Planes taking off and landing at the Weiden airport are visible to patrons at Pegasus Pizzeria. The setting next to the airport provides a distinctive atmosphere for a meal at the eatery in the German state of Bavaria. (Michael Slavin/ Stars and Stripes)
Customers googling the endless pages of restaurants in the Grafenwoehr area might see Pegasus Pizzeria as just another Italian restaurant.
However, being named after the winged horse of Greek mythology hints at the feature that sets it apart from the rest. The pizzeria is built next to the active runway of the Weiden Airport and Aero Club, allowing patrons to watch planes take off and land.
The Pegasus Pizzeria shares its location with the Aero Club Weiden. Small aircraft and gliders can be seen taking off and landing. (Michael Slavin/ Stars and Stripes)
Apparently, a pie with a side of aviation makes for a popular combo. Unreserved tables with a view get swooped up quickly, so follow my lead and either show up early or make a reservation.
Those looking for Italian food that will give their taste buds a flavor explosion probably aren’t going to consider this the right place — or right country, for that matter. Nonetheless, the quality service and unusual experience stand out in the local restaurant scene.
To start my most recent experience there, I kept it on brand and ordered an Aperol spritz. It was light, bubbly and delicious.
Youngsters and customers who prefer nonalcoholic options can choose from a long list of juices, soft drinks and the like.
Outdoor seating at the Pegasus Pizzeria tends to fill up quickly. Reservations are recommended at the restaurant, which treats patrons to views of the planes using the airport in Weiden, Germany. (Michael Slavin/ Stars and Stripes)
Having tried the pasta on previous occasions, I wanted to test out the pizza. Feeling extra hungry, I decided to get two of their normal pizzas, which are 26 centimeters. A size of 32 centimeters is also offered.
The 26-centimeter Margherita pizza at the Pegasus Pizzeria in Weiden, Germany. The restaurant also offers a larger size for its pizzas. (Michael Slavin/ Stars and Stripes)
I chose a Margherita pizza as my baseline for testing a more ambitious pie against it. Although it didn’t particularly stand out from those served elsewhere in the area, I did appreciate the crispy, low-profile crust.
For the second pizza, I went with something called “mix,” featuring salami, mushrooms and pepperoncini. I was pleasantly surprised with my selection. It had the same crispy crust, and the meat and veggies really drove the taste home.
The Mix pizza at the Pegasus Pizzeria in Weiden, Germany, comes with salami, mushrooms and pepperoncini. The pizza pictured is 26 centimeters. (Michael Slavin/ Stars and Stripes)
Pegasus also offers pasta dishes, which I had ordered on previous visits. The carbonara and the Bolognese, while appetizing, didn’t have any distinguishing features.
What did stand out for me is the Vitello Tonnato. Consisting of cold, sliced veal topped with tuna, it is not everyone’s cup of tea, but more adventurous diners should give it a try.
While I did not stick around for dessert on the most recent visit, I can vouch for the tiramisu at Pegasus. I indulged after a previous meal there. The delicious treat and the plane-watching made for a pleasant top-off experience.
Pegasus Pizzeria's interior provides a warm place during the winter months to watch the airplane traffic at the adjacent airport in Weiden, Germany. (Michael Slavin/ Stars and Stripes)
The menu at Pegasus Pizzeria in Weiden, Germany, contains pastas and appetizers as well as the namesake dish. English menus can be found on the restaurant's website. (Michael Slavin/ Stars and Stripes)
The indoor seating is good for larger parties and of course the winter months. It does come with a downside, though. The views aren’t as good, making the adjacent air show much less of a spectacle.
Address: Flugplatz, Weiden in der Oberpfalz
Hours: Closed Mondays; Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-10 p.m.; Sunday, early close at 9:30 p.m.
Prices: Appetizers, 5-15 euros; main dishes, 7-27 euros; desserts, 5.50 euros
Information: www.pegasus-weiden.de/speisekarte +49 961 27094
