Neapolitan Pizza (Margherita)
A round of soft dough, lightly charred at the edges, with a tall, airy crust that encloses a red heart of tomato, white mozzarella, and green basil. Margherita carries the aroma of a wood-fired oven, with the sweet notes of San Marzano tomatoes and the milky creaminess of melted mozzarella. Each bite is elastic and light, with a perfect balance of acidity, savoriness, and fragrance. In Naples it is the everyday meal par excellence: simple, hot, immediate, enjoyed at lunch, dinner, or even standing outside the pizzeria.
Why it matters
Pizza Margherita is the gastronomic symbol of Naples and one of the most recognizable emblems of Italian cuisine in the world. It represents Neapolitan popular ingenuity: a few humble ingredients transformed into a masterpiece. The art of the Neapolitan pizzaiolo was recognized in 2017 as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Origin story
According to tradition, the Margherita was born in 1889 when the pizzaiolo Raffaele Esposito prepared a pizza with tomato, mozzarella, and basil in honor of Queen Margherita of Savoy, recalling the colors of the Italian flag. In reality, pizza had already existed in Naples for centuries as a popular street food. Over time, Margherita became the canonical version, codified by the regulations of the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana.
Typical ingredients
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Questions about Neapolitan Pizza (Margherita)
What is Neapolitan Pizza (Margherita)?
A round of soft dough, lightly charred at the edges, with a tall, airy crust that encloses a red heart of tomato, white mozzarella, and green basil. Margherita carries the aroma of a wood-fired oven, with the sweet notes of San Marzano tomatoes and the milky creaminess of melted mozzarella. Each bite is elastic and light, with a perfect balance of acidity, savoriness, and fragrance. In Naples it is the everyday meal par excellence: simple, hot, immediate, enjoyed at lunch, dinner, or even standing outside the pizzeria.
Where to eat Neapolitan Pizza (Margherita) in Napoli?
Look for traditional trattorias and restaurants in the historic centre of Napoli that value local products and traditional recipes.
What are the ingredients of Neapolitan Pizza (Margherita)?
The main ingredients of Neapolitan Pizza (Margherita) are: farina di grano tenero, pomodoro San Marzano, mozzarella fior di latte o di bufala, basilico fresco, olio extravergine d'oliva.
How much does Neapolitan Pizza (Margherita) cost in Napoli?
The price of Neapolitan Pizza (Margherita) in Napoli is typically €6–12.
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