I’ve lived in the 15th arrondissement for years. When I tell people that, I often get the same response: “Hmm, I’ve never been there!”
To which I reply: “You’re not missing anything.”
It’s been true for a long time. The 15th is mostly residential, and while there are certainly a few tasty places I recommend to locals of the arrondissement, for the most part, they’re not places worth traveling so far south for.
Guillaume Grasso is different.
This pizzaiolo prides himself on the Neapolitan authenticity of his pizza, made according to 100 years of family tradition. Grasso has even earned Associazione Verace Pizza napoletana (AVPN) recognition for his methods.
Each pizza is made by hand using authentic Italian ingredients…
… and baked in Grasso’s wood-fired oven.
We started our meal with a true Neapolitan buffalo mozzarella, drizzled with extra-virgin olive oil.
It was luscious and tender and incredibly simple: the perfect starter for what was to follow.
The menu divides the pizzas on offer into two sections: d’autore and classiche. The one above, dubbed the Emilia-Romagna, came from the former category and featured tomato sauce, fiordilatte mozzarella, eggplant, 24-month aged Parmesan and prosciutto, and balsamic cream. It was well-balanced and full of flavor, boasting an airy, chewy dough that rivals some of the best I’ve tried in both Italy and New York.
Our other choice, meanwhile, featured Vesuvian cherry tomatoes, aged prosciutto, Grana Padano cheese, and fiordilatte mozzarella. With light acidity from the tomatoes and richness from the combination of cheeses, it was just as big a crowd-pleaser.
And for dessert? A perfectly delicious tiramisu.
The dining room mirrors the menu: no froufrou accoutrements, just perfect simplicity. And while it may not be much to look at, at first, for once, I have a place I can recommend that is, without a doubt, worth traversing Paris for.
Guillaume Grasso - 45, rue Brancion, 75015