Join Our Pizza Making Workshops
Learn the Art of Pizza Making from the Experts
Have you ever wondered what makes a truly great pizza? Is it the perfect balance of flavors, the ideal crust texture, or maybe some secret ingredient known only to professional pizzaiolos? At Salvatore Pizza, we believe the magic lies in both tradition and technique—and we're excited to share our knowledge with you through our monthly pizza-making workshops.
Since launching these sessions last year, we've welcomed hundreds of pizza enthusiasts into our kitchens, from complete beginners to home cooks looking to refine their skills. The response has been overwhelming, with many participants telling us they'll never look at pizza the same way again!
Master Pizzaiolo Giovanni demonstrating the perfect dough stretch
What to Expect at Our Workshops
Our workshops are hands-on, informative, and—most importantly—fun! Each three-hour session covers the entire pizza-making process, from preparing the dough to selecting toppings and mastering baking techniques. Here's what a typical workshop includes:
Welcome and Introduction
Meet our team of pizzaiolos and learn about the history and philosophy behind Salvatore Pizza. Enjoy a complimentary coffee or wine while getting to know your fellow participants.
Dough Fundamentals
Discover the science and art of perfect pizza dough. Learn about flour selection, hydration levels, fermentation, and how these factors affect the final product. You'll receive our family dough recipe that's been perfected over generations.
Hands-On Dough Preparation
Roll up your sleeves as our pizzaiolos guide you through the process of stretching and shaping your dough. Master the techniques that prevent tearing while achieving that perfect thin center and puffy rim (cornicione).
Sauce and Toppings
Learn about sauce preparation and the art of topping selection and arrangement. Discover why less is often more when it comes to authentic Italian pizza, and how to balance flavors for optimal results.
Baking Techniques
Understand how to achieve restaurant-quality results in a home oven. Learn about pizza stones, steel, and other tools that can help you recreate the high-temperature environment of a professional pizza oven.
Tasting and Celebration
Enjoy the fruits of your labor! Sample your creation alongside a selection of our signature pizzas, paired with a complimentary glass of wine or craft beer.
"The beautiful thing about pizza is that it's both simple and infinitely complex. Anyone can make a pizza, but mastering it is a lifelong journey. Our workshops aim to start you on that rewarding path."
Meet Our Workshop Instructors
Our workshops are led by experienced pizzaiolos who bring decades of combined experience to the table:
Giovanni Russo
Head Pizzaiolo
With 25 years of experience, including training in Naples, Giovanni brings authentic Italian techniques and an infectious passion for pizza. He specializes in traditional Neapolitan methods and dough fermentation.
Maria Salvatore
Executive Chef
A third-generation member of the Salvatore family, Maria combines traditional knowledge with modern culinary training. She excels in creative topping combinations and California-inspired variations.
James Chen
Sous Chef & Workshop Coordinator
James specializes in adapting professional techniques for home kitchens. His background in culinary education makes him particularly skilled at breaking down complex concepts for beginners.
Upcoming Workshop Dates and Themes
We host workshops on the second Saturday of each month, with each session featuring a different regional style or thematic focus:
Neapolitan Classics
Focus on traditional Neapolitan techniques, including hand-stretched dough and minimal but high-quality toppings. Learn the secrets of the perfect Margherita and Marinara pizzas.
California-Style Innovations
Explore California's contribution to pizza evolution, including non-traditional toppings and fusion approaches. Create pizzas with seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients.
Artisanal Sourdough Pizza
Dive into the world of natural fermentation with sourdough pizza bases. Learn to maintain a starter and develop complex flavors through long fermentation.
Pizza Al Taglio (Roman-Style)
Master the art of Roman-style rectangular pizza with a focaccia-like base. Perfect for feeding crowds and experimenting with multiple topping combinations.
What Past Participants Are Saying
"I've been making homemade pizza for years, but I learned more in three hours at Salvatore's workshop than in all my previous attempts combined. The dough-stretching techniques alone were worth the price of admission!"
"As a complete beginner, I was worried I'd be out of my depth, but the instructors were so patient and supportive. I left with the confidence to make pizza at home, and my family has been enjoying the results ever since!"
"The workshop was the perfect date activity for my partner and me. We had so much fun learning together, and now our Friday night pizza tradition has taken on a whole new dimension of quality and enjoyment."
Workshop Details and Registration
Location
All workshops are held at our flagship Salvatore Pizza location in San Francisco, which features a dedicated teaching kitchen and wood-fired oven.
Cost
$85 per person, which includes all materials, ingredients, recipe booklet, Salvatore Pizza apron to take home, and complimentary beverages.
Group Size
Workshops are limited to 12 participants to ensure personalized attention and a hands-on experience for everyone.
Age Requirements
Participants must be 16 or older. Those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Private Workshops
Private workshops for groups, team-building events, or special occasions can be arranged. Contact us for details and pricing.
Ready to Transform Your Pizza Game?
Our workshops frequently sell out, so we recommend booking early to secure your spot. Whether you're looking to master a new culinary skill, searching for a unique date idea, or simply want to understand what makes Salvatore Pizza special, our workshops offer an unforgettable experience.
To register for an upcoming workshop, visit our events page or call us at (914) 446-3225. We look forward to sharing our pizza passion with you!
