The next generation pizzerias where you want to eat

This afternoon or evening, because Sunday is synonymous with pampering yourself and eating what you want. PIZZA. Skip the old familiar Mario once and join the next gen pizzerias. Not so authentic, but perfectly fine to maintain your Sunday state. The tips from our colleagues from FavorFlav.

Pizzerias are among the oldest foreign hospitality businesses in the Netherlands, but that doesn't mean they are standing still. On the contrary. After a surge of wood-fired ‘authentic Italian’ pizzerias, the not-so-Italian next gen is coming. Three examples.

The Fat Pie

Not without reason does this pizzeria carry an American name and that same name is displayed in very bold letters on the awnings at the facade. The Fat Pie is as Italian as spaghetti and meatballs: with an American twist. This means you can order pizzas with philly cheese steak, fried chicken, shortrib, or with pork shawarma from the spit. The appetizers, including huge meatballs and a burnt Caesar salad, are also American-inspired. Just like the giant beer menu. Only the crust is Neapolitan. Once, American pizzas were a big no-no among foodies. Not anymore! Tip: order a whole pizza with a few friends, or get a slice for yourself. In terms of fat.

The Fat Pie, De Clercqstraat 79 Amsterdam.

Mastino Vegan

Just around the corner from The Fat Pie is the trendy counterpart of that rather meat-oriented place. Mastino has several pizzerias in the capital, but in this one everything is vegan: from the crust to the toppings. And not only that, all pizzas are also gluten-free, but still tasty. Very important. Costs a bit more than a regular pizza, but then you also get, for example, the Red Velvet with mixed salad, beetroot, avocado, walnuts, and lemon oil. Or the Big 4 with tomato sauce, vegan cheese, vegan mozzarella, vegan brie, and vegan smoked cheese. Quite a fat pie.

Mastino Vegan, Bilderdijkstraat 192Huis Amsterdam.

Papa John’s

Not exactly next gen in the States, but here it is. Because only recently has the popular American pizza chain Papa John’s also arrived in the Netherlands. ‘Papa’ started thirty years ago in a cleared broom closet in Jefferson Ville, Indiana, and is now the third largest pizza chain in America with branches in 44 countries, including China. The American pizzas with the neat, tight, round edge come in the American option ‘half and half’:

two different types on one pie. You can also create your own pizza. No inspiration? Then you can choose from options like the BBQ cheeseburger pizza (the favorite of former president Bush) or Papa’s tuna delight.

Papa John’s, various locations.