If you follow my food reviews, you know I can’t taste or smell. That means I rely heavily on textures, as well as a combination of savory and sweet, to truly appreciate a dish. So, when I visited L' Aperó in Guatemala City’s Zone 4, I wasn’t just looking for great pizza—I was looking for an experience.

L' Aperó is already unique in a city where most businesses are tucked behind fortified walls with little to no signage. Instead of the usual closed-off design, L' Aperó opens up to a beautifully designed open-air patio, inviting you into a warm, social atmosphere. It’s a space that doesn’t just serve food—it encourages conversation, connection, and community.

Before I even ordered, I had the opportunity to sit down with Nils Saubes, who, alongside his wife, built L' Aperó into what it is today. Nils is a French-born horticulturalist who unexpectedly found his passion in pizza dough. With no formal training, he taught himself the craft, fine-tuning his recipes until he perfected the art of pizza-making. Through a chance tip from a friend, he and his wife landed their first restaurant location, and now they’ve expanded to include a bakery & café, a winery, and their newest pizza and wine spot in Antigua.

If you want to hear the full story, be sure to check out my podcast interview with Nils—it’s a fascinating journey of passion, entrepreneurship, and the magic of dough.

The Margherita Pizza: A Masterclass in Simplicity

Now, let’s talk about the pizza. The Margherita Pizza at L' Aperó is a prime example of how simple ingredients, when done right, can create something spectacular.

Texture First: A Perfect Balance

The crust: Light, airy, and slightly crispy, perfect smokey wood fitted char on the outside, yet soft and airy on the inside. Each bite gives that satisfying crunch before melting into a pillowy interior.

The sauce: Smooth, rich, and slightly tangy, complementing the crust without overpowering it.

The cheese: A layer of fresh mozzarella that stretches just the right amount, offering a creamy contrast to the crispy dough.

The basil: Slightly crisp from the heat but still bright and fragrant, tying everything together.


Savory Meets Sweet

The beauty of a great Margherita pizza lies in its balance. The natural sweetness of the San Marzano tomato sauce plays perfectly against the saltiness of the cheese. A slight char on the crust adds a smoky depth, while the basil gives a fresh, herbal brightness.

A Must-Visit in Guatemala City

Not only is the food at L' Aperó worth the visit, but the location itself is a breath of fresh air in Zone 4, an area that has been modernizing and redeveloping. It’s the kind of place where you can linger over a glass of wine, catch up with friends, and truly enjoy the moment.

If you find yourself in Guatemala City, I highly recommend stopping by L' Aperó. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try the Blue Pear and Gorgonzola Pizza—it’s a game-changer.

Say hi to Nils and his team while you’re there, and let them know Joseph from One Bite Foodie sent you!

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Restaurant Info:
📍 L' Aperó
Type: Pizza, Wine, Beer
Address: Ruta 2, Cdad. de Guatemala