Rumor has it that La Piola, a member of the dynasty of the same name (Piola Libri in the EU district, Piola Piccola in Saint-Gilles), is said to be the best pizzeria in the country. So, it was only right that we went to check things out for ourselves… Over on Place Saint-Josse in a dining room with hypno-kitsch tiles, exposed brick walls and a Maradona shirt on display, we’re faced with one question: which of the 60 pizzas on the menu will be crowned top of the podium? Compared by us: a white A Morte Sua made with organic flour, mortadella, black truffle oil and pistachio cream directly imported from Italy, cooked over a wood fire creating perfectly blistered crusts; Calabra with San Marzano tomatoes, provola and ‘nduja (spicy Calabrian sausage); and a Calzone Siciliano stuffed with squishy eggplant and juicy tomatoes. To finish? A plump (but light) tiramisu also keeping its promises: Napoli on the lips and spirits are high! Do believe the hype… and remember to book in advance! // Rocky Simone

FEELING THIRSTY? Classic cocktails (Negroni, Spritz, Sbagliato… €8-9), amazing artisanal lemonades prepared with Etna water (€4), unfiltered Birra dello Stretto (€5.50 for 330 ml) and a wine tour of the Boot – Valpolicella Ca’ Fiui from Marinella Camerani (€35.50 a bottle), Friuli Vino Vivo, an orange wine from Isola Augusta (€35.90)…

PRICE: Platters (charcuterie, mozzarella, etc.) €15 to €18.50, pizzas €10.50 to €20, desserts €6-8.