Graz says Grazie, Roma: Roman pizzeria by the station

A new pizzeria named Grazie Roma has opened inside the historic Hotel Daniel at Graz’s main train station, offering Roman-style pizza with a focus on authenticity and tradition. The restaurant, located within a 1950s-era hotel protected as a historical monument, features thin-crust pizzas prepared according to Roman culinary standards. The establishment blends seamlessly into its surroundings, reflecting both the architectural charm of the building and the growing interest in Mediterranean cuisine in Austria. The pizzeria was conceived with the help of Maria Fuchs, a well-known figure in Vienna's food scene who played a key role in popularizing Neapolitan-style pizza over the past two decades. Her previous ventures, including Pizza Mari‘ in the Leopoldstadt district and the now-sold Disco Volante in Gumpendorfer Street, were among the first in Austria to prepare pizza using traditional methods. At Grazie Roma, she worked alongside hotel owner Florian Weitzer to create a space that honors both the history of the building and the flavors of Rome. Located near the train station, the pizzeria benefits from improved travel connections made possible by the newly completed Koralmtunnel, which significantly reduces travel time to southern Italy. The hotel itself, designed by architect Georg Lippert, boasts a colorful façade adorned with balconies, giving it a distinctly Mediterranean appearance. Inside, the former dining hall of the hotel has been restored with a terrazzo floor reminiscent of classical Italian design, while the previously neglected terrace has been preserved and adapted for outdoor seating. The menu includes a variety of Roman-inspired dishes, with the pizzas standing out for their quality and preparation. The thin crust, baked in a wood-fired oven, is topped generously with ingredients such as provolone cheese, rosemary, mortadella, and even spicy salami and nduja. One standout option is a pizza featuring excellent anchovies, lemon zest, and buffalo mozzarella from the Stracciatella brand. Prices range from around €9.50 for a medium-sized slice, making it accessible to a wide audience. While some items on the menu have faced minor criticism, such as arancini served with mozzarella and peas instead of the expected minced meat, the overall experience has been praised for its authenticity and attention to detail. The pizzeria also offers espresso at a reasonable price of €1.50, served at the counter, along with a collection of coffee machines displayed in a custom-built cabinet inspired by the Palazzo della Civiltà in Rome. This display adds a touch of visual flair, though it omits the original fascist-era quotes associated with the building. The opening of Grazie Roma aligns with broader trends in Austrian gastronomy, where there is increasing demand for high-quality, traditionally prepared foods. With its blend of historical architecture, authentic Italian cuisine, and modern convenience, the pizzeria has quickly become a destination for locals and travelers alike. Its success could signal a shift toward more specialized, culturally rich dining experiences in urban centers like Graz. The restaurant continues to refine its offerings, with diners encouraged to explore the full range of Roman-inspired dishes available. As the popularity of the venue grows, it may influence other establishments in the region to adopt similar approaches to food and design. The combination of historical preservation and contemporary culinary innovation makes Grazie Roma a unique addition to the city’s dining landscape.