L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele in Naples, Italy

The mouthwatering taste of this perfect pizza still lingers after two years. Elizabeth Gilbert raves about it in her Eat, Pray, Love novel, sending tourists flocking to this seasoned spot. Established in 1870, this pizzeria claims to make the best pizza in Naples and the world. The United States outpost opened its doors in Spring of 2019 in Los Angeles. The bubbling cheese, fresh basil, yeasty dough, and fresh tomato fills the area with a tantalizing aroma.

Upon arriving to the small shop, you’ll notice a sizable crowd of people waiting for a taste. Don’t be shy. Approach one of the staff members to get your number — all of which is communicated in Italian, so perk up those ears — and wait patiently for your number to be called. It might be worth a quick brush up on the language if you’re not willing to count on the kindness of strangers fluent in Italian.

Inside, you’ll have a limited menu of drinks and pizzas. Margarita and marinara (essentially with cheese and without) for pizzas, and a few sodas and beers for drinks. You’ll be cramped. The limited tables are shared and my friend and I met another friend duo traveling around Italy. The waiter is pleasant at best.

The pizza was unlike anything I’d ever had. I’m a New Yorker by nature and I’ve had anything from the classic New York slice (it’s a whole different breed of pizza), to brick oven, to plain old bad dollar slices. Nothing compares to this. The crust is doughy and bottom still charred. The amount of cheese is just enough to flavor but not overwhelm. In my book, this is work a try. Even with the half hour wait just to get seated.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Travel
Via Cesare Sersale, 1, 80139 Napoli, Italy
Coordinates: 40.850024° N, 14.263316° E

Cost & Admission
Typically under €10

Food
Pizza and drinks

Activities
Eating

Tips
The portions are hefty, but the wait is long. Balance that out as you decide to walk on over.