Pierluigi Russo – Bento Pizzeria Napoletana, Rio de Janeiro
Some people are born pizzaioli, while others become them through a journey shaped by encounters, experiences, and bold life choices. The story of Pierluigi Russo, today the driving force behind Bento Pizzeria Napoletana in Rio de Janeiro, is exactly this: an authentic path between Italy and Brazil, guided by passion and a strong sense of identity.
Pierluigi has been living in Brazil for over sixteen years, but his entry into the world of pizza was anything but immediate. In Italy, he worked in a completely different field until an opportunity with a company importing Italian products brought him closer to the industry. From that moment, his path evolved naturally: first through sales in the pizzeria sector, then by actively supporting pizza courses, working alongside experienced pizzaioli. A role made of assistance, translation, and close collaboration that became, over time, a true hands-on education.
“I had the chance to work alongside some of the best professionals in the field. That’s where I truly understood what making pizza really means,” he explains.
From there, moving into a more operational role was almost inevitable: consulting for pizzerias across Brazil, supporting openings in different cities, and contributing to the development of Neapolitan pizza projects nationwide. This continued until a decisive encounter led him to become a partner and co-found Bento in the Tijuca district of Rio.
A project with a simple yet meaningful name, Bento, which today stands as a reference point for those seeking authenticity.
Making Vera Pizza Napoletana abroad means facing daily challenges. The first and most immediate one concerns ingredients. Imports are often complex, with delays and supply shortages. “You always have to be ready to find valid alternatives, without ever lowering the quality,” Pierluigi explains.
But the real challenge is cultural.
In Brazil, pizza has a completely different meaning: it is a social, often elaborate dining experience, far removed from the simplicity of the Italian tradition. “Neapolitan pizza is something else: it’s individual, informal, and meant to be eaten with your hands. It’s an entirely different way of experiencing it,” he says.
Here, Pierluigi’s defining trait becomes clear: consistency. No concessions to unrelated flavours, no forced adaptations, no compromises. “I put my name and my reputation on it. If it’s not traditional, it doesn’t exist.”
A clear and uncompromising stance that, over time, has built a loyal and conscious customer base, capable of recognizing and appreciating true authenticity.
Bringing Vera Pizza Napoletana abroad is also an educational mission. Pierluigi carries it out every day, both in his pizzeria and through his communication, often with a touch of irony, explaining how pizza should truly be eaten, what quality means, and what distinguishes authenticity from distortion.
“There is still a lot of confusion, but it is a battle worth fighting.”
In recent years, the number of pizzerias claiming to serve Neapolitan pizza has increased significantly, but the quality does not always match the definition. This is precisely why places like Bento play a crucial role: they are cultural outposts before being gastronomic ones.
His affiliation with AVPN marked an important milestone in Pierluigi’s journey, strengthening both his credibility and professional standing.
Beyond the restaurant, his contribution has extended to the local community, taking part in initiatives promoting Italian gastronomic culture. These include projects linked to the new culinary school and the spaces within the Italian Consulate in Rio de Janeiro. A concrete bridge between institutions, education, and the territory.
During the official inauguration, Pierluigi once again left his mark: Neapolitan pizza and supplì, prepared with carefully selected ingredients and a clear vision. A success that fully reflected his idea of authenticity.
Today, Bento is a well-established reality, but Pierluigi is already looking forward. His goal is to expand into one of Rio’s most strategic and visible areas. A natural next step in his journey and vision.
And there is also a personal dream, perhaps the deepest one: to strengthen his connection with Italy, building a continuous bridge between the two worlds. “I’d like to go back and forth more often, to keep that bond alive, because it has never been broken.”
Because, ultimately, Vera Pizza Napoletana is exactly this: a thread that connects places, cultures, and people, while remaining faithful to itself.
And Pierluigi Russo is one of its most authentic interpreters.
