ON THE TRAIL
Pizzeria la Notizia
Chef Enzo Coccia’ s La Notizia is a favorite of actor and Italophile Stanley Tucci. And for good reason, too— the restaurant’ s second location, La Notizia 94, was the first pizzeria to be recognized by Michelin. Both locations sit outside of Naples’ tourist center and are modern and stylish yet warm. The menus feature all the classics, but the pizzeria is best known for its unique creations: try the‘ munaciello’ topped with pork belly, or the‘ Stanley Tucci’ with nduja, stracciata buffalo cheese and basil. Don’ t leave the city without eating somewhere Michelin calls“ one of the best places for pizzas in Campania.”
PIZZERIAS IN NAPLES
This Italian city is home to legendary pizza restaurants that have stood the test of time, says Stacy Brooks
Although the word‘ pizza’ dates back thousands of years, the flatbread didn’ t take its current form until the 18th century, when tomatoes were said to have been introduced to Italy by explorers returning from Peru. Italy’ s third largest city, Naples, in the Campania region, is considered by many to be the birthplace of modern pizza. Originally a popular street food for the city’ s working class, who were in need of fast, affordable meals, today, the Neapolitan pizza is beloved worldwide for its distinctive thin, soft crust with high edges. Typically, toppings are applied sparingly, and there are two dominant varieties: marinara, with tomatoes, garlic, oregano and olive oil, and margherita, with tomato sauce, mozzarella and basil. But to really understand Neapolitan pizza, there’ s nothing like eating in the place it was born. From historic joints that pay homage to 18th-century recipes to restaurants so outstanding they’ ve been recognized by Michelin, here are five stops not to miss on your next visit to this iconic Italian city.
Antica Pizzeria Port’ Alba
Said to be the oldest Neapolitan pizzeria still in operation, Antica Pizzeria Port’ Alba began by supplying pizza to street vendors in 1738. The Luciano family, who is still in charge today, expanded the business to a restaurant in 1830, when it became known for its delicious pizzas as well as seafood specialties. Located in a beautifully lit alley on the edge of the city’ s two gates, the restaurant offers classics like marinara and anchovy pizza, which pays homage to Neapolitan pizzas of the 18th century. Don’ t be surprised if there’ s a line when you go— it goes down fast and the pizzas here are well worth the wait. illustrations: emma kelly
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