In Óbuda (Budapest 3rd district), tucked beneath a residential building, you’ll find D’Al Michele Pizzeria and Bistro — a refreshing and unique spot not just in Budapest, but across all of Hungary.
I discovered it completely by accident, and unlike almost every other restaurant featured on Flavors on the Road, this wasn’t during a trip, a food tour, or any kind of culinary adventure. I simply found it while looking for lunch near my office next door.
Pizza al taglio
Let’s get to the point! D’Al Michele doesn’t serve traditional pizza — they specialize in what’s known as pizza al taglio. This style, which is still relatively unknown around the world, originated in Rome and is baked in a rectangular pan instead of the usual round shape.
One key detail: the owner — who’s there every day and personally involved in making the pizzas — was a student of the founder of the legendary Bonci Pizzarium in Rome. In fact, he was the one who originally recommended Bonci to me — so it was through him that I discovered the iconic Roman spot. That alone is a solid guarantee that here, far from its birthplace, you’re getting one of the best — and perhaps most authentic — pizza al taglio experiences.
From that angle, D’Al Michele is truly one of a kind. Not only is it the only place I know of in Budapest offering pizza al taglio, but even globally — outside of Rome — pizzerias serving this style are incredibly rare. For some reason, this type of pizza has never made it into the mainstream of world-famous Italian food.
The serving style
It’s worth mentioning that pizza al taglio is served differently from traditional pizzas — and that’s just as true at D’Al Michele. But they’ve added a small twist — maybe because the Hungarian crowd might not have been fully ready for the complete Roman method.
What’s stayed true to the original Roman approach: the pizza is baked in large rectangular pans, in advance. The toppings are chosen by the chef, often very creatively. At D’Al Michele, you’ll usually find at least 10 types of pizza available. You can’t order custom-made pies — you choose from what’s freshly baked and ready. The large pizzas are cut into smaller pieces and served at the counter. You can eat them there standing, or take them to go.
What hasn’t been carried over from the Roman tradition is pricing by weight. In Rome, pizza al taglio is cut with scissors to the size you want, and the price is based on weight. In other words, pizza is sold by the kilo. That might have been a bit too bold for the Hungarian market, so at D’Al Michele, the slices are pre-cut into equal portions with fixed prices per slice.
And what’s the service like? Super friendly — and honestly, really fun. You’re always greeted warmly, and whether it’s the owner himself or his colleague behind the counter, they bring a bit of Italian flair to every interaction.
The pizza is absolutely delicious
The selection is a bit more modest than at the original Bonci — probably tailored to local preferences. And truly, authentic pizza al taglio isn’t necessarily the wild, over-the-top experience you might get at the cult Roman Pizzarium.
But the key thing is that the pizza here at D’Al Michele in Budapest is insanely good. They’ve nailed a dough recipe that, I have to admit, I like even more than Bonci’s. It’s soft — thicker than the usual Italian pizza dough — but thanks to the long fermentation, it still has that perfect chewiness (in the best sense of the word).
The pizzas come loaded with cheese and a wide variety of toppings. Some are super simple, while others go for more creative combinations. Everyone can find something that fits their taste or current craving.
One thing’s for sure: every pizza I’ve tried here has been absolutely delicious. So I highly recommend that if you’re in Budapest — or specifically in Óbuda — you try pizza al taglio at D’Al Michele Pizzeria and Bistro.
D’Al Michele Pizzeria and Bistro on the map
D’Al Michele Pizzeria and Bistro is located in Budapest, in Óbuda, just off Kolosy Square, on Lajos Street, in the ground floor of a residential building. Keep your eyes open — it’s easy to miss. Look for the stairs next to the bus stop and head down.
Budapest, Lajos u. 47.B, 1036 Hungary
