Italy is a country where culinary traditions are cherished and celebrated, and pizza stands as one of its most iconic and beloved dishes. From the bustling streets of Naples, where pizza was born, to the charming towns that have each developed their unique takes on this classic dish, Italy offers a pizza experience like no other. If you're a pizza lover planning a trip to Italy, here are the 25 best cities where you can satisfy your craving for authentic Italian pizza.
1. Naples: The Birthplace of Pizza
No list of pizza cities in Italy would be complete without mentioning Naples, the undisputed birthplace of pizza. Here, pizza is not just a meal; it’s a way of life. The Neapolitan pizza is known for its soft, chewy crust, fresh tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves.
- Must-Try Pizzerias: Pizzeria Da Michele, Pizzeria Sorbillo, Pizzeria Brandi
- Specialty: Pizza Margherita and Pizza Marinara
2. Rome: The Eternal City's Pizza Al Taglio
In Rome, pizza takes on a different form. Known for Pizza al Taglio, Roman-style pizza is sold by the slice and is characterized by its thin, crispy crust and a variety of toppings.
- Must-Try Pizzerias: Pizzarium, La Gatta Mangiona, Sforno
- Specialty: Pizza Bianca and Pizza al Taglio
3. Florence: A Fusion of Tradition and Innovation
Florence, the heart of Tuscany, offers a delightful blend of traditional and contemporary pizza styles. Here, you can enjoy wood-fired pizzas with a focus on high-quality local ingredients.
- Must-Try Pizzerias: Gustapizza, Il Pizzaiuolo, La Divina Pizza
- Specialty: Pizzas featuring Tuscany’s renowned olive oil and local cheeses
4. Milan: The Fashionable Take on Pizza
In Milan, Italy's fashion capital, pizza is as stylish as the city itself. Milanese pizzerias often offer gourmet pizzas with innovative toppings and artistic presentations.
- Must-Try Pizzerias: Pizzeria Spontini, Dry Milano, Lievità
- Specialty: Gourmet pizzas with unique toppings such as truffle oil and burrata cheese
5. Palermo: Sicilian Pizza at Its Best
In Palermo, the capital of Sicily, pizza is a hearty affair. Sicilian pizza, known as Sfincione, is thick, spongy, and typically topped with tomato sauce, onions, anchovies, and caciocavallo cheese.
- Must-Try Pizzerias: Frida Pizzeria, Mistral Dal 1959, Pizzeria da Rita
- Specialty: Sfincione
6. Bologna: Where Pizza Meets the Finest Italian Ingredients
Bologna is famous for its rich culinary traditions, and its pizzas are no exception. Here, you can enjoy pizzas made with the finest Italian meats and cheeses, reflecting the city’s gastronomic heritage.
- Must-Try Pizzerias: O' Fiore Mio Pizzeria, Ranzani13, Pizzeria Rossa
- Specialty: Pizzas topped with Mortadella and Parmigiano-Reggiano
7. Verona: A Romantic City with a Passion for Pizza
In Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet, pizza is crafted with love and care. The pizzas here are known for their balance of flavors, with fresh ingredients and artisanal dough.
- Must-Try Pizzerias: Du de Cope, Pizzeria Bella Napoli, La Costa in Bra
- Specialty: Pizzas with Veronese herbs and local cheeses
8. Turin: A Northern Italian Twist on Pizza
Turin is known for its elegant cafes and sophisticated culinary scene. The city's pizzas often feature unique combinations of local ingredients, giving them a distinct northern Italian flavor.
- Must-Try Pizzerias: Pizzeria Gusto Madre, Pizzeria Sestogusto, Pizzeria Da Ciro
- Specialty: Pizzas with Fontina cheese and truffles
9. Genoa: Ligurian Flair in Every Slice
Genoa, the capital of Liguria, is famous for its Focaccia. While not a traditional pizza, the Focaccia di Recco is a must-try, featuring a thin crust filled with creamy stracchino cheese.
- Must-Try Pizzerias: Pizzeria La Braceria, Antica Sciamadda, Pizzeria Vulnetia
- Specialty: Focaccia di Recco
10. Venice: A Floating City with Unique Pizza Offerings
Venice may be famous for its canals, but its pizza scene is also noteworthy. Venetian pizzas often incorporate seafood, reflecting the city’s maritime heritage.
- Must-Try Pizzerias: Antico Forno, Rossopomodoro Venezia, Pizzeria L'Angelo
- Specialty: Pizzas with seafood toppings like clams and mussels
11. Bari: Southern Italy's Underrated Pizza Haven
Bari, located in the region of Puglia, is known for its simple yet delicious pizza offerings. Here, pizzas are often made with a focus on high-quality tomatoes and olive oil.
- Must-Try Pizzerias: Pizzeria Enzo e Ciro, Pizzeria Di Cosimo, Pizzeria Piccinni
- Specialty: Pizza Barese, often featuring tomatoes, olive oil, and oregano
12. Pisa: More Than Just a Leaning Tower
While Pisa is famous for its architectural wonder, it also boasts a strong pizza tradition. The city’s pizzerias offer a variety of styles, from traditional to contemporary.
- Must-Try Pizzerias: Pizzeria Il Montino, Le Scuderie, Pizzeria Spaghetteria La Tana
- Specialty: Pizzas made with locally-sourced ingredients and wood-fired ovens
13. Catania: A Sicilian Pizza Paradise
In Catania, another Sicilian gem, pizza is an integral part of the local food culture. The pizzas here are typically hearty, with a thicker crust and robust toppings.
- Must-Try Pizzerias: Pizzeria Al Vicolo Pizza e Vino, Ristorante Pizzeria Il Cuciniere, Pizzeria L’Orso Scuro
- Specialty: Pizza Catanese, often featuring anchovies and ricotta cheese
14. Parma: Pizza in the Land of Parmesan
Parma is synonymous with Parmesan cheese, and it’s no surprise that the pizzas here often feature this beloved ingredient. The city’s pizzerias focus on using the best local produce.
- Must-Try Pizzerias: Pizzeria Da Luca, Pizzeria L’Antica, Pizzeria Positano
- Specialty: Pizzas topped with Parmigiano-Reggiano and Prosciutto di Parma
15. Perugia: The Heart of Umbria
Perugia, located in the Umbria region, is a city where pizza is made with rustic charm. The pizzas here often feature earthy flavors, reflecting the region’s agricultural heritage.
- Must-Try Pizzerias: Pizzeria Mediterranea, Pizzeria La Romantica, Ristorante Pizzeria Ferrari
- Specialty: Pizzas with truffles and wild mushrooms
16. Modena: Where Pizza Meets Balsamic Vinegar
In Modena, the home of balsamic vinegar, pizzas often feature a drizzle of this sweet and tangy condiment, adding a unique flavor to the traditional dish.
- Must-Try Pizzerias: Pizzeria La Bufala, Pizzeria Ristorante da Danilo, Pizzeria Tre Torri
- Specialty: Pizzas with balsamic vinegar and Parmesan cheese
17. Reggio Calabria: Southern Italian Soul
Reggio Calabria, located at the southern tip of Italy, offers pizzas that are rich in flavor and tradition. The pizzas here are known for their generous toppings and bold flavors.
- Must-Try Pizzerias: Pizzeria A’Mare Ristorante Pizzeria, Pizzeria Lievito Reggio Calabria, Pizzeria Nonna Rosa
- Specialty: Pizzas with spicy Calabrian sausage and red onions
18. Lecce: The Baroque Beauty’s Pizza Delights
Lecce, often called the “Florence of the South,” offers pizzas that are as beautiful as the city’s Baroque architecture. The focus here is on simplicity and the use of fresh, local ingredients.
- Must-Try Pizzerias: Pizzeria 400 Gradi Lecce, Pizzeria Trattoria Lu Riale, Pizzeria Mamma Elvira
- Specialty: Pizzas with olive oil, cherry tomatoes, and burrata
19. Sorrento: Coastal Pizzas with a View
Sorrento, perched on the cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, offers not just stunning views but also pizzas that reflect the region’s love for fresh, simple ingredients.
- Must-Try Pizzerias: Pizzeria da Franco, Pizzeria Aurora, Ristorante Pizzeria Tasso
- Specialty: Pizzas with mozzarella di bufala and fresh tomatoes
20. Cagliari: Sardinia’s Pizza Scene
Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia, offers a unique take on pizza that often includes local ingredients such as Pecorino cheese and fresh seafood.
- Must-Try Pizzerias: Pizzeria Su Stentu, Ristorante Pizzeria Sa Schironada, Pizzeria Bria
- Specialty: Pizzas with Sardinian Pecorino and bottarga
21. Trieste: A Melting Pot of Flavors
Trieste, a city with a rich cultural heritage, offers pizzas that are influenced by Italian, Austrian, and Slovenian cuisines. The result is a diverse and exciting pizza scene.
- Must-Try Pizzerias: Pizzeria Baracca e Burattini, Pizzeria Copacabana, Pizzeria Il Pizzicotto
- Specialty: Pizzas with local cured meats and cheeses
22. Brescia: Where Tradition Meets Innovation
Brescia in Lombardy is known for its innovative approach to pizza, with pizzerias offering both traditional and modern takes on this classic dish.
- Must-Try Pizzerias: Pizzeria La Pulcinella, Pizzeria Lievito Madre, Pizzeria Moma
- Specialty: Pizzas with gourmet toppings such as smoked cheese and truffle oil
23. Matera: A Historic City with Rustic Pizzas
Matera, famous for its ancient cave dwellings, offers pizzas that are rustic and hearty, often featuring ingredients typical of the Basilicata region.
- Must-Try Pizzerias: Pizzeria Oi Marì, Pizzeria La Talpa, Pizzeria Alle Fornaci
- Specialty: Pizzas with Lucanian sausage and Pecorino cheese
24. Aosta: Alpine Flavors in Every Slice
In Aosta, located in the Italian Alps, pizzas often feature rich, hearty ingredients such as Fontina cheese and cured meats, reflecting the region’s mountain cuisine.
- Must-Try Pizzerias: Pizzeria Ohi Pizzeria, Pizzeria Regina Margherita, Pizzeria Les Amis
- Specialty: Pizzas with Fontina cheese and lardo
25. Padua: A City with a Passion for Pizza
Padua, a historic city in the Veneto region, offers a pizza scene that is both traditional and experimental. The city’s pizzerias are known for their creativity and dedication to quality.
- Must-Try Pizzerias: Pizzeria Pago Pago, Pizzeria Al Duomo, Pizzeria Da Giovanni
- Specialty: Pizzas with seasonal vegetables and locally-sourced meats
Conclusion
Italy’s pizza offerings are as diverse as its regions, with each city bringing its unique flair to this beloved dish. Whether you prefer the classic Neapolitan pizza or are eager to try innovative new flavors, Italy’s cities offer a pizza experience that is sure to satisfy any pizza lover. For more culinary explorations and travel tips, visit Songs of Life.
