Pizza is one of society’s favorite foods. It has transcended cultures and cuisines to become a staple of fast food, fine dining, and everything between them. Pizza comes in many styles, from deep-dish to thin crust, and can be topped with various ingredients. However, some cities are known for their particular take on this beloved dish. In this article, we’ll explore the ten most popular cities for pizza and what makes each special.
Naples, Italy
Regarding pizza, it’s hard to beat the dish’s birthplace: Naples, Italy. Neapolitan pizza is made with simple flour, water, salt, and yeast dough and is baked in a wood-fired oven at high temperatures. The result is a pizza with a soft, chewy crust and a slightly charred bottom. The toppings are usually minimal, with simple ingredients such as tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil.
Naples takes its pizza seriously and has even established a governing body, the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (AVPN), to regulate the quality of Neapolitan pizza. The AVPN has strict rules regarding the ingredients and cooking methods used to make authentic Neapolitan pizza. As a result, if you want to taste the real thing, you’ll have to go to Naples.
New York City, United States
New York-style pizza is famous for its thin, crispy crust and wide slices folded in half to eat. The pizza sauce is made from San Marzano tomatoes, known for their sweet flavor, and the cheese is usually a blend of mozzarella and provolone. New York-style pizza is typically sold by the slice and can be found in countless pizzerias throughout the city.
One of the most iconic New York pizzerias is Di Fara Pizza in Brooklyn. Di Fara has been serving delicious pizza since 1964 and is known for its fresh ingredients and long wait times. The owner, Dom DeMarco, is a master pizzaiolo who makes every pizza by hand.
Chicago, United States
Chicago-style pizza is a deep-dish pizza style known for its thick, buttery crust and generous layers of cheese and toppings. The pizza is typically baked in a deep, round pan and can take up to an hour to cook. The sauce is usually made from crushed tomatoes, and the cheese is often a blend of mozzarella and provolone.
One of the most famous Chicago pizzerias is Lou Malnati’s, which has been serving deep-dish pizza since 1971. Lou Malnati’s is known for its buttery crust, tangy sauce, and generous toppings.
Rome, Italy
While Naples is known for its simple, classic pizza, Rome has a few unique styles. One of the most popular is pizza al taglio, or “pizza by the cut.” This pizza is rectangular and is sold by weight, with customers choosing how much they want to eat. The crust is thick and crispy, and the toppings can be anything from classic tomato and mozzarella to more unusual options like zucchini flowers or prosciutto and arugula.
Another Roman specialty is pizza bianca, a simple pizza made with olive oil, salt, and rosemary. This pizza is light and airy, with a crispy crust and a fragrant aroma.
Sao Paulo, Brazil
Pizza might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Brazilian cuisine, but Sao Paulo is home to some of the world’s best pizza slices. The city has a large Italian population and as a result, pizza has become a beloved part of the local food culture.
Sao Paulo-style pizza is known for its thick, fluffy crust and generous toppings. One of the most popular toppings is catupiry, a creamy cheese unique to Brazil. Other popular toppings include ham, onions, and olives.
One of the most famous pizzerias in Sao Paulo is Bráz Pizzaria, which has been serving up the delicious pizza since 1986. Bráz is known for its creative toppings and high-quality ingredients and has since expanded to multiple locations nationwide.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires is another city with a strong Italian influence, so pizza has become a popular food in the city. Argentine-style pizza is known for its thick, doughy crust and generous toppings. One of the most popular toppings is fainá, a flatbread made from chickpea flour placed on top of the pizza.
Another popular pizza topping in Buenos Aires is a particular type of mozzarella cheese unique to Argentina. The cheese is stretchier and creamier than regular mozzarella and is often used with other cheeses.
One of the most famous pizzerias in Buenos Aires is El Cuartito, which has been serving pizza since 1934. El Cuartito is known for its traditional toppings and lively atmosphere and has become a beloved part of the local food culture.
Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo also might not be the first city that comes to mind when you think of pizza, but the city has a thriving pizza scene worth exploring. Japanese-style pizza is known for its unique toppings, including anything from seafood to mayonnaise.
One of Tokyo’s most popular pizza toppings is mentaiko, a spicy cod roe often combined with mayonnaise. Other popular toppings include squid, shrimp, and seaweed.
One of the most famous pizzerias in Tokyo is Seirinkan, known for its creative toppings and innovative approach to pizza-making. Seirinkan is also home to a pizza-making robot, which can make up to 80 pizzas per hour.
Naples, Florida, United States
Naples, Florida has become a popular pizza destination in the United States because of its authentic Neapolitan-style pizza. The city has a thriving pizza scene with numerous pizzerias that use traditional Neapolitan pizza-making techniques and high-quality ingredients.
A popular pizzeria in Naples, Florida, is Pazzo! Cucina Italiana, which offers a wide range of pizza options as well as other traditional italian dishes. Cucina Italiana uses high-quality ingredients and offers a range of vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Overall, Naples, Florida is a good pizza city because of its dedication to using traditional Neapolitan pizza-making techniques and high-quality ingredients. The city has a thriving pizza scene with numerous pizzerias that offer a range of pizza options to suit every taste. Whether you’re a fan of classic Neapolitan-style pizza or more creative toppings, there’s a pizzeria in Naples, Florida that will satisfy your cravings.
Istanbul, Turkey
Oddly enough, Istanbul has a thriving pizza scene worth exploring. Turkish-style pizza, known as pide, is typically oval with a thick crust and multiple toppings.
One of the most popular toppings for pide is sucuk, a spicy sausage unique to Turkey. Other popular toppings include lamb, cheese, and vegetables.
One of the most famous pizzerias in Istanbul is Pizzeria Pidos, known for its traditional pide and high-quality ingredients. Pizzeria Pidos has become a beloved part of the local food culture and is a must-visit destination for pizza lovers visiting Istanbul.
Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne might not be as well-known for its pizza as some other cities on this list, but the city has a thriving pizza scene worth looking into if you should ever find yourself in the city.
Melbourne-style pizza is known for its thin, crispy crust and creative toppings. One of the most popular toppings is pumpkin, often combined with feta cheese and spinach.
Another popular Melbourne-style pizza topping is prosciutto, often combined with rocket and shaved parmesan cheese. Many of the pizzerias in Melbourne use high-quality ingredients and offer a range of vegetarian and vegan options.
One of the most famous pizzerias in Melbourne is 400 Gradi, which has won numerous awards for its delicious pizza. 400 Gradi is known for its traditional Neapolitan-style pizza and high-quality ingredients and has become a beloved part of the local food culture.
In conclusion, pizza has become a beloved food worldwide, and each city on this list offers its unique take on this classic dish. Whether in Naples, Italy, or Naples, Florida, there’s a pizza out there that will satisfy your cravings. So, the next time you’re in one of these cities, visit one of the famous pizzerias and experience the local pizza culture for yourself.