The best fried pizzas in Naples: the queen of street food

The fried pizza

It's much more than just street food: it's a piece of Neapolitan history. Born in the postwar period as a cheap alternative to baked pizza, it has now become a symbol of Neapolitan gastronomic culture, celebrated worldwide. In this comprehensive guide, you'll discover where to eat the best fried pizza in Naples, from historic fry shops to iconic venues and new gourmet interpretations.

The history of Neapolitan fried pizza

Fried pizza was born in post-war Naples , when a wood-fired oven was a luxury for the few and ingredients were scarce. Women in working-class neighborhoods, such as Materdei and the Spanish Quarter , improvised street stalls with two bricks supporting a burner and a pan filled with boiling oil.

The famous scene from Vittorio De Sica 's film "The Gold of Naples" with Sophia Loren frying pizzas in the alleys of Materdei immortalized this tradition, making it iconic worldwide.

Today, Neapolitan fried pizza has received the STG (Traditional Speciality Guaranteed) recognition from the European Union, and in 2025 it celebrated 80 years since its official diffusion.

The best pizzerias for fried pizza in Naples

1. Ancient Fried Pizza from Aunt Esterina Sorbillo

Address: Piazza Trieste e Trento, 53 | Via dei Tribunali, 35 | Piazzetta Nilo, 14

What makes it special: The sign is dedicated to Gino Sorbillo 's aunt , one of the women who took to the streets to fry pizza in the 30s. Today, the format has three locations around the city and is a benchmark for traditional fried pizza.

Must try: The classic version with ricotta, cracklings, and pepper (the "complete" version) and the version with meatballs in tomato sauce. Light and easy to digest, priced around €5-6.

2. The Masardona

Address: Via Giulio Cesare Capaccio, 27 (near Central Station)

What makes it special: It's been in business since 1945 , when great-grandmother Anna Manfredi (known as "'a Masardona," meaning "ambassador" in dialect) started selling fried pizzas out of her home. Today, it's run by the Piccirillo brothers , the fourth generation. They use the double-disc dough technique, which allows for more filling.

Must try: The classic one with buffalo ricotta, cracklings, provola, and pepper. Also not to be missed is the one with escarole, olives, raisins, and pine nuts.

3. Starita a Materdei

Address: Via Materdei, 27/28

What makes it special: One of the most famous pizzerias in Naples, right in the Materdei neighborhood where De Sica filmed the scene. Pizzeria Starita is a true temple of fried pizza.

Must try: The legendary "Corno di Maradona ," a U-shaped fried pizza filled with ricotta and cracklings. Also excellent are the montanare with Genoese sauce and the angioletti (small fried pieces of dough).

4. Di Matteo Pizzeria

Address: Via dei Tribunali, 94

What makes it special: Founded in 1939 as a simple takeout fry shop, it has become one of Naples' most famous historic pizzerias. President Bill Clinton sampled a fried pizza and a wallet pizza here during his visit to Naples.

Must try: The classic completa for €6 with ricotta, cracklings, and pepper. The pasta frittatas and croquettes are also very popular.

5. Concettina ai Tre Santi

Address: Sanità District (Via Arena della Sanità)

What makes it special: A historic pizzeria established in 1951 , now led by the talented Ciro Oliva . He has successfully updated tradition with top-notch gourmet dishes, even opening a location on Capri.

Must try: The Ragù fried pizza with Neapolitan ragù, cheese, and basil. Also interesting is the Octopus version with escarole, crispy octopus, and Stilton cheese.

6. 1947 Fried Pizza

Address: Via Pietro Colletta, 29/31

What makes it special: Enzo Durante chose the name for the year fried pizza was officially crowned as Neapolitan street food. A light, thin disc of dough, expertly fried like a golden cloud.

Must try: Pizza with mortadella and pistachio, pizza with yellow tomatoes and caciovallo cheese, or pizza with Neapolitan ragù.

7. 'O sfizio d'a Notizia

Address: Via Michelangelo Da Caravaggio, 51

What makes it special: The brainchild of master pizza chef Enzo Coccia , it's the perfect place for those seeking gourmet fried pizza. Specializing in "'mpustarelle," a type of stuffed pizza bread.

Must-try: Fried pizza with soffritto and mpusarella with stuffed peppers. Extensive wine cellar and selection of craft beers.

8. D'e Figliole Fry Shop

Address: Via Giudecca Vecchia, 3 (Forcella)

What makes it special: Open since 1860 , it is run exclusively by the women of the Apetino family . A place that exudes history, with a Formica dining room and a single octogenarian waiter.

Must try: The complete one for €5, the Chicchinese (€6) with escarole, anchovies, black olives, cracklings, salami, tomato and provola.

9. Pizzeria Pellone

Address: Via Nazionale, 93

What makes it special: Historic pizzeria and fry shop considered by many to be the best place for fried pizza. Famous for its gigantic fried calzones called "a ruota di carretta," which are bigger than your forearm.

Must try: Fried pasta with ricotta, pepper, and salami. The cresciute pasta and frittatas are also excellent.

10. Fernanda's Fry Shop

Address: Via Speranzella, 180 (Spanish Quarters)

What makes it special: An authentic Neapolitan "vascio" (low-class restaurant) run by Mrs. Fernanda , with 78 years of experience and a family tradition inherited from her mother. A dive into the most authentic Naples.

Must try: Classic fried pizza in two sizes: large for €3 and small for €2. Panzarotti, potato croquettes, and zeppoline.

Differences between fried pizza and montanara

These two terms are often confused. Fried pizza is a disc of dough folded into a crescent (battilocchio) or two overlapping discs, filled inside and then fried. Montanara , on the other hand, is a disc of dough fried first and topped afterwards, like a traditional pizza but with a fried base.

Fun facts about Neapolitan fried pizza

• In the Neapolitan dialect, the elongated fried pizza is called piscitiello
• The crescent-shaped one is called eye-beat (closed eyelid)
• It is traditionally eaten on Christmas Eve, as a traditional dish.
• Fried pizza is the protagonist of the famous film “The Gold of Naples” by Vittorio De Sica (1954)

Frequently asked questions about fried pizza in Naples

How much does a fried pizza cost in Naples?

Prices range from €2-3 at the most popular fry shops to €6-8 at the most renowned or gourmet establishments.

What's the best fried pizza in Naples?

Every Neapolitan has their favorite, but La Masardona , Zia Esterina Sorbillo , Starita a Materdei and Di Matteo are considered the essential stops.

Where to eat fried pizza in the evening in Naples?

Many fry shops close early, but Starita , Concettina ai Tre Santi , and 50 Kalò stay open late.

Is Neapolitan fried pizza gluten-free?

Generally not, but some places like 50 Kalò offer gluten-free options upon reservation.

Can you eat fried pizza in the summer?

Of course! In fact, in the summer, the chip shops in the Spanish Quarters and the historic center are livelier than ever, with queues of people until late at night.