nNea

It has finally happened. The Monday date night at nNea that I’ve had in my calendar since January, has finally happened. We went to check out the 54th best pizza in the world, and the best pizza in the Netherlands.

If you’re wondering where the name comes from, nNea is the New Neapolis: the metropolis of a new pizza era. According to the chefs, “since day zero the goal has been to embrace the renaissance of pizza and to create new paths, new stories to tell and new traditions to pursue”. Pretty poetic – I love it.

However, let’s start with the timing issues. I’m not exaggerating when saying I’ve made a reservation 3 months in advance for 2 people, and could only get a Monday night. If you’re willing to start dinner at 10PM, you’ve got more chances to succeed booking a spot. So I guess Spanish expats in Amsterdam won’t have an issue. But, for the rest of us, just know you need to plan WAY in advance.

Then, when you get there, you do need to wait some more. Service is attentive: your drinks will be re-filled, and no one’s just sitting around. But it does take forever to get your pizza – more than 1 hour. So don’t come starving, get yourself a good conversation buddy, and wait for your pizza masterpiece.

Thankfully, we’ve had a delicious rosé wine and an Aperol Spritzers to keep us “warm”.

Let’s get to the point – the pizza! Their menu has many delicious options, so it’s not easy to make a choice. I went with the Nonno Vincenzo, made of squeezed plum tomatoes, provola di Agerola, spianata piccante, basil and chili flakes.

What can I say…it’s been a while since I managed to eat a whole pizza by myself, yet had no issues here. The dough is so fluffy and light, so you won’t feel too full. The toppings: absolutely delicious. High quality, fresh ingredients that go beautifully together. I don’t even understand how that basil tasted like heavenly basil – some sort of after-taste that hits just right.

Hayden chose the Oro di Bufala, with a yellow tomato sauce (giagiu’ del Vesuvio), mozzarella
di bufala, provolone del monaco and basil. None of us could remember having a yellow tomato based pizza before, so we were definitely curious. This is also one of their most popular choices.

Yet another beautiful, cheesy creation. Hayden was also wondering how they made basil taste so good? Toppings all stayed in place forming the perfect bite, and just worked together. The yellow base was sweet and fresh. I still remember those slices.

Well, what can I say…

I definitely wanted to be that one “foodie” that thinks nNea’s overrated and La Perla is still the best in town. And don’t get me wrong, I still love La Perla. But make no mistake – nNea makes amazing pizza, and even though I need to plan a quarterly visit, I’ll still do it. It’s worth it.

Plus, I still want to try so many things on their menu. You’ll find combinations you’ve never heard of, like octopus with stracciatella, or a calzone with pork belly. Now that I know they get the basics (very much) right, I’m excited to taste their outside-the-box options, too.

You’re a 10, nNea. You’re definitely a 10.

Value for money: 10

Food Quality: 10

Location: 9 (Bilderdijkstraat 92Hs)

Service: 8 (’cause waiting for over an hour is still…a lot)

Website: https://www.nneapizza.com/

Have a suggestion, question, or just want to hola at me? Find me here: sayhello.eatandtell@gmail.com