Best / Recommended Pizza places on the camino?

[Damien Reynolds]

So with little more to add to the wealth of information offered here, I am thinking we need a good pizza place recommendation list! Would love to see other's thoughts and suggestions...

I have two places:

Arzua (Multiple Caminos including Frances): Il Fornacio - most definitely the best pizza i've ever had in my life, though that is said by a guy who probably walked 20-30km those days. They have a great selection, fresh, cool hosts, and they have the olive oil infused with peppars.

Ribadesella (Norte): Pizzería La Parolaccia Ribadesella - Friendly atmosphere. Good fresh pizza.

Now I'm not talking about the frozen ones they just heat up... I'm talking about good/fresh/amazing pizza!

​

 

[SabsP]

Pizzería La Competencia – Las mejores pizzas de la zona norte de España, descúbrelas

www.pizzerialacompetencia.com

La Competencia in Leon, Burgos, Ponferrada, Gijon, Zamora, Salamanca, Avilés, Oviedo, Palencia and Valladolid.

 

[wisepilgrim]

Foncebadón has a real pizza place. Really classes up the place.

 

[J Willhaus]

I don't recall the name, but last year there was an injured/sick pilgrim in Estella and the daughter of a woman who ran the Pizza Place helped her and took her to the doctor, translated, etc. The mom and daughter really helped her out. If I knew the name of the Mom's pizza place, I would eat there even if it was frozen pizza...

 

[Bradypus]

Foncebadón has a real pizza place. Really classes up the place.

Sadly shut when I passed by recently. As was the rest of the village. If you knew the place before the Camino revival then "up" was the only direction available!

 

[psheehan]

Excellent post… Bella Napoli in Burgos gets my vote!

 

[henrythedog]

My stepfathers family being from there historically I judge my pizza vs a genuine napolitana pizza. Marguerita or marinara. There are no others. Period. (I believe I’m communicating transatlantically with the
‘really should have kept that beard’ Damien )

Second I consider the time it takes to be cooked. Order (count <30 seconds) served.

On the (or should I say A) Camino - you don’t specify - two places: Tui on the Portuguese (only one in town) and a place in Malaga for the Mozerabe .

You’re going to have to sort hat lot out somehow. I’ll switch get phone off for a while. I’ve just finished a Camino today.

 

[lalaone]

Pizzería artesanal en León, Gijón y Vigo 🍴 La Piccola Stanza

Disfruta de la mejor comida italiana en nuestra pizzería artesanal. Ubicadas en zonas emblemáticas de León ⛪, Gijón 🏖️ y Vigo. Ven a descubrirlo.

lapiccolastanza.com

La Piccola Stanza, Leon

Sometimes with prime locations and city views, one might expect to make a trade-off with great food. Not here! It overlooks the cathedral on a lively square and the wood-fired pizza (according to my husband) is really legit.

P.S. Edited to add pizza photo...and they have great salads too

 

[trecile]

When you don't think that you can eat another French fry, pizza is very welcome!

 

[Alan Pearce]

I don't know its name but there is an Italian restaurant in Rua do Vilar in Santiago where you can dine on pulpo pizza. Truly! It is my favourite pizza ever, except for anchovie pizza but as that gives me gout, a no-no when walking the camino, the pulpo pizza is No 1.

 

[henrythedog]

My sincere apologies to Damien. Typed with one careful but unsteady finger.

 

[SAB-florida]

Pizzería Di Marco in A Guarda.​

 

[Jodean]

In Sarria, Mattias has fabulous food with outstanding pizzas. Super, friendly service too. Stopped here twice. Good place for lunch before continuing on to Barbadelo to sleep.

Have had great pizzas in 2 different places in Portomarin, but cannot remember the names of the restaurants.

Don't remember having pizza anyplace else except those last 100km.

 

[lt56ny]

Arzua (Multiple Caminos including Frances): Il Fornacio - most definitely the best pizza i've ever had in my life,

You need to spend more time in The Bronx. If you fly me up from Mexico where I live now we can meet in The Bronx (where I grew up) and I can take you to 10 pizza places to get a slice and you will forget all about this place, believe me!!!

Having said that:

In Sarria, Mattias has fabulous food with outstanding pizzas

I ate there 10 years ago and I thought it was the best pizza I had in Spain. Have never been back because I walk in late fall and early winter now and when I am on the CF it is always closed. But I guess based on @Jodean it is still very good.

Home - Matias Locanda Sarria

matiaslocanda.es

I reads temporarily closed in google as it is closed all winter.

 

[El Cascayal]

When you don't think that you can eat another French fry,

That’ll be the day, for me in Spain. I have yet to experience not craving more real hand cut patatas fritas! If they only had a pizza de patatas fritas . Anyone know where?

 

[thomryng]

I just want to give some additional love to Il Fornacio in Arzúa. I think I've been there three times now, and it's always a sort of mystical oasis in my mind. The pizza is fantastic, and the place itself is just fun to be in.

When we first happened upon it in our second Camino, my wife and I thought it must be a mirage. A pizza place in Spain?

I mean, of course there have to be pizza places in Spain, it's just that we hadn't seen one. It made a marvelous change from the pilgrim menus we had been steadily consuming up to that point.

It's the reason we always try to time our stages so that we can eat here either for lunch or dinner.

 

[Bradypus]

That’ll be the day, for me in Spain. I have yet to experience not craving more real hand cut patatas fritas! If they only had a pizza de patatas fritas . Anyone know where?

My mother worked in a Scottish fish and chip shop in the 1970s. Pizza was on the menu. In practice this meant a frozen pizza taken straight from the freezer and put straight into the fat fryer. When it emerged the base was saturated with fat and fragments of fish batter and the odd chip were stuck to the molten cheese. Possibly not the "pizza de patatas fritas" you had in mind ...

 

[Jodean]

We don't have a worst pizza thread, but in Sahagun, ordered a cheese pizza and it came with walnuts on it, hidden under the cheese? There was no mention of this on the menu. When I told the mgr. I couldn't eat them (per google translate), he shrugged his shoulders and walked away. Only thing left to do was scrape them off the pizza.
Who would have guessed that walnuts would come on a cheese pizza?

 

[J Willhaus]

We don't have a worst pizza thread, but in Sahagun, ordered a cheese pizza and it came with walnuts on it, hidden under the cheese? There was no mention of this on the menu. When I told the mgr. I couldn't eat them (per google translate), he shrugged his shoulders and walked away. Only thing left to do was scrape them off the pizza.
Who would have guessed that walnuts would come on a cheese pizza?

We had a lovely exchange student from China who lived with us for a year. I taught her how to make pizza and soon she was making pizzas with carrots, broccoli, and other healthful vegies. Not exactly what one would expect.

 

[OLDBIKERIDER]

Pizzería artesanal en León, Gijón y Vigo 🍴 La Piccola Stanza

Disfruta de la mejor comida italiana en nuestra pizzería artesanal. Ubicadas en zonas emblemáticas de León ⛪, Gijón 🏖️ y Vigo. Ven a descubrirlo.

lapiccolastanza.com

La Piccola Stanza, Leon

Sometimes with prime locations and city views, one might expect to make a trade-off with great food. Not here! It overlooks the cathedral on a lively square and the wood-fired pizza (according to my husband) is really legit.

It is great! In view of the Cathedral doors. Nice owners as well as good food.

 

[VNwalking]

Pizzería La Competencia – Las mejores pizzas de la zona norte de España, descúbrelas

www.pizzerialacompetencia.com

La Competencia in Leon, Burgos, Ponferrada, Gijon, Zamora, Salamanca, Avilés, Oviedo, Palencia and Valladolid.

Sabine beat me to it.
Wonderful!


And on the Invierno, there's a good pizza place in Lalin, A Casa do Gato. Same owner as the albergue. Very nice place!

Foncebadón has a real pizza place. Really classes up the place.

Foncebadón!?!
OMG, hard to imagine. Times have changed.

 

[OLDBIKERIDER]

Also, in Astorga, you might enjoy Pizzeria Tratoria which is near the taxi stand.

 

[VNwalking]

Who would have guessed that walnuts would come on a cheese pizza?

Dunno, but it sounds delicious.
(Somewhere (I can't remember where) I had a walnut and pear pizza. Wow, it was soooo good.)

 

[J Willhaus]

Yeah, but if you are allergic to tree nuts that could be pretty deadly especially if you were not expecting it!

 

[t2andreo]

With all the really fine food to be had across all the regions of Spain, some might think that looking for a good pizzeria while on Camino is sacrilege. However, I have some thoughts on that.

I have traveled internationally for some 50 years - so far. In all my travels, whenever I cannot figure out what to eat, and what to avoid, I simply look for a pizza place. You can find them without even knowing the local language. Somehow the word "pizza" translates directly to most all languages that I have encountered. Just look for the signs in almost any town or city.

Because I grew up in an extended Italian-American family that once owned a pizzeria, I know that all pizza that is cooked in an oven is cooked at about 550 degrees (F). This will sterilize anything on it.

So, as a general concept, anything put on the pizza BEFORE it goes into the oven is usually safe to eat by the time it comes out of the very hot oven. Garnishes added after the pizza comes out of the oven could be iffy.

In terms of knowing which one to order, on any given menu, in any given country and language, the cheapest style pizza offered is typically the classic Pizza Margherita - the simple, crust, cheese, sauce and oregano concoction that most of the world is familiar with.

While it is true that you can get some VERY exotic ingredients on your pizza in most countries of the world, it is also true that sticking with the basic cheese pizza is a safe bet for simply needing to find comfort food when far from home. It is actually quite nutritious, especially for a pilgrim who needs to pile on carbs.

So, I am sympathetic to seeking pizza for subsistence when you simply are at a loss for what it eat in a new place. It works for me.

Hope this helps the dialog.

Tom

 

[Bradypus]

Foncebadón!?!
OMG, hard to imagine. Times have changed.

In 2019 the Foncebadon pizzeria staged an event where they were going to try to make the largest pizza in Spain. Never did discover how that went!

La pizza más grande de España, en Foncebadón

El joven italiano Giovanni D'Agostino, que regenta un negocio en la localidad, se ha propuesto este reto para el próximo 5 de octubre

www.lanuevacronica.com

 

[Christine Leneghan]

So with little more to add to the wealth of information offered here, I am thinking we need a good pizza place recommendation list! Would love to see other's thoughts and suggestions...

I have two places:

Arzua (Multiple Caminos including Frances): Il Fornacio - most definitely the best pizza i've ever had in my life, though that is said by a guy who probably walked 20-30km those days. They have a great selection, fresh, cool hosts, and they have the olive oil infused with peppars.

Ribadesella (Norte): Pizzería La Parolaccia Ribadesella - Friendly atmosphere. Good fresh pizza.

Now I'm not talking about the frozen ones they just heat up... I'm talking about good/fresh/amazing pizza!

​

If you are Ever on the Portuguese route, we had fantastic pizza at Antonio Mezzero in Matosinhos. It’s pricey, but worth it!

 

[Mycroft]

We had a lovely exchange student from China who lived with us for a year. I taught her how to make pizza and soon she was making pizzas with carrots, broccoli, and other healthful vegies. Not exactly what one would expect.

This vegetarian would expect it and be grateful!

 

[winemakerfw51]

We don't have a worst pizza thread, but in Sahagun, ordered a cheese pizza and it came with walnuts on it, hidden under the cheese? There was no mention of this on the menu. When I told the mgr. I couldn't eat them (per google translate), he shrugged his shoulders and walked away. Only thing left to do was scrape them off the pizza.
Who would have guessed that walnuts would come on a cheese pizza?

Never be surprised about local pizza preferences. I live in Mexico, and many locals put Ketchup on their pizza...even mayonnaise!

 

[Connie Ramage]

So with little more to add to the wealth of information offered here, I am thinking we need a good pizza place recommendation list! Would love to see other's thoughts and suggestions...

I have two places:

Arzua (Multiple Caminos including Frances): Il Fornacio - most definitely the best pizza i've ever had in my life, though that is said by a guy who probably walked 20-30km those days. They have a great selection, fresh, cool hosts, and they have the olive oil infused with peppars.

Ribadesella (Norte): Pizzería La Parolaccia Ribadesella - Friendly atmosphere. Good fresh pizza.

Now I'm not talking about the frozen ones they just heat up... I'm talking about good/fresh/amazing pizza!

​

We loved Fornacio pizza in Arzua-Sept 2018

 

[Bob from L.A. !]

Great topic of discussion - My favorite pizza is from "Pizzeria Bitinia" in Santillana Del Mar located in The Plaza Del Rey Center. This is the vegetarian pizza. (Click on the photo to enlarge). The place has 2,100 reviews online with a 4.6 star rating !!! During 2 Norte Camino walks I have eaten here 4 times !!!
Nothing short of great pizza.......

 

[Rhysmike]

So with little more to add to the wealth of information offered here, I am thinking we need a good pizza place recommendation list! Would love to see other's thoughts and suggestions...

I have two places:

Arzua (Multiple Caminos including Frances): Il Fornacio - most definitely the best pizza i've ever had in my life, though that is said by a guy who probably walked 20-30km those days. They have a great selection, fresh, cool hosts, and they have the olive oil infused with peppars.

Ribadesella (Norte): Pizzería La Parolaccia Ribadesella - Friendly atmosphere. Good fresh pizza.

Now I'm not talking about the frozen ones they just heat up... I'm talking about good/fresh/amazing pizza!

​

Isla in Burgos ... oh, I forgot that it's the best burger place that I've had on the Camino

 

[Cicada]

So with little more to add to the wealth of information offered here, I am thinking we need a good pizza place recommendation list! Would love to see other's thoughts and suggestions...

I have two places:

Arzua (Multiple Caminos including Frances): Il Fornacio - most definitely the best pizza i've ever had in my life, though that is said by a guy who probably walked 20-30km those days. They have a great selection, fresh, cool hosts, and they have the olive oil infused with peppars.

Ribadesella (Norte): Pizzería La Parolaccia Ribadesella - Friendly atmosphere. Good fresh pizza.

Now I'm not talking about the frozen ones they just heat up... I'm talking about good/fresh/amazing pizza!

​

In the main Plaza Pontevedra there's a small pizza kiosk big slices and cheap

 

[SAB-florida]

I don't know its name but there is an Italian restaurant in Rua do Vilar in Santiago where you can dine on pulpo pizza. Truly! It is my favourite pizza ever, except for anchovie pizza but as that gives me gout, a no-no when walking the camino, the pulpo pizza is No 1.

May be Restaurante Pizzeria L'Incontro

 

[Damien Reynolds]

With all the really fine food to be had across all the regions of Spain, some might think that looking for a good pizzeria while on Camino is sacrilege. However, I have some thoughts on that.

I was so ready for hate. But everyone loves pizza!

 

[Damien Reynolds]

Isla in Burgos ... oh, I forgot that it's the best burger place that I've had on the Camino

So i remember the first burger I had in Spain like 18 years ago and it was not satisfactory... they are so much better now. Thanks for the tip!

 

[John Gilliland]

On the via Gebennensis, in Yenne on a Sunday when everything was closed, this pizza from a vending machine was truly delicious


.

 

[OLDBIKERIDER]

Also, in Astorga, you might enjoy Pizzeria Tratoria which is near the taxi stand.

We went there last night and had a napolitana pizza: anchovies and green olives! Excellent.

 

[CWBuff]

Well... Pizza expert I am not and maybe it could be considered a 'sacrilege' to eat pizza while in Spain... ... but the only time that I had a craving for pizza I surely got myself one.
Pizza Románica (washed down with a Radler) at El Topo - was very tasty and one can hardly argue about the view
It was large enough that I comfortably ate about 1/2 then took the rest to the Albergue where I nicely stuffed it into a fridge and finished it off the following day with Kas Limon and... "gave myself a break"

 

[Bob from L.A. !]

Cold pizza - a great trail food

 

[MikeJS]

The only way you can truly get a good pizza on a camino is to be walking in Southern Italy!

 

[Kazibar]

The one in Foncebadon is great. Ate there with some Italian young guys who were so, so happy.

 

[Former member 59618]

Arzua (Multiple Caminos including Frances): Il Fornacio - most definitely the best pizza i've ever had in my life

Agree…in 2019 I sat at the bar there on my last night on the Camino, sipping a nice wine and snacking on an excellent pie.

 

[Sheesh]

This yummy concoction was the Pizza Gallega version from Cevexaria Rua Bella in SdC. Raining cats and dogs it was that day, so this went down a treat.

I also had some pretty tasty individual takeaway slices while in the city. I remember one such place that enticed me inside with their signage: "People Disappoint but Pizza is Eternal."

 

[C & W]

Osteria El Italiano in Portomarin has some of the best pizza anywhere. Also Italian wines, Sambuca, etc. The young man who runs the place is from Milano and speaks fluent English, Spanish, and Italiano. Located near the rear of the church on the street with the porticos.

 

[Damien Reynolds]

Ok. I finally can try Pizzería L´Isola Che Non C´e (Astorga)... I know I know it's not the Foncebadon one... but I'm here...I asked for enough for dinner and breakfast.

 

[henrythedog]

Ok. I finally can try Pizzería L´Isola Che Non C´e (Astorga)... I know I know it's not the Foncebadon one... but I'm here...I asked for enough for dinner and breakfast.

Where’s the breakfast?

(Massively impressed by your latest finish btw)

 

[El Cascayal]

This one in Arzua!
Best pizza I’ve ever had!

 

[debigetsout]

Alcala la Real on The Camino Mozarabe has a decent inexpensive pizza place with a wood burning oven and the pizza making in full view. A mom and pop shop. Pizzeria Paolo.

 

[Anniesantiago]

Pizzaria Matias in Sarria! YUM!
Not only pizza - awesome place!

 

[C & W]

Osteria El Italiano in Portomarin. Wonderful pizza. Pasta also. The guy who runs it is from Italy and know what he is doing.

 

[Jarrad]

El Horno de Irotz, just before Zabaldika, was a cute little place to eat pizza outside. I believe they are only open seasonally because they only have/had outside seating. I tried their pizza in 2014 and it was pretty good, although it helped that I was famished when I stumbled upon the place. It seemed to be fairly new at that time and the owners had an infectiously high level of energy. Was it the best pizza on the Way? Maybe not, but then again that's coming from a serious pizza snob. I'd still recommend it if you pass through and find them open.

 

[CWBuff]

When I got my 1st craving for pizza, I was already in Leon. Ristorante El Topo (9 Pl. de Regla - right on the corner lookig at the Cathedral) did just fine. a Yummy Pizza Romanica along with Amstel Radler


(Couldnt eat the whole pie so leftovers served me well as Desayuno NUmero Duo the following day... which I happily shared with "Wilson" )

 

[domigee]

Sabine beat me to it.
Wonderful!
View attachment 142799

You both beat me to it! The only good pizza place I know is in Ponferrada

 

[AussieSunnygirl]

We stopped for a great pizza lunch in Melide. Unfortunately, I can't recall the name of the bar, but, having just crossed the bridge on the way in, it's on the left just as you arrive in town - think it was the first bar you happen across.