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La Notizia 94: A Naples Pizza Institution
When one thinks of pizza, the city of Naples immediately comes to mind. It is here, amidst the narrow streets, bustling markets, and the aroma of fresh dough baking in wood-fired ovens, that pizza as we know it was born. Naples has gifted the world with some of the finest pizzerias, and one name that stands tall in this esteemed list is La Notizia 94. Founded by the legendary Enzo Coccia, La Notizia 94 is not just a pizzeria—it is an embodiment of Neapolitan pizza culture, a place where tradition, innovation, and passion come together to create an unforgettable experience.
In this article, we will dive deep into the history of La Notizia 94, understand why it is considered one of the best pizzerias in the world, how it became popular, explore the unique story behind its success, list the must-try pizzas on its menu, and give an overview of the prices to help you plan your visit.
How La Notizia 94 Was Started: The Vision of Enzo Coccia
Enzo Coccia, the mastermind behind La Notizia 94, was born into a family of bakers in Naples. His family’s bakery, located in the Mergellina district, was where Coccia developed his passion for dough and an understanding of the craft that went into making traditional Neapolitan pizza. From an early age, Coccia was fascinated by the science of pizza-making—the fermentation process, the ingredients, and the role that time and technique play in achieving the perfect crust.
After years of working in various pizzerias and learning the ropes of the business, Coccia decided to take a bold step and open his own pizzeria. In 1994, he launched La Notizia, located on Via Caravaggio. It was named after the idea of “news” (notizia in Italian) because Coccia wanted his pizzeria to bring fresh news to the pizza world, challenging the norms of what traditional Neapolitan pizza could be.
La Notizia was different from the start. While rooted in tradition, Coccia brought a scientific approach to pizza-making that involved meticulous attention to detail. He experimented with hydration levels in the dough, fermentation times, and the balance of ingredients, striving to elevate the humble pizza to new heights. It wasn’t long before La Notizia garnered a loyal following, and in 2004, Coccia opened La Notizia 94, an extension of his original pizzeria, just a few doors down. La Notizia 94 became an iconic destination in Naples for those seeking the perfect pizza.
Why La Notizia 94 Is the Best: A Harmonious Blend of Tradition and Technique
La Notizia 94 has earned its reputation as one of the best pizzerias in the world for a variety of reasons. What truly sets it apart is Coccia’s unwavering commitment to the craft of pizza-making, blending tradition with precision and innovation. Here’s why La Notizia 94 stands out:
1. Unmatched Dough Mastery
The foundation of every great pizza is its dough, and at La Notizia 94, the dough is a labor of love. Coccia’s years of experimentation have resulted in a dough that is light, airy, and perfectly balanced. The dough undergoes a slow fermentation process that can last up to 48 hours, allowing the yeast to develop complex flavors and ensuring that the pizza is easy to digest. The end result is a crust that is both crisp on the outside and soft and pillowy on the inside, providing the perfect base for the toppings.
Coccia’s focus on the dough extends to his use of high-quality flour, sourced from trusted local producers. His philosophy is simple: if the base of the pizza isn’t perfect, the toppings won’t matter. This attention to detail is what elevates La Notizia 94’s pizzas beyond the ordinary.
2. Top-Quality Ingredients
Enzo Coccia believes that a great pizza is only as good as the ingredients used to make it. At La Notizia 94, every ingredient is carefully sourced, with a preference for local and seasonal produce. The tomatoes used for the sauce come from San Marzano, a region renowned for its sweet and flavorful tomatoes. The mozzarella is made from buffalo milk, sourced from farms in Campania, while the olive oil is extra virgin, cold-pressed, and bursting with flavor.
The simplicity of the ingredients allows the true flavors to shine, and Coccia’s pizzas are a testament to the idea that less is more. By using the best-quality ingredients, La Notizia 94 elevates even the simplest pizzas, like the classic Margherita, to something extraordinary.
3. Wood-Fired Excellence
One of the cornerstones of Neapolitan pizza-making is the wood-fired oven, and La Notizia 94 is no exception. The pizzas are cooked in a traditional forno a legna (wood oven), which reaches temperatures of up to 900°F (480°C). The intense heat ensures that the pizzas are cooked in just 60-90 seconds, resulting in a crispy, charred crust that is quintessential to the Neapolitan style.
Coccia’s expertise lies in his ability to cook the pizzas to perfection—blistering the crust just enough to add flavor without burning it. The high heat locks in the flavors of the toppings while giving the dough that signature airy, slightly chewy texture.
How La Notizia 94 Became Popular: Critical Acclaim and the Power of Pizza Lovers
La Notizia 94’s rise to fame can be traced to a combination of critical acclaim, word of mouth, and Enzo Coccia’s dedication to excellence. Here’s how the pizzeria became a favorite among both locals and tourists:
1. Acclaimed by Food Critics and Guides
Soon after its opening, La Notizia began attracting the attention of food critics, both in Italy and abroad. The pizzeria was quickly recognized as a standout in Naples, a city already famous for its pizza. Critics praised Coccia’s attention to detail, the quality of his ingredients, and his ability to create pizzas that were both deeply traditional and innovative.
One of the key milestones in La Notizia’s rise to fame was its inclusion in the Michelin Guide, a prestigious recognition that put the pizzeria on the map for international food lovers. It has also been featured on the 50 Top Pizza list, a guide that ranks the best pizzerias in the world. These accolades helped La Notizia 94 gain a reputation as a must-visit destination for pizza enthusiasts.
2. Word of Mouth and Social Media
While critical acclaim played a significant role in La Notizia 94’s popularity, word of mouth has been equally important. Pizza lovers from around the world have flocked to the pizzeria, sharing their experiences on social media and recommending it to friends and family. Photos of La Notizia 94’s beautifully crafted pizzas, with their perfectly charred crusts and vibrant toppings, have spread across platforms like Instagram, drawing even more attention to the pizzeria.
Enzo Coccia’s friendly demeanor and passion for his craft have also made La Notizia 94 a welcoming and inviting place for diners. Visitors often leave not only raving about the pizza but also about the warmth and hospitality they experienced during their visit.
The Story Behind Its Success: Enzo Coccia’s Dedication to Tradition and Craft
The story of La Notizia 94 is closely tied to the personal journey of Enzo Coccia. Coccia’s success is a result of his deep respect for the tradition of Neapolitan pizza and his tireless pursuit of perfection. From the very beginning, Coccia’s goal was to create a pizzeria that honored the history of pizza while also pushing the boundaries of what pizza could be.
Coccia’s scientific approach to pizza-making has been a key factor in his success. He understands the chemistry behind the dough, the fermentation process, and the way that heat affects the pizza in the oven. This knowledge allows him to control every aspect of the pizza-making process, ensuring that each pizza that leaves the oven is of the highest quality.
But beyond his technical skills, Coccia’s love for pizza is what truly sets him apart. He is passionate about sharing the joy of pizza with others, whether it’s through teaching pizza-making classes, writing books on pizza, or simply serving a perfectly crafted pizza to a customer. This passion has earned him the respect of his peers and the admiration of pizza lovers around the world.
Must-Try Pizzas at La Notizia 94
La Notizia 94 offers a menu that features both classic Neapolitan pizzas and more innovative creations. Here are some of the must-try pizzas when visiting this iconic pizzeria:
1. Margherita
The Margherita is a true classic and a benchmark for any Neapolitan pizzeria. Made with San Marzano tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, fresh basil, and extra virgin olive oil, the Margherita at La Notizia 94 is a perfect example of how simple ingredients, when treated with care, can create something extraordinary. The balance of flavors—the sweetness of the tomatoes, the creaminess of the mozzarella, and the freshness of the basil—makes this pizza a must-try.
2. Marinara
Another Neapolitan classic, the Marinara pizza is a celebration of simplicity. Made with San Marzano tomatoes, garlic, oregano, and olive oil, this pizza showcases the rich flavors of the tomatoes and the aromatic intensity of the garlic and herbs. It’s a great option
for those who prefer a pizza without cheese.
3. Pizza con le Scarole
For something a little different, try the Pizza con le Scarole, a traditional Neapolitan pizza that features escarole, a type of leafy green, along with capers, olives, and anchovies. This pizza has a savory, slightly bitter flavor that pairs perfectly with the richness of the dough.
4. Pizza with Buffalo Mozzarella and Cherry Tomatoes
One of the most popular choices at La Notizia 94, this pizza features buffalo mozzarella and sweet cherry tomatoes. The combination of creamy mozzarella and the burst of sweetness from the tomatoes creates a beautifully balanced pizza that is both light and flavorful.
Prices at La Notizia 94
Despite its world-class reputation, La Notizia 94 remains reasonably priced, making it accessible to both locals and tourists. Here’s a general breakdown of the prices:
- Margherita: €8-10
- Marinara: €6-8
- Pizza con le Scarole: €12-14
- Pizza with Buffalo Mozzarella and Cherry Tomatoes: €14-16
Appetizers, such as bruschetta and fried pizza dough, range from €4-8, while desserts, including Neapolitan pastries and gelato, are priced at €5-7. Drinks, including local wines and craft beers, are available starting at €4-6 per glass.
Conclusion: La Notizia 94, A True Pizza Pilgrimage
La Notizia 94 is more than just a pizzeria—it’s a place where the tradition of Neapolitan pizza is celebrated and elevated to new heights. Enzo Coccia’s dedication to his craft, his scientific approach to pizza-making, and his use of the highest-quality ingredients have made La Notizia 94 one of the best pizzerias in the world.
Whether you’re a pizza purist looking to enjoy a classic Margherita or an adventurous eater seeking something new, La Notizia 94 offers something for everyone. A visit to this iconic pizzeria is not just a meal, but an experience that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the art of pizza-making.
If you find yourself in Naples, don’t miss the chance to visit La Notizia 94. The pizzas, the atmosphere, and the passion that goes into every pie make it a must-visit destination for any pizza lover.
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