Straforno in Rome: Focaccia, Pizza and Burgers
Matteo Pavani and his family aimed for a different
approach to pizza making when they opened Straforno in November of 2014.
The pizzeria is a joint effort of Matteo, his father Alessandro, his
uncle Gianluca, the technicians of the dough, and his aunt Laura, dubbed
as the queen of the pastries which is strictly homemade. Straforno
offers three methods of cooking pizzas: the traditional cooking on a
flat surface, the stuffed focaccia and the Pizza Romana alla Brace,
their registered trademark that best represents them. There are two
wood-fired brick ovens in the pizzeria, one of which is used to cook the
Pizza Romana alla Brace or grilled pizzas on in pans over the wood
embers while the other one is used to cook traditional pizzas and
stuffed focacce. The dough, after months of perfecting, is made with
very little yeast, 48 hours of leavening, high hydration and a blend of
flours from Di Marco mill which is divided between wheat, soy and rice
for a highly digestible result.
The authenticity of Straforno is enhanced by its Pizza Roman alla
Brace. The secret of which lies in the preparation of the oven: after
being brought to a very high temperatures, the embers are placed on the
oven surface. The pizza, placed in a pan, is then cooked over a low
flame over the embers then subsequently served in wedges. All the pizzas
are topped with sauces prepared at the kitchen of Straforno like the
parmigiana that is made with eggplant parmigiana, a family preparation
that follows the flavor of the classic dish. The same goes for the
amatriciana sauce or for the simple topping of the sausage, first cooked
on the griddle then cooked with prosecco and lastly crumbled on the
pizza.
With a 750-square meter space, the Pavani Family has put together a pizzeria that not only serves 50 proposals of pizzas but also different kinds of hamburgers which is another one of their specialty. It can easily accommodate 400 guests (but presently reduced to a smaller capacity of 120 after the post Covid 19 reopening) in the interior, exterior and veranda. The accommodation of the big number doesn't compromise the quality and excellence of the food that is served at Straforno. It is a place not only where adults can dine but also families with kids where there are special areas and activities designated for them.
Aside from the pizzas and burgers, there are also the Strapanini (sandwiches) such as Strahotdog which are maxi-sized hotdogs of 180 grams of pure pork cooked in the wood oven at the same time as the bread. For Appetizers (€2.50 - €12) there are Bruschette, fried entries like Supplì and Cacio e Pepe Potato Chips, Focacciate and Strafornozzo. There are ample options for Focacce (€8 - €12), Focacce Ripiene or Stuffed Focacce ((€9.50 - €12), Pizzas (€7.50 - €9.50), Strapanini (€12 - €14), Burgers (€11.50 - €16) and Strainsalate or salads (€10.50 - €12.50). There are also non-pizza options like Pasta and Risotto dishes (€9.50 - €13) and Meat which are mostly grilled (€12.50 - €19.50).
Pizza is not just paired with beer as Matteo puts together a drink list that highlights a good wine list that can accompany the pizzas well. Being a sommelier, he proposes very good wine options focusing on the local region of Lazio and bubbles.
Straforno - Focaccia, Pizza & Burger
Via Del Casale Di San Basilio, 1900156 Rome, Italy
Tel: +39 064100667 / +39 393 7231735
Website: http://straforno.com/wp/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/straforno/
Open daily for lunch (12:00 to 15:00) and dinner (18:00 to 24:00)