On a recent trip to Italy, I decided to do a day trip from Rome to the birth place of Pizza, Napoli (Naples). With less than 10 hours between the time my train arrives and departs back to Rome, I challenged myself to visit the top Pizzerias that Naples has to offer and try their Margherita offerings (the de-facto standard when it comes to Pizza). Any form of tourism would strictly be secondary (I know, it’s a tough job).

[Part 1 - L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele]
[Part 2 - Pizzeria Di Matteo]
[Part 4 - Pizzeria Gino Sorbillo]

Starita Napoli

Number 3 on the list is a familiar name to New Yorkers. It’s the original Pizzeria which is the father to the Midtown Manhattan sibling “Don Antonio by Starita“. Commercialisation aside, there’s a reason why this Pizzeria has another branch half way across the world as I was soon to find out.

As much as I would like to boast that I ate this in my 3rd hour in Naples, it’s just not possible. So after doing some tourism in the old town and taking a trip to Castel Sant’Elmo to take in some breathtaking views, I make my way to Materdei station around 5pm, from which Starita is only a few minutes walk away. I’ve had enough time to digest the 2 earlier Pizzas so I feltrelaxed and ready to sample what Starita has to offer.

“Always humble looking from the outside…”

Never judge a book by its cover. This applies to every restaurant in general. From the outside, it looks very simple, with little or no buzz (remember its about 5pm), and lacking the whole “i’ve been here since the 1800s” vibe.

Walking in, you come face to face with the oven, but as i’m eating in, I take a left and head to the seated area. My heavy metal loving waiter is very polite and helpful. It turns out that Starita is known for a certain speciality of theirs…

The Montenara

A deep fried pizza base, then topped Margherita style and put in the over. Now hearing that this is what it’s known for, I must admit it tempted me off my strict Margherita rule. Although I only strayed partially off the course as the toppings were still in alignment with my rules right?

I’m currently working on technology that will help you download this pizza. As progress is very, very slow, I suggest you get yo’ ass down to Pizzeria Starita Napoli right now!