When visiting Italy, we inevitably all share at least one common bucket list item: eating really good, traditional Italian pizza. But what exactly is really good, traditional Italian pizza? Truth be told, it can mean many things.
In Italy, pizza isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal—it changes depending on where you are. Whether you’re down south, up north, or exploring the shores of Sicily, you’ll find many unique renditions.
Let’s break down the various types of traditional Italian pizza you’ll find when visiting Italy and some of the best places to try each type. Mangiamo!
Insider’s Tip: Even if you’re only spending one day in Rome, it’s worth doing your research to find great places to eat. When in Rome…you have to eat quality!
The history of pizza
The blueprint for the type of pizza most of us know and love today—crust + Marinara sauce + mozzarella cheese—originated in Naples, Italy, during the 18th century. It was a simple and inexpensive food sold by street vendors to the working class.
But before the era of Neapolitan pizza, ancient civilizations such as the Greeks, Egyptians, and Romans were already experimenting with their own versions of simple flatbreads. These early creations paved the way for the world of pizza that we enjoy today.
After the boom of pizza in Naples, it gained popularity far and wide as Italians migrated to other regions and countries. Many regions in Italy went on to develop their own variations of pizza, using local ingredients and culinary traditions.
Today, there are many different types of traditional Italian pizza. Let’s dive in.
Types of traditional Italian pizza
Neapolitan-style pizza
Neapolitan pizza features a soft, chewy crust with a slightly charred exterior. It’s typically cooked in a wood-fired oven at very high temperatures for a short period. Since pizza originated in Naples, many stick to this type on principle.
Pizza a portafoglio (“wallet pizza”)
Wallet pizza is a classic street food staple in Naples. Crafted from simple ingredients—sauce, cheese, and basil—it’s folded in half and reminiscent of a wallet, hence the name. Not only is it street food, but it’s the quintessential Neapolitan fast food.
Fried pizza
Another popular street food originating from Naples. Pizza fritta is made by deep-frying dough filled with sauce and cheese, and sometimes other toppings.
Roman-style pizza
Pizza Romana typically has a thin crust that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. This type of pizza is most similar to the New York-style pizza that’s beloved in the US, for the shape and the crust’s ability to be folded properly.
This is also the style that’s made in our pizza-making class in Rome!
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Pizza al taglio
This style of Roman pizza is rectangular and sold by weight. It has a thick, fluffy crust and various different toppings. Sometimes referred to as pizza al trancio.
Pizza alla pala
Similar to pizza al taglio but is baked on a long wooden paddle (pala).
Pizza bianca
“White pizza,” which is a simple Roman specialty consisting of a thin, crispy crust brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with salt. No cheese here!
Insider’s Tip: If you’re looking for the type of white pizza popular in the US (that is, no red sauce but lots of cheese), try a pizza quattro formaggi (“four cheeses”).
Pizza rossa
Another super simple Roman pizza, but made with delicious red tomato sauce—hence the name (“rossa” means red in Italian). You won’t find any cheese on this pizza, either. The high-quality red sauce is the star.
Pinsa
A unique Roman-style pizza with a light and airy crust achieved from using a blend of wheat, soy, and rice flours.
Focaccia
While not really a type of “traditional pizza,” focaccia is a close cousin. Originating from Liguria, Italy, focaccia is a flatbread typically seasoned with olive oil, salt, and herbs. Focaccia can be enjoyed plain or with toppings, stuffed, or even in the form of a pizza-focaccia hybrid!
Pizza Siciliana
Sfincione is known for its thick, rectangular crust. Its topped with a thick tomato sauce, breadcrumbs, onions, and anchovies, occasionally with pecorino or caciocavallo cheese.
Where to enjoy traditional Italian pizza
Looking for the best spots to devour authentic Italian pizza? We’ve got you covered for six major Italian cities (all of which we operate tours in!).
Rome
- L’elementare: A popular spot in Trastevere and frequently ranked among the top in Rome.
- Da Remo: A pizza spot in Testaccio known for its ultra-thin pizzas.
- Pantera: Renowned pizza al taglio found in the Trastevere neighborhood.
- 180grammi Pizzeria Romana: Not directly in the center but worth the trek for their decadent thin-crust style pizza.
- Ai Marmi: Famous for their pizza and decadent supplì.
- Il Grottino: A local favorite serving up fabulous pizza plus beer, and fried potato croquettes.
Naples
- Pizzeria Pellone: Conveniently located right next to the city’s main central train station.
- L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele: A classic spot featured in the movie Eat, Pray, Love.
- Pizzeria Starita: One of the best pizzerie founded over 100 years ago.
Venice
- Al Profeta: Situated in the Dorsoduro district, this spot offers a charming outdoor patio garden dining area.
- Ae Ocche Zattere: For their views over the Canal of Giudecca.
- Birraria La Corte in Campo San Polo: Enjoy delicious Neapolitan-style pizza plus a variety of beers.
- Osteria Al Duomo in Murano Island: For those who want to stay and eat in Murano Island, check out this spot which also offers gluten-free options.
- Antico Forno: Try their pizzaccia—a combination between pizza and focaccia.
Florence
- Berberè: Artisanal sourdough pizza. Variety of pizza flavors with choices of special doughs and dipping sauces.
- Giotto Pizzeria Bistrot: Featured on the list of 50 Top Pizza Italia 2022.
- Il Vecchio e il Mare: Another feature on the 50 Top Pizza list six years in a row!
Milan
- Pizzeria Da Giuliano: In the heart of Chinatown on Paolo Sarpi street since the 1960s.
- Sorbillo: World-famous Neapolitan pizza originating from the renowned Via Tribunali in Naples.
- Spontini: A casual eatery founded by Tuscan immigrants in 1853, now a Milan institution. Celiac friendly options available.
Bologna
- Ranzani 13: Known not only for its pizza, but also craft beer and burgers.
- Bianco Farina: Neapolitan-style pizza located a stone’s throw from the city’s central train station.
- Porta Pazienza: Famed for its delicious pizzas and efforts to give back to the local community.
Make your own traditional Italian pizza
Once you have a taste of traditional Italian pizza during your travels, you’ll be wanting it again (and again and again).
So why not learn how to make it yourself?
At our Rome cooking school you can take a pizza-making class led by an expert Italian pizza maker. You’ll get hands-on experience learning how to pick the best ingredients, perfect your dough-making skills, and master the cooking techniques needed to create the pizza of your dreams.
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…When in Rome!
(But if you’re not in Rome and still want to learn the art of traditional Italian pizza making, you can do it from the comfort of home following our step-by-step guide).
