Slice by Slice: A Pizza Tour of Italy Gabby Teaman January 5, 2024 Destinations, Europe, Food & Drink, Interests, International Travel, Rome Whether you want to be inspired by Michelangelo’s David in Florence or gaze at the architectural wonder of the Colosseum in Rome, Italy offers visitors countless masterpieces. When you visit Italy, you get to stir your imagination and embrace the cultural of one of the oldest civilizations in the world. Just as Italy is home to artistic and architectural wonders, it’s also known for its fantastic cuisine. Especially pizza. For the past century, pizza has taken the world by storm. Pizzerias are culinary staples of even the smallest and most remote communities in nations across the globe. While you may be used to the triangular slices popularized by American pizzerias, pizza takes on a life of its own in Italy. No matter which Italian city you visit, you’ll be craving the heavenly taste of the world’s most magical comfort food. So, tie a napkin around your neck, sit back and relax, and join us on our pizza tour of Italy. Naples Pizza Margherita Naples, aka the birthplace of pizza, is a veritable holy of holies for lovers of the tasty dish. Pizza in Naples and the greater region of Campania is known as Neapolitan pizza. Neapolitan pizza is crafted with San Marzano tomatoes and rich mozzarella cheese made from the milk of a water buffalo. It’s easily identifiable for its soft texture and perfect balance of flavors. The most famous example of Neapolitan pizza is pizza Margherita. A favorite dish of patriotic Italians, pizza Margherita bears a strong resemblance to the Italian flag. It’s topped with red sauce, thin-sliced strips of white mozzarella cheese, and green basil. Another popular variation of Neapolitan pizza is pizza marinara. It’s one of the oldest types of pizza, and is traditionally served without cheese. But, don’t mistake this type of pizza for being boring. Top your slice with tons of tomatoes, garlic, and oregano. Sicily Pizza Siciliana Beautiful Sicily is home to pizza siciliana, one of Italy’s most distinct varieties of pizza. Whereas most pizzas are baked in a circular shape and cut into semi-triangular slices, pizza Siciliana is baked in rectangular sheets and sliced into blocks. The thick crust has a spongy, airy texture. Also, whereas most Italian pizzas rely heavily on mozzarella cheese, pizza Siciliana often contains tomato sauce, oregano, anchovies, and onions. It’s often topped with breadcrumbs and a hard sheep cheese like toma or caciocavallo. If you’re craving a slice, you’ll find pizza siciliana at bakeries throughout Sicily. Most Sicilians enjoy the rectangular strips as a quick snack. Fun fact: this pizza is locally known as sfincione, so ask for that when you visit. Florence Schiacciata During the Renaissance, Florence was one of the most important cities in the world. It was the cornerstone of the world’s cultural and scientific advancements. Florence continues this tradition today with a vibrant culinary industry. Whether you’re in the mood for a traditional pizza Margherita or you’re up to trying a more modern white pizza, the city’s master chefs will have something to tantalize your taste buds. Florence is also home to a sort of pizza prototype called schiacciata, a dish that dates back to before the Roman Empire. In fact, some say that schiacciata was the precursor to the pizza we know and love today. Schiacciata is flattened pizza dough typically served with olive oil and sea salt. More complex versions of the dish add grapes, rosemary, and sugar for a sweet and savory blend of flavors. Schiacciata was the favorite snack of the Florentine statesman Lorenzo de Medici, one of the richest and most influential men in Italian history. Milan Panzarotti As one of the most important cities in the fashion industry, Milan attracts the hottest trends in the world. Pizza lovers visiting Milan will delight in the city’s take on specialties from across the country, including Neapolitan pizza and pizza Romana. Unlike most restaurants in Italy, pizzerias in Milan also offer pizza by the slice cut into squares. This type of pizza, known as pizza al trancio (“by the slice “) or pizza al taglio (“by the cut”), is often just served with margherita seasonings or simple toppings of artichokes and ham. Milan is also the birthplace of panzarotti, a pocket of fried pizza dough filled with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. Bearing a striking resemblance to a calzone, panzerotti are some of the most popular street foods in Milan and the greater Lombardy area. Lecce, Puglia Pizza Pugliese Before you end your pizza tour of Italy, make sure to stop by the southern town of Lecce. The chefs of Lecce have perfected the art of making pizza Pugliese, one of the best pizzas in Italy. Pizza Pugliese is both savory and rich in the lush flavors of the Puglia region. It’s the pride of pizzaiolo in the heel of Italy’s boot. Vegetables dominate pizza Pugliese, and it’s typically made with a sourdough crust. Savor the strong base of tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese, topped off by a healthy portion of red onions. Toppings span a rainbow of vegetables, including sun-dried tomatoes, capers, olives, and artichokes. If you like a little extra salt on your pizza, you’ll love the savory anchovies. Common variations of pizza Pugliese have pecorino or provolone cheese instead of the classic mozzarella. You may also like: Mamma Mia! Enjoy the Distinctive Pizza Styles of These 10 Great Cities Rome In Rome, pizza is more than just a delicious meal, it’s a way of life for the residents of the Eternal City. Romans enjoy pizza morning, noon, and night. And now, you can sample Italy’s most famous dish for an enjoyable sit-down meal and a quick bite on the go. Most pizzerias in Rome serve two types of pizza, pizza al taglio and pizza tonda. Again, pizza al taglio means “pizza by the cut,” and is a favorite among Roman bakeries. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a quick lunch or a tasty afternoon snack. Pizza al taglio is served in large rectangular pieces often sold by the pound. This pizza is most commonly served with tomato sauce, cheese, and basil. But you can also find a variety of toppings from eggplant and asparagus to sausage and prosciutto. Pizza tonda is a much more traditional style of pizza. It’s served as a round pie just for you to enjoy with a fork and knife. This pizza’s signature feature is its incredibly thin, crispy crust. And it’s usually made in large, wood-burning ovens, giving it a delicious flavor. While most pizza tonda is served with traditional margherita toppings, other common toppings include arugula and sliced prosciutto. FAQs: Q: Are there vegetarian options for pizza in Italy? A: Yes, many pizzerias offer vegetarian options. Classic choices include Margherita, marinara, and pizza with various vegetable toppings. Q: What’s the typical size of a pizza in Italy? A: Pizzas in Italy are generally smaller compared to some international standards. They’re often designed for individual servings. Q: Can I find gluten-free pizza in Italy? A: While gluten-free options are available in some places, they might not be as widespread as in some other countries. It’s advisable to check with the pizzeria in advance. Q: Are there any specific dining customs related to pizza in Italy? A: Italians typically eat pizza with a knife and fork, especially when it’s a traditional round pizza. However, some styles like pizza al taglio are meant to be eaten by hand. Q: How do I order a pizza in Italian? A: When ordering pizza in Italy, you can simply say “Una pizza, per favore” (One pizza, please). Learning basic Italian phrases for ordering food can enhance your experience. Q: Is tipping customary in Italian pizzerias? A: Tipping is not as common in Italy as it is in some other countries. Service charges are often included in the bill, but it’s still appreciated to leave some change. Q: Can I find pizza with unusual toppings in Italy? A: While traditional toppings are widely available, some pizzerias, especially in larger cities, may offer creative options. It’s worth exploring local specialties and unique combinations. What was the best pizza you ever had in Italy? Tell us in the comments section below!
