Our Story

At Panzerò, we don’t just serve food. We serve memories. Each Panzerotto carries the heart of Puglia, folded lovingly in dough, and fried golden right here in the soul of Rotterdam.

Our journey began with a holiday phone call in December 2014. Two childhood friends from Francavilla Fontana, one crisp winter day, one spontaneous idea. That call turned into a dream: to recreate the joy of Apulian street food, starting with the unmistakable, soul-warming Panzerotto.

In the early days, we were guided only by instinct, tradition, and a lot of flour. We tested dough batch after batch, sometimes two or three times a week, searching for the perfect bite — light, crispy, and vegan-friendly, just like back home. Then came the moment: a friend from Puglia visited, took a bite, paused, and smiled. In dialect, he said: “Qustu é lu Panzerotto!” — “This is what a Panzerotto should be. That’s the one!” Mimmo turned to Luigi and asked: “Did you write it down?” He had. That exact recipe has remained untouched ever since.

Then in February 2016, something special happened. With our recipe ready, we set out to test the waters — and opened a pop-up store to see if Rotterdam was ready for a taste of Southern Italy. The response was overwhelming. Curious locals turned into loyal fans, drawn in by the aroma and stayed for the flavor.

Inspired by the love we received, we took the leap and opened our first brick-and-mortar location. It wasn’t just about building a place. It was about building a community.

From that point on, Panzerò became more than a restaurant. It became a kitchen of memories, a warm space filled with the aroma of tradition and the crackle of frying dough.

Today, our menu features Panzerotti in all shapes and sizes: fried or baked, savory or sweet, with seasonal surprises that rotate twice a year. You’ll find classics like the Classico, Barese, and Prosciutto. But you’ll also discover bold flavors like the Zia Maria — slow-cooked veal nestled in Sunday sauce — and Mare & Pomodori — a tender kiss of octopus and sun-kissed tomatoes.

We go to great lengths to keep our roots alive. Ingredients arrive from Puglia almost daily. Even our ceramic plates are handcrafted in Ruffano, each one carrying the warmth and artistry of Southern Italy.

And now… the story continues. We’re thrilled to share that our second location is coming soon. Stay tuned for the next chapter of “Italy at First Bite.”