Rome’s Ancient Recipe, Revived.

Meet the star of our selection: Di Marco’s Original Pinsa Romana. Inspired by ancient Roman flatbreads, this unique hand-stretched crust has taken Italy—and the world—by storm.

Modern Pinsa Romana was perfected in 2001 by Corrado Di Marco, an Italian visionary who merged traditional baking techniques with innovation. The name “Pinsa” comes from the Latin word pinsere, meaning “to stretch or crush the dough”, a nod to the time-honored method of hand-pressing the dough.

Certified as Originale Pinsa Romana in Italy, Di Marco’s Pinsa offers a light, crispy, and highly digestible crust, bringing an authentic taste of Rome’s culinary heritage to the UAE and GCC.

Di Marco Corrado, the original founder and creator of Pinsa Romana, wearing a red apron and kneading dough on a wooden surface, showcasing the traditional craftsmanship behind Pinsa Romana.

Heritage & Craftsmanship

Di Marco’s Pinsa Romana is the result of generations of Italian baking know-how. Corrado Di Marco developed this recipe using an “inverted biga” natural starter passed down from his grandfather (a baker in Rome during the early 20th century) combined with a secret blend of flours​. This proprietary flour mix includes premium wheat flour, rice flour, soy flour, and dried sourdough starter, creating a dough unlike any traditional pizza. Each Pinsa base is crafted with meticulous care: the dough is cold-fermented for at least 24 hours – and up to 72 hours – allowing natural enzymes to develop flavor and break down glutens for maximum digestibility. The result is a beautifully light and airy crust that carries a delightful aroma and crunch with every bite​. From the selection of grains to the slow leavening, every step honors Italian artisanal techniques, ensuring you get a product steeped in authenticity and quality.

Pinsa Romana topped with sliced figs, prosciutto, and creamy cheese, showcasing a gourmet Italian flavor combination.

Unique Ingredients & Health Benefits

What sets Pinsa Romana apart is its dedication to quality ingredients and the health benefits that follow. The dough’s unique blend of wheat, rice, and soy flours (with natural mother yeast) means Pinsa has a lower gluten content than typical pizza dough, making it much easier to digest​. In fact, thanks to the high hydration (around 80% water in the dough) and long fermentation, Pinsa Romana crusts are famously light on the stomach​. Diners can enjoy a generous portion without the heavy, bloated feeling that often comes after eating traditional pizza – pinsa leaves you satisfied but comfortable. Additionally, Pinsa tends to be lower in calories and fats compared to regular pizza, because the recipe uses no added sugars, very little oil, and quality flours and toppings​. It’s a guilt-free indulgence: you get all the flavor and crispiness of a pizza, with none of the excess grease. Whether you’re health-conscious or just appreciate a better-for-you option, Pinsa delivers a nutritious edge without compromising on taste.

Person garnishing a gourmet Pinsa Romana with shrimp, mussels, arugula, watermelon, and various toppings on a wooden surface, adding a fresh twist to Italian cuisine.

Why Food Lovers Crave It

For food enthusiasts, Pinsa Romana offers a new world of culinary delight. Its texture is uniquely crispy outside and cloud-like inside, giving a satisfying bite that pairs perfectly with gourmet toppings. Because of the fermented dough’s rich flavor, even a simple Margherita pinsa (with tomato, mozzarella, and basil) can taste extraordinary. Food lovers in the UAE and GCC have been eagerly embracing Pinsa as a trendy, must-try dish that brings a piece of Rome to their local dining scene. It’s extremely digestible and light​, so you can savor an extra slice or indulge in creative toppings without feeling weighed down. From classic Italian combinations to local fusion toppings, Pinsa is the canvas for delicious creativity. Instagram-worthy and palate-pleasing, Pinsa Romana is more than food – it’s a culinary experience that tells a story with each bite.

A Chef’s Dream – Preferred by Professionals

Pinsa Romana isn’t just loved by diners; it has quickly become a favorite of chefs and restaurateurs. Here’s why Di Marco’s Pinsa is a game-changer for food service professionals in the region:

  • Person holding a Puccia sandwich filled with sliced meat and herbs, served on a black slate plate, offering a taste of authentic Italian flavors.

    Versatility & Creativity

    Chefs describe pinsa as a “blank canvas” that unleashes their creativity. Unlike traditional pizza, which often comes with set expectations, pinsa welcomes innovative toppings and presentations. Its oval shape and sturdy, airy base allow for both savory and sweet creations, and even applications beyond pizza – think gourmet flatbread sandwiches or dessert pinsas. This versatility lets restaurants offer something unique and tailor-made for their menu​.

  • Chef holding a tray of Pinsa Romana topped with mortadella, cheese, and pistachios, showcasing a gourmet Italian flatbread creation.

    Quick & Convenient Preparation

    Sapori Lab provides Di Marco’s pinsa bases in a par-baked form, which means they are partially baked and ready to use. For busy kitchens, this is a huge advantage – no need to spend days prepping dough. The pre-cooked pinsa bases can be stored easily (with a long shelf life of up to 18 months frozen) and are ready to finish in just minutes​. This not only speeds up service (you can serve a fresh pinsa in about 5 minutes) but also reduces waste and removes the guesswork from dough-making. Even chefs without specialized pizza training can achieve consistently excellent results, serving perfect pinsas every time.

  • Chef holding two stuffed Sorriso sandwich filled with meats, cheese, and vegetables, in a modern kitchen setting, showcasing a gourmet Italian dish.

    Customer Appeal & Differentiation

    Adding Pinsa Romana to a menu helps a restaurant stand out in a competitive market. With its growing popularity and word-of-mouth buzz, pinsa attracts foodies who seek new experiences. Restaurants offering pinsa give diners a lighter, healthier alternative to pizza without sacrificing flavor, aligning with the modern diner’s desire for healthy yet tasty options​. Featuring authentic Pinsa Romana also signals quality and authenticity, enhancing the establishment’s reputation. Many of our partner venues have found that once customers try pinsa, they often come back just for that. In short, pinsa can be a signature offering that sets you apart from the crowd.

Puccia – The Artisanal Bread from Puglia

Di Marco expands its Italian dough offerings with Puccia, a traditional bread from Southern Italy’s Puglia region. Originally baked in wood-fired ovens, Puccia is known for its round, soft yet crispy structure, making it the perfect base for gourmet sandwiches.

Di Marco’s modern take on Puccia preserves its rustic charm while enhancing its texture for easier slicing and stuffing. Whether used for street food, casual dining, or upscale panini creations, Puccia is a versatile choice that brings authentic Italian tradition to any menu.

Puccia & Sorriso – New Additions to the Di Marco Family

Person holding a large Puccia sandwich filled with cured meats and fresh greens, served on a round slate, showcasing Italian deli flavors.

Sorriso – The Perfectly Shaped Pocket Bread

Designed for ease and innovation, Sorriso (which means "smile" in Italian) is a unique, light and airy bread pocket, pre-cut for effortless filling. With its soft interior and delicate crust, it’s an ideal solution for quick-service concepts, restaurants, and premium catering.

Sorriso is crafted for convenience while maintaining Di Marco’s commitment to high-quality ingredients and authentic Italian baking techniques. Whether served as a modern sandwich, an aperitivo bite, or a gourmet snack, Sorriso guarantees flavor, practicality, and style in every bite.

Close-up of a hand holding a Sorriso sandwich filled with sliced meat, cheese, and vegetables, with a blurred outdoor background, offering a fresh, Italian-style meal.

Sapori Lab is proud to be the exclusive agent bringing Di Marco’s Originale Pinsa Romana to the UAE and GCC. Whether you run a high-end Italian restaurant, a trendy cafe, or a luxury hotel kitchen, we’ll supply you with the finest pinsa bases and support you in making this Italian sensation a success on your menu.

Join the pinsa movement and delight your patrons with a dish that’s rich in tradition, yet refreshingly new.

Explore More About Di Marco

If you’d like to learn more about Di Marco’s full range of products and the history behind their decades of Italian baking tradition, visit dimarco.it to explore their story, philosophy, and professional product lines. For retail offerings, recipes, and tips on how to best enjoy Pinsa at home, check out pinsadimarco.com.