**Best Pizza in Naples: A Travel Guide**
Naples, Italy, is widely regarded as the birthplace of pizza, and tasting authentic Neapolitan pizza is a must for any visitor. The city boasts numerous pizzerias, from historic institutions to innovative newcomers, each serving mouth-watering pies with simple, fresh ingredients and characteristic soft, chewy crusts baked in wood-fired ovens. Here’s your guide to experiencing the best pizza in Naples.
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### What Makes Neapolitan Pizza Special?
– **Dough:** Soft, airy, with a puffy crust (cornicione), made from high-protein flour, water, salt, and yeast, left to rise slowly.
– **Cooking:** Baked at very high temperatures (about 485°C/905°F) for 60-90 seconds in a wood-fired oven.
– **Ingredients:** Fresh San Marzano tomatoes, creamy mozzarella di bufala or fior di latte, fresh basil, quality olive oil, and sometimes garlic.
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### Must-Visit Pizzerias in Naples
#### 1. **L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele**
– **Address:** Via Cesare Sersale, 1
– **Highlights:** Known worldwide, this historic pizzeria has served Neapolitans since 1870. Their menu is simple—primarily Margherita and Marinara—but perfected to divine simplicity.
– **Tip:** Arrive early or expect a wait; the pizza is worth it!
#### 2. **Pizzeria Sorbillo**
– **Address:** Via dei Tribunali, 32
– **Highlights:** Family-run with a passionate approach and long queues—a testament to its quality. Offers a wider range of toppings but keeps tradition at the core. Try the Margherita and the pizza with buffalo mozzarella.
#### 3. **Pizzeria Di Matteo**
– **Address:** Via dei Tribunali, 94
– **Highlights:** Famous for its classic pizzas and also great street food like fried pizza and arancini. Loved by locals and tourists alike for consistent quality and authentic taste.
#### 4. **Pizzeria Gino Sorbillo Lievito Madre al Mare**
– **Address:** Via Partenope, 1
– **Highlights:** A newer location of the Sorbillo family on the seaside. Beautiful setting with excellent dough and toppings.
#### 5. **Starita**
– **Address:** Via Materdei, 27/28
– **Highlights:** Another family-run classic with a loyal following. Starita offers some creative options as well as traditional Neapolitan classics.
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### Tips for Pizza Lovers Visiting Naples
– **Go early or late:** Peak meal times see lines, but pizzerias often open for lunch and dinner, so timing can help avoid crowds.
– **Stay local:** Avoid overly touristy places off the beaten path, as they rarely capture the true Neapolitan flavor.
– **Try simple first:** Start with Margherita or Marinara to appreciate the base of what makes a great pizza. Then explore additional toppings.
– **Pair with local drinks:** Enjoy your pizza with local wines, such as a crisp Falanghina, or a refreshing Peroni beer.
– **Eat standing up, like locals:** Many pizzerias have busy counters; experiencing this traditional way adds to the authentic feel.
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### Final Thoughts
Naples is a pizza