By Wandernests Dispatch – Flavor Nest I 14 May, 2025
Pic by http://www.pizzaperla.nl
If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably wandered down Amsterdam’s cobbled lanes with a rumbling stomach and an eye for something special. This past bank holiday weekend, that something turned out to be La Perla, a cozy little pizzeria tucked into the heart of the Jordaan district, where the scent of wood-fired dough lures locals and tourists alike.
Set along Tweede Tuindwarsstraat, a street affectionately known as Little Italy, La Perla sits confidently among a row of trattoria-style joints—but it’s far from ordinary. In fact, it’s been listed among the best pizzas in Amsterdam by more than a few food blogs and in-the-know locals. With good reason.
🍽️ A Memorable Meal
We walked in just as golden hour kissed the Jordaan rooftops. The restaurant was buzzing—every seat filled, the sound of Italian banter floating through the open kitchen, flour dusting the counter like confetti. It felt like being in Naples, minus the mopeds.
The menu is short, focused, and confident. They know what they’re good at—and they stick to it. We kicked off with bruschettas—crunchy, golden bread with diced tomato, garlic, and a punch of basil. Simple and perfect. Alongside came a burrata salad, its cream-filled center oozing over juicy heirloom tomatoes, finished with a swirl of olive oil that could’ve come straight from a Sicilian grove.
Then came the showstoppers.
We ordered the Calabrese di Spilinga, La Perla’s signature salami pizza, made with fiery ‘nduja paste from Spilinga, Calabria. It was everything a Neapolitan pizza should be: chewy crust with a touch of char, a molten layer of mozzarella, and that glorious kick of heat. Balanced, bold, and slightly addictive.
The Margherita, a humble classic, held its ground too—proving that sometimes the simplest things are the hardest to get right. La Perla nails it.
🍹 Cocktails With Character
Even though it’s a pizzeria, La Perla takes its drinks seriously. We sampled a neat little cocktail list and weren’t disappointed. The Negroni was textbook—equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, stirred not shaken. A Gin and Tonic followed, fragrant with herbs and served in a balloon glass, Mediterranean-style. The Whisky Sour was frothy and zesty with just the right hit of smoke, and for the non-drinker in our group, a homemade lemonade offered a tart, refreshing break.
🍕 Little Nuggets About La Perla
- La Perla uses a wood-fired oven imported from Naples—and you can taste it in the crust. That char is no accident.
- Their ingredients come direct from Italy weekly. The buffalo mozzarella? Flown in fresh from Campania.
- There’s no delivery. You’ve got to show up and eat it fresh. It’s part of their ethos. Pizza this good doesn’t travel well—and they know it.
đź’ˇ Top Tip
La Perla’s popularity means it can get quite busy, especially on weekends and holidays. To secure a spot in this sought-after establishment, it’s advisable to book a table in advance. Grab a seat near the open kitchen if you can—watching the pizzaiolos at work is part of the magic.
Experience the flavors of Italy without leaving Amsterdam at La Perla—a culinary adventure awaits in the city’s charming streets. La Perla is one of those rare finds that stays with you—not because it’s flashy or fussy, but because it’s so damn authentic. If you’re in Amsterdam and craving a real taste of Italy, skip the tourist traps and head straight for La Perla. Just follow the scent of bubbling mozzarella down the Jordaan alleys.
Buon appetito
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