Neapolitan pizza, also known as “pizza Napoletana,” hails from the streets of Naples, Italy, and is renowned for its simple yet flavorful ingredients. The pizza’s defining feature is its soft, thin, and slightly chewy crust, achieved by using only water, flour, yeast, and salt in the dough. This style of pizza is traditionally cooked in a wood-fired oven at extremely high temperatures, which quickly creates a slightly charred but tender base that enhances the overall flavor. The dough is hand-stretched, forming a rustic, imperfect shape that is an essential part of its charm and authenticity.

What truly sets Neapolitan pizza apart are the fresh, high-quality toppings. Authentic versions use San Marzano tomatoes grown in the volcanic soil of Mount Vesuvius and fresh mozzarella made from water buffalo milk, known as mozzarella di bufala. The pizza is usually topped with fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil, creating a perfect balance of simplicity and taste. The result is a pizza that is light, flavorful, and packed with the essence of Italy’s culinary tradition.