The Best Spots for Authentic Pizza in Naples

Naples: The Undisputed Capital of Pizza

When you think of pizza, where does your mind wander? For true aficionados, the answer is unequivocally Naples, Italy. This vibrant city is not just the birthplace of pizza; it’s where the art form is perfected, revered, and consumed with an almost religious fervor. Forget everything you thought you knew about pizza; a trip to Naples is a pilgrimage for your taste buds.

What Makes Neapolitan Pizza So Special?

Authentic Neapolitan pizza, protected by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (AVPN), adheres to strict guidelines. It’s not just about the ingredients; it’s about tradition, technique, and passion. Key elements include:

• Dough: Made with specific Italian “00” flour, water, salt, and yeast, it’s hand-kneaded and fermented for at least 8 hours, resulting in a soft, elastic texture.
• Tomatoes: San Marzano tomatoes, grown in the volcanic soil of Mount Vesuvius, are the gold standard for their sweet, low-acidity flavor.
• Cheese: Fresh mozzarella di bufala (from water buffalo milk) or fior di latte (cow’s milk mozzarella) is used, providing a creamy, slightly tangy richness.
• Oven: Baked in a wood-fired oven at extremely high temperatures (around 485°C or 905°F) for just 60-90 seconds, creating a characteristic soft, chewy crust with a slightly charred, leopard-spotted finish (the ‘cornicione’).

The Iconic Pizzas: Margherita and Marinara

While the possibilities are endless, the true test of a Neapolitan pizzeria lies in its execution of the two classics:

• Pizza Margherita: Named after Queen Margherita of Savoy, it symbolizes the colors of the Italian flag with its red tomato sauce, white mozzarella, and green basil.
• Pizza Marinara: A simpler, yet equally divine, creation featuring tomato sauce, garlic, oregano, and olive oil – no cheese!

The Best Spots for Authentic Pizza in Naples

Navigating Naples’ pizza scene can be overwhelming, but these legendary pizzerias are guaranteed to deliver an unforgettable experience:

1. L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele

A pilgrimage site for pizza lovers worldwide, Da Michele is iconic. Famous for its appearance in “Eat Pray Love,” they serve only two types of pizza: Margherita and Marinara. Expect a queue, but the experience of tasting this legendary pizza is worth every minute.

2. Pizzeria Gino Sorbillo

Gino Sorbillo is a modern icon, known for his commitment to quality ingredients and his passionate advocacy for authentic Neapolitan pizza. His pizzas are slightly larger and feature a wonderfully airy crust. The queues here are also legendary, so arrive early or be prepared to wait.

3. Pizzeria Starita a Materdei

Established in 1901, Starita is a historic institution. They offer a wider variety of pizzas, but their classic Margherita and Marinara are exceptional. Don’t miss their specialty, the “Montanara,” a fried pizza dough topped with tomato and mozzarella, then baked.

4. Pizzeria La Notizia (Enzo Coccia)

Chef Enzo Coccia is considered a master of Neapolitan pizza. La Notizia offers a more refined experience, with meticulously crafted pizzas that highlight the quality of every ingredient. It’s a fantastic choice for those seeking a slightly more elevated take on tradition.

5. Pizzeria Di Matteo

Located in the heart of the historic center, Di Matteo is a bustling, no-frills pizzeria that serves up delicious and affordable pizza. It’s a local favorite, and the energy of the place is as infectious as the aroma of baking dough.

Tips for Your Neapolitan Pizza Adventure

• Be Patient: Popular pizzerias often have long lines. Embrace the wait; it’s part of the experience.
• Order the Classics: Start with a Margherita or Marinara to truly appreciate the fundamentals.
• Eat with Your Hands: It’s perfectly acceptable, and encouraged, to fold your pizza and eat it with your hands.
• Don’t Expect American-Style Pizza: Neapolitan pizza is different – it’s softer, wetter in the center, and meant to be eaten quickly.

Embark on your Neapolitan pizza journey and discover why this simple dish has captured the hearts (and stomachs) of people around the globe. Buon appetito!