Tucked away in the heart of BKC, La Panthera isn’t just another European restaurant. It’s a reflection of Chef Manuel Olveira’s obsession with flavour and finesse. After putting La Loca Maria on the culinary map with his award-winning paellas and Spanish tapas, Chef Manuel turned his attention to something seemingly simple – Neapolitan pizzas – and gave them the kind of care most chefs reserve for foie gras or fish crudo.
Pizza with Purpose – Italian Food in BKC at Its Best
At La Panthera, pizza isn’t an afterthought – it’s a statement. Each one begins with a 48-hour fermented dough, hand-shaped and fired in a wood oven until the crust blisters and bubbles perfectly. The result? A crust that’s pillowy yet crisp, deeply flavourful, and unmistakably alive – the hallmark of true wood-fired pizzas.
But it’s the toppings that make these some of the best pizzas place in BKC. No shortcuts. No clutter. Just the highest-quality ingredients layered with restraint and precision.
The Margherita is simplicity perfected – tomato sauce, mozzarella, fresh basil, and olive oil. Then there’s the Burrata di Bufala, where creamy burrata, sundried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and basil pesto create a pizza that’s both indulgent and refreshing.
For earthy flavours, the Tartufo is irresistible – wild mushrooms and truffle oil over molten mozzarella, finished with arugula. The Frenchie brings a playful Parisian touch with mozzarella, brie, caramelised onions, balsamic grapes, and walnuts.
Chef-Led Pizza Signatures
The namesake La Panthera pizza pairs tomato sauce and burrata with spicy ‘Nduja pork sausage – rich, creamy, and unforgettable. For those who crave tradition, the Pepperoni delivers comfort, while the Prosciutto di Parma layers silky cured ham with olive oil elegance.
Seafood lovers can savour the Frutti di Mare – calamari, prawns, fennel, and hot sauce, balanced with garlic aioli. And the Pizza di Pollo blends BBQ chicken, mozzarella, and balsamic onions into smoky-sweet harmony.
Even the crust gets its moment with dips like Jalapeño Queso and Maria’s Hot Sauce – proof that the joy of a wood-fired pizza doesn’t end with the last slice.
More Than Just Pizza
La Panthera is about more than its celebrated pizzas. While Neapolitan pizzas are the star, the restaurant’s modern European plates showcase why it’s considered a destination for the best Italian food in BKC. Each dish reflects Chef Manuel’s training and instinct – comforting yet elevated, nostalgic yet inventive.
So, if you’re searching for the best Italian food in BKC, or simply the best pizza in BKC, La Panthera has a table waiting. With its mix of soulful ambience, chef-led precision, and unforgettable flavours, it’s a restaurant where every meal feels like a celebration.