Did you know that over 2 million people visit Naples every year just to taste authentic Neapolitan pizza?
And guess what – most of them end up standing in line at one specific place that’s been serving the exact same two pizzas for over 150 years!
Antica Pizzeria da Michele Naples isn’t just another pizzeria; it’s a living piece of culinary history that has remained virtually unchanged since 1870.
It is one of the best pizza in Naples Italy.
This legendary establishment has earned its reputation as the true home of Neapolitan pizza, and trust me, after you experience what I’m about to share with you, you’ll understand why food lovers from around the world make pilgrimages here!
Location, Hours, and How to Get There
Finding Antica Pizzeria da Michele Naples is easier than you might think, but there are some insider tips that’ll save you time and frustration. Trust me, I learned some of these lessons the hard way!
Address and Location: Via Cesare Sersale, 1/3, 80139 Napoli NA, Italy
website: https://www.damichele.net/
The pizzeria is located in the heart of Naples’ historic center, just a few minutes’ walk from the central train station (Napoli Centrale). It’s tucked into a narrow street that you might walk past if you’re not paying attention – I actually did this on my first visit!
Getting There
From Naples Central Station: It’s about a 5-minute walk. Head southeast on Corso Garibaldi, then turn right onto Via Cesare Sersale. You can’t miss the crowds gathering outside – that’s your landmark!
From Naples Airport: Take the Alibus shuttle to Napoli Centrale, then follow the directions above. Total journey time is about 45 minutes.
By Metro: The closest metro station is Garibaldi (Line 1), which is basically at the central station. From there, it’s the same 5-minute walk.
Opening Hours
- Monday to Saturday: 10:30 AM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:30 AM – 11:00 PM
They’re open seven days a week, which is great news for tourists! But here’s a crucial tip: they sometimes close for brief periods in the afternoon for cleaning and prep. I showed up once around 3 PM and found them closed, even though their official hours said they should be open.
What Makes Da Michele’s Pizza So Special
I’ve eaten pizza all over Italy, and let me tell you something – da Michele’s pizza is in a league of its own. But what exactly makes it so extraordinary?
First off, they only serve two types of pizza: Marinara and Margherita. That’s it! How can a world-famous pizzeria survive with just two options? But then I tasted both, and everything clicked.
The dough is where the magic happens. They use a specific blend of Italian flour, water, salt, and yeast that creates this incredibly light, airy crust with those signature leopard spots from the wood-fired oven..
Their San Marzano tomatoes are another game-changer.
The mozzarella is fresh daily from local buffalo farms. Not the rubbery stuff you get on most pizzas – this mozzarella is creamy, slightly tangy, and melts perfectly without making the pizza soggy. I made the mistake once of trying to recreate this at home with regular mozzarella, and it was a disaster!
But here’s the real secret weapon: their wood-fired oven reaches temperatures of about 900°F (480°C). This means pizzas cook in just 60-90 seconds, creating that perfect combination of crispy bottom and soft, pillowy edges.
The simplicity is actually the genius part. With only two pizza options, every single ingredient has to be absolutely perfect. There’s nowhere to hide mediocre ingredients behind fancy toppings or complicated flavors.
Complete Menu Guide and What to Order
Here’s where da Michele might surprise you – their menu is refreshingly simple, but that doesn’t mean choosing is easy! Let me break down everything you need to know about what to order.
The Famous Two Pizzas
Marinara – This was my first choice during my initial visit, and what a choice it was! It’s topped with San Marzano tomatoes, garlic, oregano, and extra virgin olive oil. No cheese whatsoever. I know it sounds basic, but the flavors are incredibly intense and pure. The garlic becomes sweet and mellow in that screaming hot oven, and the oregano adds this earthy note that just works perfectly.
Margherita – The classic that made Naples famous worldwide. San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella di bufala, fresh basil, and extra virgin olive oil. This is pizza perfection in its purest form. The first bite literally transported me – the creamy mozzarella, the sweet-tart tomatoes, and that aromatic basil create this harmony that’s almost spiritual.
Drinks and Sides
They serve basic Italian sodas, beer, and water. Don’t expect craft cocktails or extensive wine lists – this isn’t that kind of place. I always go with a cold Peroni or just sparkling water.
You can also get a simple salad, but honestly, why would you? You’re here for the pizza experience, not to fill up on lettuce!
My Ordering Strategy
After visiting multiple times, here’s what I recommend: if you’re going with someone, order both pizzas and share. The Marinara lets you taste the pure essence of Neapolitan pizza-making, while the Margherita gives you the complete classic experience.
If you’re going solo, I’d lean toward the Margherita for your first visit. It’s the pizza that made this place legendary, and you’ll understand why once you taste it.
Da Michele vs Other Naples Pizzerias: The Great Debate
This is where things get spicy! The pizza wars in Naples are real, and as someone who’s eaten at virtually every famous pizzeria in the city, I have some strong opinions about how da Michele stacks up against the competition.
Da Michele vs Gino Sorbillo
Sorbillo is probably da Michele’s biggest rival, and honestly, the comparison isn’t even fair because they’re completely different approaches to pizza. Sorbillo has a huge menu with creative toppings and modern twists, while da Michele sticks to tradition.
I’ve eaten at Sorbillo multiple times, and their pizza is excellent – more creative, Instagram-worthy, and with shorter wait times. But when it comes to pure, traditional Neapolitan pizza, da Michele wins hands down. Sorbillo feels like a modern interpretation; da Michele feels like touching pizza history.
Da Michele vs Di Matteo
Di Matteo is another historic pizzeria that’s been around since 1936. Their pizza is fantastic, and the atmosphere is similar to da Michele – cramped, authentic, no-frills. The main difference? Di Matteo has a slightly larger menu and usually shorter lines.
If you can’t handle the wait at da Michele, Di Matteo is an excellent backup plan. The quality is comparable, and you’ll still get that authentic Neapolitan experience.
Da Michele vs Starita
Starita is where pizza fritta (fried pizza) was invented, and they do both regular and fried pizza excellently. Their space is larger and more comfortable than da Michele, with better seating and a more extensive menu.
For pure comfort and variety, Starita wins. For historical significance and traditional authenticity, da Michele takes it.
Insider Tips for the Perfect Da Michele Experience
After visiting da Michele more times than I care to admit, I’ve accumulated some insider knowledge that can make or break your experience.
Seating Strategy
The seating situation at da Michele is… chaotic. There are communal tables, tiny two-person spots, and sometimes you’ll end up standing at a counter. Don’t expect to choose your seating – you take what you get.
Pro tip: If you’re uncomfortable sharing a table with strangers, visit during off-peak hours when you’re more likely to get your own space. But honestly, sharing tables often leads to great conversations with fellow pizza lovers from around the world.
Ordering Like a Local
Don’t spend forever deciding – there are only two pizza options! The staff can be impatient with indecisive tourists, especially during busy periods. Know what you want before you reach the counter.
Order in Italian if you can: “Una Margherita, per favore” or “Una Marinara, grazie.” It’s not required, but the staff appreciates the effort.
Payment and Tipping
They accept both cash and cards, but cash is faster and preferred. Tipping isn’t expected in Italy like it is in America – rounding up to the nearest euro is plenty.
Don’t expect detailed receipts or itemized bills. This is old-school Italian dining where everything moves fast and efficiently.
What NOT to Do
Don’t ask for modifications or substitutions. This isn’t Subway – you get the pizza exactly as they’ve been making it for 150 years.
Don’t expect extensive English menus or detailed explanations. The menu is simple enough that language isn’t really a barrier.
Don’t take photos of other diners without permission.
Planning Your Visit: Complete Travel Guide
Planning a visit to da Michele requires more strategy than you might expect. After helping countless friends plan their Naples pizza pilgrimages, I’ve developed a foolproof system for maximizing your chances of success.
Accommodation Strategy
I always recommend staying in Naples’ historic center, within walking distance of da Michele. The neighborhoods around Via dei Tribunali or Spaccanapoli put you right in the heart of everything.
Avoid staying near the train station area – it’s not the safest or most pleasant part of the city, despite being close to da Michele.
Creating a Naples Pizza Itinerary
Don’t put all your pizza eggs in one basket! Plan to visit multiple pizzerias during your stay. I recommend a “pizza crawl” approach:
Day 1: Start with da Michele for the historical experience Day 2: Try Sorbillo for modern Neapolitan pizza Day 3: Visit Di Matteo or Starita for comparison
Transportation Tips
Download the ANM Napoli app for real-time bus and metro information.
Walking is often faster than public transport in the historic center, but be prepared for uneven cobblestones and chaotic traffic.
Taxis are available but can be expensive and slow due to traffic. Use them sparingly.
Budget Planning
Pizza at da Michele costs around €4-6 per pizza – incredibly affordable for such a famous place! Your biggest expense will likely be accommodation and getting to Naples.
Set aside extra money for trying multiple pizzerias – you’ll want to compare experiences.
Language Preparation
While the staff at da Michele speaks some English, learning basic Italian phrases will enhance your experience significantly. Key phrases:
- “Una Margherita, per favore” (One Margherita, please)
- “Quanto costa?” (How much does it cost?)
- “Dov’è il bagno?” (Where is the bathroom?)
- “Il conto, per favore” (The check, please)
The Legendary History Behind Antica Pizzeria da Michele Naples
This place has been family-owned since 1870, which means they’ve been perfecting their craft for over 150 years – way before pizza became the global phenomenon we know today.
The Condurro family started this journey when Salvatore Condurro opened the original pizzeria.
Back then, pizza wasn’t the Instagram-worthy food we see everywhere today.
It was simple street food for working-class Neapolitans, and da Michele kept it that way while the world around them changed completely.
they’ve been using the same wood-fired oven for decades!
The current oven was built in the 1930s and still churns out perfect pizzas every single day.
I remember watching the pizzaiolo work that oven like a maestro conducting an orchestra – it was pure artistry.
The third and fourth generations of the Condurro family still run the place today.
Michele Condurro, the current owner, told me during one of my visits that they’ve intentionally kept everything exactly as it was.
No modern equipment, no menu changes, no compromises. That’s dedication to tradition that you just don’t see anymore.