Garden Pizza: the Catalan chain that is revolutionizing the art of pizza

In 2018, a new pizzeria opened in Sant Cugat del Vallès. The goal of the founders was clear: to bring top-quality artisan pizzas outside of Barcelona. Located in a lush, green space with large outdoor areas, it was an immediate success. Now, seven years later, it's ranked 34th in the prestigious 50 Top World Pizza Chains guide, which selects the best artisan pizza chains in the world. During this time, the business has expanded: there are Garden Pizza restaurants in Granollers, Igualada, Terrassa, and Argentona, and, very recently, in Hospitalet de Llobregat. "The restaurant is unique, informal, and very well-appointed; the pizzas are delicious!" says one of the chain's more than 2,200 reviews on Google. "The setting is beautiful and the terrace is very pleasant," adds another. But what is the secret that has made Garden Pizza grow so rapidly? The answer is paradoxical: doing things little by little.

"Our pizza doughs are 100% handmade and undergo a slow, natural fermentation for up to 72 hours," the chain explains. The flours, they assure us, contain no chemicals or preservatives. "We chose them for their high digestibility and the unique flavor they provide," they continue. As for the ingredients, they have taken the patience to seek out the best suppliers in Italy and also in Catalonia. "We connect with local producers and practice a responsible and conscious approach to growing," they add.

The pizzerias of the future

With this relaxed and distinctly sustainable philosophy, Garden Pizza has built a new restaurant model that combines three concepts: craftsmanship and innovation, quality and accessibility, and tradition and future. "We are redefining what a good pizza means and how a restaurant can have a positive impact on its surrounding area," the chain says. "This is what we believe the restaurant of tomorrow will look like."

In the establishments of the future, there's one term that will play a key role: sustainability. Garden Pizza already practices it at every level. In fact, last year it was the only chain to receive the Green Oven 2024 award for its "pioneering commitment to true sustainability." Some of its locations have their own hydroponic gardens where they grow fresh herbs. They also collaborate with biotechnology companies that produce natural fertilizers from seaweed without chemicals. In an effort to promote the circular economy, they have incorporated the use of bagasse flour—a byproduct of beer—to prepare their dough.

They've also designed the menu with everyone in mind. It's the artisan chain with the largest vegan offering in Catalonia, with balanced and carefully crafted recipes. It offers alternative dough options, such as those made with gluten-free cereals, to allow for an inclusive experience. It also has a selection of local brands, both food and beverages, to reinforce its commitment to...

A different experience

In recent years, pizza has gone from being just a dish to becoming an increasingly complete gastronomic experience. That's why Garden Pizza locations are welcoming and natural. "They are inspired by gardens filled with plants, natural light, and wooden elements," says the chain. They have a team of gardeners responsible for selecting, caring for, and maintaining all the garden spaces.

Their establishments also have spaces dog-friendly and environments designed for sharing. "We want to foster a community around good food," they continue. From time to time, Garden Pizza hosts special events with local producers, with the aim of connecting customers with the origin of the ingredients. In an industry often dominated by large chains or purisms, Garden Pizza proves there is a third way: a modern pizzeria that retains authenticity while transforming the way we eat and enjoy pizza.

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