Would you believe it? We have found the Best Pizza in Pereira! It was hiding in a small storefront in el Centro (downtown) near Plaza el Lago.

Here you will find a story of new beginnings, love, and the Best Pizza in Pereira

We stopped in and paid them a visit to find out more about the story of Da Giorgio Pizzeria. What we discovered was more than we had even expected to find!

-Da Giorgio’s Pizza- Operating Hours: Mon- Sat @ 12 pm – 9 pm –

Domicilio/Home Delivery Available Call: 345-1772 Cell: 3217908057

Calle 24 #9-48 – 1.5 blocks from Plaza el Lago – 1 block from Universidad Andina, el Centro.

Meet Giorgio

Giorgio Prandelli is the owner/operator of Da Giorgio, a hole-in-the-wall pizza shop, a place that is without a doubt, the Best Pizza in Pereira, and definitely top 5 for the Coffee Region. We dropped in to visit with him and his wife, Maria Elena, about their Italian-inspired creations.

Giorgio told us the story of how he met his wife, Maria Elena in Italy, but shortly after fell on hard times. “There wasn’t any work to be had (in Italy). I looked everywhere. I had nothing to lose. So, we went to Colombia, the homeland of my wife.” Over time he came to the realization that pizzas, in Pereira, were lacking something very important. Here is what he revealed to us that makes his pizza so special:

His Inspiration.

La gente es muy agradecido por el producto que hago. Y es completamente diferente de la pizza Colombiana. Y me gusta , me gusta cocinar, me gusta que la genta prueba algo nuevo. People are very thankful for the product I create. It is completely different from the Colombian (style) pizza. I like it, I like to cook, I like that people try something new.

His Philosophy about pizza.

Que la pizza es un alimento. No son dos. La massa y los ingredientes, hay que casarse entre ellos. NO es un plato que pone encima mucha ingredientes. La pizza es una. Hecha de dos, pero es un alimento. Mas que usted tiene un buena massa, usted tiene un buena pizza. Pizza is a food. It’s not two things. The dough and the ingredients (or toppings), you have to marry them. It’s not a plate with a pile of ingredients on top. The pizza is a whole food. It’s made of two parts. Altogether, it is one. More importantly, if you have a good dough, you have a good pizza.

The Best Pizza in Pereira, Da Giorgio!

With timeless secrets, hundreds of years of heritage in his blood, and a passion for good pizza, bread and pasta, Giorgio is making a reputation for himself in Pereira. When we discovered this place, we knew it merited more visits, take-out and time to experience its delectable creations. We returned on various occasions to try the pizza, with consistent quality each time. This day we came for a sit-down lunch. And, it was worth every bite! Having already tried his Pizza, we asked Giorgio to reveal to us something he is proud of, and he gave us lasagna.

A lasagne that was pleasure in every bite. With his special bolognese sauce (Salsa Bolognese) and fresh mozzarella cheese, it was moist, the noodles were al-dente but not raw. The balance of sauce/meat to noodle/cheese was perfect. You left feeling full but not full of too much pasta, or too much cheese. The juice was fresh, but not too sweet either! We give the lasagne a 10/10 for portion size, taste and overall eating pleasure. The other lasagne option is white sauce (Salsa Béchamel), with chicken and beef. They were both amazing!

The pizza is another story completely. Here is where the true craftsmanship and passion of Giorgio comes to life. As he mentioned earlier, Giorgio went to Italy to study pizza. What he learned completely transformed his entire experience. In his own words “Me fui donde Italia y hicieron curso. Preparar-la la massa. Deje-la madurar. Deje-la fermentar.” I went to Italy and took a course. To prepare the dough. Leave it to mature. Leave it to ferment.” And finally, he goes and bakes, what will be in the end, a great pizza!

Artisan bread baked from scratch by Giorgio!

Giorgio expressed to us that he dreams about one day in the future expanding the operation. He hopes to eventually produce and sell bread, Focaccia, and similar flour products. Eventually, a bigger restaurant with more space and better options. For the right person this could be a good investment opportunity!

The next time you find yourself in Pereira, be sure to stop in and visit Da Giorgio’s Pizzeria, you won’t regret it!

Only a block and a half down the Calle 24, past Parque el Lago and Carerra 9, you will see a small hole-in-the-wall pizza establishment. Don’t let its humble appearance deceive you about the value and quality that lies hidden within. Go see for yourself!

Do Giorgio’s, is a small slice of pizza-lover heaven, nestled deep in the heart, of The City Without Doors. Experience the Best Pizza in Pereira at your own risk!

Thanks for following along with us this week as we work our way through the taste and flavor of Pereira, Colombia.  This is stop #6 on our Pereira Food Tour! Be sure to catch up on more tasty restaurants in Pereira in this article, originally a satire piece, where we bring you the 5 restaurants in Pereira that You won’t want to miss!