Mondo Pizza

Tucked away in the charming hilltop village of Pollutri, just a short drive from Vasto, Mondo Pizza has become one of those places that locals whisper about to their closest friends. This unassuming pizzeria on Via Roma might not look like much from the outside, but step inside and you’ll discover why it’s earned such a devoted following among families and pizza lovers throughout the region.

The menu here is refreshingly focused, centering around authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas made with locally sourced ingredients and time-honored techniques. Their dough is given a proper 24-hour fermentation, resulting in those perfect, leopard-spotted crusts that serious pizza enthusiasts dream about. Beyond the classics like Margherita and Marinara, they craft creative seasonal pies featuring ingredients from nearby farms and producers.

The atmosphere strikes that perfect balance between rustic charm and welcoming warmth that defines the best neighborhood spots in Abruzzo. The dining room feels like eating in someone’s favorite uncle’s house, with mismatched wooden tables, cheerful ceramic plates, and walls adorned with local photography. There’s an easy conviviality here where conversations flow as freely as the local wine.

For American visitors staying in Vasto, the 15-minute drive to Pollutri offers a wonderful excuse to explore beyond the coast and experience authentic small-town Italian life. Mondo Pizza represents exactly the kind of genuine local experience that makes traveling in Italy so rewarding – no tourist menus or inflated prices, just honest food prepared with care and served with genuine hospitality.