L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele (Naples, Italy)

Naples, the birthplace of pizza, is home to some of the world’s most iconic pizzerias, but few can rival the prestige of L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele. Often referred to as the “sacred temple of pizza,” this legendary pizzeria has been serving what many consider to be the best pizza in the world for more than 150 years. With a history steeped in tradition, a menu that focuses on simplicity, and an international reputation fueled by both local devotion and global fame, L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele is a must-visit destination for pizza lovers from all corners of the globe.

This in-depth article will uncover every detail about L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele: how it was founded, why it is considered one of the best, how it became globally popular, the story behind its enduring success, the best pizza to try, and the price range. Whether you’re planning a trip to Naples or simply want to know more about one of the world’s most famous pizzerias, this article has everything you need to know.

The Origins: How L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele Started

L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele traces its origins back to 1870 when Michele Condurro founded the pizzeria in Naples. Michele was born into a family of bakers, and like many Neapolitans of his time, he took great pride in mastering the art of pizza-making. Michele learned the craft from his father and decided to open his own pizzeria, determined to perfect the traditional Neapolitan pizza.

In 1906, the pizzeria moved to its current location on Via Cesare Sersale in the heart of Naples. This small, unassuming building has since become one of the most famous pizza destinations in the world. Over the years, Michele’s descendants have carried on his legacy, ensuring that the quality and tradition of the pizza remain unchanged. Today, L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele is run by the fifth generation of the Condurro family, who continue to honor their ancestor’s commitment to simplicity, quality, and tradition.

The Secret to Success: Focusing on Simplicity

From the very beginning, Michele Condurro believed that the key to a perfect pizza was simplicity. While other pizzerias offered a variety of toppings, Michele focused on just two classic pizzas: the Margherita and the Marinara. These two pizzas are the cornerstone of Neapolitan pizza-making, and Michele believed that mastering these simple recipes was more important than offering an overwhelming array of choices.

This philosophy has remained unchanged for over a century. L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele still serves only two types of pizza, and the menu is as simple today as it was in Michele’s time. This focus on tradition and simplicity is one of the reasons why the pizzeria has earned such widespread acclaim. Rather than complicating the pizza with unnecessary toppings, L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele focuses on perfecting the dough, the sauce, and the few ingredients that make up these classic pizzas.

Why L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele is the Best

There are countless pizzerias in Naples and around the world, but L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele stands out as one of the best. The reasons for its enduring success and global reputation can be attributed to several key factors:

1. Commitment to Tradition

L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele is rooted in tradition. For more than 150 years, the pizzeria has stayed true to its original recipes and techniques, using the same dough recipe, cooking methods, and high-quality ingredients that Michele Condurro perfected in the 19th century. The pizzas are made with 00 flour, San Marzano tomatoes, Mozzarella di Bufala, and extra virgin olive oil, all of which are sourced locally and reflect the rich culinary heritage of Naples.

This unwavering commitment to tradition has earned the pizzeria a reputation for authenticity. In a world where culinary trends constantly change, L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele has remained steadfast in its belief that the best pizza is made the traditional way.

2. Perfect Dough

The dough at L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele is legendary, and it’s one of the reasons why the pizzas here are considered the best in the world. The dough is made with just four simple ingredients: flour, water, yeast, and salt. It is then left to rise for at least 24 hours, allowing the dough to develop a light, airy texture that is essential for a true Neapolitan pizza.

The pizzeria uses a wood-fired oven, which reaches temperatures of over 450°C (about 850°F). This high heat ensures that the pizza cooks in just 60-90 seconds, resulting in a soft, chewy crust with a slight char on the outside—a characteristic of authentic Neapolitan pizza.

3. Minimalist Menu

As mentioned earlier, L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele’s menu consists of just two pizzas: the Margherita and the Marinara. This minimalist approach allows the pizzeria to focus on perfecting these two classic pizzas, rather than diluting their efforts with a long list of toppings.

The Margherita, made with tomato, mozzarella, basil, and olive oil, is a celebration of the simple, fresh flavors of Naples. The Marinara, which is made without cheese and topped with tomato, garlic, oregano, and olive oil, is another classic that highlights the quality of the ingredients.

By offering only two pizzas, L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele ensures that each pizza is made to perfection. This focus on simplicity and quality has helped the pizzeria maintain its reputation as one of the best in the world.

4. Consistency Over the Years

One of the most remarkable aspects of L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele is its consistency. Despite its international fame and the constant stream of tourists, the pizzeria has remained true to its roots. The pizzas served today are virtually identical to the ones Michele Condurro made in the 19th century.

This consistency has been achieved through the careful preservation of family recipes and techniques. The pizzeria is still run by the Condurro family, who ensure that the quality of the pizzas never wavers. This dedication to maintaining the same standards over the years is one of the reasons why L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele is considered the best by locals and tourists alike.

5. International Recognition

L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele’s reputation extends far beyond Naples. The pizzeria gained international fame after being featured in the 2010 film “Eat Pray Love,” starring Julia Roberts. In the movie, Roberts’ character travels to Naples and enjoys a pizza at L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele, a scene that sparked global interest in the pizzeria.

Since then, food bloggers, chefs, and pizza enthusiasts from around the world have flocked to Naples to try the pizza for themselves. The pizzeria has also been featured in numerous travel guides, documentaries, and food publications, further cementing its status as a global pizza icon.

How L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele Became Popular

While L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele has always been beloved by Neapolitans, its journey to international fame is a fascinating one. The pizzeria’s popularity can be attributed to several factors, including its rich history, its unwavering commitment to tradition, and its fortuitous appearance in popular culture.

1. A Naples Institution

For over a century, L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele was known primarily to locals. As one of the oldest pizzerias in Naples, it had earned a loyal following among Neapolitans who appreciated the quality and authenticity of the pizzas. Generations of families in Naples grew up eating pizza at da Michele, passing down the tradition from one generation to the next.

The pizzeria’s central location in the historic district of Naples also helped to attract local customers. Situated just a short walk from Napoli Centrale train station and the bustling Via Tribunali, L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele was perfectly positioned to serve both locals and visitors to the city.

2. The “Eat Pray Love” Effect

While L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele was already well-known in Naples, its appearance in the film “Eat Pray Love” catapulted it to international fame. The scene in which Julia Roberts eats a pizza at da Michele became an iconic moment in the film, and it introduced the pizzeria to a global audience.

Following the release of the film, tourists from all over the world began flocking to L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele. The pizzeria’s reputation as a must-visit destination for pizza lovers spread rapidly, and it wasn’t long before long lines of tourists became a common sight outside the restaurant.

3. Media Coverage and Awards

The pizzeria’s international fame was further solidified by the attention it received from food critics, travel guides, and media outlets. L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele has been featured in countless articles, documentaries, and TV shows, all of which have praised the pizzeria for its authenticity and quality.

In addition to media coverage, the pizzeria has also received numerous awards and accolades. It has been consistently ranked among the best pizzerias in the world by food publications such as Gambero Rosso and 50 Top Pizza, and its pizzas are often cited as the gold standard for Neapolitan pizza.

4. Global Expansion

In recent years, L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele has expanded beyond Naples, opening locations in cities such

as Rome, Tokyo, Los Angeles, and London. These international outposts have helped to further spread the pizzeria’s reputation and make its iconic pizzas accessible to a wider audience.

While the expansion has brought L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele to new cities, the pizzeria’s core values of tradition and simplicity remain intact. Each new location adheres to the same recipes and techniques that have made the original pizzeria in Naples so famous, ensuring that the quality of the pizzas remains consistent no matter where they are made.

The Story Behind L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele’s Enduring Success

The story of L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele is a tale of family, tradition, and a deep love for pizza. Since its founding in 1870, the pizzeria has been passed down through five generations of the Condurro family, each of whom has played a role in preserving the pizzeria’s legacy.

At the heart of the pizzeria’s success is its commitment to tradition. While other pizzerias have experimented with new toppings and flavors, L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele has remained true to its roots, focusing on perfecting the classic Margherita and Marinara pizzas. This dedication to authenticity has earned the pizzeria the respect and admiration of both locals and tourists.

Another key factor in the pizzeria’s success is its emphasis on quality. From the locally sourced ingredients to the wood-fired oven, every aspect of the pizza-making process is carefully controlled to ensure that each pizza meets the highest standards. This attention to detail is what sets L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele apart from other pizzerias and has made it a global icon.

The Best Pizzas to Try at L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele

While the menu at L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele is famously limited, the two pizzas on offer are nothing short of extraordinary. Here’s a closer look at the pizzas you must try when visiting:

1. Margherita

The Margherita is perhaps the most iconic pizza in the world, and L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele’s version is widely regarded as one of the best. Made with San Marzano tomatoes, Mozzarella di Bufala, fresh basil, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, this pizza is a perfect balance of flavors.

The simplicity of the Margherita allows the quality of the ingredients to shine, and the light, chewy crust adds to the overall experience. Whether you’re a seasoned pizza lover or trying Neapolitan pizza for the first time, the Margherita at L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele is a must-try.

2. Marinara

The Marinara is a pizza that showcases the beauty of simplicity. Made without cheese, the Marinara is topped with San Marzano tomatoes, garlic, oregano, and extra virgin olive oil. The result is a pizza that is bold and flavorful, with the sweetness of the tomatoes balanced by the pungent garlic and fragrant oregano.

Despite its simple ingredients, the Marinara is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. It’s a great option for those who prefer a lighter pizza or who want to experience the pure flavors of a traditional Neapolitan pizza.

Pricing at L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele

One of the most remarkable things about L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele is its affordable prices. Despite its international fame and status as one of the best pizzerias in the world, the pizzas here are surprisingly inexpensive.

A Margherita or Marinara pizza costs around €5 to €7, depending on the size and any additional toppings (such as extra mozzarella). This makes L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele an affordable dining option for both locals and tourists, and it’s one of the reasons why the pizzeria has remained so popular over the years.

In addition to the pizzas, L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele offers a small selection of beverages, including water, soda, and beer, all of which are reasonably priced. The focus here is squarely on the pizza, and the minimalist menu reflects that.

Conclusion: Why You Should Visit L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele

L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele is more than just a pizzeria—it’s a cultural institution that represents the heart and soul of Naples. With its rich history, commitment to tradition, and focus on quality, this iconic pizzeria has earned its place as one of the best in the world.

Whether you’re a pizza connoisseur or a casual traveler, a visit to L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele is an unforgettable experience. The simple yet perfect pizzas, the warm, family-run atmosphere, and the sense of history that permeates the restaurant all contribute to its enduring appeal.

So, if you find yourself in Naples, don’t miss the opportunity to visit L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele. Whether you choose the classic Margherita or the bold Marinara, you’re in for a pizza experience like no other. And with its affordable prices and international reputation, it’s no wonder that L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele remains a must-visit destination for pizza lovers from around the world.

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