Naples pizza culture is world renowned, and rightfully so. The centuries-long tradition of pizza making is an integral part of the city’s fabric and makes it difficult to name the best pizza in Naples. UNESCO recognizes the art of Neapolitan pizzaiuoli, or pizza makers, as part of their Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Chefs from all around the world come to Naples to study the art of Neapolitan pizza, from the careful preparation of a light and airy dough to the correct techniques of using a wood fired oven.
If you love pizza, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will take you on a journey through the winding neighborhoods of Naples with the goal of helping you eat the best. Pizza. Ever. Put on your walking shoes, and let’s get some pizza!
Insider’s tip: All of the following pizzerie in our list (apart from Concettina ai Tre Santi and ‘Ntretella) do not take reservations. Get there early (around 12:30 at lunchtime and around 7:00-7:30 dinnertime) to avoid a crowd. If you can’t get there early, go directly to the door to put your name down. Then grab a to-go spritz drink nearby and prepare to wait!
Pizzeria Pellone
Situated in the neighborhood surrounding the central station, Pizzeria Pellone is a popular weekday lunch spot for those who work in the area. The pizza bufalina—like a margherita but with high quality buffalo mozzarella—is a must-try. The juicy mozzarella pairs so well with the tangy tomato sauce on the classic thin Neapolitan crust. Because of its proximity to the station, it’s a perfect option when just arriving in Naples or after returning to the city from a morning in Pompeii.
L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele
Let’s head towards the historical center. In the neighborhood called Forcella, motorcycles zip by on the narrow cobblestone streets. There you’ll find Da Michele under an unassuming beige awning. It serves only two types of pizzas: margherita (ask for doppia mozzarella, which means double mozzarella, if you love cheese) or marinara (without cheese). The family that owns the pizzeria has been in the business since 1870 and has been in the Forcella neighborhood since 1930. If you’ve ever seen the movie Eat, Pray, Love starring Julia Roberts, you’ll recognize the inside of the pizzeria.
Sorbillo
Heading into the historical center, you’ll eventually end up on Via dei Tribunali, one of the main thoroughfares. The street dates back to the 6th century A.D. when Naples was a Greek colony. Now the street is packed with tourists and locals alike. Pizzeria Gino Sorbillo is hard to miss: because of its fame, there’s always a crowd outside. The pizza is worth it, though. Ultra light and airy, but packed with flavor, the pizzas at Sorbillo leave you satisfied but not bloated after your meal.
Sorbillo now has locations all over the world, including Miami in the U.S.A.
Da Attilio
The Pignasecca Market is a historical market that still buzzes with activity today. Many locals do their shopping there, choosing fresh products from the abundant fruit, vegetable, and fish stands. Pizzeria Da Attilio is nestled in that market, in between a greengrocer, a fishmonger, and a man who usually sets up a little flower and plant stand. Aside from the classic Neapolitan pizza toppings, Attilio Bachetti and his staff make some standout stuffed-crust pizzas. The hot wood-fired crust is stuffed with fresh ricotta from the Sorrentine peninsula. Heavenly!
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Pizzeria Starita
To get to the neighborhood of Materdei, you can either walk up the hill or take the subway (Metro Linea 1). Materdei is a primarily residential neighborhood, but it’s home to one of the best pizzerie in the city—Starita. Founded more than a hundred years ago as a wine cellar, it morphed over the years into a fried food spot and then a pizzeria. We recommend their fried montanarina as an appetizer. It’s a mini fried pizza with different topping options. It’s a great way to sample a fried pizza without going all in. (Or, if you love fried food, you can get one of the large fried pizza montanara!)
‘Ntretella
‘Ntretella is a hidden gem in one of the most iconic neighborhoods of Naples, the Quartieri Spagnoli. This tiny area built in the 16th century has streets arranged in a grid pattern and is a great place to grab a spritz in the evening. The pizzeria is located in a space that used to be a sawmill in the early 1900’s, and the decor of the place pays homage to its roots. Arched ceilings and exposed brick give it a down-to-earth, vintage feel. Because it’s one of the few pizzerie that allows reservations, it’s an awesome option for a larger group.
Concettina ai Tre Santi
In the heart of Rione Sanità—a neighborhood home to some amazing street art and historical buildings—lies Concettina ai Tre Santi. The gourmet pizzeria prides itself on using only the best ingredients to create playful spins on classic flavors. Because of its variety, this is a good place to go with a group, so that you can all split pizzas and try different toppings.
Choosing great pizza places to structure your visit is such a wonderful way to see the neighborhoods of Naples. Each pizzerie named in this guide have their own unique histories in different areas of Naples. Plus, what better way to digest your pizza than by taking a nice walk to…the next pizzeria? Buon appetito!
P.S. Don’t worry if you’re celiac or gluten intolerant; you can still savor fantastic pizza. Explore our guide to eating gluten free in Naples.
Looking to join an organized pizza food tour instead? You’re in the right place.
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Love pizza? Love Italian food? Want to take your exploration of Neapolitan gastronomy a step further? Join us on our Ultimate Naples Food Tour with an expert local food guide. You’ll enjoy 10 food tastings, two glasses of wine, a coffee, and a limoncello (plenty of food for a full meal). See you there!
