Open from 11 to 11, the average per head cost at Pepperino is around 20 euros. General Manager, Sérgio Faustino, whose family own a number of bars and restaurants in Alvor, underwent special training in Naples along with his brother Luís in order to learn some of the intricacies of the Neapolitan pizza.
With its thin, soft dough, this pizza “par excellence” has been around since 1715 and Naples’ most famous culinary creation received official recognition in 2010.
As a result, Pepperino has to follow a series of rules and guidelines that differentiates it from imitations.
The Traditional Speciality Guaranteed label requires all Neapolitan pizzerias are inspected by a special commission that will check standards.
They include using only San Marzano tomatoes and fresh buffalo mozzarella cheese.
According to Sérgio Faustino, the pizza is the evolution of the famous street pizza “pizza a libretto”, meaning folded as a book, which was sold in every corner of Napoli. The essence of the Neapolitan pizza is due mainly to its base which must be produced with a dough similar to that used for bread - that is to say completely devoid of fats - soft and elastic - using wheat flour and baked in a shallow dome wood burning oven at temperatures around 485°C, for not more than 90 seconds.
The location is another draw card for visitors, with the longer and sunnier days making a visit to Pepperino even more enjoyable. A visit is recommended, even if it is only to sample a taste of this unique pizza. As is the custom, all diners at this family friendly pizzeria are entitled to a postdinner complimentary Limoncella.
For reservations, call: 939 871 800 or visit Alvor Pizzeria Pepperino.