Authentic Napolitan pizza is both delicious culinary delicacies and cultural treasures, embodying traditions unique to its region. Each pie is an artistic piece, expertly combining wood-fired flavor with handcrafted artistry.

Fresh basil adds an irresistibly fragrant note that elevates this taste sensation.

Artisanal Techniques

Authentic Napolita pizza-making requires skill and expertise. From hand-kneading the dough to watching it dance across wood-fired ovens, each step elevates pizza making from being just another meal into an artistic culinary creation.

Napolita pizza-makers use only high-quality ingredients when crafting their signature pie, including Buffalo mozzarella made from water buffalo milk to add luxurious creaminess.

Napolita pizza’s commitment to authentic techniques for its preparation is reflected in its certification by AVPN (Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana). Only three pizzerias in Chicago area hold this seal: Spacca Napoli in Ravenswood, Forno Rosso in Dunning and Parkers’ Restaurant & Bar in Downers Grove have achieved it.

Authenticity

UNESCO has recognized authentic Neapolitan pizza as an intangible cultural heritage item, which means its recipe must be strictly protected in order to ensure crispy, light and airy crust and taste that remains as true to original form as possible.

The Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (AVPN) was formed in 1984 to preserve the authenticity of Napoletan pizza recipe and to certify pizzerias that adhere to their rules. They also work hard to educate members of society on this beloved cuisine’s rich history.

Napolita offers delicious pizza as their specialty dish; in addition, gourmet pastas and entrees such as breaded veal or black sea bass roast are also on offer. And for dessert lovers there’s tasty tiramisu or gelato available.

At this cosy and inviting space, perfect for family meals or date nights, service is attentive yet not pretentious, while their extensive wine list features smaller winemakers that specialize in indigenous varieties.

Community

Napolita’s loyal customers typically return several times each week to enjoy its cozy ambience and mouthwatering food, such as crostini topped with roasted cherry tomatoes, ricotta cheese, basil leaves and white wine or Manila clam linguine with garlic sauce and white wine. There is also an impressive full bar offering cocktails made with grappa as well as beer and wines from many regions across Italy.

Menu changes three to four times annually, but pizza remains a constant staple. From Carne Italiane with sausage, spicy soppressata and pancetta to Verdure Arrosto featuring goat cheese, Brussels sprouts, roasted tomatoes and mushrooms; both options make for delicious options on our deliciously diverse menu.

Flavor

Dine on the vibrant cuisine of Naples and be transported back to its bustling markets. Boasting vibrant flavors with minimal ingredients that allow their true flavors to come through, Napolita’s cuisine focuses on minimal preparation with bold flavor profiles that bring out their natural character.

Pizzaiolos of Naples take great pride in their work, from hand-kneading the dough to artistic arrangements of toppings. As a result, their artful creations are recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage site.

To achieve authentic Naples pizza at home, we advise using imported ingredients and baking on a pizza stone in an oven heated to at least 450 F. To achieve optimal results, let your dough rise for at least 8 hours prior to topping with crushed San Marzano tomatoes, olive oil, salt, and shredded mozzarella di bufala cheese – an experience sure to bring out passion and authenticity of Naples!