Pizza In Italy: Chewy crust, incredibly fresh tomato sauce, and savory cheese that melts delightfully on your palate: these are just a few of the incredible aspects you’ll experience with your first (and second, and third) pizza in Italy!
If you’re eager to indulge in authentic Italian pizza during your trip but are wondering what sets it apart from the versions back home, this guide to savoring Italy’s legendary pizza is just what you need!
We’ve lost count of the number of pizzas we’ve enjoyed in Italy, but we’re definitely in the triple digits and plan to keep adding to that number.
From the iconic Margherita at Naples’ renowned L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele to the (sometimes underwhelming) delivery pizza from distant towns across the country, we’ve sampled a wide array of Italian pizzerias.
Here are our top recommendations for ordering and enjoying pizza in Italy, including some surprising cultural quirks you might not expect!
Essential Tips for How to Eat Pizza in Italy
Italian pizza comes in various shapes and styles, but Pizza Napoletana is considered the gold standard.
While we’ll discuss Italian pizza in general, it’s important to note that there are numerous regional variations!
The benchmark, however, and the one pizzerias strive to replicate (with varying degrees of success), is Neapolitan pizza from Naples (known as Pizza Napoletana).
Neapolitan pizza is renowned for its chewy crust, quick cooking in a wood-fired oven, rich Bufala mozzarella, and flavorful San Marzano tomatoes.
Most tips on eating pizza in Italy focus on Pizza Napoletana, but keep an eye out for other regional styles, like Roman thin-crust pizza or Sicilian sfincione.
Order a Whole Pizza for Yourself
Italian pizza in Italy are typically offered in just one size—there are no small, medium, or large options—and are intended to be eaten by one person!
This means there’s no need to negotiate with your companions over toppings; everyone can choose their own pizza.
Your Pizza Won’t Come Sliced
Be prepared to do a bit of work, as in Italy, pizza is served as a whole pie.
You’ll usually cut it with a knife and fork, though sometimes…
…You Might Get Scissors
Occasionally, you might receive a pair of scissors for cutting your pizza in Italy. We’ve encountered this only a few times, but it does happen.
Pair Pizza with Beer, Not Wine
While many traditional Italian dishes are best enjoyed with local wine, pizza in Italy is traditionally paired with a cold beer instead.
A classic choice is Peroni, but you can also opt for a birra alla spina (draft beer) for a more local option.
Try Pizza Bianca
If you’re not a fan of tomato sauce, pizza bianca is a great alternative.
This “white pizza” usually features a base of cream or pesto instead of tomato sauce, and you might even find pizza carbonara on the menu, inspired by the popular Roman pasta!
Look for a Pizzeria with a Wood-Fired Oven
Although the best Pizza Napoletana is found in Naples, pizzerias throughout Italy make delicious, Naples-inspired pizzas.
A key piece of equipment for making authentic pizza is a wood-fired oven, so if you find a pizzeria that uses one, you’re likely to enjoy their pizza!
No Custom Toppings
Pizzas in Italy are designed by the restaurant, so you won’t have the option to choose your own toppings from a list. What you see is what you get!
The Style of Crust is Determined by the Pizza
Unlike ordering a specific size for coffee, the crust type on Italian pizza is determined by the pizza style.
Typically, it’s a thin yet chewy crust with raised edges, but there are variations throughout Italy.
Extended Hours at Pizzerias
While Italian restaurants often have limited hours, pizzerias usually stay open earlier and later, making them a convenient option if you’re not in sync with typical dining times.
Keep a Translation App Handy
Many pizzerias don’t provide English menus, so a translation app will be helpful, especially for understanding pizza toppings.
Eat Pizza Like an Italian
In Italian pizzerias, pizza is traditionally eaten with a knife and fork, not by hand. However, pizza slices sold as street food are typically eaten by hand.
Affordable Prices
Pizza in Italy is generally quite affordable, often costing the same or less than a basic pasta dish. In southern Italy, you might find pizza for under 10 Euros, with the Margherita at L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele in Naples costing just 5 Euros!
Different Styles of Pizza in Italy
While you won’t find options like thin crust or deep-dish pizza, there are several Italian pizza styles to explore.
Here’s a quick overview:
- Pizza Napoletana: The most iconic style, featuring a thin, chewy crust with raised edges, cooked in a wood-fired oven.
- Pizza al Taglio: Baked in large rectangular trays and sold by weight, this Roman style is perfect for a quick snack.
- Sfincione: A thick-crust Sicilian pizza topped with tomato sauce, pecorino cheese, olive oil, onions, and sometimes anchovies.
- Pizza alla Romana: This Roman style has a thin, crispy crust and is served round.
- Pizza al Padellino: Baked in small, round pans, it’s similar to deep-dish pizza but less common outside of Turin.
- Pizza alla Pala: Also known as “paddle pizza,” this style is cooked on a wooden paddle and has a high-rise dough.
- Pizza Fritta: Fried pizza, a unique option that originated post-WWII and offers a different pizza experience.
Common Types of Pizza to Order in Italy
Here are some classic pizzas you’re likely to encounter on most Italian menus:
- Margherita: A quintessential pizza with San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella di bufala, basil, and olive oil.
- Marinara: A simple pizza with tomato sauce, oregano, olive oil, and garlic, and no cheese.
- Diavola: Similar to pepperoni pizza, this features mozzarella, tomato sauce, spicy salami, and often hot peppers.
- Quattro Formaggi: A cheese lover’s dream with four cheeses—mozzarella, gorgonzola, fontina, and parmigiano-reggiano.
- Quattro Stagioni: Includes tomato sauce and mozzarella, topped with olives, ham, mushrooms, and artichokes.
- Capricciosa: A variation of Quattro Stagioni, with ham, mushrooms, artichokes, and olives spread across the pizza.
- Prosciutto e Funghi: A straightforward option with tomato sauce, mozzarella, prosciutto cotto, and mushrooms.
- Prosciutto e Rucola: Combines prosciutto with fresh arugula for a delightful mix of flavors.
- Ortolana: A vegetable-topped pizza with eggplant, zucchini, artichoke hearts, and bell peppers.
- Frutti di Mare: Seafood pizza topped with scampi, mussels, or squid, perfect for seafood enthusiasts in coastal regions.