Upon completing a tour of the Ferrari Museum in Maranello, we decided it was lunch time. Knowing nothing of Maranello, and especially as it had been a rather impromptu trip (I will write about that on GoodDayRome soon), we did what any connected travelers would do: we consulted Trip Advisor on our smartphones. The #2 rated restaurant in Maranello was a hop, skip and a jump away from us! Letting Bonnie, the voice of our GPS lead the way, we were there in short order. Trattoria Pizzeria La Bufala is a worthy stop.

My vegetariana was divine! Full of fresh flavor and ooey gooey mozzarella di bufala.

Rick and Jane were with us and as they had not had pizza yet — already their third day in Italy — we settled on the house specialty. What a find! I like a highly leavened type of crust like we find at Dar Poeta, La Pratolina and 72 Ore. This is that kind of crust, enhanced with the best ingredients. In fact, the server proudly advised us that the Pizza Napoletana, a classic with anchovies, tomato sauce and mozzarella, was a “world champion.” They won an award, 7th out of 70 entries from all around the world just a few days prior in Las Vegas.

The sauce was also particular: simply pomidori pelati or crushed peeled high-quality tomatoes, probably San Marzano although I did not ask, that gave tremendous fresh flavor. I love a good tomato base and often pizza in Italy has precious little sauce, so this was way above my personal expectations. Coupled with the terrific crust, and baked in a forno a legna, it was a winner. I’d gladly go back often as we do to Dar Poeta and our other faves in Roma, but Maranello is a little outside of our ‘hood. Oh-by-the-way, today on TA it is rated #1! Good for them!

I asked why the Wyoming targa? They bought it in Las Vegas and also hauled out an old NM plate.

Jane had a lovely pie with sausage and fresh pomodori. Brother Rick had the classic Napoletana.

Ric chose a classic insalata caprese knowing full well he’d get some of my pizza. He got some of Jane’s, too.

Pizza Quality: 3 Long levitation, fresh ingredients, forno a legna, and classic recipes = great pizza!

Service: 3 Bilingual, at least the owner was and the waitress spoke enough English> Attentive and friendly, proud of their product. 

Ambiance: 3   Very pleasant dining room, a bit rustic, small patio. 

Total Points: 9

Returnability:  The Best! If you are in Emilia-Romagna, near Modena or Maranello, you must go here!