LA PIZZERIA Dresden
Kross Pizza
Pizzeria in Dresden
Kross is Christoph Balmer’s pizza shop in Dresden’s Hechtviertel. It opened on 9 December 2023 at Rudolf-Leonhard-Straße 32, previously home to Dicker Schmidt. The shop is now the destination for his Neapolitan-inspired pizzas; the former food truck at Alaunplatz has closed.
From a balcony oven to a business
Balmer trained in restaurant service and began experimenting with a small pizza oven on his balcony in 2021. He taught himself to bake. In an early interview, he described four months of intensive learning, including through videos. A food truck also offered him a flexible way to start his own business during the pandemic.
Opening up the Hechtviertel shop
For the permanent restaurant, Balmer and his father spent three months renovating the premises. Painting was the only work they left to others. His aim was an open room that kept staff behind the counter connected with guests.
Long fermentation, brief baking
Kross lets its dough mature for around 72 hours, then bakes the pizzas for roughly 90 seconds at approximately 500 degrees. The result is a thin base with an airy rim.
Aubergine and plant-based toppings
Parmigiana comes with roasted aubergine and basil oil, either with fior di latte and Parmigiano Reggiano or with Vanozza and cashew Parmesan. Vegan Verdure Grigliate combines homemade antipasti vegetables, rocket pesto and pine nuts with San Marzano tomato and cashew Parmesan. Orders can be placed by telephone, WhatsApp, Telegram or Signal.