Pizza is one of the world’s most universally loved foods; you’ll find it on menus and grocery shelves across the globe. And let’s be honest: there aren’t many people who don’t like pizza. In fact, in the US alone, “on any given day, about 11 percent of the population [consumes] pizza,” the US Department of Agriculture states. That’s about 40 million people.
But when it comes to the best place to enjoy it? That honor has to go to Naples, Italy, the birthplace of this beloved dish. And good news: the city is also home to several delicious vegan options.
Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best vegan-friendly pizzerias and restaurants Naples has to offer.
What makes Neapolitan pizza so special?
Pizza has evolved in countless ways over the years. In the US, you’ll find everything from deep-dish Chicago-style to rectangular, cheesy Detroit-style pizza. New York slices are large, foldable, and crispy, while in California, toppings can range from artichoke hearts to goat cheese or even peanut sauce.
Italy, of course, is the homeland of pizza, but even within its borders, styles vary by region. Roman pizza is known for its thin, cracker-like crust, while Sicilian pizza is thick and spongy.
But only one type of pizza in the world is protected by law: Neapolitan pizza.
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Many pizzerias in Naples produce pizzas designated under the European Union’s Traditional Specialty Guaranteed (TSG) status. That means they must follow specific criteria: the dough must be hand-stretched, the tomatoes must be San Marzano, and the pizza must be baked in a wood-fired oven.
This centuries-old method of pizza-making began in Naples in the 18th century as a simple, affordable dish for the city’s working class. Originally, pizza consisted only of flatbread and tomato sauce. Cheese wasn’t added until the late 19th century, when mozzarella was introduced in honor of Queen Margherita.
Where to find the best vegan pizza in Naples
Today, you can still find rich, flavorful marinara pizza—naturally vegan and packed with tomato, garlic, oregano, and olive oil—at nearly every pizzeria in the city. With thousands of pizzerias across Naples, this classic is not only easy to find but also typically the most affordable option on the menu.
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And increasingly, some spots are going further, offering vegan mozzarella, plant-based meats, and creative toppings.
Not sure where to start? Check out our top five picks for vegan pizza in Naples below.
1 Pizzeria da Michele
For authentic Neapolitan pizza, few places compare to Pizzeria da Michele. This world-renowned pizzeria has been serving locals and visitors alike from its location on Via Cesare Sersale in Naples since 1930, though its roots stretch back even further. The Condurro family, now in its fifth generation, has been perfecting Neapolitan pizza since 1870. At Pizzeria da Michele, the menu remains refreshingly simple, offering just two expertly crafted classics: the marinara and the margherita.
FIND IT HERE
2 Vitto Pitagorico
When it comes to plant-based dining, Vitto Pitagorico is hard to beat. This vegan and vegetarian restaurant and pizzeria, located in Naples’ Old Town, serves up a wide array of delicious Neapolitan pizza. Highlights include the Grandmother Franca, made with San Marzano tomato purée and Vesuvius cherry tomatoes; the Happy Pig, featuring vegan meatballs; and, of course, the classic Marinara.
FIND IT HERE
3 ‘A Puteca d’ ‘a Pizza
If you’ve never tried pizza portafoglio, run, don’t walk, to ‘A Puteca d’a Pizza. This spot specializes in the classic Neapolitan street food: a pizza folded like a wallet for easy eating on the go. Be sure to try the vegan Marinarella, loaded with tomatoes, black olives, mushrooms, oregano, garlic, basil, and a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
FIND IT HERE
4 OWAP
Popular pizzeria OWAP, short for One World All Pizzas, has two locations in Naples, on Foria Street and in Pignasecca. Each serves two distinct styles: the timeless classics and Chef Mauro Espedito’s inventive “alternative pizzas.” The latter includes creative, vegan-friendly options like the Botanic Vibe, topped with roasted and marinated eggplant and zucchini, crumbled feta (ask for the dairy-free version!), and edible flowers, and the Hot Summer, featuring vegan salami and pan-fried green chili peppers.
FIND IT HERE
5Gino e Toto Sorbillo
Another must-visit for traditional Neapolitan pizza is Gino e Toto Sorbillo, run by renowned Naples chef Gino Sorbillo and his brother Toto. There’s often a line out the door, but it’s well worth the wait for truly next-level pizza. Try the vegan Umberto, topped with tofu cheese, both yellow and red Piennolo cherry tomatoes from nearby Mount Vesuvius, extra virgin olive oil, and even a touch of seawater. Or keep it classic with a humble, perfectly executed marinara.
FIND IT HERE
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