At Ristorante & Pizzeria Acquerello in Landquart, pizza isn’t just a dish—it’s an art form. Rooted in the heart of Italian culinary tradition, our pizzas are crafted with passion, precision, and respect for time-honored techniques. Every bite is a journey to Italy, made even more special by the unique touch of our expert pizzaiolo who brings over 30 years of experience to every creation.
Let’s take a behind-the-scenes look at how the magic happens, from the dough to the wood-fired oven, and why every pizza at Acquerello is a masterpiece.
The Foundation: Perfecting the Dough
Every great pizza begins with the dough. At Acquerello, we adhere to the traditional Neapolitan pizza-making process but add a unique twist to suit local Swiss preferences.
The dough starts with just four simple ingredients: flour, water, yeast, and salt. But it’s the process that makes the difference. Our pizzaiolo carefully measures each ingredient, combining them in precise proportions to create a dough that is soft, elastic, and full of flavor. The secret lies in the fermentation: the dough is left to rise slowly over 24 to 48 hours, allowing the natural yeasts to develop a depth of flavor and achieve the perfect lightness.
This slow-rising technique not only enhances the taste but also ensures the dough is easy to digest—a hallmark of authentic Italian pizza.
A Symphony of Ingredients
The quality of ingredients is non-negotiable at Acquerello. Each component, from the rich tomato sauce to the creamy mozzarella, is carefully selected to ensure authenticity and excellence.
Tomato Sauce: Only the finest San Marzano tomatoes, grown in the volcanic soil of Italy, are used. These tomatoes are naturally sweet, with just the right balance of acidity, and form the base of our signature sauce.
Mozzarella: We source premium mozzarella, including buffalo mozzarella for select pizzas. Its creamy texture and mild flavor melt beautifully in the high heat of the oven.
Toppings: Whether you choose a classic like Margherita or a special pizza like the Norvegese with smoked salmon and mascarpone, every topping is fresh, high-quality, and chosen to complement the other ingredients.
Our commitment to excellence doesn’t stop at the toppings. Even the olive oil drizzled on the pizza before serving is cold-pressed and imported directly from Italy.
The Heart of the Kitchen: The Wood-Fired Oven
At the center of our pizza-making process is the wood-fired oven—a piece of equipment as essential as the pizzaiolo himself. Crafted to reflect the traditional ovens of Naples, ours is powered by carefully selected hardwoods that impart a subtle smoky flavor to the pizzas.
The oven reaches temperatures of up to 450°C (842°F), far hotter than a conventional oven. This intense heat ensures the pizza cooks in just 90 seconds, creating the signature texture: a perfectly charred, crispy crust on the outside, with a soft, airy interior.
Each pizza is rotated during cooking to ensure even charring, and the positioning within the oven is adjusted based on the toppings to ensure they are cooked to perfection.
Tradition Meets Innovation
While our foundation is deeply rooted in tradition, we also embrace innovation to bring you the best of both worlds.
For instance, our team’s signature technique—slow baking the dough to create a slightly crispier base—caters to Swiss preferences while maintaining the soft interior of Neapolitan-style pizza.
Our menu reflects this blend of tradition and creativity, offering both classic pizzas like the Capricciosa and specialty pizzas like Miss Italia, with buffalo mozzarella and tricolore prosciutto. This balance ensures there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a purist or an adventurer.
A Celebration of Craftsmanship
What sets Acquerello apart is not just the technique but the love and dedication behind every pizza. From the careful kneading of the dough to the artful placement of toppings, every step is performed with care and passion. Our team’s expertise ensures consistency, while their creative flair means no two pizzas are ever quite the same.
As the pizza emerges from the oven, it’s given a final touch: a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of fresh basil, or a grating of Parmesan. These simple yet thoughtful details elevate the experience, turning a humble dish into something extraordinary.
Experience the Magic
At Ristorante & Pizzeria Acquerello, we invite you to savor the fruits of our labor. Whether you’re dining with family, celebrating with friends, or indulging in a moment of solitude, our wood-fired pizzas are crafted to delight all your senses.
Every visit is a chance to experience the authentic taste of Italy, right here in Landquart. So, why wait?
Discover the joy of a perfectly crafted wood-fired pizza. Reserve your table now and let us take you on a journey through the flavors of Italy. Buon appetito!
