A recap: 4th annual Zagreb Pizza Festival

The unmistakable scent of wood-fired dough and bubbling mozzarella took over central Zagreb as the beloved Pizza Festival officially returned for its fourth edition. Running from May 8 to 18, this culinary celebration transformed the square into a bustling Italian food village with a modern twist. 

This year’s festival lineup featured 11 gourmet stalls showcasing an eclectic array of pizzas, pasta dishes, desserts, and Italian-inspired drinks. From deep-dish Sicilian masterpieces to the delicately blistered crusts of Neapolitan-style pies, there was a slice or spoon for every palate.

A Feast of Fire and Flavor

Among the returning favorites was Al Dente, a pizzeria renowned for its hybrid approach that combines the precision of Napoletana with the airy crust of the Canotto style. Their standout item this year? Picante 2.0, a spicy remix featuring fiery sausage, pepper drops, and smoked honey, encased in beautifully puffed edges. A delicious experience for someone looking for something more exotic and spicy.

Pizza Re, run by the Cvetko brothers, continued its reign with a curated lineup of five artisanal pizzas. Their star offering, the Mortadela, marries Genovese pesto with Fior di Latte mozzarella, premium mortadella, and crushed pistachios on a 48-hour fermented dough. It’s a delicate balance of tradition and flair that’s become their signature.

Volcanic Inspiration and Gourmet Innovation

The team at RougeMarin returned with their Sicilian-inspired deep-dish creations, including the Vesuvio, a bold mix of roast beef, tonnato sauce, pickled radish, capers, and arugula. All of their pizzas draw names and inspiration from Italy’s iconic volcanoes like Etna, Stromboli, and Magma. Their commitment to slow fermentation and double-baking techniques sets their offerings apart from other more traditionally prepared pizzas.

Pizza Social Club merged the crispiness of Roman pizza with the pillowy structure of Naples-style dough. Their spicy Pepperoni Nduja remained a fan favorite, thanks to its balanced layering of San Marzano tomatoes, Calabrian sausage, and aged Parmigiano Reggiano.

Not Just Pizza

For those who were in the mood for something beyond the crust, Pastamisee was a haven of freshly prepared pasta, cooked tableside in wheels of Grana Padano cheese. Their Cacio e Pepe and truffle pasta dishes, offered the festival's visitors a creamy decadence in every forkful.

Dessert lovers had the pleasure to visit Gdje je Jura?, the sweets stand led by local pastry artisan Juraj Klepić. Highlights included the Brr Brr Pistaccino fried gelato and the luxurious Tung Tung Tung Tiramisu, an elaborate creation with hazelnut liqueur cream, cappuccino and optional pistachio drizzle.

And for something completely different, Pizza Fritta offered Naples-style fried pizza, where ingredients are tucked between two layers of dough and deep-fried until crisp and golden. Their Pistacchio e Mortadella version is both full of taste and unexpectedly light.

From Zagorje to Napoli

Making a notable return is Zagyland, a pizzeria from Hrvatsko Zagorje known for sticking closely to traditional Italian recipes. Their surprise offering this year was the Grašizza, a wine-infused dough pizza topped with a unique dressing made from Graševina white wine and smoked paprika. A true local twist on an Italian classic. To round out the experience, festival-goers enjoyed Italian cocktails, coffee, and a rotating schedule of events. Notably, on May 15 at 5 PM, KitchenAid Croatia hosted a live workshop led by chef Vedran Bošković, guiding participants through the art of authentic Neapolitan pizza-making.

Festival Details

The 2025 Pizza Festival ran daily from May 8th until May 18 in central Zagreb. Entry was free, and no dishes were priced above 20 euro. Follow the festival on Instagram (@pizzafestivalhr) and Facebook (@PizzaFestivalZagreb) for behind-the-scenes peeks to see what the festival was like. If you missed the event do not worry, it will be back bigger and better next year. 

Whether you're a diehard pizzaiolo or simply a lover of fine Italian flavors, this is the event that Zagreb’s food scene has been waiting for. Mark your calendars and come back next year for the 5th Pizza Festival in Zagreb.

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