The star of the show.

By Shaan Bajaj

My Instagram feed has me convinced that everyone is spending their summer in Italy, sipping on an Aperol spritz in one of the colourful picturesque seaside towns, while they spend all their meals feasting on mouthwatering Italian offerings. For those of you who, like me, have no plans on flying to the land of pizza, why not bring a slice of Naples to you?

Starita Bangkok, a pizzeria from Naples, is bringing authentic flavours and recipes to the heart of Thong Lo. Starita Bangkok, a pizzeria from Naples, is bringing authentic flavours and recipes to the heart of Thong Lo. Aman Malhotra and Dave Malhotra are behind the venture, and it is the first Starita Pizzeria outside of Italy. Founded in 1901, Starita has since gained international recognition for its unforgettable and timeless Neapolitan taste. Their legacy is built on Italian ingredients and cooking techniques that have been mastered over the past century. They source their buffalo mozzarella and tomatoes from the Campania region of Italy, while their pizza dough is made with the utmost attention to balance flour, salt, yeast, and water, producing an airy and soft pizza crust. Chef Roberto Barone and Diego Pagano, both natives of Naples, bring their expertise and flair to every dish, especially with their wood-fired oven used to make their famous pizzas.

Chef Roberto Barone and Aman Malhotra

First Impressions

The baby-yellow exterior looks like something you would see while walking down the streets of an Italian town, paired with brick walls and red umbrellas to sit under. Alternatively, you can sit inside, with a view of the open kitchen situated at the back of the room. Red tablecloths cover the tables, giving the space a cosy yet romantic ambience, making Starita a great lunch or dinner option with friends, family, or a romantic partner.

Food and Drinks

Angioletti with Nutella

For our visit, we sampled a range of appetisers, starting with their Arancina napoletana (THB 100). The fluffy golden rice balls are filled with peas and gooey fior di latte cheese, and served with a spicy tomato sauce, which was scrumptious. If you are looking for a refreshing starter, order their Caprese salad (THB 400), comprised of a delicious plate of red juicy tomatoes, basil, and a choice of burrata or bufala cheese. We went with the bufala cheese for our visit, which was incredibly silky and creamy, and complemented by a herbaceous pesto drizzled on top. We also enjoyed delicious plates of Sautéed spinach with cheese and Grilled vegetables on the side, both of which are available upon request.At this point of our visit, I was eager to try their wood oven fired pizzas that I’d heard so much about. We started with the classic Margherita (THB 370), and the smoky and sweet aroma wafts through the space the moment the pizza is placed on the table. As soon as I took a bite, I felt like I was transported to Italy by the fresh flavours of the warm tomato sauce and the melted fior di latte cheese. The dough was soft and airy, yet crisp. Personally, I consider it to be one of the best Neapolitan pizzas I have had in Bangkok, and somewhere I would bring my family and friends to. For veggie lovers, they also serve an Ortolana (THB 430), a mozzarella pizza packed with vegetables and cherry tomatoes.

Insalata con bufala fresca

Another main dish I would highly recommend is their Rigatoni al pomodorino fresco (THB 480), a fresh tomato sauce pasta made with basil and cheese pecorino. The rigatoni was perfectly al dente, and while the tomato sauce was simple, it shines a light on the role quality ingredients play in flavour. If you are looking for a heart-warming and fulfilling dish, order a plate of this.

Their dessert menu is home to a sinful selection of sweet treats, including their Angioletti with Nutella (THB 240). Order a
bowl of their crunchy pizza sticks, drizzled with a generous amount of Nutella and pistachio; the combination makes for a dessert that every family member is bound to love.

Masala Recommends

Pizza fritta

If there is one pizza you should order at Starita, make sure it is their speciality, the Pizza fritta (THB 500). Pizza dough is filled with fresh ricotta, Italian salami, fior di latte cheese, tomato sauce, and pepper, before it is fried until golden brown. Once you slice the pizza open, cheese and ricotta oozes out, and just a bite will have you reaching for the next.

STARITA

G Floor, Oakwood Residence Thonglor, 113
Soi Atthapat, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana

Open on Tuesdays to Thursdays from 12pm to
2.30 pm for lunch; 5pm to 10.30pm for dinner

Open on Fridays to Sundays from 12pm to
2.30pm for lunch; 5pm to 11pm for dinner

Tel: 099 446 4461
Facebook and Instagram: @staritabangkok