Search for Perfection: Exploring the Best Pizzerias in the World
- Oct 8, 2024
- 4 min read
Last summer, I decided to go on a quest to find the most incredible pizza out there. Instead of sticking to the pizzerias I already knew in Naples, I wanted to get a fresh perspective. I checked out the official rankings of the best pizzerias (like 50 Top Pizza) and also looked into the pizzerias recommended by Michelin.
What you will find below is the summary of my adventures across Italy and the rest of the world in search for perfection.
Naples, Italy
Diego Vitagliano Pizzeria - Santa Lucia
Diego Vitagliano offers a delightful "fritti aglio e olio" that captivates the taste buds, while the bucatini may leave some wanting more. The dough is exceptionally airy and chewy, setting a strong foundation. However, some toppings might overwhelm the pizza with too much cheese, potentially overshadowing the dough’s delightful flavors. The carbonara pizza specifically is very far from the Roman dish which is somehow disappointing.
Pizzeria Vincenzo Capuano - Piazza Vittoria
Vincenzo Capuano outstanding dough is nothing short than exceptional, from all the pizzerias I have been to, it seems to me that they send the most good looking pizzas on a consistent basis. The marinara was simply perfect, featuring a vibrant tomato sauce that complements its incredibly light and crunchy dough. The careful attention to detail and high-quality ingredients elevate this pizzeria, making it a must-visit for any pizza enthusiast. While I haven't tried all their pizzas, the flavors from a simple marinara are a strong testimony of quality.
Pizza 3.0 Ciro Cascella
Ciro Cascella impresses with its outstanding dough that is airy, light, and crunchy. The pizzeria also experiments with whole wheat dough, providing a unique twist on the traditional crust. While some toppings may have a bit more oil than necessary, the overall experience is delightful and the creative alternatives offered both on toppings and dough is remarkable.
Credits photo: La Figlia del Presidente
La Figlia del Presidente stands out for its exceptional service and its charming dining room downstairs, featuring stone walls that create a cozy atmosphere. The pizzeria balances tradition with a well-crafted dough and offers a great selection of tasty ingredients. Be aware of long wait times depending on when you visit; it's best to go right at opening to avoid the queue.
Pizzeria Da Michele offers a decent opportunity to experience a very traditional Neapolitan pizza, capturing the authentic taste and look of this iconic style. The pizza’s size is satisfying, making it a fulfilling meal. However, the long wait times can be a downside, and despite its reputation, the pizza itself doesn't particularly stand out compared to other options available in the city.
Caserta, Italy
Sasà Martucci - Pizzeria I Masanielli
Sasa Martucci shines as a standout in the pizza industry, wowing customers with its tasting menu that beautifully blends creativity and tradition. The dough is a masterpiece—light, airy, and crispy, with a substantial crust that offers a satisfying crunch. Delicate toppings, such as the exceptional zucchini pizza, allow the dough's quality to take center stage, ensuring each bite is a delightful treat. Through inventive culinary techniques, Sasa Martucci establishes a top-tier benchmark for pizza excellence.
Caiazzo, Italy
Pepe in Grani
At Pepe in Grani, the creativity shines through with innovative toppings, especially the tantalizing onion pizza. While the dough may be slightly heavier and wetter than its peers, the flavors are undeniably rich thanks to carefully chosen local ingredients. The fried savory pizza, adorned with rucola pesto and Parmesan fondue, is a must-try. The dessert pizza, while sweet, may not appeal to everyone’s palate, but the savory selections make up for it. Overall Franco Pepe offers an holistic approach to pizza in a authentic and charismatic village close to Naples.
The dining room is particularly interesting as it offers various set of possibilities (terrace in the sun, terrace under the shadow of the trees, inside close to the pizza oven, etc.).
Frosinone, Italy
Pupillo Pura Pizza Priverno
Pupillo is a treasure trove of flavors. To start with, they have "fritti" that are nothing short of outstanding, specifically the white lasagna which has a refreshing touch of lemon. The dough here is light and airy, featuring a smaller "cornicione" than more contemporaneous pizzas. The rich ripieno filled with ricotta and mozzarella is a standout most notably due to the quality of ingredients and flawless execution. The team there puts a great level of attention to details when it comes to cooking the pizzas.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
nNea Pizza
Nnea excels with its outstanding dough that is airy, light, and crunchy on the outside. The creativity in its toppings makes each pizza a work of art. Sitting at the bar offers a fantastic view of the kitchen, adding to the overall dining experience. Nnea’s commitment to quality and innovation makes it a worthy addition to the list of top pizzerias. Be careful of long waiting times for walk-ins and extremely long waiting lists for online reservations.
Yet, if you crave the experience, there's always a possibility to order for take away at Nnea Next Door.
Conclusion
Each pizzeria has its own unique charm, offering a wide range of delightful experiences in the world of pizza. It's worth noting that there are significant differences among these globally renowned pizzerias. While personal preferences and tastes play a role, it's evident that some pizzas have high-fat toppings, while others use superior quality ingredients (such as Pepe in Grani and Pupillo).
Simply put, if you were to ask me which pizzeria you should visit, here's my advice:
Visit Sasa Martucci for their tasting menu and enjoy the perfect combination of excellent dough, quality ingredients, and carefully selected toppings.
Head to Pepe in Grani for a unique and holistic pizza experience in a remote village setting.
Consider nNea Pizza if you can't make it to Naples but find yourself fortunate enough to be in Amsterdam.
Enjoy every slice!
So good!