A GUIDE TO THE BEST PIZZA IN NAPLES
The first bite of real Neapolitan pizza “ruins” you forever! That pillowy crust, charred and blistered from centuries-old wood-fired ovens, bears little resemblance to its global imitators.
In Naples' Centro Storico, third-generation pizzaioli work with the precision of surgeons and the intuition of artists, transforming just four ingredients into something transcendent. They're carrying forward a tradition that began in the 16th century on these very cobblestones.
The best pizza in Naples doesn't need neon signs or tourist menus — they let the sfogliatella-thin lines of locals outside their doors speak for themselves.
Here are the pizza places you can be on the lookout for on your upcoming trip to Italy!
Traditional Neapolitan Pizza History
Pizza as we know it today was born in the bustling streets of Naples during the 18th century. Traditional pizza makers follow strict guidelines set by the AVPN. Initially a food for the poor, pizza gained royal approval when Queen Margherita of Italy visited Naples in 1889.
The pizza margherita remains the benchmark for evaluating any pizzeria's quality. The story goes that pizza maker Raffaele Esposito created the now-famous Margherita pizza, featuring the colors of the Italian flag: red tomatoes, white mozzarella, and green basil.
Throughout the year, Neapolitan pizzas undergo subtle transformations as ingredients shift with the seasons. Spring brings sweet cherry tomatoes and fragrant basil, summer offers rich buffalo mozzarella at its peak, autumn introduces earthy mushrooms and truffles, and winter showcases hearty toppings like broccoli rabe and sausage.
These seasonal changes reflect both tradition and necessity, as pizzaioli have always worked with what's fresh and available.
Top Pizzerias in Historic Center
Food critics and locals agree that the best pizza in Naples can be found in these time-honored establishments we’re listing below! Our pizzeria recommendations focus on historic pizzerias that have maintained their quality for generations.
L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele
Many consider L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele to serve the best pizza in Naples, with its perfectly charred crust and simple approach. This legendary establishment, featured in "Eat Pray Love," has been serving pizza since 1870. They offer only two varieties: Margherita and Marinara.
The simplicity is intentional — they've perfected these classics over generations. The queue often stretches around the block, but the wait is part of the experience, as locals and tourists alike share their anticipation for what many consider the world's best pizza.
Gino Sorbillo
Gino Sorbillo is widely regarded as the best pizza restaurant in Naples by both locals and tourists. Located on Via dei Tribunali, Sorbillo represents the modern face of Neapolitan pizza while maintaining traditional methods.
The pizzeria is famous for its perfectly charred crust and innovative toppings that respect local ingredients. Gino Sorbillo himself has become a celebrity chef, but the restaurant maintains its authentic, casual atmosphere.
Starita a Materdei
This third-generation pizzeria in the Materdei neighborhood offers a more extensive menu than most traditional spots. Their montanara (fried pizza) has achieved cult status, and their classic options showcase the perfect balance between innovation and tradition.
Local Ordering Tips
Discovering the best pizza in Naples Italy requires understanding local customs. Understanding basic pizza terminology enhances your dining experience. "Bufala" refers to buffalo mozzarella, while "fior di latte" is cow's milk mozzarella. "Cornicione" describes the pizza's outer crust, and "DOC" indicates protected-origin ingredients!
What to Expect When Eating the Best Pizza in Naples
Peak Dining Hours
Lunch (Pranzo) is usually between 12:30 PM and 2:30 PM, where many Italians consider this a significant meal of the day. Dinner (Cena) is generally served between 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM. In fact, most restaurants don't open for dinner until 7:30 PM!
It's also worth noting that:
Many restaurants may be closed between lunch and dinner (usually 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM)
In larger cities and tourist areas, some restaurants may adapt their hours to accommodate tourists
In southern Italy, dining times might be slightly later than in the north
Making reservations is recommended during peak hours, especially for dinner
Dining Etiquette
The dining culture in Naples extends far beyond just eating. When entering a pizzeria, it's customary to wait to be seated rather than choosing your own table. Pizza in Naples is served uncut and eaten with a knife and fork – trying to pick up a slice with your hands might draw curious looks
Each person orders their own pizza – sharing isn't common practice, though offering a taste to companions is considered polite.
Engaging with staff requires a balance of respect and warmth. A greeting of "buongiorno" or "buonasera" is expected, and patience is appreciated during busy times. While tipping isn't mandatory, leaving 5-10% for good service is becoming more common in tourist areas.
Remember that asking for modifications to traditional pizzas might be met with resistance – these recipes have been perfected over generations.
Wine Pairing Suggestions
The best pizza in Naples pairs beautifully with local wines, and understanding these combinations enhances your dining experience.
Local Red Wines
The volcanic soil around Naples produces exceptional red wines that pair perfectly with pizza. Aglianico, with its full body and dark fruit notes, complements robust toppings. Look for Taurasi DOCG, which offers complex flavors of black cherry, leather, and spice, perfect with meat-topped pizzas.
The lighter Piedirosso (Per'e Palummo) provides bright acidity and mineral notes that match wonderfully with Margherita pizzas. Expect to pay €20-35 for a good bottle in restaurants.
Regional White Wines
Campania's white wines, particularly Greco di Tufo and Fiano di Avellino, offer crisp acidity that cuts through the richness of the mozzarella. Falanghina, with its citrus and floral notes, pairs beautifully with seafood-topped pizzas.
In summer months, try the refreshing Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio Bianco, which offers a unique minerality from grapes grown on Mount Vesuvius.
Sparkling Options
Don't overlook local sparkling wines like Asprinio di Aversa. Their bubbles and acidity cleanse the palate between bites. For special occasions, consider Gragnano, a slightly sparkling red wine traditionally served with pizza in Naples.
Street Pizza Options
Join local Naples food tours to discover hidden gems in the city's vibrant street food scene. The ultimate Neapolitan street food experience is pizza al portafoglio (wallet pizza). This full-size pizza is folded twice to make it portable, perfect for exploring the city.
Pizza al Portafoglio
Found at takeaway windows throughout Naples, it costs just a few euros and offers an authentic taste of local life. The best areas for street pizza include Via Toledo, where students and workers grab quick lunches, and the Spaccanapoli district, known for its high concentration of quality takeaway spots.
Beyond the classic portafoglio, try the pizza fritta (fried pizza) – a half-moon of dough stuffed with ricotta, provola, and salami, then fried to golden perfection. For breakfast, locals enjoy pizza al mattino, a smaller, lighter version often topped with just tomato sauce. The Spanish Quarter offers some of the city's best street pizza options, with prices ranging from €3-8 depending on toppings and size.
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