Professional pizzaiolo Ákos came home from Switzerland in 2019 after five years abroad, determined to open his own Neapolitan pizzeria in the Buda district of Lágymányos where he grew up – specifically 30 metres from his new restaurant on Budafoki út.
He previously worked with figures such as World Champion Pizza Maker Giulio Scalpi, a sous-chef at the five-star Swiss Grand Hotel Victoria-Jungfrau, and Luca Mottarlini, a former chef at Ristorante La Botte in District V, now a silent partner in the new business.
A neat interior and striking façade echoes the colours of Napoli football club, blue and white. The place is exactly what it should be: a damn good, casual, youthful pizzeria, the menu more a word-of-mouth affair to encourage visitors to ask questions. These spark conversations, and so you come away with a far more satisfying, and educational, guest experience.
Beyond the raw ingredients and cooking process, they duly pay homage to the football god of Naples, Diego Maradona. The ricotta di bufala, parmesan, pepper, pancetta, basil and extra virgin olive oil are meant to symbolise the divine Diego.
Ákos wishes to educate regulars with his own taste, style and directness, but at the same time, he is motivated by finding his own audience. His approach, therefore, does not allow for the use of sweetcorn or pineapple on pizzas, a bizarre Hungarian habit and one which would be laughed out of court in Naples.
Prices are more than friendly. A margherita is 1,790 forints, the Parma-ham-and-truffle-oil Bella Italia 2,790, while the aforementioned iconic Maradona pizza is HUF 2,690, all other pizzas falling in between.
Fresh produce is especially important where Neapolitan pizzas are concerned, so consuming in situ is probably best, if possible. Plus this means you can chat to Ákos about pizzas, the ingredients and any salient background history. With crowds building up already, it won’t be long before he’ll be too busy to talk shop.
Amore di Napoli
District XI. Budafoki út 16
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Current opening hours: Mon-Sat 11.30am-9.45pm
