At Italian Street Kitchen, we know the best pizzas come from the heart of Italy. With our traditional wood-fired ovens, we bring you pizzas made with passion, authenticity, and the finest ingredients. Here are 10 of the best Italian pizzas—pizzas so good, they will make you feel as though you’re sitting on the Spanish Steps in the heart of Roma!
What Makes a Pizza One of the Best Italian Pizzas?
So what is it exactly that sends a pizza soaring into the mystical heights of a true Italian pizza? Well, it starts with authentic dough, crafted with simple ingredients and time-honoured techniques. Traditional toppings, sourced for their quality and flavour, are essential. Wood-fired cooking imparts a distinctive char and smoky aroma. Ultimately, it’s about simplicity and balance. Neapolitan-style, with its soft, pliable crust, differs from the crispier Roman-style, both influencing pizza rankings. For an authentic taste of Italy, discover your favourite pizza at Isabella’s Pantry.
The 10 Most Popular & Best Italian Pizzas
Margherita (The True Classic)
The quintessential Italian pizza—capisce? With a base of rich tomato sauce, fresh Fior di latte, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil, it’s simple yet full of flavour. Built to resemble the colours of the Italian flag and named after Queen Margherita of Savoy herself, the classic Margherita pizza is a must-try.
Pizza alla Bufala (A Mozzarella Lover’s Dream)
A twist on the classic Margherita, Pizza alla Bufala features creamy buffalo mozzarella instead of fior di latte. This rich, indulgent topping adds depth to the pizza, making every bite a creamy, flavourful experience that’s classically Italian.
Pizza con Patate (The Unexpected Favourite)
Pizza con Patate is one of the simplest Italian pizzas to prepare! By omitting any sauce or cheese, you’re able to focus on the flavours of the thin, crispy potatoes, rosemary, and sea salt. It offers a unique, earthy flavour that’s both satisfying and delicious.
Capricciosa (The Ultimate Flavour Explosion)
The name Capricciosa translates directly to capricious, which is fitting because the toppings often change from one area to the next. In central and northern Italy, capricciosa is made with a constantly changing combination of ingredients like tomatoes, mozzarella, mushrooms, artichokes, ham, and olives, each slice brings together a medley of flavours that just work.
Prosciutto e Rucola (The Perfect Balance of Salty & Fresh)
This refreshing and satisfying option is a summertime favourite because; it’s like having a direct taste of the Mediterranean. With thin slices of prosciutto and fresh rocket, the balance of salty and peppery flavours in the Prosciutto e Rucola is delightful. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, too.
Calzone (The Folded Pizza Delight)
A folded pizza packed with cheesy goodness! Calzone comes from the Italian term for pant leg, calza, which refers to the original purpose of calzone, which was to be a pizza that may be enjoyed while walking or standing. Filled with mozzarella, ricotta, various meats and your choice of toppings, the calzone is a deliciously compact meal that’s perfect for when you want every taste of Italy in a single bite.
Quattro Formaggi (A Cheese Lover’s Dream)
Made with four different cheeses—mozzarella, gorgonzola, parmesan, and fontina—the Quattro Formaggi is a cheese lover’s dream. The rich, melted cheese creates a harmonious flavour that’s both indulgent and comforting, which is exactly as Italian food should be! In Naples, they make it exclusively white (all cheese, omigosh), while elsewhere, like Rome or Milan, it is also possible to try it with the addition of tomato sauce.
Quattro Stagioni (A Pizza for Every Season)
Representing the four seasons, the Quattro Stagioni features a selection of toppings divided into sections— Margherita tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, salami or prosciutto ham, and artichoke hearts. The elements are combined to make the pizza, in chronological sequence, from early summer through late fall, corresponding to their season of maturity.
Carrettiera (Broccoletti e Salsiccia)
For a savoury option, the Carrettiera is a must-try. This pizza features spicy sausage and tender broccoli—two typical components of Neapolitan cuisine—creating a perfect balance of flavours that’s bold, and utterly satisfying.
Nutella Pizza (A Sweet Italian Classic)
ISK’s sweetest indulgence! If you adore Nutella, this dessert pizza recipe is a must-try. The concept for the Nutella Pizza was conceived by the crepe stands that began popping up in Italian tourist destinations in the 1990s. Nutella wanted to get more attention, so it rented spaces outside cafes and bars, enticing tourists away from normally-sought gelato. Despite being a dessert dish, it’s safe to say that this has become one of Italy’s most well-known pizzas.
Italian Pizza vs. American Pizza
Authentic Italian pizza and American-style pizza offer distinct experiences. Here’s a breakdown looking at the two:
- Dough & Crust: Italian pizza features a thin, often hand-stretched crust, while American pizza tends to have a thicker, sometimes pan-style crust.
- Toppings: Italian pizza emphasizes fresh, high-quality ingredients in moderation. American pizza often includes a larger quantity and variety of toppings, sometimes prioritising quantity over quality.
- Cooking Method: Traditional Italian pizza is cooked in a wood-fired oven at high temperatures, resulting in a quickly cooked base. American pizzas are often oven-baked at lower temperatures.
Italian pizza is often considered healthier due to its focus on fresh ingredients, minimal processing, and balanced portions. It prioritises flavour and authenticity! The best of both worlds.
Try Authentic Italian Pizza for Yourself!
Want to bring the taste of Italy into your own kitchen? The key is to use high-quality ingredients and embrace simplicity. Start with a simple dough recipe and let it rest properly. Don’t overload your pizza with toppings. Pre-heat your oven to a high temperature, and if possible, use a pizza stone for a crispy crust. Find inspiration and the best ingredients at Isabella’s Pantry and explore our delicious range of pizzas.
Where to Find the Best Italian Pizza?
The Italians are the best at making pizza, and there is no doubt about that. They invented it, and they’ve certainly perfected it. And just as they have refined the fundamental pizza components such as dough, tomato sauce, and cheese, many different toppings have been developed in various areas of Italy.
Many varieties of ingredients originating from all over Italy have spread across the world and can even be enjoyed here in Australia on the other side of the globe.
Especially here at our Italian restaurant in Sydney, Italian Street Kitchen, where quality and flavour is our non-negotiable commitment to all of my guests!
