When you think of Naples, one of the first things that comes to mind is pizza. This delicious and iconic dish is deeply rooted in the history of the city and continues to delight the palates of visitors from all over the world. In this article we’ll be exploring its history, its characteristics and the best places to enjoy a pizza in Naples.
Pizza: when was it created?
The Neapolitan pizza is one of the most iconic and popular dishes in the world. The history of pizza in Naples is shrouded in mystery and tradition. Whilst pizza as we know it today has become popular worldwide, its origins can be clearly traced back to Naples.
Its roots date back as far as ancient Rome, where there were similar dishes consisting of flatbread baked in the oven with various toppings. But the idea of a pizza topped with ingredients such as cheese and tomato would not have been introduced until the arrival of the tomato in Europe in the 16th century. The tomato was initially thought to be poisonous and grown solely as an ornamental plant, but eventually people realised that it was safe to eat.
The modern Neapolitan pizza originates from 18th century Naples. At first, pizzas were simple dishes, made with flatbread dough, tomato, olive oil and local cheese, often buffalo mozzarella. This combination of ingredients became popular with the people of Naples, particularly among the working classes, due to the simplicity and goodness of the dish.
The first known pizzeria, Antica Pizzeria Port’Alba, was founded in 1830, and this was just the start of a tradition that has thrived for almost two centuries and continues to delight diners with its simplicity and amazing flavours.
The pizza became even more famous when Queen Margherita visited Naples in 1889 and asked to try this speciality. Raffaele Esposito, the pizza maker at Pizzeria Brandi, prepared three different pizzas for the Queen and her husband, the King, including one with tomato, mozzarella and basil, which became known as the ‘Pizza Margherita’. Queen Margherita particularly liked this version and helped to make the pizza even more popular.
What is pizza like in Naples?
The Neapolitan pizza is renowned for its simplicity. The basic ingredients include buffalo mozzarella, San Marzano tomato, fresh basil, olive oil and salt. The pizza is baked in a wood-fired oven at very high temperatures, giving the pizza its characteristic thin, soft crust. The result is the perfect balance of flavour and consistency.
What is the meaning of ‘pizza napoletana verace’?
The ‘pizza napoletana verace’ (or ‘true Neapolitan pizza’) is a protected designation of origin (PDO) that defines the standards of authenticity for Neapolitan pizza. It must be prepared according to age-old traditions, using specific ingredients and following a traditional baking method. Only pizzerias that adhere to these strict criteria can enjoy the title of ‘verace’.
In 2017, the tradition of the Neapolitan pizzaiuolo (pizza maker) was added to the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. This recognition underlines the importance of the Neapolitan pizza in Italian culture and in the gastronomic heritage of the world as a whole.
Where to eat pizza in Naples
This is my own personal list, in no particular order, of the best pizzerias in Naples where you can eat authentic Neapolitan pizza:
- Pizzeria Starita in Materdei, Via Materdei, 27/28. Founded in 1901, this pizzeria holds a special place in the hearts of Neapolitans, who know that Alfonso Starita still today represents a guarantee of quality.
- 50 Kalò, Piazza Sannazaro 201/B.
- Concettina ai tre Santi, Via Arena della Sanità, 7.
- L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele, Via Cesare Sersale, 1.
- La Figlia del Presidente, Via Grande Archivio, 23/24.
- Pizzeria la Notizia, Via Michelangelo da Caravaggio, 53. Here you’ll find the work of art that is the pizza created by the great Enzo Coccia, the world-renowned pizza craftsman.
- Antica Pizzeria Di Matteo, Via dei Tribunali, 94. Also known as La Pizzeria degli Studenti, (the students’ pizzeria) it owes its reputation to the delicious dough made by Gennaro and Nicola Di Matteo.
- Pizzeria Attanasio, Via dei Tribunali, 379. Tourists can’t go wrong here, where you can still find traditional pizza.
- Pizzeria Errico Porzio, Via Alessandro Scarlatti, 84. Here, Errico Porzio combines tradition and innovation under his motto #SaddaSapèFà (Neapolitan for ‘you need to know how to do it’)
- Pizzeria Vincenzo Capuano, Piazza Vittoria, 8.
- Pizzeria Pellone, Via Nazionale, 93.
- Gino Sorbillo, in the historic venue at Via dei Tribunali, 32. But you can also find another restaurant on the seafront.
- Pizzeria Trianon, Via Pietro Colletta, 44. The Leone family have been making pizzas since 1923 and the restaurant is still a family affair!
And if you’d rather try deep-fried pizza, here’s where to go:
- Pizzeria De’ Figliole, Via Giudecca Vecchia 39
- La Masardona, Piazza dell’Oro 6
- Antica PizzaFritta Da Zia EsterinaSorbillo, Piazza Trieste E Trento 53
- Pizza Fritta Isabella de Cham, Via Arena della Sanità, 27
What is Naples’ most famous pizza?
Naples is home to many different versions of pizza, but one of the most famous is the ‘Margherita’. The legendary story goes that it was created in honour of Queen Margherita of Savoy in 1889 and displays the colours of the Italian flag: the red of the tomato, the white of the mozzarella and the green of the basil. To savour a genuine Margherita, make your way to the city’s oldest and most authentic pizzerias, almost all located on the famous Via dei Tribunali in the heart of the old town.
Historic pizzerias in Naples
Naples boasts several historic pizzerias that have shaped the tradition of the pizza. From Il Presidente to Sorbillo, from Di Matteo to Starita, these pizzerias have become legendary eateries in Naples. Every pizzeria has its own interpretation of the Neapolitan pizza, so it’s worth visiting more than one to experience the different nuances of this dish.
My tips on authentic places
As a Neapolitan born and bred, I can suggest some pizzerias that are less frequented by tourists, but which are just as authentic and delicious. Da Concettina ai Tre Santi’ in the Rione Sanità neighbourhood and Starita in Materdei are excellent options for anyone seeking a true Neapolitan pizza experience, away from the crowds. These restaurants, popular with the locals, offer an authentic journey into the gastronomic culture of Naples.
For an even more authentic experience, you could also look out some pizzerias in the more traditional areas of Naples, such as the Quartieri Spagnoli (Spanish neighbourhoods), where you’ll find the Antica Pizzeria da Prigiobbo or Dai Fratelli Salvo on Riviera di Chiaia. These hidden venues offer some amazing culinary delights and a genuine atmosphere.
Pizza in Naples is much more than a simple meal. It’s a culinary experience that embodies centuries of tradition and passion. When you come to Naples, don’t just eat your pizza; immerse yourself in its history and savour every bite of this gastronomic masterpiece.
We hope this article has given you some useful information for your visit to Naples and that you get the chance to enjoy a slice of authentic Neapolitan pizza during your stay.
To find out more about this wonderful city, you can also read my articles on the Feast of San Gennaro, the Ruins of Pompeii and Underground Naples.
Have a good trip and buon appetito!
