Before pizza hits the table, there is always that small pause. People are settling in, talking, and deciding what to eat first. This is where appetisers come in. At a pizzeria, they are not meant to fill you up. They are there to set the scene for the main meal.
If you enjoy pizza, starting with the right appetisers makes a big difference. Light, shareable starters help increase your appetite and make the wait for pizza more enjoyable. This is especially true when you are looking forward to authentic pizza in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and across the UAE after a hectic day at work.
At Pizza di Rocco, we keep our appetisers simple and familiar. They are easy to share and enjoy. Each one is made to support the meal, not steal attention from the pizza. Below is a selection of starters that work best before pizza and the reasons why they matter.
Oven-Baked Garlic Bread & Mozzarella: A Classic Beginning
Garlic bread is often the first thing people reach for, and for good reason. Warm bread, olive oil, roasted garlic, and melted mozzarella are familiar flavours that gently entice your palate. It satisfies you just enough without feeling heavy.
This type of starter works well before pizza because it prepares you for your next meal being prepped in the kitchen. Dough, cheese, and simple herbs set the tone. If you love pizza in Dubai, this is the kind of beginning that feels just right.
Bruschetta: Fresh and Light Before the Feast
Bruschetta is a great choice when you want something light but flavourful. Toasted bread topped with fresh tomatoes, garlic, onions, and basil adds a fresh contrast to cheesy pizzas.
The acidity from tomatoes and the freshness of herbs help balance richer flavours later in the meal. It is especially good when sharing with friends, as it keeps things light and social. Many people who enjoy pizza prefer starting with something fresh like this before moving on to heavier slices.
Seasoned Potato Wedges: Comfort Without Overdoing It
Potato wedges are a crowd favourite. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, they are easy to savour and share. Light seasoning and a simple dip make them tasty but not too filling.
These work well as a starter because they offer crunch and warmth. They satisfy that craving for something crispy while still leaving room for pizza. At a relaxed pizzeria setting in Dubai, potato wedges fit right into the flow of the meal.
Calamari Fritti: Crispy and Easy to Share
Calamari fritti brings a bit of crunch and seafood flavour to the table. Lightly breaded and fried, it is usually served with a dip that adds a touch of acidity or creaminess.
This appetiser prepares your appetite by adding texture rather than heaviness. It is also easy to share, which keeps the table lively while waiting for pizza. It pairs well with both classic and bold pizza types.
Mozzarella Fritta: Cheese Lovers’ Favourite
For those who love cheese, mozzarella fritta is hard to resist. Thick slices of mozzarella, breaded and lightly fried, offer a crispy outside and creamy centre.
While rich, these are usually served in small portions, making them suitable as a starter. They prepare your taste buds for the cheese-forward experience that pizza brings, without stealing the spotlight.
Homemade Italian Meatballs: Rich but Balanced
Italian meatballs in a tomato ragu bring warmth and depth to the table. Made with herbs and slow-cooked sauce, they offer comfort in every bite.
As a starter, meatballs are best shared. A few bites give you that rich, savoury taste without filling you up. They work especially well when you are planning to enjoy a variety of pizzas afterwards.
Tomato & Basil Soup: A Gentle Start
Sometimes, a warm bowl of soup is the perfect way to begin. Tomato and basil soup is smooth, comforting, and easy on the stomach. It slowly prepares your appetite rather than shocking it.
This is a good option if you want something lighter before pizza. The flavours complement classic Italian ingredients and create a smooth transition into the main meal.
Appetiser Sharing Boxes: When You Can’t Decide
When dining with friends or family, choosing just one starter can be hard. Sharing boxes solve that problem. A mix of different appetisers lets everyone try a little bit of everything.
This keeps the table engaged and the mood relaxed. It also helps pace the meal, so by the time pizza arrives, everyone is hungry and ready.
Why Appetisers Matter Before Pizza?
Appetisers are not about filling up. They are about setting the rhythm of the meal. At a pizzeria, they give you time to connect, relax, and slowly build anticipation.
When chosen well, appetisers enhance the pizza experience instead of competing with it. They prepare your appetite, balance flavours, and make the meal feel complete. If you are searching for authentic pizza in Dubai, starting with the right appetisers makes every slice taste even better.
A Simple Rule to Remember
The best appetisers are the ones that leave you wanting more. Something light, shareable, and full of familiar flavour works best before pizza. They help you enjoy the meal from the first bite to the last slice, without rushing or overindulging.
Pizza is always the star, but the right appetisers make sure it shines even brighter.