Forget white tablecloths, fancy speeches and people telling you how pizza should be eaten. At Banda Pizza in Gdańsk, it’s all about good dough, big flavours and doing things their own way. We get behind the scenes to discover what makes this pizza-loving crew tick, why great pizza is never quite as simple as it looks and how a little attitude can make all the difference.
KAROL, WHY DETROIT PIZZA IN GDAŃSK?
We were bored of seeing Neapolitan pizza everywhere. Detroit-style looked completely different, and in 2025 there was only one place serving it in Poland. We wanted to bring something fresh.
SO WHAT DOES BANDA ACTUALLY MEAN?
A gang of friends. We’ve always had lots of people around us, so we wanted somewhere everyone could meet, eat and hang out.
Photo by Adalat NaghiyevKAROL, DID EMINEM REALLY SEND YOU TO DETROIT?
Pretty much! I’ve loved Detroit since I was a kid, probably because of Eminem. I travelled there to learn how the real pizza is made. I also visited Chicago, where Robert Maleski from Milly’s Pizza in the Pan taught me so much. I came home and changed almost everything about our recipes.
WHY MOVE TO SZEROKA?
Our first place was tiny and takeaway- only. We needed a bigger kitchen and somewhere people could sit, grab a drink and enjoy the whole American atmosphere.
YOU’RE MARRIED AND RUN A PIZZERIA. RECIPE FOR ROMANCE OR MURDER?
Definitely murder! Anyone who says otherwise is lying. Ania has a full-time job, so I’m practically living at the pizzeria. But she’s always involved in ideas, events and planning.
Photo by Adalat NaghiyevWHAT SHOULD A DETROIT PIZZA VIRGIN ORDER?
Our classic Detroit. Pepperoni, a little spice and sweetness from hot honey. And those crispy, caramelised cheese edges! They’re the best part, especially with our homemade sauces.
HOW MUCH OF DETROIT IS ACTUALLY INSIDE BANDA?
A lot! Detroit loves cars, sport and music, and we’ve brought that atmosphere here. I still miss the city’s Art Deco architecture and the Riverwalk, where you can look across to Canada.
WHAT’S BEEN YOUR MOST SURREAL PIZZA MOMENT?
The President of Poland visiting us in August! That was crazy. We were honoured he chose to try our pizza.
Photo by Adalat NaghiyevDO YOU EVER STOP TALKING ABOUT PIZZA AT HOME?
We try! Sometimes we escape Gdańsk with the kids and make a rule not to check the restaurant. Luckily, we have a great team. Then we can talk about our next trip and, most importantly, our children.
Photo by Adalat NaghiyevFINAL QUESTION. WHAT DOES YOUR PARTNER DO THAT DRIVES YOU ABSOLUTELY CRAZY?
Karol: Ania makes plans for us without checking when I’m working. Then we have to cancel everything! Ania: He leaves the kitchen looking like a disaster. But his cooking is so delicious, I usually forgive him.