Bancale 61 is an independent, family-run Neapolitan pizzeria located at Scharnerweg 61, 6224 JB Maastricht—situated between Lopers Company and Patisserie Noblesse, and directly opposite Patisserie Peter Lemmens, TMN Bike Service, and Vivas Gym. The pizzeria brings together traditional Italian wood-fired craft and a warm, unpretentious neighborhood welcome.
Our Story & Atmosphere
Why is it called Bancale 61?
“Bancale” is the Italian word for a wooden pallet. The pizzeria’s warm, rustic interior was built by hand using 61 wooden pallets. That personal, down-to-earth touch defines the entire space—a cozy, relaxed neighborhood spot where locals, students, cyclists, athletes, and visitors feel right at home.
What is the atmosphere like inside?
Bancale 61 is designed to feel like an intimate, welcoming living room rather than a formal restaurant. At the heart of the dining room sits our custom-built wood-fired oven, radiating warmth throughout the space—especially welcome on chilly or rainy Maastricht evenings. Whether you are stopping by for a casual weeknight dinner, a cozy family meal, or refueling after training or a bike ride, the service is personal, friendly, and unhurried.
Our Wood-Fired Oven & Neapolitan Craft
How are the pizzas cooked?
Every pizza is baked in our bespoke wood-fired oven (forno a legna), fueled by seasoned oak and heated to roughly 450°C–485°C. At that blistering temperature, each pizza cooks in about 90 seconds, creating the signature Neapolitan crust: soft and airy on the inside, with a light, golden char on the outside.
What makes the dough and ingredients special?
- Traditional Dough: Made from finely milled doppio zero (
00) flour, water, yeast, and salt—with no added fats or oils—and left to ferment slowly so it is light and easy to digest. - Authentic Toppings: We work with traditional Italian staples like San Marzano tomatoes, creamy fior di latte and buffalo mozzarella, Parma ham, fresh basil, and seasonal toppings.
- Artisanal Focaccias: Alongside our classic and seasonal pizzas, we bake fresh wood-fired focaccias topped with combinations like rosemary and garlic confit, or pear, goat cheese, and pink pepper.
Do you offer vegan and gluten-free pizzas?
Yes. We welcome guests with dietary requirements and offer both:
- A broad range of authentic vegan pizzas: Because our traditional Neapolitan dough is naturally dairy-free and oil-free, it serves as the ideal base for rich San Marzano tomato sauces, roasted seasonal vegetables, herbs, garlic confit, and creative plant-based toppings.
- Gluten-free options: Gluten-free pizza options are available so everyone at the table can enjoy a wood-fired meal together.
What drinks do you serve?
Bancale 61 is an alcohol-free pizzeria—we do not serve alcohol. Instead, we offer a carefully chosen selection of authentic and refreshing non-alcoholic drinks:
- A good range of alcohol-free beers (ideal after a long bike ride, a training session, or alongside a hot pizza)
- Traditional Italian soft drinks
- Freshly brewed Italian espresso to finish your meal
Location, Parking & Neighborhood Guide
Where exactly is Bancale 61 located?
You can find us at Scharnerweg 61, 6224 JB Maastricht, in the Scharn / Wyckerpoort neighborhood just east of Maastricht Central Station, the Groene Loper, and Oranjeplein, and right around the corner from Bankastraat.
- Evening neighbors (open alongside us): We are directly across the street from Vivas Gym (Muay Thai & fitness, whose evening training sessions run right alongside our dinner hours) and right next to running specialty store Lopers Company (open until 18:00, and until 20:00 on Thursdays), as well as TMN Bike Service across the road.
- Daytime neighborhood landmarks: We sit between Patisserie Noblesse and Patisserie Peter Lemmens (note that these daytime patisseries close in the afternoon before our evening service begins at 17:00).
- Cyclist-friendly stop: Located right on the eastern approach into Maastricht, we are a convenient, welcoming stop-off for road cyclists and mountain bikers rolling back into the city after a long day climbing in the Heuvelland / “Dutch Alps.”
Where can I park, and is there an ATM nearby?
If street parking directly along Scharnerweg is busy, the large Albert Heijn supermarket is just a few minutes’ walk away and offers ample parking space, as well as a convenient ATM / cash point right on site.
Opening Hours, Bookings & Takeaway
What are your regular opening hours?
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday – Thursday: 17:00 – 21:00
- Friday – Saturday: 17:00 – 21:30
- Sunday: 17:30 – 21:00 (call ahead to confirm)
Do you offer takeaway or delivery?
We offer both dine-in (including outdoor seating in warmer months) and takeaway. Because true Neapolitan pizza is at its best straight out of the wood-fired oven, we do not use third-party delivery apps—we prefer to hand your pizza to you fresh and piping hot at the counter.
How do I book a table or place a takeaway order?
Because we are a small, cozy neighborhood pizzeria with limited seating near the oven, booking ahead—especially on weekends—is recommended. Call us directly at +31 (0)6 41 47 64 76 or visit http://www.bancale61.com or on Facebook
