Neapolitan pizza – what is it? where can I get it?

The first time I had a Neapolitan pizza was in Italy (obviously). What I noticed about this style of pizza is how different it is to what we are used to. What are we used to though? We’re used to complicated pizza with so many toppings that the actual pizza is hidden! We are also used to very thick bases that are able to hold all the toppings!

So if this is your first time hearing the words “Neapolitan Pizza“, let me tell you everything you need to know – from what is it to which restaurants make it in South Africa …

WHAT IS NEAPOLITAN PIZZA?

Neapolitan pizza is a type of pizza that originates from Naples, Italy. This style of pizza is a very simple pizza. It is prepared with simple, fresh ingredients using a basic dough, raw tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese and fresh basil. Traditionally, there should be no fancy toppings.

The biggest difference between this style of pizza and the normal pizza we eat everyday is that Neapolitan pizza has a very thin crust at the base with dough that puffs up around the sides giving it a very airy crust. I must say, it is delicious!

WHICH RESTAURANTS MAKE NEAPOLITAN PIZZA IN SOUTH AFRICA?

– Coalition Pizza in Johannesburg

Coalition offers Johannesburgers an original authentic Neapolitan Pizza experience. The menu offers a choice of either CLASSIC PIZZA which is with crushed tomato and fresh mozzarella cheese or PIZZA BIANCA which has no tomato.

I have been to Coalition just once and I had the margherita with extra burrata cheese which was absolutely delicious. Words won’t do this pizza justice so let the photo above do all the talking. I love that the base of the pizza is paper thin and the crust is thick and crispy.

I will be returning to try their other pizzas on the menu, so head to my Instagram if you want to see more droolworthy photos of delicious pizza!

For more information visit: www.coalitionpizza.co.za

– Ice Dream Land in Plettenberg Bay

I’m in two minds about sharing this place with you because Ice Dream Land is an absolute hidden gem just outside of Plett on the Airport Road and I don’t want to let this secret out. The owner of Ice Dream Land, Marco, makes all the cheese, gelato and even yoghurts. You can buy all of these products at the restaurant’s deli. The pizza’s are topped with Marco’s fresh homemade mozzarella cheese and guess what, it is utterly delicious! The pizza is definitely the most authentically Italian pizza I have had since Italy. It is just melt in your mouth amazing! The menu offers a selection of different pizzas, panini, caprese salads and even cold meat and cheese platters.

Marco also makes gelato which is also the best I have also had since Italy. There is a big selection of flavours to choose from so having to choose just one or two is a bit difficult … That’s why be like me and choose five to share with everyone at your table.

For more info visit their Facebook page

– Bocca in Cape Town

Bocca is a new Italian spot on Cape Town’s famous Bree Street that is devoted to one particular dish: Neapolitan Pizza. What makes this new restaurant a little different is that it is a contemporary Italian restaurant with a modern twist.

I haven’t eaten at Bocca yet but it is at the top of my list for when I visit Cape Town this year. Unfortunately I can’t report back on the pizzas (just yet!) but I can tell you that the menu is exciting! The Foresta pizza, with wild mushrooms, rosemary mascarpone, parmesan shavings and truffle drizzle, has definitely caught my eye!

For more information visit: www.bocca.co.za

HAVE YOU TRIED A NEAPOLITAN STYLE PIZZA YET?

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