We had just spent the day exploring the National Archeological Museum of Naples. A big task. I loved taking in all the fragments of art and history, from ancient Pompeii to the early Romans. Although it consumed a lot of energy, it left me in a state of bliss.
Afterwards, winding our way down the Via Tribunali, a major byway through Naples, we found ourselves overcome by a colossal hunger for pizza. And of course, we all know that Naples turns out the very best.
We passed several before we found this one, L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele. Founded in 1870, this pizzeria has been established here since 1930. There are only two true Neapolitan pizzas~ Marinara and Margherita.
So many can’t be that wrong! However, as I worked my way through the crowd, I found that I needed to take a number and wait. I didn’t hesitate, especially after spying Julia Roberts on a poster from her movie “Eat, Pray, Love” on the front door. Her pizza scene was filmed right here in this tiny little unobtrusive pizzeria. Julia Roberts and this many people certainly can’t be wrong. I took up my posts outside and waited patiently for 30 minutes (yes, I timed it. I was starving!).
Inside were six tables built to seat four people each. We enjoyed great conversation with a young couple from Naples next to us. She spoke less english and was a bit quiet, but she had a warm and engaging smile.
My husband Carl had a lively conversation with this young man. He is an attorney in Naples, and his English was excellent.
We did as the locals do and ordered what they did~Margherita with extra cheese. I was not disappointed. It was the best pizza ever. Since then I have been looking for the same pizza, only to come up disillusioned. Well, no better excuse to go back to Naples and gratify my cravings at L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele!
Via Cesare Sersale,
Naples, Italy
Timeless Italy Travels 
I have been dreaming about this exact pizzeria for some time and am so happy to see this post highlighting it. My determination to visit someday is renewed – I can’t wait to try that pizza!
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You must go…and when you do, be sure to order Margherita pizza with extra cheese! To die for….:)
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Will do!
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Great blog. Will be in Italy in the spring. Sicily, Florence.
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Thank you..have a wonderful time in Italy!
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Ciao, Susan, I just returned from Napoli, and had da Michele recommended as well. It was closed the day I intended to hunt it down. So was caffe Mexico, another recommendation I wanted to try for “the best” Neapolitan espresso. However, I did find an excellent pizza Margherita at a small place with a sign saying they made the traditional Neapolitan pizza. Not too far from San Lorenzo Maggiore, which I had to visit after you wrote about it recently. Now that was definitely worth a visit, and I was the only one down there at the time!
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Ciao JoAnn! Thank you so much for keeping in touch. Glad you enjoyed your Napoli trip….it sounds like you had an amazing time. Napoli definitely has its many layers, and there is no other place like it. Sorry about the closures! But, on the other hand, you just discovered a new one that is recommendable. What is the name of the pizzeria you found? I love recommendations for checking out on my next visit. And San Lorenzo Maggiore, isn’t that quite the experience? Glad you went.
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wow a pizza in Naples is the best you can have and taste in Italy! 🙂
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Yep, I so agree! Wish I could find the equivalent here…close but not the same. One of the special things that you can only find in Italy…
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I spent a short time in Naples and found it to be gritty and not what Id expect out of an Italian City. Here is my blog story from that trip
larkycanuck.com | Travel Adventures | Navigating with the local Don of Amalfi Coast and Pompeii
http://larkycanuck.com/2012/12/04/travel-adventures-navigating-with-the-local-don-of-amalfi-coast-and-pompeii/
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Yes, I agree with you…it is gritty but I had been there before so I was prepared. The first time is when they were on a garbage strike. There were literally huge piles everywhere. I kept thinking of rats! However, we found a gem in this tiny pizzeria and for that I am glad. Thank you for the link to your website and I am reading it.
Susan Nelson
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