Another addition to Budapest’s significantly improving selection of pizzerias, Belli di Mamma in District VII tempts taste buds with high-quality Italian fare.
Belli di Mamma recently opened on Akácfa utca, where the selection of street-food spots is now really impressive. The owners have certain Italian connections, so expect an authentic atmosphere and menu here.
We met Riccardo and his partner to talk about Italian cuisine, ingredients, wine and prosecco. Belli di Mamma took about a year to put together, and is now a well conceived eatery fully ready to welcome visitors.
We loved Eszter Laki’s design, the graphics that evoke the Italy of classic Campari and Martini commercials, from Rome to Rimini.
They have two main goals in mind: popularising a laid-back pizzeria that offers top-quality fare, as well as opening a street-food counter, where slices and traditional fritti – bite-sized fried delights that are made in many kitchens around Naples.
Belli di Mamma’s centrepiece is a beautiful pizza oven from Naples: it can bake nine at any one time. The dough is Neapolitan-style, but used for original recipes. The pizza flour is mixed with wholegrain, which already shows in the colour then comes through in the taste.
The result is airy on the edges and thin in the middle. Two types are available: classic and gourmet. Standard varieties such as margherita, marinara, diavola, capricciosa and quattro formaggi cost between 1,700 and 3,000 forints.
Although not yet featured on the menu, we had the chance to try some bites from the fritti selection: arancini, filled and coated olives and squash blossom stuffed with cheese, amazing appetisers all.
Note that Belli di Mama opens evenings only during the week (not Mondays) and from noon at weekends, Fridays included.
