Aljezur pizzeria among Europe’s 50 best

WEST COAST || Aljezur restaurant Arte Bianca is among the 50 best pizzerias in Europe, according to Italy’s prestigious pizzeria guide 50 Top Pizza.

The restaurant is placed 49th in the ranking which also features another Portuguese restaurant – Lisbon’s renowned Forno d’Oro (16th).

Manuela Mattavelli , founder of the Arte Bianca Group which also runs two further pizzerias in Arrifana and Sagres, is over the moon with the recognition, describing it as the result of the restaurant team’s commitment to “bring the best of this dish from Italy, the country from which we came to invest in Portugal with the opening of the Arte Bianca restaurants.

“We prioritise the quality of the dough and seasonal products along with an attentive room service and the comfort of our space, criteria which are also taken into consideration in the selection of the restaurants that are part of this contest,” Mattavelli said.

“We believe this distinction will arouse the curiosity of Portuguese people and tourists even more to get to know the essence of Arte Bianca and the work, passion and love we have for good food and Italian cuisine,” the founder added.

The 50 Top Pizza ranking is put together based on several factors, from the quality of a restaurant’s service and waiting time to the existence of a wine menu, its selection of beers and, of course, the quality of its pizza.

What does 50 Top Pizza say about Arte Bianca?

“This establishment is located in the deep, southern part of Portugal where agriculture and tourism are the two main sources of income.

The furnishings are spartan but welcoming, and the place has a philosophy which combines flavor with healthconsciousness. The pizza has a Neapolitan shape but the dough, which is obtained with natural leavening, is crunchy and in the Roman style. It is served in slices, also common in Rome.

“The Italian owners are very attentive in their selection of the raw ingredients, many of which are imported from the homeland, and enriched by a vegetable garden cared for by the owners themselves. There is a good choice of beers, and a few wines. The service is kind, welcoming and enthusiastic. The pizza is complemented by a few classic Italian dishes. Takeaway is also available.”

To see the full ranking, search this story at portugalresident.com