The 7 Essential Features of an Authentic Neapolitan Pizza

If you’re a pizza lover, you’ve probably heard of Neapolitan pizza; if you haven’t, you’re in for a treat. Neapolitan pizza, often referred to as Napoletana pizza, is a culinary masterpiece that hails from Naples, Italy. Its popularity has spread worldwide, and it’s not hard to see why.

Here are the top 7 must-have features of any Neapolitan Pizza

1. The Right Dough:

At the heart of any Neapolitan pizza is its dough. It’s made with a special type of flour, typically “00” flour, which results in a soft, chewy, and slightly crispy crust. The dough is also traditionally left to ferment for 24-48 hours, giving it a distinct flavour and texture. This slow fermentation process allows the yeast to work its magic, resulting in a crust that’s both airy and flavourful.

2. San Marzano Tomatoes:

Authentic Neapolitan pizzas are adorned with San Marzano tomatoes, known for their sweetness and low acidity. These tomatoes are typically hand-crushed into a sauce and spread evenly over the dough.

3. Fresh Mozzarella:

Mozzarella cheese used on Neapolitan pizzas is usually made from fresh buffalo milk or cow’s milk. It’s known for its creamy texture and mild flavour, and it’s carefully distributed on the pizza. As it melts in the intense heat, it creates a luscious, gooey layer that complements the other ingredients perfectly.

4. Fresh Basil Leaves:

Fresh basil leaves are a key ingredient, adding a burst of aromatic flavour and a touch of vibrant green to the pizza. Their fragrance intensifies in the heat of the oven, infusing the entire pizza with a delightful herbal essence that’s unmistakably Neapolitan.

5. Olive Oil:

High-quality extra virgin olive oil is drizzled on the pizza before and after baking, enhancing the overall flavour and adding a delightful sheen to the crust.

6. Authentic Oven:

One of the defining features of Neapolitan pizza is its cooking method. It must be baked in an authentic oven at extremely high temperatures (around 800-900°F or 427-482°C) for just 90-120  seconds. This is where our traditional and authentic brick pizza oven makes us one of the finest pizza restaurants in Vancouver.

7. A Thin Center and Puffy Cornicione:

A true Neapolitan pizza has a thin, soft center that’s slightly wet in the middle. It’s surrounded by a puffy, leopard-spotted cornicione (the outer crust). The unique combination of textures creates a delightful contrast, with the center offering a tender bite and the cornicione delivering a satisfying crunch. 

Bonus Feature – Neo-Authentic Experience 

If you’re looking for an Authentic Neapolitan Pizza experience, it awaits at Pizza Rubato Napoletana, one of the finest pizza restaurants in Vancouver. A trip to Pizza Rubato Napoletana is more than simply an opportunity to indulge your taste buds; it’s the start of a true culinary adventure. Compared to other pizza restaurants, we stand out with our dedication to developing distinctive, modern flavours without compromising the authenticity of a 300-year-old Italian recipe. And that’s how we provide a taste of the new, authentic pizzas.

When you visit Pizza Rubato Napoletana, you’re not just enjoying a meal; you’re embarking on a culinary journey. Our commitment to authenticity and quality sets us apart from other pizza restaurants in Vancouver.