SORBILLO: DOES THIS NAPLES PIZZERIA SERVE THE BEST PIZZA IN THE WORLD?
The Cost - $12 per person
The Atmosphere – Nestled in the heart of Naples on Via dei Tribunali, the city’s most famous street for pizza, Sorbillo offers an authentic experience with its casual décor and relaxed atmosphere. The menu is only offered in Italian which was charming and refreshing, even though I had to use Google Translate a couple of times. What I noticed most about Sorbillo when I looked around was that the place was full of people smiling and there was amazing energy all around – I’m pretty sure it was because of the food but it also could have been because everyone had made it into the iconic restaurant. Sorbillo does not take reservations and wait times can be pretty long. Casual dress is appropriate, and they do accept credit cards.
Consistently rated among the best pizzerias in all of Naples, the birthplace of one of the greatest foods ever invented, Sorbillo invites guests to relax and savor the city’s rich culinary history in an unpretentious environment. Founded by the legendary Gino Sorbillo, who has been considered by many to be the best pizza maker in the world, Sorbillo is one of the most awarded and recognized eateries in all of Italy. Despite that, the prices of both the food and the wine are incredibly reasonable, which says a lot about this Italian institution.
The Order – Pizza Frita di Zia Esterina Sorbillo, Margherita Bufala D.O.P., and a Marisa.
The Fantastic – The Margherita Bufala D.O.P. is a masterpiece. Consisting of buffalo mozzarella, Italian tomato sauce, 36 month aged parmigiano Reggiano, organic extra virgin olive oil, and fresh basil, this pizza may sound “normal” but it is far from it. Excellent tomato sauce combines with melted cheese to form a delicious base that is topped in the center with a single ball of buffalo mozzarella. Holding it all together is the greatest pizza dough and crust that I have ever tasted. Slightly charred, very thin towards the center of the pizza, and incredibly light and airy on the outer edges, I was amazed at just how perfect it was. This pizza is a classic and an absolute must-order.
The Great – Luckily, the restaurant uses the same dough and crust for the Marisa pizza, which featured spicy ‘nduja, mozzarella, a buffalo mozzarella mix, goat cheese, Italian tomato sauce, and fresh basil. The pizza was so large that the edges were falling off of the big plate. The pizza was really delicious and was highlighted by the amazing spicy salami. It didn’t give the same lightness and freshness that the Margherrita Bufala did, but it was an excellent pizza overall and a great option for someone looking for something on the spicier side.
We ordered the Pizza Frita di Zia Esterina Sorbillo as an appetizer to try a different type of pizza altogether. The classic dish came out of a giant paper bag, looked similar to a calzone, and was gigantic. It was filled with ricotta cheese, tomatoes, and meat inside of the delicious fried pizza dough. The bites where you get both tomato and ricotta are the most delicious but there wasn’t a single part of this dish that I did not enjoy. Somehow, the fried pizza didn’t feel super heavy, and ordering it was a decision that I was very glad I made.
The Verdict – Sorbillo is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking the quintessential Neapolitan pizza experience. A shining example of why Naples is considered the pizza capital of the world, Sorbillo’s incredible pizzas combined with its history and authentic setting make this a perfect spot for anyone seeking an amazing meal. At a cost of about $12 per person, Sorbillo is an incredible value for one of the top, if not the top, pizzerias in the world. And when you go, don’t forget to order the Margheritta Bufala D.O.P., even if something more adventurous grabs your attention.