Pizza is, without a doubt, one of Italy’s most celebrated culinary treasures. Italians take this beloved dish very seriously. The crust has to be perfect and the toppings are prepared from ingredients of the highest quality.
While Naples and Sicily are the most famous pizza destinations in Italy, Tuscany also has many award-winning places where tourists can try everything from a classic Margherita to Bufalina and Quattro Stagioni.
Searching for the best pizza in Tuscany? Wish to learn what makes Tuscan pizza unique and how to spot an authentic Italian pizza joint? Check out this guide.
Top 5 Pizza Places in Tuscany
1 Apogeo (Pietrasanta)
Pietrasanta is a lovely medieval city in the province of Lucca known for its car-free historical center lined with cute cafes, elegant Tuscany villas, and art galleries. Here, you will find one of the best pizza spots in Tuscany, the legendary Apogeo. Massimo Giovannini was born right here in Pietrasanta back in the 1960s. In 2008, Massimo together with his wife, decided to open this amazing pizza restaurant. His resume is almost perfect, with awards at Giro Pizza d’Europa and completed pizza courses (Italian Pizza Makers School of Caorle).
Divided over two floors, the Apogeo restaurant itself looks amazing, and its interiors are modern. On the walls, you will notice a bunch of specialties and awards received by the pizzeria. For starters, I suggest ordering focaccia with mortadella. As for the pizza, it is prepared with Petra flour from Molino Quaglia, which creates a light pizza that is easy on the stomach.
Whether you wish to go for classic pizzas such as Marinara and Margherita or try the signature Apogeo pizza with raw Cinta Senese, Parmesan, and Rocket, there is plenty to choose from. Some of the other popular pizzas on the menu include La Vegetale, Burrata e acciughe, and La Mia Capricciosa. Feeling thirsty? Go for a glass of Negroni or order a bottle of local craft beer from the nearby town of Lucca. Visitors with a sweet tooth can try tiramisu or order a slice of cheesecake.
2 Pizzeria Giovanni Santarpia (Florence)
If you are searching for an authentic pizza in Tuscany, a visit to Pizzeria Giovanni Santarpia in Florence is simply a must. Tucked away behind the Sant’ambrogio Market, this fabulous Neapolitan pizzeria is the creation of the award-winning pizzaiolo, Giovanni Santarpia. After spending 3 years in Florence, he made a decision to open his own pizza restaurant in the city.
It’s all about Naples-style pizza here at Pizzeria Giovanni Santarpia, but let’s first try a few appetizers. Mozzarella in carozza, pasta with mashed potatoes and provolone cheese, and forest cannoli first come to mind when talking about starters at Pizzeria Giovanni Santarpia. The pizza menu is simple, with both classic and gourmet options. I should probably mention that the dough at this pizza place is left out for 48 hours, which results in a light, crispy, puffy, and airy pizza base.
On the list of classics, you will find options such as Margherita, Yellow Marinara, Calabrian, and Naples pizza. Feeling adventurous? Go for the Capricious (Tomato sauce “Gustarosso”, cooked ham, artichokes, mushrooms, fior di latte from “Il Casolare”, olive powder, egg crumble, basil) or try the Spicy Pizza (Provola from “Il Casolare”, yellow Piennolo tomatoes, basil, Apulian burrata, Spilinga nduja). Among the desserts, opt for the baked cheesecake served with berries/chocolate sauce or order the Orange pistachio (shortcrust pastry filled with Bronte pistachio cream with an orange jelly base).
3 Pizzeria Il Pizzaiuolo (Florence)
This small pizza parlor in Florence also focuses on Naples-style pizza baked in a wood-burning oven. Welcome to Pizzeria Il Pizzaiuolo, a cozy trattoria where walls are adorned with frescoes and photographs of old Naples. The décor is simple, nothing fancy. You should definitely call ahead and make a reservation, as Pizzeria Il Pizzaiuolo is quite popular among both locals and tourists.
Pizzeria Il Pizzaiolo only uses high-quality ingredients, from extra fresh mozzarella and burrata cheese to locally sourced meats. On the menu, you will find appetizers, first and second courses, salads, pizza, and desserts. From the list of appetizers, the popular fried treat (croquettes, pasta omelette, montanara) will set you back 9€, while fried burrata with truffle and ham costs 12€. If you are in the mood for pasta, I recommend ordering Pasta with Potatoes, Smoked Provola, and Parmesan or Fresh Pasta with Beef and Pork Ragu. Meat lovers can try Fried Beef and Pork Meatballs with Tomato, while those who prefer fish can get a bowl of Seafood Soup, which includes tomato, swordfish, squid, prawns, mussels, and clams.
The star of the show at Pizzeria Il Pizzaiuolo is pizza! There are classic options like Naples, Devils, and Parmigiana pizza, as well as special pizza offerings including Big Pig (Tomato, Mozzarella, Spicy Salami, Cooked Ham, Sausage, Sausages, Parmesan), Truffled (White pizza with Buffalo Mozzarella, Cooked Ham, Truffle Cream, Parmesan), and Stracchino and raw ham (White pizza with mozzarella, stracchino, raw ham, parmesan). The dessert menu is surprisingly extensive and includes options like the classic tiramisu, Sicilian cannoli, lemon delight, and cheesecake.
4 Giotto Pizzeria Bistrot (Florence)
After exploring some of the best tourist attractions in Tuscany, visit the majestic Giotto Pizzeria Bistrot in Florence. Run by Marco Manzi, a pizzaiolo star from the small island of Ischia, the restaurant specializes in Neapolitan pizza. The restaurant has two locations in Florence and offers a short menu with just appetizers, pizza, and a few desserts.
For starters, I recommend the Ischian Frying (montanarina, potato croquettes, rice arancini, pasta omelette) for 8€ or Neapolitan meatballs in sauce. The pizza menu is extensive, with both classic and gourmet options. Classic options range from Margherita pizza (San Marzano DOP tomatoes, Agerola fiordilatte, 24-month Parmigiano Reggiano DOP, basil, Fontana Lupo Petrazzuoli extra virgin olive oil) to Naples to Florence (San Marzano DOP tomato, basil, Agerola fiordilatte, Fontana Lupo Petrazzuoli extra virgin olive oil, capers, Cantabrian Sea anchovies).
If you wish to try something different, get the Truffled Pizza (Agerola fiordilatte, black truffle carpaccio, Finocchiona PGI, Fontana Lupo petrazzuoli extra virgin olive oil.) Meat lovers can order the Steak Pizza (focaccia base, demi-glace, beef carpaccio, fresh thyme, Fontana Lupo extra virgin olive oil). If you are in the mood for something sweet, Tiramisu with a secret recipe and Sicilian Cannoli (cannolo with buffalo ricotta and pistachio grains) is what you want to order.
5 La Pergola Di Radicondoli (Siena)
To try delicious pizza on one of the most beautiful terraces in the region, go to Siena, where you will find La Pergola Di Radicondoli. This family-run pizzeria is owned by the Vatti family and Tommaso, who had training at Molino Quaglia’s University of Pizza, “Fermenti di Gusto”. The location on the hillside offers a romantic setting for enjoying everything from appetizers and salads to pizza and desserts.
Start with Trio of bruschetta (tomato and basil, aglione and Chianti oil, pecorino and arugula) or Pappardelle with DOP Cinta Senese meat sauce. Visitors who prefer salads can go for Caprese Salad (Fior di latte mozzarella, fresh tomato, basil, capers). On the pizza menu, you will find all the usual suspects such as Margherita, Marinara, and Diavola, as well as specialty pizza like Margherita EVO, Pasqualee (peeled tomato, grilled aubergines, DOP Pecorino Toscano cheese, fresh tomato, basil, DOP Parmigiano Reggiano cheese) and Mediterranea (IGP anchovies from the Ligurian Sea, fior di latte mozzarella, stracciatella, tomato confit, oregano, Pantelleria capers and oregano, basil, lemon zest, Taggia olives).
The dessert menu at La Pergola Di Radicondoli is straightforward, with popular Italian desserts such as tiramisu, cheesecake, and the unique chocolate cannoli.
Best Wine & Beer Pairings for Pizza in Tuscany
Thinking about what to drink while enjoying pizza in Tuscany? Italians usually drink beer and wine while eating pizza. A local light beer such as Peroni Nastro Azzurro is one of the most popular options when it comes to beer and pizza pairing in Tuscany. If you prefer wine, Italian red wines go perfectly with pizzas with cheese and tomato toppings. For a red-based pizza, it is best to pair it with a glass of Rosso di Montalcino or Barbera. A medium-bodied red like an inexpensive Merlot is also a good choice. White wines are usually paired with white-based pizzas.
Where to Find the Best Pizza in Tuscany – City vs. Countryside
Finding a good pizza restaurant in Tuscany is relatively easy. Italy is the most popular pizza destination in the world, and restaurants that serve pizza can be found on every corner. Wondering what the difference is between Tuscan pizza restaurants in the city and in the countryside? Tourists visiting cities like Pisa and Florence will find numerous pizzerias. Some of them are elegant dining establishments, while others are casual eateries that serve pizza. If you are searching for a tasty pizza in the countryside in Tuscany, you are also spoiled for choice. Most of the historical villages in Tuscany have a few pizzerias that are usually cheaper than restaurants in the big cities.
How to Spot an Authentic Italian Pizzeria
How do you know if the pizza restaurant you’ve chosen in Tuscany is truly authentic? There are a few key indicators of a real Italian pizza parlor. For instance, all of the authentic Italian pizza restaurants in Tuscany have wood-burning ovens where pizza is prepared at very high temperatures. Also, a true Italian pizzeria only uses high-quality ingredients such as cheese, meats, and herbs. The best authentic Italian pizza joints have their own gardens where they grow veggies and herbs, and some of them purchase meat and cheese from local suppliers in Tuscany. Tourists searching for an authentic pizza in Tuscany should also pay attention to how many awards a pizza parlor has. These awards are usually displayed on the walls of the restaurants.
Best Time to Eat Pizza in Tuscany
The best time to visit Tuscany is in spring/autumn when the weather is ideal for sightseeing. As for the best time to eat pizza in Tuscany, you can visit this beautiful region in Italy throughout the year. To enjoy pizza in the countryside in Italy, it’s best to visit in the summer season when the weather is nice and when you can enjoy views of the Tuscan hills from restaurant terraces. Travelers visiting big cities in Florence can book a table at a pizza parlor all year long, even in winter.