What Does “VPN Certified” Mean, and Why It Matters

You’ll see “VPN certified” on our menu and wonder what it means. It’s not a network setting — it’s a mark of authenticity for Neapolitan pizza.

What VPN stands for

VPN is Vera Pizza Napoletana, awarded by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, an organization based in Naples that protects the tradition of real Neapolitan pizza. Certification means a pizzeria follows the specific methods and ingredients that define the style.

What the standard requires

Authentic Neapolitan pizza follows tight rules: “00” flour, natural yeast, hand-shaped dough (never rolled with a pin), simple high-quality toppings, and a very hot, fast bake. The result is a soft, foldable center with a puffy, blistered edge. Not every pizzeria that calls itself “Neapolitan” meets these standards — VPN certification proves it.

Why it matters to you

It means the pizza you’re eating is made the way it’s made in Naples, not a loose interpretation. When you order a Margherita here, you’re getting the real thing.

Good to know: VPN (Vera Pizza Napoletana) is an authenticity certification from Naples. Pulcinella has held it while serving Fort Collins since 1991.

Try authentic Neapolitan for yourself. Pulcinella Pizzeria, 1119 W Drake Rd, Ste C12 · (970) 206-0065.