There is more to this food haven than just pizza
Pizza is something of a rags-to-riches story. It all started in the 1880s, when a hungry and, might we add, inventive group of peasants from Naples (or Napoli), Italy started experimenting with tomatoes (a fruit that was thought of as poisonous back in the day) and started adding them to their flat breads. Initially, the aristocrats and wealthy minority thought of it as a gross invention, but a visit from Queen Margherita Teresa Giovanni would change their perception as well as rest of the world’s. When the royal guest grew tired of her usual meals one day, she decided to try the poor man’s pan from Pizzeria Brandi – on an adventurous streak. They served her pizza topped with tomato, basil and cheese – in honour of the Italian flag – which we now know as Pizza Margherita. Of course, pizza is not the only food to look forward to in Naples. Most travellers who have been to Naples would agree that they truly had the best meals of their lives there, so if you are ever visiting the Campanian capital, here are some places you’d be crazy enough not to try.
Pizzeria Brandi (of Queen Margherita fame) still operates up until this day and if you are visiting Naples, it is definitely worth a visit especially when it is conveniently located in the town’s historic center, near the Teatro de San Carlo and The Royal Palace. Locals may tell you that it is not the best pizzeria in town, but it is worth it, to try how the original Margherita pizza tastes like.
Da Michele. This place is for fans of pizza and football. Why football? This pizzeria established in 1870 considers football legend Diego Maradona amongst its regulars. Located in the heart of Napoli, this extremely popular (prepare to wait in line!) family-owned pizzeria is considered an institution in Campania. They only serve two kinds of pizza – Marinara and Margherita – but if it’s good enough for Maradona, then it’s good enough for us!
La Sponda, Positano. This Michelin-starred restaurant is probably one of the most famous Italian restaurants in the world. Located inside 5-star hotel La Sineruse, it doesn’t only offer a spectacular view of Positano’s pretty, pastel-coloured houses, but an elegant menu made from the freshest local ingredients and an extensive wine list as well. Be prepared, however, to splurge at La Sponda but it will be worth every dollar you spend.
L’Incanto, Positano. This restaurant was only stumbled upon by chance as we wanted to have lunch by the La Spiaggia beach and it was the least crowded. Restaurants with lesser crowds could often times mean sub-par food, so our expectations weren’t really that high. Boy, were we mistaken! We had the best shrimp and zucchini risotto and pizza, ever, and it cost us less than USD31.
Kikko Sushi, Salerno. With a sudden craving for rice while in Naples one day, we decided to take a drive to Kikko Sushi. It is located in Salerno, which is approximately an hour away from town. Well, if you have to drive an hour long for food, then surely it must be good! The service was great and we left the restaurant with our gastronomical tummies full (that’s what happens when Asians are deprived of rice for more than a week) and our cravings satisfied!
