Ever wondered what makes our wood-fired pizzas taste so damn good?
Or why Hot Rocks is considered by many to be the best pizza restaurant in Bournemouth?
We’ll let you in on a little secret – it’s not just the dough we use or the flames we cook our pizzas over (though they certainly help). It's what goes into them before they hit the oven. You've probably spotted "D.O.P." dotted across our pizza menu and thought nothing of it. Fair enough. But those three little letters? They're the difference between a decent pizza and the real deal.
Put simply, D.O.P. means we're using ingredients from exactly where they should be, made exactly how they should be. No shortcuts. No substitutes. Just proper Italian craftsmanship, grown in volcanic soil and shipped straight to Bournemouth. It’s an authentic taste of Italy without trekking all the way to Naples.
D.O.P: What’s All the Fuss About?
To get the best pizza in Bournemouth means using the best ingredients, and that’s where all the fuss begins.
You see, D.O.P. stands for Denominazione di Origine Protetta (we won’t blame you for sticking with D.O.P.), which translates to Protected Designation of Origin. Basically, it's the EU's way of protecting the names and origins of speciality foods that come from specific regions.
Think of it as a quality stamp that says, "This is the genuine article". You'll find it on Italian cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano and Gorgonzola, certain olive oils, and yes, our tomatoes. When something carries the D.O.P. badge, it means it's been produced, processed, and prepared in a particular region using traditional methods.
Imitations are strictly forbidden to preserve the authenticity and flavour which can’t be replicated anywhere else.
D.O.P. Equals Dope Pizza
What this means is that when D.O.P. appears on our menu, it's us saying that we're using the real thing, sourced from exactly where it should come from. No knockoffs, no "Italian-style" alternatives. Just truly incredible, authentic pizza.
For us, that mostly means San Marzano tomatoes, which aren't your average supermarket tins. They're grown in just a handful of towns around Naples, Avellino, and Salerno in the Campania region, right beneath Mount Vesuvius. That volcanic soil? It's what makes them naturally sweet and loaded with vitamins C and E. You can taste the difference.
There's a story that the first San Marzano seed arrived in 1770 as a gift from Peru to the Kingdom of Naples, planted in the town of San Marzano sul Sarno. Who knows whether that’s true or not; what matters is that these tomatoes have been the foundation of authentic Neapolitan pizza for centuries.
It's THE reason we're known for serving the best pizza in Bournemouth. Proper ingredients, done properly.
Taste the Difference Yourself with the Best Pizza in Bournemouth
So, that’s why we are proud of what we do, and cannot wait for you to come and try one of our irresistible pizzas, made with proper D.O.P. ingredients!
Our wood-fired pizza menu showcases the real deal: San Marzano tomatoes, authentic mozzarella, and dough made fresh every night following Neapolitan tradition. And with an excellent selection of drinks, we’ve the perfect beverage to wash it all down with, including gorgeous Italian wines.
Whether you're a local regular or visiting Bournemouth for the first time, we'd love to welcome you. Call our team on 01202 555559, drop us a message through our contact form on the website, or simply book a table online.
Come see why we're proud to be one of the best pizza restaurants in Bournemouth. No fuss, no pretence. Just honest food, good vibes, and pizza that tastes like it should.