The term pizza is originated in the 10th century in a Latin manuscript from the Southern Italian town of Gaeta in Lazio, on the border with Campania. The modern pizza was invented in Naples and is served in different variants. It is one of the most popular delicacies in the world.
Want to try some smoky, cheesy slices coming off from a wood-fired oven? Check out these places that serve the most authentic wood-fired pizzas, with the most creative and localized recipes.
Harpo’s Pizza
While there are international franchises in the country, Harpo’s Pizza, the homegrown brand introduced the pizzas baking in a traditional wood-fired brick oven, and thereon the Harpo’s is the first among many introductory pizzas.
Harpo’s Spicy Sri Lankan Pizza is spicy as promised. Featuring a tomato base, mozzarella, curry flavoured chicken, green chilli and red onion. The delicious Quattro Formaggi Pizza, AKA, four-cheese pizza is good too, especially if you're a cheese lover. Presented with a delicious tomato base, it has mozzarella, Swiss cheese, parmesan and feta in the topping.
The founder of Harpo’s Pizza, Harpo Gooneratne said, “As the first homegrown brand it has given me great pleasure to promote this brand new in its 14th year of operation. It has been an exciting journey to give all pizza lovers a great choice of Italian favourites along with the local flavours and also promoting our unique only Party Pizza 19’ and the only square 22’ pizza.”
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/harpospizzas
Contact : 0114 869 000
Arthur’s Pizzeria
Another pizza diner is Arthur’s Pizzeria in Mount Lavinia, named after the infamous doggo Arthur who has been with them since their launch.
These guys are the pioneers of the widely trending Nai Mirris pizza; it features the Sri lankan grown fiery chilli that we Lankan just can’t get enough of. A lot have complimented its Bacon Annasi — pineapple on a pizza with a bit of bacon. Another interesting one is the Full Moon Pizza, which is served with chicken bacon, button mushrooms and cheese.
Arthur’s Pizzeria also does some delicious plates of pasta which are very popular among the guests.
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/arthurspizzas
Contact : 0114 869 000
Giovanni’s
Located in Thimbirigasyaya, Giovanni’s ambience is just so inviting and is one of the best places to chill out with your buddies over some amazing pizza.
These guys started out quite small, a 2 story building with seating by the pavement just like in Italy and have now expanded to serve more patrons.
The most popular are the Bacon, Four Cheese and The Influencer Pizza. According to the founder of Giovanni’s Pizza Dimuthu Gamage, “The pizza got its name after a Karen incident and we decide to name it The Influencer Pizza. The preparation includes prawn, pesto, mozzarella, blue cheese and smoked bacon.”
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/giovannispresto
Contact: 077 033 5366
Rocco’s Pizza
Co-owned by two women, Rocco’s serves authentic, hand-tossed, wood fired Italian-style pizza and has been in the pizza scene for a long time now.
The crusty wood-fired pizza topped with cooked ham and seasoned artichokes, anchovies, mushrooms, black olives and oozing with mozzarella is called the Capricciosa Pizza. Besides this, the Margherita and the Gorgonzola E Funghi are in demand.
Rocco’s also serves up good vegan bases, like Cacciatore Di Melanzane which is prepared with aubergine, olives and mushroom, bell peppers and onions in Al Pomodoro sauce offered with home-baked Foccacia.
Rocco’s Pizza outlets are located at Nawala Road, Rajagiriya and Gregory’s Road, Colombo 7.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roccoslk
Contact: 077 142 3131
Dolce Italia
Dolce Italia is a restaurant run by a friendly and warm Italian couple. Located at Colombo 5, this place is a beautiful house-turned-restaurant that also operates as a bed and breakfast spot.
Arrabiata Pizza is a popular choice at Dolce Italia, a spicy thin crust, cheese packed pizza, which also has fresh tomato sauce and black olives. The Rustica Pizza made with fresh tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, fresh burrata, rocket salad, extra virgin olive oil, fresh tomatoes and parmesan cheese. Like most places, The Margherita pizza has its own fan following. Much like the other places, Dolce Italia serves a variant of dishes, and it’s the pizzas that stand out and is popular among the guests.
They do some excellent coffee too.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DolceItaliaDolceCasa
Contact: 0112 559 900
