La Balmesina
La Balmesina
La Balmesina is a gourmet sourdough pizzeria on Carrer de Balmes in Sant Gervasi, opened in 2017 by Italian pizzaioli Max Morbi and Ale Zangrossi. The dough is a 72-hour fermented sourdough made with organic flour, shaped into three crust styles: classic thin, whole spelt, and pala (a rectangular slab for sharing).
Background
About La Balmesina
The Story
La Balmesina opened in early 2017, founded by Italian pizza makers Max Morbi and Ale Zangrossi. They set out to challenge pizza-making traditions, applying high baking techniques to pizza-making. As Morbi says: 'Pizza is mainly about texture, but there has to be a good balance with flavour.' The restaurant is affiliated with Slow Food Barcelona, using seasonal, proximity products. They also operate Gina Balmesina (recognised by 50 Top Pizza Europe) and a spot at Market.
The Cuisine
Pizzaiolo Max Morbi crafts three styles of 72-hour fermented sourdough crust: a classic thin and crunchy round, a whole spelt version, and the pala (a large rectangular slab for sharing). The carte leans on seasonal toppings sourced through Slow Food Barcelona, think nduja with burrata, suca baruca with pumpkin and butifarra, alcachofas with stracchino, or the house truffle pizza with porcini and confit champignons. Pastas include a signature rigatoni al ragù, and desserts run to tiramisú and babà al rum. Pizzas sit in the 10-14 EUR range, working out to around 25 EUR per person without drinks.
The Team
Co-founders Max Morbi (lead pizzaiolo) and Ale Zangrossi run the kitchen. Morbi frames his approach around texture above all: 'Pizza is mainly about texture, but there has to be a good balance with flavour.' The team also operates Gina Balmesina in Gràcia and a stand inside Market Barcelona.
Highlights
What Diners Say
Consensus
La Balmesina Ratings & Reviews
Professional Ratings
Pizza, pasta, good value
Recommended
Best Pizza Napoletana in Spain (Madrid Fusion 2021)
Diner Ratings
4.6
5,111 reviews
Yelp
5.0
3 reviews
La Balmesina earns strong professional recognition as one of Europe's top-ranked pizzerias, alongside Madrid Fusión's Best Pizza Napoletana in Spain award. Diners rate it 4.6/5 on Google from over 5,000 reviews, praising the sourdough crust, seasonal toppings, and good value.
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Reservations
How to Book La Balmesina
Booking
Reservations recommended -- very popular and walk-ins can be difficult during peak hours. Book online via Restoo at labalmesina.myrestoo.net or by phone at +34 934 156 224.
Reserve
Experience
La Balmesina Dining Experience
A modern, casual pizzeria with earthy tones and an unpretentious setting focused on food quality. Street terrace available. Can get loud and buzzy during peak hours. Daytime functions as a cafe/bakery, evening as a full pizzeria. Family-friendly and dog-friendly.
Navigate
La Balmesina Location & Neighbourhood
Getting There
Located on Carrer de Balmes in Sant Gervasi - Galvany, near the intersection with Travessera de Gracia. A gourmet pizzeria founded in 2017 by Italian pizza makers Max Morbi and Ale Zangrossi, ranked among the top 10 pizzerias in Europe. Also has a second location (Gina Balmesina) and a presence at Market.
Nearby
Sant Gervasi - Galvany is an upscale residential neighbourhood in the upper part of Barcelona, known for its tree-lined streets, independent shops, and a growing concentration of quality restaurants. The stretch of Carrer de Balmes near Travessera de Gracia is one of the liveliest dining areas in the neighbourhood.
Nearby Restaurants
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Flash Flash
Market Cuisine
Market kitchen led by chef Paco López Moreno in Sant Gervasi - Galvany.
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€€€€Chef Silvia Hofmann runs a fusion dining room in Sant Gervasi - Galvany.
Details
La Balmesina Reservations, Hours & Contact
Opening Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 07:30–17:00 |
| Tuesday | 07:30–17:00 & 19:30–00:30 |
| Wednesday | 07:30–17:00 & 19:30–00:30 |
| Thursday | 07:30–17:00 & 19:30–00:30 |
| Friday | 07:30–17:00 & 19:30–01:00 |
| Saturday | 19:30–01:00 |
| Sunday | Closed |
La Balmesina hours verified 2026-03-01. Contact the restaurant to confirm.
Contact
Recommended
Good to Know
Social
From la_balmesina on Instagram
Se llama Manel en honor a un amigo que siempre la pedía así 🍕(y ahora tiene un club de fans): anchoas del Cantábrico, aceitunas negras, alcaparras y un toque de ajo ¿Mozzarella extra? Casi todo mejora con queso, pero tal cual está buenísima ✨ Es diu Manel en honor a un amic que sempre la demanava a
Dos imágenes que viven en loop en tu cabeza cuando eres fan de la pizza 🍕 y la calabaza. Suca Baruca y Setas Baruca 🍄🟫, hits de la carta de invierno de La Balmesina 📋 Dues imatges que viuen en loop al teu cap quan ets fan de la pizza 🍕 i la carabassa. Suca Baruca i Setas Baruca 🍄🟫, hits de la car
En el menú de mediodía de lunes a viernes, tenemos un plato de pasta entre los primeros 📋 y otro en los segundos. Nadie te juzgará si pides los dos 🍝❤️🔥 Al menú de migdia de dilluns a divendres tenim un plat de pasta entre els primers 📋 i un altre als segons. Ningú et jutjarà si demanes els dos🍝❤️
Tu margherita clásica de La Balmesina, la masa de siempre, vinos naturales y el mismo flow 🤝: solo nos hemos puesto un poco más guapos para daros de comer y cenar, de lunes a domingo 🍕 La teva margherita clàssica de La Balmesina, la massa de sempre, vins naturals i el mateix flow 🤝: només ens hem p
💪🎵 L'8 de març el celebrem en moviment! Amb @wearevictas farem esport en una sessió de cardio i força, seguida de música en directe amb @martinaoclock_ i un aperitiu de @la_balmesina. I a més, mostres gratuïtes d'@olistic_science! Pla rodó per al Dia de la Dona a les 10h al Time Out Market amb viste
Volvemos este jueves 12, con algunas novedades 💥 a partir de ahora, abriremos todos los días de la semana, todos los servicios 🍕 Pizza, vinos naturales y más de lunes a domingo, para comer o cenar, ¡ya queda muy poco!
Questions
La Balmesina FAQ
What makes La Balmesina's sourdough pizza different from regular pizza?
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La Balmesina uses 72-hour fermented sourdough made with organic flour, crafted by lead pizzaiolo Max Morbi who applies high baking techniques to pizza-making. They offer three crust types: classic thin and crunchy, whole spelt, and pala (large rectangular for sharing).
How do I get to La Balmesina in Sant Gervasi?
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La Balmesina is located on Carrer de Balmes, 193 in Sant Gervasi - Galvany, near the intersection with Travessera de Gracia. Take Sant Gervasi metro (L6/S1/S2) for a 6-minute walk, or Gràcia station (L6/L7/S1/S2) for a 7-minute walk. Paid parking is available nearby.
Do I need reservations at La Balmesina and how do I book?
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Reservations are recommended as La Balmesina is very popular. You can book online or call +34 934 156 224.
What are La Balmesina's unusual opening hours?
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La Balmesina operates as a daytime cafe/bakery and evening pizzeria with a break between services. Monday is lunch only (07:30-17:00), Tuesday-Thursday has lunch and dinner (07:30-17:00 & 19:30-00:30), Friday extends to 01:00, Saturday is dinner only (19:30-01:00), and they're closed Sundays.
What can I expect to pay for pizza at Europe's 9th-ranked pizzeria?
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Despite being ranked #9 in Europe by 50 Top Pizza 2024, La Balmesina remains affordable with pizzas ranging from 10-14 EUR. Expect around 25 EUR per person without drinks.
Who is Max Morbi and what's his pizza philosophy?
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Max Morbi is the lead pizzaiolo and co-founder of La Balmesina, who opened the restaurant in 2017 with partner Ale Zangrossi. His philosophy is that 'Pizza is mainly about texture, but there has to be a good balance with flavour,' which he achieves through high baking techniques and 72-hour fermented sourdough.
Does La Balmesina have other locations besides Carrer de Balmes?
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Yes, the founders also operate Gina Balmesina and have a presence at Market.