The 3 best pizza hotspots in Naples

If there is one name you need to know in Naples, it is Sorbillo. This family has pizza in their DNA... literally, because grandmother Carolina Esposito had 21 children and each of them has opened a pizzeria. Luca swears by the original location on Via dei Tribunali, the pizza street of Naples.

What you need to know: the queue is long, but that’s a sign of quality here, no reason to walk away. The margherita is a classic you won’t forget: a light base with those typical black edges from the wood oven, ripe San Marzano tomatoes, and the creamiest fior di latte you’ve ever tasted. Luca recommends trying the 'cosacca': a pizza with just tomatoes, parmigiano, and basil. Simple, but delicious.

📍 Via dei Tribunali 32, Naples | No reservations, cash preferred

As a chef, I always look for places where someone dares to innovate without losing the soul of the dish, and that's exactly what Ciro Oliva does here. In the vibrant Rione Sanità, a working-class neighborhood full of color and character, this pizzeria has been around for over 70 years. Four generations of Oliva, but the approach is anything but outdated.

What you need to know: Ciro combines the best Neapolitan traditions with creative toppings that you won't find anywhere else. Think of piennolo tomatoes from Vesuvius, buffalo milk mozzarella from local farmers, and sometimes even dried seaweed as a topping. It sounds strange, but it works perfectly. Luca swears by the Sott e Ngopp, a pizza where the toppings are both underneath and on top of the dough. And that's really something different! There is also a seven-course tasting menu for those who want to go all out.

📍 Via Arena della Sanità 7 bis, Napoli | Michelin recognized | No reservations for regular pizzas

Sometimes simple is the very best, and Di Matteo is living proof of that. This pizzeria has been around since 1936 and even has President Bill Clinton as a fan (he ate a pizza fritta on the street here in 1994 during the G7 summit). That's quite a reference! 😄

What you need to know: Di Matteo is the place for those who want the real Neapolitan street food experience: you order at the counter, pay a few euros, and eat standing up on the street with half the neighborhood beside you. The margherita and marinara are phenomenal here: no-nonsense, but made with so much love.

📍 Via dei Tribunali 94, Napoli | Cash | Open from morning till late