Is This the World’s Most Dangerous Pizza?

In recent years, we’ve seen quite some eccentric restaurant concepts: underwater dining, robot chefs and waitstaff – and now, a volcano restaurant?

This is no dormant volcano that’s been silent for millennia. Although one might expect such an idea to originate in Italy, home to several active volcanoes, our journey takes us to Guatemala. The Pacaya close to Guatemala City last erupted in May 2021. The lava it spewed back then remains hot enough in certain areas to bake pizza on it.

Making Volcano Pizza a Success

The man behind this extraordinary concept is Mario David García. He never imagined that a volcano would one day be the foundation of his greatest success. According to García, he has sold everything from vegetables to ice cream in the past. But thanks to social media, his “dangerous” pizza has become a real hit.

A Different Kind of Kitchen Routine

This extreme kitchen, however, doesn’t come without its challenges. García works with safety goggles and heat-resistant gloves, as he must not get too close to his “oven” – the glowing lava. Moreover, the volcano is unpredictable. García recounts an incident when the Pacaya suddenly released large amounts of sulfur, causing nosebleeds for both him and his guests.
A visit to García’s restaurant, like any visit to an active volcano, requires careful planning. Spontaneous changes can always occur. Still, anyone eager to try this extraordinary pizza is strongly advised to make a reservation.

One thing is clear: running a volcano restaurant means adapting to the rhythm of the mountain and living with its unpredictability. It’s a bizarre reminder of how far our food has drifted from nature and its raw forces.