When planning a corporate pizza party, one of the biggest questions is whether you should choose a classic pizza or a gourmet pizza? Both are delicious, but they offer very different experiences. At Pizza Di Rocco, we know how important it is to serve pizza that everyone will enjoy—especially at work events where variety and taste matter.
Whether you’re planning a lunch for a small team or a big celebration for the whole office, choosing the right type of pizza can make a big impact.
Let’s break down the difference between classic and gourmet (also known as Neapolitan) pizzas so you can decide what’s best for your next corporate pizza party.
Where They Come From
Classic pizza, like the ones you might see in New York or American pizza chains, started with Italian immigrants who moved to the United States. They wanted to maintain the spirit of authentic Italian food but added more toppings and made the crust thicker to suit local tastes. Over time, this style became the standard pizza many of us are used to—cheesy, saucy, and full of toppings.
Gourmet pizza, or Neapolitan pizza, originated in Naples, Italy. It has been around since the 1700s and adheres to old traditions. There’s even a pizza group in Italy that ensures real Neapolitan pizza follows special rules, like using only certain ingredients and cooking it in a wood-fired oven. This makes it a healthier pizza choice for corporate events in Dubai.
The Dough and the Crust
The crust is one of the biggest differences between classic and gourmet pizza.
Classic pizza has a thicker, softer crust. It’s more like bread and often has sugar and oil in the dough to make it chewy. It can hold lots of toppings without getting soggy, so it’s great for people who like extra cheese, meat, and vegetables.
Gourmet pizza uses only flour, water, salt, and yeast. It’s hand-shaped and very thin in the middle, but the edges are puffy and soft with a bit of char from the oven. This type of crust is light and airy, perfect for those who prefer a more delicate pizza.
What Goes on Top
Another big difference is the toppings. Classic pizza is all about variety. You can load it up with pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, sausages, olives—pretty much anything. It’s perfect for a corporate pizza party because people can choose their own toppings or mix and match.
Gourmet pizza is simple and elegant. A true Neapolitan Margherita has just tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, basil, and olive oil. Another popular one, the Marinara, only has tomato sauce, garlic, oregano, and oil. With fewer ingredients, the focus is on the quality of the toppings.
How They’re Cooked
Classic pizza is baked in a regular oven at a lower temperature for longer. This helps melt the cheese and cook all the toppings evenly. Gourmet pizza is cooked in a super-hot wood-fired oven, sometimes as hot as 900°F (480°C). It only stays in the oven for about 90 seconds. That’s what gives the crust those little black spots on the edges and keeps the toppings fresh and full of flavour.
Which One Is Right for Your Corporate Pizza Party?
If your team enjoys a big, satisfying slice with lots of flavour and ingredients, classic pizza might be the way to go. It’s familiar, filling, and can please a big group with different tastes.
If your colleagues love trying new things or enjoy lighter, more refined meals, gourmet pizza is a great pick. It’s also a good option if your team values quality ingredients and a more authentic Italian feel.
You can also do a mix of both: some classic pizzas for the comfort eaters and a few gourmet options for those who want something special. That way, everyone at your corporate pizza party leaves happy.
Final Thoughts
Whether you go for the hearty and bold flavours of classic pizza or the clean, traditional taste of gourmet pizza, you really can’t go wrong. Pizza Di Rocco offers both styles made with fresh, high-quality Italian ingredients. So, the next time you’re organising a corporate pizza party, think about your team’s tastes, your event’s theme, and how adventurous your group is when it comes to food.
Ultimately, pizza brings people together—and that’s what a corporate pizza party is all about.
