If there’s one dish that embodies camaraderie, it’s pizza. Originating from Naples, Italy, pizza is universally adored. This bread dough, topped with tomato sauce and cheese, enthralls millions of people around the globe each year. It’s no surprise that the French are among the biggest pizza eaters, consuming nearly 22 lbs (10 kg) per person per year on average.
Whether you want to make them yourself or enjoy them at a restaurant, with options ranging from street-food pizza, frozen, or “American” style, it’s become challenging to find THE true authentic pizza that will transport you to Campania. As a die-hard fan of this Italian essence, we wanted to spoil you by sharing our top 5 unmissable restaurants. These are iconic Parisian establishments specializing in artisan pizza that you absolutely must try. Let’s get ready to taste the best products of the Italian boot. Follow the guide!
#1 – Peppe, Paris 20e
Let’s begin this ranking with the pizzeria of the “Best Pizzaiolo in France”: Peppe. This pizzeria was founded by Giuseppe Cutraro, former head pizzaiolo of the Big Mamma group, affectionately known as “Peppe”. A native Neapolitan, this master pizza maker proudly represented France at the World Pizza Championship in Naples, which he won hands down. It’s with his award-winning pizza that the champion now charms his customers in his various establishments in the capital. Upon crossing the threshold of Peppe, you’ll discover a simple, modern, and Italian decor centered around one essential element: the traditional pizza oven. This is where the journey begins. Let’s start with delightful “crocche”, potato croquettes accompanied by a delicate bell pepper sauce. Continue with generous pizzas with a light and flavorful dough, topped with sourced and quality ingredients. At Colivys, we have a preference for the delicious “Campione del Mundo”: yellow tomatoes, prosciutto, provolone and mozzarella di bufala, a few roasted almonds, and a touch of organic fig jam. Exquisite! Lastly, nothing is better than rounding off the meal with the famous tiramisu and the “angioletti”, small fried pizza dough balls, served with nocciolatta and crushed pistachios. A treat for the taste buds of the biggest gourmands!
📍 2 Place Saint-Blaise, 75020 Paris
🌐 https://www.peppeparis.fr/
#2 – Daroco Bourse, Paris 2e
Created by Alexandre Giesbert and Julien Ross, a famous duo of restaurateurs in the capital, Daroco is one of the most sought-after addresses in Paris. Daroco offers all the classics of Italian trattoria cuisine on its menu, with a contemporary twist: antipasti, beautiful pasta dishes, light and airy Neapolitan pizzas, and sweets to finish the meal on the highest note. At Colivys, we already have our favorite pizzas, because yes, if you’re here it’s to talk about rising dough.
Baked in a traditional wood oven, Chef Federico Schiavon offers his “Batard sans Gloire”, a gourmet pizza with roasted cauliflower, cheeses (smoked mozzarella di Bufala and gorgonzola), raisins, and pine nuts. Delicious, if you too like original pizzas that are out of the ordinary. Let’s not forget the “Parma Show”, a pizza in the pure Italian tradition, with San Marzino tomatoes, prosciutto, mozzarella Di Bufala, and basil, and the “Formaggissima”, an ode to Italian cheeses!
In addition to its gustatory fame, Daroco is also famous for its ambiance. A peerless decor, chic, where green marble, concrete, terrazzo, and plants mingle. To complete the story, since 2017, Daroco has been located in the former couture workshops of fashion king Jean-Paul Gaultier. It’s therefore not surprising that it received the “Best decor” award from Fooding.
📍6 Rue Vivienne, 75002 Paris
🌐 https://www.daroco.com/restaurant/daroco-bourse
#3 – Popolare – Paris 2e
Let’s continue our tour of the Italian trattorias in the 2nd arrondissement of Paris with a stop at “Popolare”. One of the first restaurants from the Big Mamma group to open, it has become a real Neapolitan institution right in the heart of the capital. As its name suggests, you’ll find popular and affordable cuisine here. An opportunity to enjoy without having to spend your entire salary, in a cozy setting reminiscent of New York lofts (hello colorful counters and bars where you can have a drink). Here, there’s plenty to eat and see.
If you’re a fan of Italian gastronomy, welcome to the paradise of pastas, pizzas, and other quality transalpine delights. The chefs work only with a selection of ingredients sourced directly from Italy. At Colivys, we have a real soft spot for their pizzas, which are out of this world! If you love truffle, you’re obligated to try the “Moment of Truffe”, an ode to this not-so-mushroom-like exceptional mushroom. We must warn you, even though you can find your favorite dishes, the menu changes every month depending on deliveries and the season.
📍111 Rue Réaumur, 75002 Paris
🌐 https://www.bigmammagroup.com/fr/trattorias/pizzeria-popolare
#4 – Il Brigante, Paris 18e
Let’s stay on the right bank of the Seine, to discover Il Brigante in the heart of the 18th arrondissement of Paris, right next to the Montmartre neighborhood. “The Brigand” in Italian will steal your stomach from all other pizzerias. Say goodbye to Neapolitan pizzas, here you’ll find the essence of the Calabria region, in southern Italy where its creator and owner, Salvatore Rotatori, is from.
One of the first (and only) typically Calabrian pizzerias in the capital has nothing to envy its neighbors. At Il Brigante, you’ll find a straightforward menu with classic toppings: Margherita pizza for less than 10 euros, Regina for 13 euros, or a white pizza with 5 cheeses for 15 euros. All are made in the pure Calabrian tradition of thin dough. The quality/price ratio remains affordable so that you and your roommates can feast.
📍14 Rue du Ruisseau, 75018 Paris
🌐 https://ilbrigante.fr/fr
#5 – Gruppomimo, Paris 2e
Finally, we couldn’t end this article without talking about Gruppomimo: the Italo-Parisian restaurant group that was born in February 2021 has already conquered the whole capital! With 6 restaurants in various districts and neighborhoods of the capital, it’s the Parisian temple of Italian gastronomy, on par with the Big Mamma group. No terrace, the dining rooms of their restaurants have a decor that combines a typical Italian universe with a beautiful wood oven, a baroque and Parisian style. Say goodbye to calzone, here generous pizzas with wide and light edges are a must. Made with ultra fresh, good quality products, you absolutely must try the “Diabolo diavola”, where spicy spiannata, Italian cheeses, ricotta, and lemon zest mingle. An unparalleled freshness and indulgence.
If you prefer pasta, don’t miss the “pastas alla valentina”, served in a giant wheel of DOP pecorino, and real creamless carbonara. Very well established in the Paris region, Gruppomimmo intends to eventually expand in Europe and beyond. We wish them all the best!
📍157 Rue Montmartre, 75002 Paris
🌐 https://gruppomimo.com/
Bonus 🍕: Baldoria, the first “al taglio” pizzas in Paris!
Because when we think of pizza, we too often picture the massive pizza that we struggle to finish. You should know that there are institutions dedicated to serving pizza by the slice. The “pizza al taglio” is this specialty served by the slice on the streets of Rome.
Baldoria, a new establishment devoted to Roman-style pizza, was born in 2022. It already boasts 3 locations for you to discover Italian street food. You have the choice: one located near Boulevard Saint-Martin and one near the “Sentier” metro station in the 2nd arrondissement, as well as another restaurant in the 9th arrondissement of the capital. Here, there’s no thin dough. This unique spot only offers thick slices of pizza, cut to order. Margherita, Quatro Formaggi, Ragu (Bolognese for those who didn’t take Italian as a second language) and Vignarola, a soft vegetarian pizza with a unique flavor that’s worth the detour.
📍115 Boulevard de Sébastopol, 75002 Paris
🌐 https://baldoria.fr/
There you have it, now you have no more excuses not to savor select pizzas, made with high-quality flour and fresh, sourced ingredients. Buon appetito!
