Rome’s best pizza
I am drooling over this foodporn from La Gatta Mangiona right now. La Gatta Mangiona has the best pizza in Rome.
I am no easy pizza critic. The women in my family are pizza experts. I have been eating their “it’s impossible to wait for it to cool, I almost always burn the roof of my mouth on the first bite” pizza every Friday night and Sunday afternoon since I learned how to chew.
So as expected, I did my fair share of research before arriving in Rome. I wanted to wrap my lips around a perfectly crispy crust, melted mozzarella cheese, and a sweet tomato sauce combo the world likes to call, drum roll please… pizza.
Numerous credible sites, including Condé Nast Traveller and Parla Food have included La Gatta Mangiona on their lists for Rome’s best pizza.
Although I would argue that La Gatta Mangiona isn’t exactly in Rome, these Neapolitan style specialty pies deserve a spot on the list.
After a 15-minute cab ride from the Spanish steps, my family and I arrived in Monteverde Nuovo. It’s a suburb with lots of closed stores, kebab shops and apartments.
A neon blue light sat over the door frame and read La Gatta Mangiona. There was a chubby cat below it and on the door itself, dozens of awards from the Best of Rome, Tripadvisor, Yelp and the like.
Inside, there is a casual trattoria. The walls are painted a cheerful yellow and smiling guests are either patiently waiting or enjoying their pizzas.
What to Order at La Gatta Mangiona
For a Roman trattoria, the service was beyond ordinary at La Gatta Mangiona. Despite our language barrier, the waitress was accommodating and helpful. She recommended her favorite pizzas and some popular beer choices from their extensive craft beer menu.
We tried Serro Croce. A beer brewed locally in Monteverde Nuovo, a short distance away from the restaurant. Serro Croce is sold in what is traditionally thought of as a wine bottle. It fittingly tasted somewhere between a glass of champagne and an ale. A subtle citrus flavor and light bubble that paired well with the pizza we were about to devour.
We decided to order three pizzas: two red: the first with eggplant, fresh tomato, tomato sauce, buffalo mozzarella, parmigiana and basil, and the second, a classic Margherita. Our third selection was with squash flowers, sardines, and buffalo mozzarella.
On the side, we ordered a green salad and a cannellini bean, fresh tomato and rosemary appetizer.
By the way, pizzas are usually served whole in Italy and the locals eat with a fork and knife. Actually, this is true for all of Europe. If you ask nicely, they will cut the pizzas for you so they are easier to share.
How good was the pizza?
The short answer – it was awesome.
The long answer – after we finished, my dad decided we absolutely needed another. We ordered a fourth Margherita pizza and ate every last crumb.
Like chubby cats, we did the awkward I’m full and I need to lay down move and slowly made our way to the door. My expectations were high and La Gatta Mangiona did not disappoint.
Tips for La Gatta Mangiona
Make a reservation by phone in advance. To get there, take the number 8 tram from Largo Argentina to the last stop.
La Gatta Mangiona Via Federico Ozanam 30, Rome +39 06 534 6702, Open daily, evenings only
To read more about my favorite Roman foods and where to get them, read my recent post here.
