitan pizza with the world.
Before founding his own pizzeria, Peppe worked in some of the most prestigious restaurants in Paris and Europe, gaining a reputation for his expertise in pizza-making. In 2020, he took the leap and opened Peppe Pizzeria in the 20th arrondissement of Paris, determined to create a place where Parisians and visitors could experience true Neapolitan pizza, made with the same care and quality that one would find in Naples itself.
Peppe’s vision for his pizzeria was simple yet ambitious: to combine traditional pizza-making techniques with the finest ingredients, all while offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere where everyone could enjoy a slice of pizza heaven.
Why It Is Considered the Best
Peppe Pizzeria has quickly risen to prominence as one of the best pizzerias in Paris, and it’s no surprise why. Here are the key factors that make it stand out:
1. Authentic Neapolitan Pizza Craftsmanship
At Peppe Pizzeria, the pizza is made with the same techniques that have been passed down for generations in Naples. The dough is made using the highest-quality flour, fermented slowly for 24-48 hours to achieve the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and lightness. The crust is soft and chewy with a slight char from the wood-fired oven, and the dough itself is airy and digestible—a hallmark of true Neapolitan pizza.
Peppe Cutraro’s mastery of pizza-making is evident in every detail, from the way the dough is stretched by hand to the precise timing of the bake in the oven, which reaches temperatures of over 450°C (842°F). This results in a pizza that is both light and flavorful, with a texture that melts in your mouth.
2. Top-Quality Ingredients
One of the reasons Peppe Pizzeria has earned such acclaim is its commitment to using only the finest ingredients. Peppe Cutraro imports many of the key ingredients from Italy, ensuring that each pizza has the authentic flavors of Naples. The San Marzano tomatoes used for the pizza sauce are grown in the volcanic soil of Mount Vesuvius, giving them a unique sweetness and depth of flavor.
The mozzarella used at Peppe Pizzeria is mozzarella di bufala—the rich, creamy cheese made from buffalo milk and a staple of true Neapolitan pizza. In addition, the olive oil, fresh basil, and various cured meats, such as prosciutto and salami, are sourced from artisanal producers in Italy, ensuring that every bite bursts with flavor.
3. Innovation with Tradition
While Peppe Pizzeria stays true to the classic Neapolitan pizza-making tradition, Peppe Cutraro is not afraid to innovate. He combines traditional techniques with modern flair, creating unique pizzas that push the boundaries of what pizza can be. This innovation, coupled with his dedication to the craft, has helped Peppe Pizzeria stand out in the highly competitive Parisian food scene.
4. The Atmosphere and Experience
Peppe Pizzeria offers more than just great pizza—it offers a true Italian dining experience. The pizzeria itself is cozy and inviting, with an open kitchen where you can watch the pizzaiolos at work. The friendly and attentive staff make you feel like you’re dining in Naples, with the vibrant energy of the pizzeria adding to the overall experience.
Whether you’re dining in or taking pizza to go, Peppe Pizzeria ensures that the quality of the pizza is never compromised. The pizzeria has a reputation for excellent service and consistently delivering pizzas that are both fresh and full of flavor.
How It Became Popular: The Journey to Global Fame
From the moment Peppe Pizzeria opened its doors, it was clear that it was going to make waves in the Paris food scene. Thanks to Peppe Cutraro’s experience and expertise, the pizzeria quickly attracted a loyal following of locals who were eager to try authentic Neapolitan pizza made by a master pizzaiolo.
However, it wasn’t just word of mouth that helped Peppe Pizzeria rise to fame. In 2021, Peppe Pizzeria was awarded the title of Best Pizzeria in Europe by the prestigious 50 Top Pizza guide—a ranking that highlights the best pizzerias around the world. This recognition catapulted Peppe Pizzeria into the international spotlight, with pizza lovers from around the globe flocking to Paris to try Peppe’s creations.
The media attention following the award helped to further solidify Peppe Pizzeria’s status as one of the best pizzerias in Europe. Food critics, bloggers, and influencers all sang its praises, sharing photos of the beautifully crafted pizzas and raving about the exceptional quality of the ingredients.
Peppe Cutraro’s personal reputation also played a significant role in the pizzeria’s success. As a highly respected figure in the world of pizza, his dedication to his craft and his passion for innovation have earned him widespread admiration from his peers and customers alike.
The Story Behind the Success: Peppe’s Dedication to Pizza
At the heart of Peppe Pizzeria’s success is Peppe Cutraro’s unwavering commitment to creating the best pizza possible. Peppe’s journey as a pizzaiolo began in his hometown of Naples, where he learned the art of pizza-making from some of the most skilled pizza chefs in the world. He spent years perfecting his craft, studying every detail of dough fermentation, oven temperatures, and ingredient selection to ensure that every pizza he made was a masterpiece.
When Peppe moved to Paris, he brought with him not just the techniques of Neapolitan pizza-making, but the heart and soul of Italian culinary tradition. His vision for Peppe Pizzeria was to create a place where Parisians could experience the true taste of Naples without having to leave the city.
Peppe’s passion for pizza goes beyond just making great food—he is deeply committed to sharing the culture and heritage of Neapolitan pizza with the world. This dedication is evident in every pizza that comes out of his kitchen, and it’s what has made Peppe Pizzeria a beloved destination for pizza lovers everywhere.
The Best Pizza to Try at Peppe Pizzeria
While every pizza at Peppe Pizzeria is exceptional, there are a few standout options that you simply must try when you visit:
1. Margherita DOP
The Margherita DOP is the quintessential Neapolitan pizza, made with San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella di bufala, fresh basil, and extra virgin olive oil. This pizza is a celebration of simplicity, allowing the high-quality ingredients to shine. The sweetness of the San Marzano tomatoes pairs perfectly with the creaminess of the mozzarella, while the basil adds a touch of freshness. The soft, airy crust provides the perfect foundation for these classic flavors.
2. Diavola
For those who enjoy a bit of heat, the Diavola is a must-try. This pizza is topped with spicy salami, mozzarella, and San Marzano tomatoes, creating a flavor profile that’s both bold and balanced. The spiciness of the salami is complemented by the richness of the cheese and the sweetness of the tomato sauce, all coming together on Peppe’s signature light and airy crust.
3. Tartufata
If you’re looking for something a bit more indulgent, the Tartufata is a luxurious option. This pizza features mozzarella, truffle cream, and wild mushrooms, offering a rich, earthy flavor that is both decadent and satisfying. The truffle cream adds a velvety texture to the pizza, while the mushrooms provide a savory, umami-rich bite.
4. Fior di Zucca
For a unique twist on traditional pizza, try the Fior di Zucca pizza, which is topped with zucchini flowers, mozzarella di bufala, and anchovies. The combination of delicate zucchini flowers and salty anchovies creates a flavor profile that’s both light and savory, making this pizza a standout choice.
What Are the Prices?
At Peppe Pizzeria, the prices reflect the high-quality ingredients and craftsmanship that go into each pizza, but they remain reasonable given the level of expertise behind the menu. Here’s a general idea of what you can expect:
- Margherita DOP: Around €12-14
- Diavola: Around €14-16
- Tartufata: Around €18-20
- Fior di Zucca: Around €16-18
- Beverages: Soft drinks are priced around €3-4, while wines and beers range from €5-7.
While these prices are higher than a typical pizzeria, they are more than justified by the quality of the ingredients and the exceptional care taken in making each pizza. For many visitors, the experience of dining at Peppe Pizzeria is worth every euro.
Plan Your Visit to Peppe Pizzeria
Peppe Pizzeria has quickly become a must-visit destination for pizza lovers in Paris. If you’re planning a trip to the city, be sure to add this pizzeria to your list. The combination of authentic Neapolitan pizza-making techniques, high-quality ingredients, and Peppe Cutraro’s expertise makes this one of the best pizzerias in all of Europe.
Whether you’re a pizza enthusiast or simply looking to enjoy a fantastic meal, Peppe Pizzeria offers an unforgettable experience that will leave you craving more. Don’t miss the chance to taste some of the best pizza Paris has to offer—head to Peppe Pizzeria and discover why it’s considered one of the best in the world!
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