Can You Still Get Italian Woodfired Pizza Shapes?

By La Casa | 08/05/2025

When it comes to Italian cuisine, few dishes are as iconic as pizza. Its unmistakable flavor—especially when cooked in a traditional woodfired oven—makes each bite a memorable experience. But Italian pizzas come in a variety of shapes and styles, each offering a unique way to enjoy this beloved dish. Let’s explore some of the most popular pizza forms from Italy and how they differ in taste, texture, and tradition.

Traditional Round Pizza: The Classic

The round pizza is arguably the most famous shape, particularly associated with Naples, the birthplace of pizza. It’s the gold standard for traditional Italian pizza.

  • Origin: Naples, Italy
  • Characteristics: A thin, round base with a raised edge (cornicione). The dough is hand-stretched and topped with fresh ingredients like San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
  • Popular Varieties: Margherita, Quattro Stagioni (Four Seasons), Capricciosa
  • Why It’s Popular: Even cooking, simple ingredients, and a perfect balance of chewy center and crispy crust make it the ideal choice for authentic flavor lovers.

Pizza al Taglio: Roman-Style, Served by the Slice

Pizza al Taglio means “pizza by the cut” and is a popular Roman street food. It’s baked in rectangular trays—typically in electric ovens—and sold by weight.

  • Origin: Rome, Italy
  • Characteristics: A rectangular pizza with a thick, airy, focaccia-like crust. It’s sliced with scissors and served by size preference.
  • Popular Toppings: Mushrooms, artichokes, prosciutto, potatoes, zucchini flowers
  • Why It’s Popular: Flexible portions, endless topping choices, and a soft-but-crispy texture make it a go-to for casual dining or quick bites.

Sicilian-Style Pizza: Thick and Hearty

Sicilian pizza, also known in Italy as Sfincione, is a traditional regional style with a thick, fluffy crust and bold toppings.

  • Origin: Sicily (especially Palermo)
  • Characteristics: Rectangular or square with a spongy, slightly sweet crust. Often baked in deep pans and topped with tomato, onions, anchovies, and strong cheeses.
  • Popular Toppings: Caciocavallo cheese, breadcrumbs, tomato sauce, anchovies, onions
  • Why It’s Popular: It’s hearty and filling—ideal for sharing. This style also inspired the thicker “Sicilian” pizzas seen in many Italian-American pizzerias.

Calzone: A Folded Pizza Pocket

A calzone is like a folded pizza that locks in all the fillings, offering a hearty, all-in-one experience. Traditionally baked in ovens (sometimes woodfired in artisan settings), they’re a staple in southern Italian cuisine.

  • Origin: Naples, Italy
  • Characteristics: Half-moon shaped, filled with cheese, meats, and vegetables. The edges are sealed before baking, creating a crispy outside and gooey inside.
  • Common Fillings: Ricotta, mozzarella, prosciutto, salami, mushrooms
  • Why It’s Popular: It’s portable, filling, and keeps all the cheesy goodness tucked inside. A satisfying twist on traditional pizza.

Panzerotti: Small and Fried

Often confused with calzones, panzerotti are smaller and always fried, not baked. They’re popular street food in southern Italy, especially in the Apulia region.

  • Origin: Apulia (Puglia), Italy
  • Characteristics: Small, crescent-shaped dough pockets filled with tomato and mozzarella, then deep-fried until golden brown.
  • Traditional Filling: Tomato sauce and mozzarella; variations include ham, mushrooms, or even eggplant.
  • Why It’s Popular: Crispy on the outside, melty on the inside—panzerotti are perfect as a snack or appetizer and beloved for their comfort-food appeal.

La Casa Woodfired Pizza Pasta Bar & Grill: A Taste of Italy in Boronia

At La Casa Woodfired Pizza Pasta Bar & Grill, we’re proud to bring the authentic flavors of Italy to Boronia, Victoria. Our woodfired pizzas are made from the finest ingredients, and we honor the traditional Italian methods that give each pizza its unique character.

  • Signature Pizzas: From the classic Margherita to bold gourmet creations like BBQ Chicken or Potato & Bacon, there’s something for everyone.
  • Atmosphere: Relaxed and family-friendly, perfect for both casual meals and special occasions.
  • Convenient Location: Situated in the heart of Boronia, we’re easily accessible from Bayswater, Wantirna, Ferntree Gully, and The Basin.

Conclusion

Italian pizzas offer an incredible range of flavors, textures, and shapes—from the iconic round Neapolitan pizza to the fried indulgence of panzerotti. Each style reflects the local culture and ingredients of its region.

If you’re in Boronia and craving a true taste of Italy, visit us at La Casa Woodfired Pizza Pasta Bar & Grill for a culinary journey that celebrates tradition, flavor, and passion.

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