MM
Mario Molina
Nov 7, 2025
Pupatella (Columbia, MD) - A Genuine Neapolitan Experience
Pupatella in Columbia, Maryland, establishes itself as a premier destination for lovers of authentic pizza. Backed by the VPN (Verace Pizza Napoletana) certification, the quality is evident from the moment the pizzas emerge from the wood-fired oven, featuring the characteristic airy and slightly charred rim (cornicione).
To evaluate their range, we sampled two fundamental classics: the purity of the Margherita and the complexity of the Capricciosa.
The Margherita is the perfection of simplicity. It's a testament that high-quality ingredients need no embellishment: the San Marzano tomato sauce is bright and balanced, combined with fresh mozzarella and a touch of fragrant basil. Each slice is a pure bite of Italian flavor, a gold standard for this iconic dish.
On the other hand, the Capricciosa is a delicious, multi-layered adventure. It comes loaded with classic ingredients—cured ham, mushrooms, artichokes, and olives. What's noteworthy is how the base remains structurally sound under this variety of toppings; the dough is still tender but robust enough. It offers a wonderful contrast of salty, earthy, and umami flavors that make every bite a different experience.
If you're looking for the unmistakable Neapolitan crust (soft in the center, crispy on the outside) and flavors faithful to tradition, both pizzas are an excellent choice and demonstrate why Pupatella has such a well-deserved reputation.