Pizza - the staple of American-Italian food. Yes, the cheesy, round, saucy, baked bread of the gods. As the main dish for so many chain restaurants, Americans may often find themselves wondering, what does real, Italian pizza taste like. Even in Italy, pizza can be hit-or-miss. But, if you’re in Florence and looking for authentic, mouth-watering Italian pizza, take a trip south of the Ponte Vecchio to enjoy Gustapizza.
Gustapizza is a favorite among those who visit Florence, with over 3,300 reviews and an average rating of 4.5/5 stars on TripAdvisor, even earning a “Certificate of Excellence” from the site. Despite the high ratings, those who visit Gustapizza often go based off word-of-mouth recommendations, like Will and Claire from Atlanta.
“One of my friends studied abroad here as well, and he said Gustapizza was the spot,” Claire said.
Started by four brothers, Gustapizza is owned and operated by a Southern Italian family, this pizzeria gives guest an intimate and enjoyable experience with Italian food and culture, while serving a traditional Southern Italian pizza (fluffier crust).
The pizza is handmade and baked in a wooden-oven, which you can actually see at the front of the restaurant. Yes, you can watch your pizza being made right in front of you. Just don’t get too distracted, because when they call your number they expect you to be ready!
Occasionally, if you were especially polite or are a lady, you may receive a photo-ready heart shaped pizza. Do not take offense or worry you are being hit on, these are not unusual and just a sweet way to remind the customer that Gustapizza cares. So snap a quick picture and enjoy!
When asked about what makes this pizza so good, everyone seems to respond a bit differently. Some claim it’s the dough, while others, like Will, insist it’s the homemade tomato sauce. But all seem to agree on one thing: “It was awesome,” Will said without hesitation.
You will also notice the cheese appears different on this pizza than on American pizzas. While American pizzas usually have processed mozzarella shreds as a topping, in Italy, it is commonplace to use buffalo cheese (“Mozzarella di Bufala”). Yes, Italian mozzarella traditionally comes from the Italian water buffalo. Manufactured under strict regulation, this cheese is delicious while also higher in protein and calcium than cow milk. This is the cheese usually seen on authentic Italian pizza, and will form a round shape rather than cover the pizza like the shreds.
The use of fresh ingredients also makes eating the pizza a bit more guilt-free, Claire said. “You can eat a whole pizza and feel – well I’m not even going to say healthy – but somewhat healthy. It’s better than eating a whole Domino’s pizza,” Claire said. The size of the pizza is big enough to share between two, but if you are especially hungry, consider ordering one - if you do not finish, just ask for a take home box at the counter.
Typically packed, it may be a good idea to go around opening, at 7 p.m. (on the dot!). Be aware, there will probably already be a line around the building and down the street before doors open, so if you want to sit down or have plans later, get there about 15-minutes early to be served quicker.
If you’re in the mood to eat a slice for lunch, Gustapizza is also open from 11:30 a.m. to about 3:30 p.m., but are closed from 3:30 till re-opening at 7 p.m. They are also closed on Mondays, like most Italian shops, used as time to spend with family and friends.
While waiting to order, take a look at the menu in the window, and have your order ready when you get to the register to make things move a bit more smoothly. The pizzas range from marinara (tomato, oregano, garlic and olive oil) to the special “Gustapizza” (tomato, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, arugula and parmesan). There are seven menu options, including vegetarian, with prices ranging from 5 Euros to 8 Euros, making Gustapizza a good option for those on a tight budget (especially study abroad students) who are looking for a delicious and filling meal.
Once you order and pay at the register, you can choose to be seated or to take the pizza to-go.
If you choose to eat-in, you’ll find the barrel tables at the restaurant filled with notes, receipts and even cash. Feel free to add your own note to the collection as a fun way to remember your experience. Also, do not be surprised if you are seated with strangers – this is not uncommon in European restaurants, and can be a fun way to meet new people while enjoying some delicious pizza.
If you decide to take-out, consider going for a picnic on a nearby bridge or maybe sit on the steps of a plaza to enjoy some local music. It is not uncommon to see people with
“Gustapizza” boxes in these areas, especially in the evening.
As Guy Fieri can attest to, if you’re ever in Florence craving a fluffy, Neopolitan pizza for a low price, check out Gustapizza. Your tastebuds and wallet will thank you!