Pizzeria Port'Alba

Pizzeria Port'Alba is located at Via Port'Alba 18, beside the Port'Alba arch in the historic centre of Naples, Campania, Italy. The street is a short, atmospheric passage lined with bookshops that links Piazza Dante with the university and Spaccanapoli quarter. The pizzeria claims to be the oldest in Naples, with a founding date given as 1738, and says it was the first in the city to sell pizza as a restaurant dish rather than only as street food. That history is a strong part of its appeal, although visitors should treat the date as the establishment's own claim. The cuisine is classic Neapolitan pizza, and the signature dishes are the margherita, the calzone and the pizza marinara, which cover the standard repertoire of the city. The menu also includes other traditional toppings and some seafood dishes typical of a Neapolitan restaurant. The dining room is traditional and informal, with a steady stream of tourists, students and local diners, and a moderate to lively noise level at peak hours. There is no dress code. Drinks include beer, soft drinks and house wine in the usual Neapolitan way, without a specialised wine programme. Prices are a little higher than at the street-style pizzerias on Via dei Tribunali, at about EUR 6-12 (roughly $7-$14) per pizza, reflecting the central location. The restaurant is walk-in friendly, and groups are advised to reserve, particularly at weekends and during holidays. It is open daily for lunch and dinner according to local information, but hours should be confirmed locally. Because it sits between Piazza Dante, the Via Toledo shopping street and the cathedral district, it is easy to reach on foot from the main sights, and the metro stop at Piazza Dante is nearby. Many visitors stop here after browsing the bookshops of Via Port'Alba, which makes it a convenient and historically interesting pizza break.