Wondering What's The Best Pizza To Order While You're In Italy? Here's The Gold Standard
Finding authentic restaurants in Italy isn't always easy, especially if you're visiting the country's most touristy areas. It can also be difficult to identify real local dishes if you grew up in a place where buttery garlic bread and pepperoni are considered "Italian" foods. The same goes for pizza, which can look pretty different in Italy compared to the delivery variety you might be used to.
Across the boot-shaped country, you'll find a range of pizza styles, but only one is considered to be the gold standard: Neapolitan pizza. Known locally as pizza napoletana, Neapolitan pizza hails from Naples, but it's so good that you'll find pizzerias in other regions trying to copy it. True Neapolitan pizza is simple with just a few tasty ingredients, including cheese, tomatoes, basil, and olive oil. The crust is thin, chewy, and never fried or stuffed. If your pizza back home usually comes with seven toppings, a savory crust, and multiple types of cheese, authentic Neapolitan pizza might take some getting used to. However, the fresh and minimalist flavors are a must-try during any trip to Italy.
Where to get the best pizza in Italy
Pizza isn't a gourmet menu item and can be eaten in Italy on a tight budget. With this in mind, there's no need to seek out fancy restaurants to get a good pie. Still, not every pizzeria will make high-quality Neapolitan pizza, so it's crucial to know what to look for during your trip. One of the easiest ways to find Italy's best pizzerias is to spend some time in Naples. The city's Sorbillo, L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele, and Antica Pizzeria Port'Alba serve some of the best Neapolitan pizzas in all of Italy.
If your travels take you to another city, you can still find top-notch pizza made the Neapolitan way. The Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana keeps a list of restaurateurs that have been trained and certified in Neapolitan pizza making. Browse the list to find pizzerias in the city you plan to visit.
You can also take an in-person peek at pizza spots while sightseeing to separate the quality pizzerias from the subpar ones. First, check the menu. If it's laminated or posted outside in English, the pizza might not be authentic. If the menu passes the test, step inside and look for a wood-fired oven. Some foodies swear that wood-burning equipment gives the pizza better flavor, which might explain why you'll often find the top pizzerias using these ovens.