Columbia Gets a Slice of Pizza History with Pupatella

Neapolitan pizza isn’t just a style—it’s a craft. And now, for the first time in Maryland, Columbia has a pizzeria that’s certified to do it the real way. Pupatella recently opened in the former Pizza Hut off Snowden River Parkway, bringing with it Verace Pizza Napoletana (VPN) certification—a distinction granted by an Italian nonprofit that exists solely to protect the art of Neapolitan pizza-making. Translation: this pizza is the real deal.

Every Pupatella pie is made with ingredients imported from Italy’s Campania region. The dough? Stretched by hand, no rolling pins allowed. The sauce? Made from real San Marzano tomatoes. And each pizza is fired in a 900-degree wood-burning oven for 90 seconds or less—just like it’s done in Naples.

Pupatella founder Enzo Algarme, a Naples native, started his pizza journey in a food truck nearly 20 years ago. Now, his brand is the largest VPN-certified pizza chain in the country, and Columbia is home to its 11th location. The Columbia restaurant is more elevated than some of the earlier spots, with full table service, a curated Italian wine list, and house-made limoncello. This isn’t your average pizza night. It’s tradition, technique, and just the right amount of char—all served with a glass of wine and a big slice of Neapolitan history. Columbia’s pizza game? Officially next level.