Throughout history the best places for pizza is a debate that raged forever. One of the oldest food preparations in the world is pizza or a dough cooked on a flat surface topped with different ingredients. Just about all cultures have a version that dates back to antiquity. Sixthcentury Persian soldiers baked a flatbread on top of their shield and added dates and cheese. In Ancient Greece flatbread topped with herbs onions, cheese and garlic was trendy.
Once the Spanish brought back tomatoes from Perú, the Italians started to put them on top of their focaccia. The popularity of home delivered or take out pizza probably originated in the 1800’s with the “pizzaiuolo ambulante” a pizza hawker who would walk around selling the pizzas he acquired from a bakery.
First pizza place on the Island
The popularity of this dish began with the first “official” stone oven baked at La Cueva del Chicken Inn in 1950. (The Chicken Cave Inn). 74 years later you can still visit this iconic and unique restaurant in Hato Rey. The decoration resembles a vaulted cave with Spanish accents. A true visual experience.
The new arrivals
After years of “New York style” pizza, Puerto Rican pizzaiolos are now embracing the Neapolitan style and innovating on top of this platform. All sorts of innovations and local ingredients are offered next to the classics. Some of the creations are pepperoni style thin slices of beets at La Santurcina. Fidela has offered swordfish mortadella and tuna sausage as toppings. Special attention is now paid to crusts as well. You can find pumpkin and coconut thin pizzas at Loiza 2050 along with the ever present cauliflower option.
Best Pizza Places in Puerto Rico
Good pizza is a symphony of well balanced flavors, ingredients and techniques. The recipes are simple but it’s the pizzaiolo that magically brings everything together. Here are just a small sample of people who are getting it right in Puerto Rico.
Biga 787-493-1471
Loiza St, Santurce A wood fired oven is the source of their pizza magic. A small artsy restaurant with a good eye for detail.
Campioni Pizza 787-651-6263
Calle Isabel Ponce If you’re a fan of thins crust and creative toppings this is your paradise. Wood fired oven makes everything taste best!
Deep Dish PR 787-961-6766
Placita Roosevelt One of the few deep dish style pizzerias on the Island. Great food and service.
El Campo es Leña
Adjuntas Artisanal pizza in a wood fired oven in the cool mountains of Adjuntas. Take a walk in the forest in front first and then enjoy. Fridays and Saturdays only.
Fidela 787-640-8377
Hipodromo St. Santurce Sourdough crusts and a wood fired oven make this an exceptional pizza experience. Lines begin before they open.
La Santurcina 787-710-8192
Ponce de Leon Ave. Casual, fun place with some great pizza combinations including beetaroni, beets spiced with sausage flavorings.
Loiza 2050 787-726-7141
Loiza St, Santurce The masters of thin crust. Check out the coconut or the pumpkin crust options. Amazing flavors and a great whiskey selection.
Panoteca San Miguel
85 Ave de Diego, San Juan This amazing bakery turns into an amazing pizzeria every Thursday and cranks out some of the best New York style pizzas on the island.
Pirilo Pizza Rústica 787-721-3322
Old San Juan, Ocean Park, Dorado A staple on the pizza scene. Great combos and environment. Ordering online is a plus.
Siete Santos 787-629-3615
Marginal Road Martinez Nadal, Guaynabo A food truck behind a Total Energy gas station is a good sign that you’re about to have an experience to remember, particularly if you order the honey burrata with pepperoni.
Tre Amici Santiago
Veve St., Bayamón 80’s rock tavern ambiance with great pizza. No phone and no reservations but very popular.
Via Appia 787-725-8711
Ashford Ave, Condado Since 1976 this place has been a neighborhood favorite with a solid traditional menu, sangría and a classic style.
