In addition to the award-winning Baldoria pizzeria, Ciro Cristiano runs Beata Pasta Bilbao, Beata Pasta Gran Vía, and Beata Pasta Princesa. His pizzas? A masterpiece of alveolation that Spaniards line up for. And the Margherita sells for €13.
The pizzeria
On September 8, the world of pizza had its gala night in Naples: the Teatro Mercadante hosted the award ceremony for the 50 Top Pizza World 2025, the prestigious international ranking that celebrates the best pizzerias on the planet. This year, the spotlight was partly on Madrid, thanks to the meteoric success of a Spanish pizzeria: Baldoria, the Madrid-based restaurant owned by Neapolitan chef and entrepreneur Ciro Cristiano, made an impressive leap forward. Climbing 18 positions compared to the previous year, Baldoria ranked eighth, entering the world's Top 10 and winning the title of best pizzeria in Spain.
Success beyond pizza
Baldoria won everyone over not only with its pizzas, but also with a hospitality that turns every visit into a real party, just as its name suggests. The décor, inspired by the island of Procida, the live music, and the vibrant energy of the venue contributed to creating a unique experience that charmed the jury. As proof of its excellence, Baldoria also took second place in the European rankings and won the special award for Best Cocktail Menu 2025, demonstrating an attention to detail that goes far beyond the main course. Behind Baldoria's success is Ciro Cristiano's culinary philosophy, focused on artisanal and traditional cuisine, but with a signature touch. The restaurant's Neapolitan pizza stands out for its incredible lightness and digestibility, while maintaining generous dimensions. The secret lies in the dough, prepared on site with strictly Italian flour and a biga starter, left to rest for a full 48 hours.
Cooking is another key element. The pizzas are baked in a traditional Acunto oven, imported directly from Naples, which reaches a temperature of 420 degrees and cooks them in just 80 seconds. The result is an extremely crispy base and a flavor that respects tradition, enriched by the creativity of the pizza chefs and the freshest seasonal ingredients. Baldoria's pizza menu is constantly evolving, incorporating new offerings closely linked to seasonal products, while remaining firmly rooted in Italian tradition. The starting point for savoring the authenticity of Baldoria is the classic Margherita, offered at a price of €13 (in fact, the most popular pizza on the menu, as the creative versions cost around €22). This pizza, enriched with mozzarella fior di latte, San Marzano tomatoes, and fresh basil, represents the emblem of a cuisine that values raw ingredients without compromise. The creativity of the pizza chefs is also expressed in unique creations, such as the Pizza Búfala Fest, awarded as the best pizza in Spain (roasted San Marzano tomato sauce, DOP buffalo mozzarella, confit cherry tomatoes, parmesan shavings, basil and lemon pesto).
“It's a dream come true,” said an emotional Ciro Cristiano about his recent achievements. The entrepreneur emphasized the importance of this recognition for him and his team, who work passionately to offer a unique product and experience. “Baldoria is what it is thanks to them,” he added, showing great gratitude towards his team.
