Ready to travel to Italy? Head straight to Naples to enjoy the best pizza in the world!

Naples, the birthplace of pizza, tells a story that melts between cobblestone streets and irresistible aromas. In the 18th century, the city’s first pizzeria was born, and with it the tradition that would conquer the world. From the narrow streets to the shores of the Gulf of Naples, pizza has become not just a meal, but a unique cultural expression. With simple ingredients and unparalleled passion, Neapolitan pizza is a legacy that transcends generations, a story of flavors that still echoes today in wood-fired ovens and in the heart of the city that saw it born.

The star ingredient of pizza, do you know what it is?

The San Marzano tomato has its origins on the volcanic slopes of Mount Vesuvius in Italy. Over time, local growers have refined their techniques, obtaining a tomato with dense flesh, low acidity and a sweet flavor. This variety has become essential to Italian cuisine, especially in Neapolitan pizza. In 1996, the European Union granted the San Marzano tomato Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), guaranteeing its authenticity and quality. Today, this tomato is appreciated all over the world, making it a notable choice for those seeking authenticity and flavor in Italian cuisine.

The Neapolitan pizza dough is the dancing star of this extraordinary gastronomic experience. This masterpiece of slow fermentation and artisanal care is more than just a base for the ingredients; it is the crunchy and soft soul of authentic Neapolitan pizza. Prepared with a magical blend of special flour, water, salt and yeast, the dough goes through a fermentation ritual that transforms it into a perfect canvas for the flavors that adorn it. Thus, every bite is a sensory journey, an explosion of textures that conquers the palate and celebrates the tradition of true Neapolitan pizza.

Want to know where to taste this wonder during your trip to Naples? We list the 5 most famous places:

Certainly the most famous pizza in Italy is the pizza of the Antica Pizzeria da Michele in Forcella, since 1870 and managed by the fifth generation of the family. And yes, it is the famous pizzeria of the film “Eat, Pray, Love” with Julia Roberts. On the menu there are only two flavors: margherita and marinara! – “Let’s go, let’s cross!”

The oldest, however, is the pizzeria Antica Pizzeria Port’Alba, opened in 1830 and considered the oldest in the world, located in the center of the city. The pizza is cooked in ovens covered with lava stone from the surroundings of Vesuvius, the famous volcano of the region.

Another famous pizzeria in the movies is the Pizzeria Starita, from the film “L’oro di Napoli”, with its menu of “FABULOUS pizzas” and responsible for the seductive scenes of the film with Sophia Loren’s character.

In 2023, the Gambero Rosso food guide selected the 9 best pizzerias in Naples. The first two are respectively: Diego Vitagliano’s pizzeria. Modern but with the intent and responsibility of maintaining the tradition of perfect pasta, through careful and constant study. The perfect dough must be light and delicate, with hints of crunchiness. For the fillings, different types of interpretations of the classic margherita and marinara.
In second place was 50 Kalò, a pizza with traditional dough, but thinner than usual, which guarantees better digestion. On the menu you can choose to try other typical Neapolitan delicacies, in addition to the round one: fried pizza, crochè, frittatina and supplì.

So, when we enjoy a slice of authentic Neapolitan pizza, we immerse ourselves in a story that dates back to the roots of Vesuvius, through the rich Italian culinary tradition, and culminates in the crunchy perfection of the dough that is the basis of this entire gastronomic experience. Enjoy your meal! ✨