As the birthplace of pizza, Naples is undeniably the place to be for pizza lovers. In a recent adventure, Harry Kersh and Claudia Romeo set off to discover the best pizzas in this historic city, home to over 3,000 pizzerias. With the help of local expert Antonio Fucito, they aimed to determine which pizza not only embodies the classic Neapolitan style but also presents a unique taste experience.
Antonio Fucito passionately describes Neapolitan pizza as a “ritual,” stating that the anticipation of enjoying a pizza is constant for many locals. A typical margherita pizza consists of tomato sauce, fior di latte cheese, fresh basil, and sometimes pecorino cheese for an added richness. With such a strong culinary foundation, it’s no surprise that Harry and Claudia embarked on their pizza tour with high expectations.
Their first destination was Gino e Toto Sorbillo, located in the historic center of Naples. Known for its social ambiance, this pizzeria is internationally recognized thanks to its owner, Gino Sorbillo. Joined in the kitchen by Gino himself, Harry and Claudia witnessed the creation of a margherita pizza that was visually stunning, featuring vibrant colors and an enticing aroma.
In their tasting, they marveled at the refreshing burst of basil and the harmonious blend of flavors in every bite. Harry noted the remarkable acidity and sweetness of the tomato, while Claudia appreciated the contrast in texture - a thick, crunchy outer crust leading to an inner softness that melded all the flavors together perfectly.
Continuing their journey, they visited Starita, a family-run establishment boasting four generations of pizza-making expertise. The legacy of this pizzeria was epitomized by its popularity, even making pizza for Pope John Paul II.
The pizza here had a slightly denser crust, with a chewier texture than Sorbillo's offerings. Claudia commented on the richness of the ingredients, particularly highlighting how the toppings seemed to interact more fully than before. With vibrant tomato sauce and a robust cheese presence, this pizza provided a delightful experience that surprised the duo.
Their next stop, Pizzeria La Notizia, is slightly removed from the city center yet famous for its quality ingredients and expert preparation. Owner Enzo Coccia is considered a pizza authority, and that expertise is clearly reflected in the essence of their pies.
Harry found the crust to be beautifully even, a golden-brown hue promising a balanced texture. Claudia was skeptical of the pecorino infusion, which is a departure from traditional methods, but upon tasting, she was pleasantly surprised by how well the sharp cheese blended with the fresh basil, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
The final stop was the legendary Antica Pizzeria Da Michele, internationally acclaimed for its large pizzas and famous from the film "Eat Pray Love." With a crust that epitomized perfect leopard-spotting and a delightful mix of juicy tomato and fresh cheese, this pizza left an impressive mark on their taste buds. Harry and Claudia noted the unique absence of olive oil, with soy oil used instead, allowing the natural flavors to shine through.
Standing in front of the iconic Mount Vesuvius, Harry and Claudia faced the tough task of choosing the best pizza. After sharing their thoughts on each experience, they realized that their preferences were distinctly different - Claudia was drawn to Starita’s lively atmosphere and the passionate character of Don Antonio, while Harry favored Da Michele for its timeless traditional feel and authentic pizza-making experience.
In the end, the debate over the winner showcased the richness of Naples' pizza culture. While Starita stood out for its unique charm and the infusive personality behind its creation, Da Michele offered a nostalgic touch that’s perfect for tourists seeking authentic culinary experiences. It was a delightful reminder that the journey to find the perfect pizza is about more than just the food; it’s the stories, the people, and the passion that truly make the experience unforgettable.
Part 1/8:
Exploring Naples: The Ultimate Pizza Experience
As the birthplace of pizza, Naples is undeniably the place to be for pizza lovers. In a recent adventure, Harry Kersh and Claudia Romeo set off to discover the best pizzas in this historic city, home to over 3,000 pizzerias. With the help of local expert Antonio Fucito, they aimed to determine which pizza not only embodies the classic Neapolitan style but also presents a unique taste experience.
The Art of Neapolitan Pizza
Part 2/8:
Antonio Fucito passionately describes Neapolitan pizza as a “ritual,” stating that the anticipation of enjoying a pizza is constant for many locals. A typical margherita pizza consists of tomato sauce, fior di latte cheese, fresh basil, and sometimes pecorino cheese for an added richness. With such a strong culinary foundation, it’s no surprise that Harry and Claudia embarked on their pizza tour with high expectations.
First Stop: Gino e Toto Sorbillo
Part 3/8:
Their first destination was Gino e Toto Sorbillo, located in the historic center of Naples. Known for its social ambiance, this pizzeria is internationally recognized thanks to its owner, Gino Sorbillo. Joined in the kitchen by Gino himself, Harry and Claudia witnessed the creation of a margherita pizza that was visually stunning, featuring vibrant colors and an enticing aroma.
In their tasting, they marveled at the refreshing burst of basil and the harmonious blend of flavors in every bite. Harry noted the remarkable acidity and sweetness of the tomato, while Claudia appreciated the contrast in texture - a thick, crunchy outer crust leading to an inner softness that melded all the flavors together perfectly.
Next Up: Starita Pizzeria
Part 4/8:
Continuing their journey, they visited Starita, a family-run establishment boasting four generations of pizza-making expertise. The legacy of this pizzeria was epitomized by its popularity, even making pizza for Pope John Paul II.
The pizza here had a slightly denser crust, with a chewier texture than Sorbillo's offerings. Claudia commented on the richness of the ingredients, particularly highlighting how the toppings seemed to interact more fully than before. With vibrant tomato sauce and a robust cheese presence, this pizza provided a delightful experience that surprised the duo.
Pizzeria La Notizia: A Hidden Gem
Part 5/8:
Their next stop, Pizzeria La Notizia, is slightly removed from the city center yet famous for its quality ingredients and expert preparation. Owner Enzo Coccia is considered a pizza authority, and that expertise is clearly reflected in the essence of their pies.
Harry found the crust to be beautifully even, a golden-brown hue promising a balanced texture. Claudia was skeptical of the pecorino infusion, which is a departure from traditional methods, but upon tasting, she was pleasantly surprised by how well the sharp cheese blended with the fresh basil, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
The Grand Finale: Antica Pizzeria Da Michele
Part 6/8:
The final stop was the legendary Antica Pizzeria Da Michele, internationally acclaimed for its large pizzas and famous from the film "Eat Pray Love." With a crust that epitomized perfect leopard-spotting and a delightful mix of juicy tomato and fresh cheese, this pizza left an impressive mark on their taste buds. Harry and Claudia noted the unique absence of olive oil, with soy oil used instead, allowing the natural flavors to shine through.
The Ultimate Decision: Choosing the Best Pizza
Part 7/8:
Standing in front of the iconic Mount Vesuvius, Harry and Claudia faced the tough task of choosing the best pizza. After sharing their thoughts on each experience, they realized that their preferences were distinctly different - Claudia was drawn to Starita’s lively atmosphere and the passionate character of Don Antonio, while Harry favored Da Michele for its timeless traditional feel and authentic pizza-making experience.
Part 8/8:
In the end, the debate over the winner showcased the richness of Naples' pizza culture. While Starita stood out for its unique charm and the infusive personality behind its creation, Da Michele offered a nostalgic touch that’s perfect for tourists seeking authentic culinary experiences. It was a delightful reminder that the journey to find the perfect pizza is about more than just the food; it’s the stories, the people, and the passion that truly make the experience unforgettable.