The Ultimate Pizza Pilgrimage: Top Spots to Eat Pizza in Italy

Embark on a journey through Italy, where each bite of pizza tells a story of tradition, innovation, and culinary mastery. Here's a deeper look into the top spots for pizza, offering more than just a meal, but an experience to remember.

1. L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele, Naples: Stepping into L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele is like taking a step back in time. With its no-frills decor, the focus here is solely on the pizza. Using a recipe that has been perfected over generations, the pizzeria offers a limited menu, but what it does, it does exceptionally well. The Margherita and Marinara pizzas shine through their simplicity, showcasing the quality of the ingredients and the skill of the pizzaioli. The bustling atmosphere, with locals and tourists alike waiting for a taste of history, adds to the charm of this legendary spot.
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2. Pizzeria Brandi, Naples: At Pizzeria Brandi, the creation of the Pizza Margherita is not just a part of history; it's a point of pride. This historic pizzeria, with its elegant interior and warm hospitality, serves up pizzas that are a testament to the craft of Neapolitan pizza making. The Margherita, with its vibrant colors representing the Italian flag, is more than just a pizza here; it's a piece of culinary heritage, made with passion and tradition that has been passed down through the ages.
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3. Pepe in Grani, Caiazzo: Franco Pepe's Pepe in Grani is a pilgrimage site for the modern pizza enthusiast. Located in the picturesque town of Caiazzo, the pizzeria blends ancient techniques with innovative concepts. Each pizza is a work of art, with ingredients sourced from local producers, ensuring freshness and quality. The setting, a beautifully restored building, offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere where each bite tells the story of the region. Pepe's commitment to excellence and his modern take on traditional flavors have made Pepe in Grani a beacon of Italian cuisine.
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4. Pizzarium, Rome: Gabriele Bonci’s Pizzarium revolutionizes the concept of pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice) with its gourmet approach. Here, the dough undergoes a long fermentation process, resulting in a fluffy, airy base that's both crispy and chewy. The toppings are a mix of classic and innovative, often inspired by seasonal ingredients, making each visit a new discovery. Located near the Vatican, Pizzarium is a favorite among both locals and visitors, offering a quick, delicious, and memorable meal for those on the go.
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5. La Notizia, Naples: Enzo Coccia's La Notizia is a testament to the scientific precision and creativity behind Neapolitan pizza. The pizzeria’s minimalist decor focuses all attention on the pizza, which is crafted from carefully selected ingredients and cooked to perfection in a wood-fired oven. La Notizia has earned international acclaim for its dedication to preserving the traditional methods of pizza making while also embracing new techniques and flavors. The result is a pizza that is both authentic and innovative, served in a space that welcomes pizza lovers from around the world.
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6. Sforno, Rome: Nestled in the outskirts of Rome, Sforno offers a culinary experience that marries traditional Roman pizza with inventive Italian cuisine. The Cacio e Pepe pizza is a standout, transforming the classic pasta dish into a pizza form with a genius use of ingredients, resulting in a creamy, peppery delight atop a perfect crust. The ambiance of Sforno, with its cozy and rustic charm, invites diners to linger over their pizzas, paired with a selection of craft beers and Italian wines, making each meal a celebration of Roman culinary culture.
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7. Pizzeria Sorbillo, Naples: Gino Sorbillo's Pizzeria Sorbillo on the bustling Via dei Tribunali is a flagship of Neapolitan pizza tradition. The family's dedication to using organic, locally-sourced ingredients and natural leavening agents results in a light, digestible crust that's rich in flavor. The pizzeria itself, with its historic facade and lively interior, encapsulates the soul of Naples. Eating at Sorbillo is an immersive experience, where the vibrancy of the city and the purity of traditional pizza-making converge.
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8. Pizzeria Da Attilio, Naples: At Pizzeria Da Attilio, the art of pizza-making takes a creative turn with the signature star-shaped pizza. This whimsical creation, with its points filled with creamy ricotta, offers a playful yet delicious take on the classic Neapolitan pizza. The atmosphere in Da Attilio is warm and welcoming, reflecting the pizzeria’s commitment to family and tradition. It’s a place where innovation and history blend seamlessly, offering a unique and memorable dining experience.
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9. Forno Campo de’ Fiori, Rome: Forno Campo de’ Fiori is renowned for its pizza bianca, a Roman street food staple. The simplicity of this pizza, with its thin, crispy crust and a light brushing of olive oil and salt, belies its complex flavors and textures. As a cornerstone of the bustling Campo de’ Fiori market, the forno offers a taste of daily Roman life. Its pizza bianca, best enjoyed fresh from the oven, is a simple pleasure that captures the essence of Roman culinary tradition.
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10. Antica Pizzeria Port'Alba, Naples: As the world’s first pizzeria, Antica Pizzeria Port'Alba holds a special place in the heart of pizza history. This venerable institution has been serving pizzas since the 18th century, in a setting that feels unchanged by time. Dining here is like stepping into a piece of living history, where each pizza is a link to the past, made with techniques that have been honed over centuries. The experience is enriched by the pizzeria’s location in the historic center of Naples, surrounded by the vibrant life of the city.

This journey through Italy's best pizzerias is more than just a culinary tour; it's an exploration of the regions, traditions, and innovations that have made pizza a global passion. Each of these pizzerias offers not just a meal, but a slice of Italian culture and history.

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