When in Rome: Budapest pizzeria offers time-travel twist with ancient Rome-inspired pie

Published: Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at 3:40 pm

Budapest Pizzeria Offers a Taste of Ancient Rome

A pizzeria in Budapest is offering a unique culinary experience, transporting diners back in time with a pizza inspired by ancient Roman cuisine. Neverland Pizzeria, spearheaded by founder Josep Zara, has created a limited-edition pie using only ingredients available in the Roman Empire, long before the advent of tomatoes, mozzarella, or the modern concept of pizza.

Zara's inspiration stemmed from a recent archaeological discovery in Pompeii, a fresco depicting a flatbread topped with ingredients like pomegranate seeds, dates, and spices. This sparked his curiosity about the flavors of ancient Roman food. He then consulted historical sources, including the ancient cookbook *De re coquinaria*, and a historian in Germany to research the ingredients available during that era.

The project presented significant challenges for the pizzeria's head chef, Gergely Brdossy. The absence of modern infrastructure, such as running water, required innovative solutions. The team experimented for months, eventually developing a dough leavened with fermented spinach juice and using ancient grains like einkorn and spelt. The resulting pie features toppings associated with Roman aristocratic cuisine, including epityrum (an olive paste), garum (a fermented fish sauce), confit duck leg, toasted pine nuts, ricotta, and a grape reduction.

Brdossy acknowledges the niche appeal of the creation, stating that while some find it delicious, it's not intended for everyday consumption. The project reflects Neverland Pizzeria's broader philosophy of combining innovation with tradition. Zara emphasizes the restaurant's commitment to experimentation while maintaining a firm stance against certain modern additions, specifically mentioning the exclusion of pineapple.

BNN's Perspective: This initiative is a fascinating example of how culinary creativity can intersect with historical curiosity. While the resulting pizza may not appeal to all palates, it offers a unique and educational experience. It's a testament to the power of food to connect us to the past and spark new conversations about tradition and innovation.

Keywords: Budapest, pizzeria, pizza, ancient Rome, Roman Empire, culinary history, ingredients, flatbread, focaccia, experimentation, Neverland Pizzeria, Josep Zara, Gergely Brdossy, epityrum, garum, einkorn, spelt, historical, food, cuisine, innovation, tradition.

Full Story