PHOTOS: Pizza Festival Zagreb now open – we go check it out

by croatiaweek
May 9, 2025
in Food & Wine

(Photo: Sandro Sklepić)

Rain may have dampened the opening of this year’s Pizza Festival Zagreb, but it certainly didn’t dull the spirit – or the flavour.

Taking over Trg dr. Franje Tuđmana until 18 May, the festival’s fourth edition is a celebration of Italy’s most iconic dish, offering a ten-day culinary journey led by some of the region’s finest pizza makers.

With ten carefully curated food stalls, visitors can savour everything from Neapolitan and Roman pizzas to the indulgent canotto, Sicilian sfincione, and deep-fried pizza fritta.

(Photo: Sandro Sklepić)

Each dough undergoes a fermentation process of at least 48–72 hours, ensuring lightness and digestibility, while toppings range from San Marzano tomatoes and creamy burrata to spicy ‘Nduja and even Graševina wine.

(Photo: Sandro Sklepić)

Local favourites like Pizza Social Club shine with hits such as Peperoni Nduja, while Pizza Re impresses with their Mortadella pizza, rich with pesto Genovese and crushed pistachios.

(Photo: Sandro Sklepić)

Pizza Social Club – Cacio e pepe (Photo: Sandro Sklepić)

Pizza Social Club – Pepperoni Nduja (Photo: Sandro Sklepić)

RougeMarin brings Sicilian flair with thicker focaccia-style bases, and Al Dente lives up to its motto “Art of Taste” with their bold Piccante 2.0.

Rougemarin (Photo: Sandro Sklepić)

Rougemarin – Vesuvio (Photo: Sandro Sklepić)

Festival-goers can also enjoy pasta served from a cheese wheel by Pastamisee and sweet delights crafted by pastry chef Juraj Klepić, whose inventive tiramisu and cannoli creations are must-tries.

Zagyland (Photo: Sandro Sklepić)

Al Dente (Photo: Sandro Sklepić)

Enes Hrnjić – Al Dente (Photo: Sandro Sklepić)

For drinks, Ginglebells offers basil-infused cocktails, while Central Bar keeps the wine and beer flowing – all served in reusable cups in an eco-conscious setup.

Hrvoje Cvetko – Pizza Re (Photo: Sandro Sklepić)

Pastamisee (Photo: Sandro Sklepić)

Gdje je Jura (Photo: Sandro Sklepić)

Beyond food, the festival features a lively daily DJ programme, weekend live music, movie nights under the stars, painting and pizza workshops, a kids’ zone, and special Happy Hour discounts for Mastercard users.

Ginglebells (Photo: Sandro Sklepić)

Entry is free, and with something for every taste, the Pizza Festival Zagreb offers the perfect blend of fun, flavour, and festivity – la vita è bella indeed.

(Photo: Sandro Sklepić)

Pizza Festival Zagreb
Where: Trg dr. Franje Tuđmana, Zagreb
When: 8–18 May 2025
Time: Mon–Fri 12:00–24:00 / Sat–Sun 11:00–24:00
Free entry