Where Sienese Take Out-of-Town Friends for Pizza

# Where Sienese Take Out-of-Town Friends for Pizza

Ask any Sienese under 45 where they take a friend from Florence or Rome who wants "the real pizza" and you'll get one answer, fast: La Napoletana 2.0, Viale Sardegna 37.

Why that one?

Three reasons that matter to locals (and should matter to you):

1. It's actually Neapolitan. Wood-fired oven, 48-hour fermented dough, soft cornicione, the slightly wet center that defines the style. Not "Italian pizza" — the specific Naples version, done correctly. 2. It's on 50 Top Pizza. The Italian ranking that pizzaioli themselves take seriously. There aren't many Tuscan pizzerias on that list. 3. It doesn't cost a fortune. Pizzas €12–16, full meal under €20 a head. Locals don't take friends somewhere that will embarrass everyone with the bill.

What it isn't

It is not a "destination restaurant." There is no terrace with a Duomo view. The interior is functional. Service is friendly but quick — they're feeding a crowd. If your visitor is the kind of person who wants a curated tasting experience, take them somewhere else.

If your visitor wants to *understand what good pizza tastes like in Italy*, this is the place.

The order

• Margherita (€8.50) — order it first. This is the benchmark.
• Mortadella, fiordilatte, pistachio pesto (~€14) — the signature. Even pepperoni loyalists convert.
• Fritti misti to start (€7–9) — montanara, crocchè, frittatine. Shareable.
• Birra alla spina — draft beer is the Neapolitan pairing, not wine.

How to play it like a local

• Reserve. Even locals reserve on weekends.
• Don't ask for half-and-half pizzas. One pizza per person.
• Eat with a knife and fork until the center firms up, then fold.
• Don't order a cappuccino after. Espresso only.

Related guides

• Where locals eat pizza in Siena
• A real pizzeria in Siena (not a tourist trap)
• Siena restaurants: an honest guide

Final word

The local move is the un-fancy one. Have a place we should know about? redazione@visitsienaguide.it.