Pizza with a view, Bergamo

I have been traveling the world for over 50 years for business and pleasure. In Italy I’ve experienced the energy and spectacle of Milan and Venice and the serenity of Lake Garda and have stayed in a quaint hotel inside the medieval walled town of Monta­gnana. But in June ’13, attending a meeting, I had my first opportunity to explore the area around Bergamo.

The evening of my arrival, my host invited a small group for pizza at a restaurant in what is called the “upper city” of Bergamo. Even though I had just arrived after flights from Denver to Amsterdam to Milan’s Linate Airport (the closest to Bergamo), the thought of a wood-fired pizza was enough to awaken my energy.

With a trusty GPS, my host and several carloads of participants set off for Ristorante Pizzeria San Vigilio (Via San Vigilio 34, 24129 Bergamo, Italy; phone 0039 035253188, fax 0354373371), situated on the shoulder of the mountain that defines the upper city. The drive wound through narrow cobbled streets befitting a James Bond car chase.

The restaurant opened its doors in 1913 under the name Isola Bella. It was refurbished recently and is filled with very comfortable tables and antique decorations. 

Our group was ushered from the ground floor down to a lower-level room with a wall of sliding-glass panels that looked out over some of the most beautiful vistas of rolling hills and mountains I have ever seen. It was sunset, and the view outside was food for the soul.

The menu listed over 30 pizzas, priced from €4.80 to €9.90 (near $6.50-$13.50). There also were appetizers and first- and second-course selections ranging in price from €8 to €26 ($11-$35.50), but the focus was on pizza. 

We all ordered different pizzas, and, with thin crust, crisp edges and the toppings, they were nothing short of delectable, making this “pizza with a view” a memorable introduction to Bergamo.

DAVID COLLINS

Newbury Park, CA