Pizzeria O Daehakro Main Branch — World #1 Wood-Fired Pizza Honest Review (Menu, Ricotta Salad, Waiting Tips)

Pizzeria Ois a wood-fired pizza institution famous for the salmon pizza that took World #1at the Pizza World Cup held in Rome, Italy, and is the representative wood-fired pizza venue in Daehakro. Featured multiple times on popular variety shows like 「Running Man」 and 「Kang's Kitchen」, it has gained nationwide recognition. The moment you step inside, the aroma of freshly baked dough from the big oven mingles with the scent of house-made ricotta cheese, building anticipation even before the meal begins.

This is an honest review based on a weekday lunchtime visit, where I experienced a full course of the signature wood-fired pizza, ricotta salad, and the champion fries served in a real champion trophy. Recommended for those looking for a Daehakro hot spotsummarized below.

Daehakro Wood-Fired Pizza Institution: Pizzeria O Main Branch

Located a 7-8 minute walk from Hyehwa Station, tucked into an alley off Dongsung-gil, Pizzeria O Daehakro Main Branchuses both the 2nd and 3rd floors, making it a sizable venue. From the outside, the yellow striped awning, brick walls, and “2019 Rome Pizza World Cup World #1” banner hanging out front instantly give a “legitimate institution” feel. Next to the entrance, the 「Vera Pizza」 certification and 「Matjip Factory」 signs lined up build anticipation even before the meal.

Signature Wood-Fired Pizza — Light Dough, Deep Flavor

Pizzeria O's true worth lies undeniably in its wood-fired pizza. Baked directly in the big oven, the dough has edges with just a hint of char while staying chewy inside, and the aroma of the puffed cornicione (pizza crust) is truly impressive. Unlike chain pizza, the toppings aren't thick or salty, but instead the balance of tomato sauce, mozzarella, and basilbrings out the dough's natural flavor — closer to authentic Neapolitan style.

The the salmon pizza that won World #1 at the Rome Pizza World Cupis the venue's pride. The smooth smoked salmon and cream base mingle with the dough's lightness, leaving every bite light yet deeply flavorful. It's the kind of impressive piece that brings back the memo “a place where no menu choice can fail”.

Ricotta Salad — House-Made Ricotta Cheese

If you're visiting Pizzeria O, the ricotta salad is practically a must— I have to say. Most places just top with store-bought ricotta cheese, but here, they make the ricotta cheese fresh in-house every day , so one spoonful clearly reveals a fresh, smooth milky aromaspreading through your mouth.

Add crisp lettuce, cherry tomatoes, sliced almonds, and crispy fried doughcome alongside, and the idea of fried dough is genuinely fresh. The flow of textures — smoothness of house-made ricotta → crispiness of fried dough → nuttiness of almonds → freshness of cherry tomatoes — is all organized in one bowl. Don't just order pizza; be sure to add this salad too.

Rosé Shrimp Pasta — Pasta Skills of a Pizza Institution

Don't think pasta is just a side at a wood-fired pizza institution — Pizzeria O's Rosé Shrimp Pastais loaded with plump shrimp, broccoli, and cherry tomatoes, finished with creamy rosé sauce, served on a hand-painted Italian ceramic plate that's visually striking from the moment it arrives.

The rosé sauce is rich but not heavy, and the pasta is perfectly al dente, pairing well with the bouncy shrimp. One pizza + one pasta + ricotta salad makes a complete meal for 2-3 people.

Champion Fries — Signature Side Served in a Trophy

Another star at Pizzeria O is the Champion Fries. True to its name, it's served in a real golden champion trophyfilled with fries. The visual impact is massive, so the companions you go with will start taking photos the moment it arrives. It's not just a visual gimmick — the fries themselves are well-fried, crispy outside and tender inside, pairing great with pizza and pasta.

For those wanting to elevate the mood at a birthday, anniversary, or date setting, I highly recommend trying the Champion Fries.

Atmosphere — Big Oven, Celebrity Traces, Trattoria Vibe

Pizzeria O's atmosphere is truly Italian trattoria. After passing the 1st floor entrance and heading to the 2nd floor, you'll find red checkered tablecloths, exposed brick arches, patterned tile floors, and classic pendant lights hanging from the ceiling — every photo captures the mood.

Heading further inside the venue, the yellow-tiled big oven that symbolizes ‘wood-fired pizza’sits commandingly — like the venue's beating heart. You can naturally watch chefs spread dough, top it, and bake in front of the oven, providing small spectacles throughout the meal.

Across the walls, signatures and photos left by celebrities who've visitedfill every corner. Already famous from variety show appearances like 「Running Man」 and 「Kang's Kitchen」, but it's fun spotting traces of other celebrities too. I recommend taking a quick tour of the walls before sitting down.

2nd Floor Terrace Seats & Wine Menu

Beyond regular seats, Pizzeria O also runs terrace seatsseparately. In nice spring and autumn weather, it's the most popular spot and almost always full. I was disappointed the terrace seats weren't available during my visit, so if you want to enjoy the atmosphere with your party, I recommend arriving as early as possible.

The venue also offers a variety of wine selections. A glass of light white wine with the wood-fired pizza + ricotta salad combo, or a heavy red with the rosé pasta — and the mood elevates a level. For dates or anniversaries, consider wine pairing too.

Waiting & Visit Tips

As a Daehakro signature spot, Pizzeria O can have long waiting lineson weekends and evenings. A long waiting area is set up at the staircase entrance leading to the 2nd floor. If your time is tight, I strongly recommend visiting during weekday lunchtime. Across two visits, I was always able to walk in without waiting during weekday lunch.

Visit Info (Address, Access, Hours)

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Wrap-up — World #1 Wood-Fired Pizza in Daehakro

Pizzeria O Daehakro main branch isn't just a famous pizza place — it's a place where the salmon pizza that won World #1 at the Rome Pizza World Cupand house-made ricotta cheese, along with dough freshly baked in the big oven, build a special meal. The saying that you can't go wrong with any menu choice isn't exaggeration.

Around Daehakro/Hyehwa, those looking for date, anniversary, or family meal spots, or those wanting to experience the wood-fired pizza seen on 「Running Man」 and 「Kang's Kitchen」, I highly recommend this place. Drop by lightly for weekday lunch with a salmon pizza + ricotta salad, and one bite will explain why this place wears the world #1 badge with pride.