When it comes to some of the world's greatest pizzas, no one will argue that Italy is one of the best places to find them. And just like any other iconic food cultures in different countries, the regions in Italy have their own distinctive flavors and versions when it comes to the most authentic Italian pizza. If you are planning on an ultimate pizza-tasting experience in Italy, here are five of the most popular pizza places that you must visit.
1. Di Matteo, Naples
Located in the heart of Naples, Di Matteo is one of the most famous classic Italian pizzerias in the third-largest municipality in Italy. According to Conde Nast Traveler, Di Matteo is a favorite spot among locals and tourists, including international celebrities, ever since it has been opened in 1936. Despite the huge number of amazing pizza places in Naples, Di Matteo stays to be on the top list of the most popular pizza havens not only in Naples, but in all of Italy, as well. In fact, US President Bill Clinton took a sample of Di Matteo's pizza during his visit in 1994.
2. L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele, Naples
Familiar with the scene in the famous Julia Roberts' film "Eat, Pray, Love" which pictured a busy pizza parlor filled with locals who devoured for tasty Italian pizza slices? Well, L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele in Naples is exactly where that scene was filmed. According to Telegraph, L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele keeps it menu in its simplest form with the choice of the classic Pizza Margherita and Pizza Marinara with a twist of drizzling sunflower oil instead of the traditional olive oil.
3. La Notizia, Naples
La Notizia came as a result of Enzo Coccia's experiments on strengthening the ancient flavors and techniques of the classic Italian pizzas. He incorporated his own combination and flare of colors, aromas and taste which later on turned into a great masterpiece, the La Notizia. Aside from the classic Italian Pizza Bianca, customers are advised to try Enzo's very own experiments that show a playful take on fermentation and yeast. Despite being outside the most common tourist spots in Naples, this is still one of the most popular and unique pizza places in Italy.
4. Pizzeria Brandi, Naples
According to The Daily Meal, Pizzeria Brandi is the place where the very first Pizza Margherita was made in 1889. This is the reason why despite there are many other pizzerias in Italy, Pizzeria Brandi still remains to be one of the most popular among every Italian. Every slice of Pizza Margherita is cooked to perfection in the pizzeria's two huge wood-fired pizza ovens and is paired with a glass of some nice Aglianico based red wines and Falanghina white wines.
5. Pizzeria Trianon da Ciro, Naples
Pizzeria Trianon da Ciro, which was founded in 1923, is one huge three-floored pizza place in Naples. During its usual business hours, Pizzeria Trianon da Ciro is jam-packed with locals who are dying to have a slice of the house-specialty, salsiccia (Italian sausage) pie that is topped with friarielli (a hybrid of broccoli that can only be found in the Naples countryside). Pizzeria Trianon da Ciro is also a local favorite because of its Buffalo milk mozzarella that is freshly made on a daily basis that melts over the perfectly charred thin crust.
