Where to Try Authentic Neapolitan Pizza in Naples

Best Pizza Spots in Naples

If you’re serious about pizza, Naples deserves a spot at the top of your travel bucket list. This is where pizza was invented—and where you’ll taste it at its most authentic. Neapolitan-born pizzaiolo Daniele Uditi, now based in the US, reminds us: you haven’t really had pizza until you’ve eaten it in its original hometown. For him, it’s more than food—it’s the energy of the city, the street noises, and the living, breathing Neapolitan rhythm that make every bite special.

Understanding Neapolitan Pizza Culture
Uditi sees Neapolitan pizza as a perfect reflection of Naples itself: it might lack geometric precision, but it delivers pure soul. “It’s not always a perfect circle,” he says, mirroring the city’s own rough-edged charm. The classic “al portafoglio” style—folded like a wallet—is the go-to street version, eaten on the move while you soak up the pulse of the city.

Whether you’re walking past vendors chatting by the curb or sitting down in a bustling pizzeria, pizza in Naples isn’t just food—it’s a ritual. Here’s where Uditi thinks you should go first.

Pizzeria La Notizia Enzo Coccia 53
In leafy Capodimonte, La Notizia 53 draws a diverse crowd—from university professors to students and couples on dates. Under chef Enzo Coccia, the menu features inventive toppings like zucchini, tomato, and thyme. But the star here, Uditi insists, is the classic Margherita. It’s a master class in balance—tomato, mozzarella, and basil performing in perfect harmony.

Antonio Starita
Just outside the gritty Rione di Sanità lies Antonio Starita, a Naples institution. Its montanara—deep-fried pizza topped with sauce, mozzarella, and basil—is legendary. Uditi praises its lightness: “Never oily,” he says, with a sauce that’s akin to long-simmered sugo. Starita’s standard pizza is top-tier too, but the montanara is the standout. Want to skip the queues? Go early afternoon or late evening when the crowds thin.

Pizzeria Concettina ai Tre Santi
In the heart of Rione Sanità, Concettina ai Tre Santi brings classic technique together with imaginative flair. Run by Ciro Oliva—the founder’s grandson—it’s a place rooted in tradition but unafraid to play. Signature pies like the Fondazione San Gennaro, topped with smoked provola, salami, and crunchy tarallo ‘nzogna e pepe, push texture and taste toward new horizons. As Uditi put it, “Pizza can be soft—he said, why not add crunch?” It works.

Naples’ Best Pizzerias

Isabella de Cham
Just 100 meters from Concettina, Isabella de Cham shines. Known for her refined pizza fritta (deep-fried, folded, and stuffed pizza) and tasting menus, her pizzas balance lightness with bold flavor. Uditi appreciates the feminine touch in a male-dominated space: “Pizza fritta used to be made by women… we need more gentle hands.” His favorite? Her ricotta, cicoli, and pepper fritta, delicate yet surprisingly weightless.

Diego Vitagliano
In picturesque Santa Lucia, Diego Vitagliano’s place feels like a pizza fine-dining venue. His work explores dough texture and storytelling: think pies topped with flavors inspired by pasta e patate. Despite the creative journey, it’s the Margherita that brings the memory home. “He serves it last,” Uditi notes, “as a reminder—this is why you came.”

I Masanielli in Caserta
Willing to venture a bit? Take a day trip to Caserta—home of the majestic Reggia di Caserta—and head to I Masanielli. Chef Francesco Martucci, whom Uditi grew up watching in school, leads here. Martucci’s signature is his single-ingredient focus, like the five-onion pizza, which layers onions five different ways. His dough experimentation includes steamed, fried, and baked layers, topped with ingredients like scallops, sea moss powder, and pollen. It’s daring—but unforgettable.

What Naples Pizza Tells You About Travel
These six stops illustrate why Naples ranks among the top travel destinations on any list. From street-food icons to refined kitchens, the city covers the spectrum:

• Hidden gems in historic neighborhoods
• A place that truly makes the travel bucket list
• Authentic experiences you just can’t replicate elsewhere

You’re not just eating pizza—you’re tasting Naples’ past, present, and future in every bite. Whether you’re a solo traveler chasing local flavors or planning a foodie-focused escape, this guide makes Naples essential.

Conclusion
Pizza in Naples is more than a dish—it’s a cultural compass. It tells stories of artisanal craft, family legacy, and culinary creativity. From the iconic wallet-folded slices to experimental gourmet plates, each bite reveals a layer of the city’s identity. If you’re mapping out your next top destination or collating ideas for your Top 10 travel destinations in the world, let this be the start: Naples, where pizza is king—and discovery begins with flavor.