
Marco Carlesso and Leonardo Carrero are the co-founders of Pizza Verace in Panama City, Panama — a project born from a shared passion for authentic, high-quality pizza and a dedication to the craft.
XFQW+W69, C. 75 Este, Panamá, Provincia de Panamá, Panama
Marco began his career as a pizzaiolo between Novara and Milan, gaining recognition in the field as early as 2008. In 2013, he moved to Panama to support the opening of a restaurant and, inspired by the local energy and potential, partnered with others to open a pizzeria that eventually grew into a small chain of four restaurants.
His deep focus on raw ingredients and product integrity led him to launch a new project in 2021 with Leonardo Carrero: Pizza Verace, which initially operated as a premium catering service and later became a full pizzeria in 2023.
Leonardo, originally from San Cristobal, Venezuela, began his journey in Maracay in 2010. After moving to Panama in 2016, he worked in a small artisanal Italian pizzeria, where he met Marco. His commitment to mastering the art of pizza even brought him to Naples, where he deepened his knowledge of traditional Neapolitan techniques.
His dedication to continuous learning and excellence is reflected in his role as both co-owner and head pizzaiolo of Pizza Verace.
Both Marco and Leonardo have earned recognition in the industry for their commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and innovation. In 2024, Pizza Verace was ranked among the best in the world by The Best Pizza, marking an important milestone in their journey. A second Pizza Verace location in Panama is currently in the works, continuing their mission to bring exceptional pizza to new audiences.