Naples, a city steeped in a thousand contradictions, where sacred and profane intertwine, narrating both the past and the present. Undoubtedly, one of its most fascinating elements is represented by its gastronomic traditions. Foremost among these is the pizza, an institution and undisputed symbol of the Neapolitan city. The Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana has even drawn up an International Disciplinary to defend and spread the authenticity of this quintessentially Italian product.
Choosing the best pizzeria in Naples can prove difficult, especially for those who are not familiar with the city. To facilitate this selection, we present a brief guide on where to enjoy the best Neapolitan pizza.
History of Pizza in Naples: A Cultural Heritage
Traces of the water and flour dough date back to as early as 1600 when it was sold on the streets of Naples. However, between the 1700s and 1800s, a period when the city was densely populated yet impoverished, the people began to prepare dough discs topped with tomatoes, creating an economical and easy-to-make dish. Over time, pizza also spread among the more affluent classes.
The first pizzeria in Naples, the Antica Pizzeria Port’Alba, opened in 1738, initially only for takeaway service, before adding a dining area in 1830. Among its illustrious customers were King Ferdinand of Bourbon, Francesco Crispi, Benedetto Croce, and Gabriele D’Annunzio.
To this day, the Antica Pizzeria Port’Alba continues to be one of the best pizzerias in Naples, keeping the tradition alive.
Where to Enjoy the Best Pizza in Naples?
Naples is famous for the tradition of eating pizza while walking, the so-called “a portafoglio,” smaller and folded in half compared to the traditional version. However, there is no shortage of options to enjoy it comfortably seated, whether baked or fried, and topped in various ways.
- Gino e Toto Sorbillo – Via dei Tribunali, 32 Gino Sorbillo’s pizza is renowned worldwide, belonging to one of the oldest pizza-making families in Naples. His definition of “pizza of the city’s poor alleys” makes it a gastronomic icon. In addition to the historic branch on Via dei Tribunali, there are two other branches at Via Partenope 1 and Piazza Trento e Trieste 53.
- Francesco & Salvatore Salvo – Riviera di Chiaia, 271 This establishment offers a complete experience, where Neapolitan pizza is considered a culture to preserve, develop, and evolve. Francesco and Salvatore Salvo combine tradition with new culinary discoveries, offering pizzas based on the seasonality of raw materials and refined ingredient combinations.
- Starita – Via Materdei 27/28 Don Antonio’s (and sons) pizzeria is an institution in Naples, located in the alleys of the Materdei district. Since 1901, this tradition has been passed down through generations, offering simple and genuine flavors, as well as innovative taste combinations. The motto here is “It’s not Margherita, it’s Starita.”
- Antica Pizzeria da Michele – Via Cesare Sersale, 1 With over 100 years of history and only 4 pizzas on the menu, Antica Pizzeria da Michele is committed to preserving the flavors of the past.
- Da Attilio alla Pignasecca – Via Pignasecca, 17 A true temple of pizza in the historic center of Naples. Tradition reigns supreme, but you can also choose from a selection of special pizzas.
- 50 Kalò – Piazza Sannazzaro 201/B Located near the Margellina waterfront, this pizzeria offers a more recent experience. Patron Ciro Salvo, born into the trade, blends tradition with innovation in personalized pizzas, with a lower crust and high digestibility.
These are just some of the places where you can enjoy the best pizza in Naples, each with its own history and unique culinary approach.
