A great pizzeria not only serves delicious pizza but also provides a unique dining experience that reflects the region’s culinary heritage. As an expert in Italian cuisine, I’ve got you covered with insider tips and recommendations to ensure you enjoy the best pizza in Italy!
Top Pizza in Italy
Believe it or not, there’s plenty of terrible pizza in Italy—so choosing the right spot is key. Don’t let the birthplace of pizza fool you, not all pies are created equal. To help you avoid disappointment, we’ve rounded up the best pizzerias in Italy, from the iconic streets of Naples to hidden gems in Sicily. Whether you’re a die-hard pizza fan or just want a slice that lives up to the hype, this list has you covered. Get ready to taste pizza at its finest—because when it’s done right, nothing else compares.
Best Pizza in Rome
L’Isola della Pizza
€ | Neopolitan-Style Pizza | Wood-Burning Oven | Near the Vatican
Regarding Pizza, L’isola della Pizza makes a Neopolitan-style pizza in a traditional wood-burning oven. But that’s the exception because pizza in Rome differs from in Naples. They serve all the Roman classics here, but this is your spot if you want Neapolitan-style pizza near the Vatican. It’s family-run with plenty of seating for families and big groups.
Address: Via degli Scipioni, 45, 00192 Roma
Bonci Pizzarium
€ | Pizza al Taglio | Takeaway | Visited by Anthony Bourdain
No pizza list in Rome is complete without listing Bonci Pizzarium. This small takeaway place by Gabriele Bonci revolutionized pizza in Rome. Most Romans considered pizza a simple, no-nonsense takeaway served by the slice. Bonci radicalized the ingredients and techniques used to make remarkable pizza. Once Anthony Bourdain came to visit and loved it, pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice) changed Rome forever.
Address: Via della Meloria, 43, 00136 Roma
La Montecarlo
€ | Local Favorite | Center of Rome | Thin & Crispy Crust
Sean brought me here once because we were starving in the city center, and both wanted some pizza. La Montecarlo is a no-nonsense spot frequented mainly by locals because it’s on a side street. The pizzas are in the Roman style with a thin crispy crust. This place hits the spot.
Address: Vicolo Savelli, 13, 00186 Roma
Best Pizza in Naples
L’antica Pizzeria Da Michele
€ | Local Favorite | Opened in 1870 | Margherita Pizza
Da Michele is an institution that has now become a worldwide brand. This humble pizzeria opened in 1870 and is known among locals for consistently serving delicious Margherita pizzas. Since they don’t take reservations, a crowd is always outside waiting to get inside. So arrive 30 minutes before opening or late in the evening to avoid waiting too long.
Address: Via Cesare Sersale, 1, 80139 Napoli
Starita
€ | Traditional Pizzeria | Fried Pizza | Neapolitan-Style
Locals love this traditional pizzeria because it has something for everyone. My parents ate here and recommended it because it was featured in a Sophia Loren movie, L’Oro di Napoli. They serve fried Pizza Fritta (fried pizza), modern creative options, and traditional Neapolitan style. Don’t miss the Montanara (fried pizza) with tomato sauce and cheese).
Address: Via Materdei, 27/28, 80136 Napoli
Pepe in Grani
€€ | Outside Naples | World-Famous Chef | Arguably the Best Pizza in Italy
You’ll have to drive an hour outside Naples to the Province of Caserta to reach this restaurant in Caiazzo. Chef Franco Pepe, the worldwide ambassador of pizza, has appeared on every top culinary TV show and has even been knighted by the President of Italy. He’s a third-generation pizzaiolo and opened Pepe in Grani in 2012. Today, it serves the best Pizza in Italy, keeps prices down, and puts the customer experience at the center of its business. This is the pizza by which you can judge all others.
Address: Vicolo S. Giovanni Battista, 3, 81013 Caiazzo
Best Pizza in Palermo
Arte e Tradizione
€ | Traditional Neapolitan Pizza | Creative Flavors | Classic Italian Menu
In the back alleys of Palermo, you will find this fun pizzeria that serves traditional Neapolitan pizza. That’s not uncommon in Palermo since Naples used to be the capital of Sicily. What I love about this place is the menu’s creative flavors and the classics.
Address: Via Santa Teresa, 2, 90133 Palermo
Panificio Pietro Bonaccorso
€ | Sicilian Pizza | Thick Crust | Takeaway
The Sfincione is a traditional Sicilian pizza that inspires what is served all over NYC as a Sicilian Slice. It’s different from the conventional round Neapolitan pizza, being rectangular and more bread-like in texture. Even though many panificio (bakeries) throughout the city serve this, my guide brought me to this place to try one of the best in the city. Bookmark this and grab one for takeaway.
Address: Via Maccherronai, 29, 90133 Palermo
Best Pizza in Florence
Pizzeria Hortus
€ | Center of Florence | Seasonal Ingredient Menu | Chic Date Night Spot
This chic pizza spot is in the center of Florence. It’s ideal for a date night or a lovely evening meal. Book ahead because their menu is popular. Please take advantage of their seasonal ingredient menu to try a unique pizza. Their menu has other dishes available, but it serves one of the best pies in Florence.
Address: Via delle Seggiole, 14 R, 50122 Firenze
Gusta Pizza
€ | Neapolitan Pizza | Margherita Pizza | Oltarno District
Gusta Pizza serves one of the best Neapolitan style pizzas in Florence, and that’s why it’s so popular even though it’s on the other side of the river in the Oltarno district. They don’t take reservations, and you will have to wait in line, but it’s worth it. The pro move is to get there 30-40 minutes before they open. If you are not going to Naples, do you a favor and order a Margherita. It’s the closest thing you will get in Florence.
Address: Via Maggio, 46r, 50125 Firenze
