1. Naples – The Birthplace of Pizza
Best for: Authentic Neapolitan pizza.
- Why Visit: Naples is the undisputed birthplace of pizza, where the world-famous Pizza Margherita originated. The city’s traditional pizza is made with fresh, high-quality ingredients like San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella di bufala, and extra-virgin olive oil. Neapolitan pizza has a thin, soft, and chewy crust with a slight char from the wood-fired oven.
- Top Pizzerias:
- L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele: Famous for its simple yet delicious Margherita and Marinara pizzas. It’s a must-visit, with a history dating back to 1870.
- Sorbillo: A local favorite with a family-run vibe, offering some of the best pizza in Naples. Their Margherita is legendary.
- Pizzeria Di Matteo: Known for its fried pizza (pizza fritta) and traditional Margherita.
- Must-Try Pizza: Pizza Margherita and Pizza Marinara.
2. Rome – Thin, Crispy, and Full of Flavor
Best for: Roman-style pizza (pizza alla romana).
- Why Visit: While Naples may have birthed pizza, Rome perfected it with its thin and crispy style. Roman pizza is typically rectangular (al taglio) and is often served by the slice. The dough is light, crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside. The toppings are diverse, ranging from classic combinations to creative seasonal choices.
- Top Pizzerias:
- Pizzarium: Located near the Vatican, Pizzarium is famous for its pizza by the slice, with innovative toppings like truffle, zucchini flowers, and potato.
- La Gatta Mangiona: A cozy spot in the Monteverde area known for its creative pizzas and high-quality ingredients.
- Antico Forno Roscioli: Famous for its pizza al taglio and excellent variety of toppings.
- Must-Try Pizza: Pizza al Taglio (rectangular slices) with creative toppings like potato and rosemary or margherita with buffalo mozzarella.
3. Florence – A Renaissance Pizza Experience
Best for: Tuscan-inspired pizzas.
- Why Visit: Florence offers a unique take on pizza, often with local ingredients like Tuscan pecorino and cured meats. The city’s pizza makers have perfected the art of creating a crispy yet soft base, topped with fresh seasonal ingredients. Florence is also known for its vibrant pizza al taglio culture, where pizza is sold by weight.
- Top Pizzerias:
- Gusta Pizza: One of the best places in Florence to grab a quick yet delicious pizza. Don’t miss their Pizza Margherita with a perfectly baked crust.
- Cammillo Trattoria: A historical Florentine eatery where pizza is served alongside traditional Tuscan dishes.
- Pizzeria O’Vesuvio: A pizzeria known for its quality ingredients and classic pizzas with an Italian twist.
- Must-Try Pizza: Pizza with Tuscan salami and Pizza Margherita with a unique Florentine touch.
4. Milan – Modern Takes on Classic Pizza
Best for: Creative pizzas and innovative toppings.
- Why Visit: Milan is known for its modern approach to Italian cuisine, and pizza is no exception. While you’ll find the classics here, Milan’s pizzerias often offer a more contemporary twist, experimenting with unique ingredients like smoked cheese, seafood, and even sweet pizza combinations.
- Top Pizzerias:
- Spontini: This Milanese institution is famous for its thick, cheesy, and hearty pizza slices. It’s a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
- Pizzeria Gino Sorbillo: A branch of the famous Naples-based pizzeria, offering delicious Neapolitan pizzas with a Milanese flair.
- Pizzarè: Known for its gourmet-style pizzas with inventive toppings such as truffle and foie gras.
- Must-Try Pizza: Margherita with Burrata or a unique combination like Pizza with smoked salmon and dill.
5. Naples’ Amalfi Coast – Pizza with a View
Best for: Pizza with a view of the coast.
- Why Visit: While Naples is the heart of pizza, the Amalfi Coast offers one of the most picturesque settings for enjoying pizza. With dramatic cliffs, sparkling waters, and lemon groves, you can enjoy pizza at some of the best beachside restaurants or scenic pizzerias in the region.
- Top Pizzerias:
- Pizzeria Da Franco (Positano): Known for its delicious, thin-crust pizza, served with incredible views of the coast.
- Pizzeria La Zagara (Ravello): A hidden gem offering a more peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, with pizzas made from local ingredients.
- Pizzeria Il Forno (Amalfi): A local favorite that serves up great pizza with fresh mozzarella and tomatoes.
- Must-Try Pizza: Pizza Margherita and Pizza with local anchovies.
6. Sicily – Traditional Sicilian Pizza
Best for: Sicilian-style pizza and local specialties.
- Why Visit: Sicily’s pizza is distinct from mainland Italy’s with its thicker, spongier crust, often topped with unique regional ingredients. Sfincione is a traditional Sicilian pizza, with a thick crust, tomato sauce, onions, and anchovies, often served at room temperature.
- Top Pizzerias:
- Pizzeria Frida (Catania): Known for its modern twist on classic Sicilian pizza, with creative toppings like pistachio and ricotta.
- Antico Caffè Spinnato (Palermo): Famous for its traditional Sfincione and other regional specialties.
- La Piazzetta (Trapani): A popular spot serving delicious Sicilian pizza and seafood-focused dishes.
- Must-Try Pizza: Sfincione (Sicilian-style pizza) and Pizza with anchovies and local olives.
7. Bologna – The Heart of Northern Italian Pizza
Best for: Traditional pizza with regional specialties.
- Why Visit: While Bologna is more famous for tagliatelle al ragù (Bolognese sauce), it also offers great pizza spots, especially ones that incorporate regional ingredients like Mortadella and Parmesan cheese. The pizza is often slightly thicker than the Roman style but still light and flavorful.
- Top Pizzerias:
- Pizzeria Ristorante Dalla Zia: A great place to try pizza with regional influences, including pizza with Mortadella and Parmigiano Reggiano.
- Trattoria da Me: A cozy pizzeria where you can try classic pizzas as well as creative regional options.
- Al Sangiovese: A charming place where traditional pizza meets the flavors of Emilia-Romagna.
- Must-Try Pizza: Pizza with Mortadella and Parmesan or Pizza Bolognese.