The dough, made from highly refined Italian flour, natural yeast, water, and salt, is left to rise for at least 8 hours, developing a delicate texture. Once topped with bright red San Marzano tomatoes, creamy mozzarella di bufala or fior di latte, fragrant fresh basil, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, the pizza is slid into a roaring wood-fired oven heated to around 485°C (905°F). In just 60-90 seconds, the pizza emerges with a lightly charred, airy crust and a tender, flavorful center. The crackling sound of the oven and the aroma of baking dough and melting cheese fill the air.
This traditional method is protected by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (AVPN), which certifies pizzerias adhering to strict standards, guaranteeing a genuine taste that differs significantly from other regional or international pizza styles.
Sorbillo, set on Via dei Tribunali 32 in the historic center, draws crowds with its light, airy crust and a perfectly balanced blend of tangy tomato and creamy mozzarella, priced around EUR 5-7. At Via Cesare Sersale 1/3, Da Michele is one of the city's oldest pizzerias, serving a focused menu featuring only Margherita and Marinara pizzas, both costing about EUR 5. The lively atmosphere hums with chatter and the clatter of plates. Di Matteo, located at Via dei Tribunali 94, is known for its steadfast traditional style and also has fried pizza varieties. Expect lines on weekends, so arriving early or during quieter hours is wise.
Tours in naples
Your experience Visit the most exclusive island of Italy with a local top-rated guide and embark on a guided tour of the island of Capri. On this stress-free and laid-back tour, visit highlights such as the Blue Grotto. Leave the busy streets of Naples behind and head out to the island. Start your 8-hour tour by taking the jetfoil to the island while you enjoy spectacular views of the coast. Arrive at the picturesque Marina Grande, the island’s main port. Weather permitting, visit Blue Grotto and witness the shimmering blue turquoise waters up close. Travel to the vibrant center of the island, the main town of Capri and La Piazzetta. Continue to the Augustus Botanical Gardens and get views overlooking one of Capri's best-known landmarks, the legendary Faraglioni limestone rocks. Enjoy some time to explore on your own before returning to the Marina Grande.
Your experience Getting started Get picked up from your Naples hotel or meeting point and enjoy a quick 30-minute drive to Pompeii. Skip the queues with pre-arranged entry. An archaeologist guide will meet you at the site, or an audio guide will be provided for groups with fewer than 6 guests. What to expect Pompeii — The city frozen in time after Mount Vesuvius’ eruption in 79 AD. Features Walk through the Basilica and thermal baths, once bustling with civic life See the vivid frescoes of the Lupanare brothel that captured ancient intrigues Explore the Macellum marketplace and its “tabernae” workshops Visit the grand House of the Faun, one of Pompeii’s most famous villas Upgrades Go small-group (18 guests) for intimacy, regular (40) for budget, or private (8) for exclusivity. Wrapping up After around 1.5 hours inside Pompeii (3 hours overall), return comfortably to Naples with your transfer included.
Your experience Peek Into the Daily Life of Naples The experience begins with a walk through the street of SpaccaNapoli, which divides modern Naples into 2 parts. As you travel through the street, you will come across artist workshops, overhanging balconies, and narrow alleys. Walk through the Underground City of Neapolis Arrive at the picturesque alley of Via San Gregorio Armeno, known for its artisan shops that sell nativity-scene figurines. Then, walk to the San Lorenzo church, a monument beneath which lies the ancient city of Neapolis. Here, you will visit the temples, churches, and tunnels created in the 4th century BC by the Greeks. See the church of Santa Luciella ai Librai, where the followers of the Napoleon cult of the dead come to pray. The Catacombs of the Cathedral of San Gennaro On your visit to the Cathedral, you will find ‘Catacombs’ that were tombs of a noble family. The upper Catacomb houses the remains of San Gennaro, which makes it a sought-after burial ground to visit. Its long history, which ranges from Gothic to Baroque to Neo-Gothic, is reflected in the cathedral’s architectural styles. You'll find exquisitely detailed frescoes, complex bronze railings, massive altars, and sculptures and paintings by renowned Italian painters within. Itinerary Walk through the street of SpaccaNapoli – Visit San Gregorio Armeno – Visit the Underground Ruins – Visit the center of San Gennaro
Your Experience Stroll through the lanes in Naples and absorb its unique Italian culture with your expert tour guide. They will narrate the most riveting stories about the region. Your tour will begin from Piazza Plebiscito, continue passing through the Gallery Umberto I, and reach the famous Spanish Quarters. The narrow lanes will give you a glimpse into the conversations of the local people, the sounds of the busy intersections with Vespas driven around, and the classic balconies crowding your view of the sky. Your walk will help you realize how deeply embedded Diego Maradona, the Argentine football player, is inside the culture of Naples. You will see the deep adoration of the Neapolitan people towards Maradona on every corner of every street. Naples’ connection with Maradona knows no bounds. His legacy can be found everywhere in the city: from the street murals to the fireworks called “Maradona's balloon,” from the poems dedicated to him, up to the statuettes of the Neapolitan nativity scene, from souvenirs to desserts. You will visit two of the must-see destinations for any Naples’ number 10 aficionado: Vico Lungo Gelso and Piazza Maradona via Emanuele De Deo. Here, you will admire, in all their majesty and reverence, the most famous murals dedicated to Pibe de Oro. This guided tour in the narrow alleys in the heart of Naples will expose you to the culture of Italy and its people. With the optional upgrade, enjoy a Neapolitan coffee tasting in a bar that is entirely dedicated to Maradona. Admire the small altar dedicated to the player, adorned with photographs and even a strand of his hair, as you savor a delicious cup of Neapolitan coffee. The upgraded tour also includes a visit to Via San Gregorio Armeno, the famous street of nativity scenes. The artistry of the Neapolitan crib statuettes will leave you in awe, and you'll have the opportunity to take home a beautiful souvenir of this experience. Itinerary Piazza del Plebiscito | Galleria Umberto I | Quartieri Spagnoli | Vico Lungo Gelso | Piazza Maradona (Via Emanuele de Deo) | Spaccanapoli | Via San Gregorio Armeno
Best Pizza in Naples
Location of Best Pizza in Naples
At Piazza Sannazaro 201 in the Chiaia district, 50 Kalò is praised for its exceptionally soft dough and toppings like smoked provola, creamy burrata, and fresh seasonal vegetables, with prices ranging from EUR 8 to EUR 15. Palazzo Petrucci, located at Via Posillipo 16 overlooking the Gulf of Naples, blends traditional Neapolitan pizza with modern culinary techniques, serving pizzas priced between EUR 12 and EUR 18. Pizzaiolo on Via Santa Lucia 51 features pizzas adorned with ingredients such as truffle oil and spicy salami, appealing to diners seeking deeper flavor layers. These venues often require reservations, especially for dinner service, and the ambiance features soft music mingled with the gentle crackle of the oven.
Look for the AVPN logo displayed at entrances or on menus. Genuine pizzerias use wood-fired ovens, fresh San Marzano tomatoes, and mozzarella di bufala or fior di latte. The pizza crust feels soft and slightly charred, not crunchy or overly thick. The scent of burning wood and fresh basil often fills the room.
Local advice and online reviews can help find these authentic spots. Neighborhoods such as Centro Storico and Quartieri Spagnoli are good areas to find traditional pizzerias where Neapolitans frequently dine.
Traditional pizzerias such as Da Michele and Sorbillo open around noon and close after 23:00, often pausing service mid-afternoon. Gourmet establishments may have shorter hours and usually require reservations for evening seating.
Prices depend on location and pizza toppings: a classic Margherita typically costs EUR 5-7, while specialty pizzas with premium ingredients can reach EUR 15 or more. Payment by cash or card is common, but confirming ahead is recommended.
"In Naples, pizza isn’t just food—it’s a ritual where the dough’s airy breath and the tang of San Marzano tomatoes tell stories of centuries. The best pizzerias capture this soul, each offering a unique slice that locals swear by, blending tradition with a touch of their own magic."
Luca Romano - Neapolitan Culinary Historian
Centro Storico, the historic heart of the city, hosts famous pizzerias like Sorbillo and Di Matteo. Quartieri Spagnoli has a lively, local atmosphere with smaller, family-run pizzerias, where the sounds of street vendors and locals create an authentic backdrop. Forcella, just next to the historic center, includes pizzerias like Starita, known for traditional and fried pizzas.
These neighborhoods are close enough to walk between and are served by public transportation, allowing visitors to sample multiple pizzerias without hassle.
Well-known pizzerias such as Sorbillo and Da Michele attract both locals and visitors, especially on weekends and evenings. Getting there before peak times—around 11:30 for lunch or 18:30 for dinner—can cut down wait times.
Some places accept reservations, but many operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Alternatively, try pizzerias in less touristic areas or those slightly off main streets, where queues tend to be shorter.
Margherita is Naples’ signature pizza, showing Italy’s national colors with red tomato, white mozzarella, and green basil. It is rich and creamy thanks to the cheese.
Marinara is lighter and simpler, favored by those avoiding cheese. This style dates back centuries and remains a staple in traditional pizzerias, with its bright garlic aroma and herbal notes.
Fried pizza, or pizza fritta, is a traditional street food made by frying folded pizza dough filled with ricotta, salami, or tomato sauce. Starita, at Via Materdei 27/28, is well known for its fried pizzas priced between EUR 4 and EUR 7. The sizzle of hot oil and the smell of frying dough greet visitors.
Di Matteo also serves fried pizza alongside classic options. Trianon da Ciro, located at Via Pietro Colletta 44, has both fried and oven-baked pizzas. Fried pizzas provide a quick, satisfying snack or casual meal.
Menus are usually in Italian, but staff often speak basic English. Pointing to dishes or using translation apps can help. Seating can be limited, especially in smaller spots, so expect to share tables during busy times.
For a structured introduction to local pizza culture, consider joining a Naples: Guided Walking Tour including top pizzerias in Centro Storico that visits notable pizzerias.
Pizzeria Pellone, on Via G. Porzio 3 in San Carlo all'Arena, is noted for its generous portions and traditional recipes priced reasonably between EUR 5 and 10. La Notizia, at Via Michelangelo da Caravaggio 53/55 in Vomero, is run by a well-known pizzaiolo and serves both classic and creative pizzas.
Pizzeria Brandi, credited with creating the Margherita pizza, sits at Salita Sant'Anna di Palazzo 1/2 near Palazzo Reale. It tends to be less crowded than central pizzerias and provides a historic dining setting. Visiting these spots has a clearer look at Naples’ pizza culture as locals know it.
Metro Line 1 stops at Toledo, Municipio, and Dante stations, all within walking distance of major pizzerias in Centro Storico and Quartieri Spagnoli. Bus routes 151 and C63 serve the historic center from other city areas.
The Chiaia and Montesanto funiculars provide access to neighborhoods such as Vomero, where some pizzerias are located. Walking from central stations to pizzerias usually takes 5 to 15 minutes.
The tap water in Naples is safe to drink but many prefer bottled water with meals. If you have allergies or intolerances, communicate clearly with staff or carry a translation card.
During busy times, pizzerias can be crowded, so keep personal belongings secure and stay aware of your surroundings.
The historic center near Via dei Tribunali includes landmarks like Naples Cathedral and the underground Naples Sotterranea, allowing for cultural breaks between pizza stops. Markets like Mercato di Porta Nolana showcase fresh ingredients and local products.
Joining a Naples: Guided Street Food Visit tour or a Market Tour and Cooking Class in Naples reveals more about Neapolitan food traditions alongside pizza.
