One of Naples' oldest pizzerias on Via dei Tribunali, Di Matteo gained global fame when President Clinton visited in 1994. The fritto starters - pizza fritta and cuoppo - are excellent, and the pizzas maintain the authentic Neapolitan standard at lower prices than more famous neighbors.
Pizzeria Di Matteo on Via dei Tribunali is one of the oldest pizzerias on Naples' most pizza-dense street, a central axis of the historic centre that runs from the Piazza Dante area towards the Duomo through the densest concentration of historic pizzerias in the world. The restaurant entered global mythology in 1994 when President Bill Clinton visited during the G7 summit in Naples and ate pizza here, a moment documented with photographs that still hang on the walls. But Di Matteo's reputation was built long before and does not depend on the Clinton association: the pizzas are made to the exacting Neapolitan standard, with long-fermented dough, San Marzano tomatoes, and a wood-fired oven producing the characteristic soft centre and blistered cornicione. The fritto section of the menu is particularly celebrated. The cuoppo fritto — a paper cone filled with an assortment of small fried foods including zeppoline di pasta cresciuta (fried dough balls), crocchè (potato croquettes), and fried vegetables — is one of the best versions of this Neapolitan street food format available on Via dei Tribunali. Pizza fritta is also available at a window on the street for those who want to eat without queuing for a table. Prices are lower than the more famous Sorbillo and da Michele addresses nearby, and the queue, while present, is typically shorter.
Signature dishes
- Pizza Margherita — €5
- Cuoppo Fritto — €3
Good to know
- Known for
- Historic pizzeria where Clinton dined, excellent cuoppo
- Hours
- 9:00 AM - 12:00 AM (Mon-Sat)
Location
Via dei Tribunali 94, 80138 Naples NA
40.8515, 14.2556 View on map
Highlights
- Historic pizzeria on Via dei Tribunali where President Clinton ate during the 1994 G7 summit
- Cuoppo fritto — mixed fried Neapolitan street food cone — is among the best versions in the historic centre
- Street-facing fritto window allows pizza fritta to be eaten without queuing for a table
- Lower prices and slightly shorter queues than the most famous neighbours on the same street
- Long-fermented dough and San Marzano tomatoes: full Neapolitan pizza craft at every table
Tips for visiting
- Start with a cuoppo fritto while waiting — order at the street window and eat while the table queue moves
- The pizza fritta window on the street is the fastest option for a quick Neapolitan fried snack
- Monday to Saturday only; the pizzeria is closed on Sundays
- Via dei Tribunali is pedestrian, easily walked from Piazza Bellini or Piazza Dante — both nearby
Accessibility
Pizzeria Di Matteo is on Via dei Tribunali, a pedestrian street in Naples' historic centre. The entrance is at street level and the dining room is on one floor. The street itself is cobbled and busy. The street window for fritti is accessible directly from the pavement.
Frequently asked questions
Why did President Clinton eat at Di Matteo?
During the 1994 G7 summit held in Naples, President Clinton visited the historic centre and ate pizza at Di Matteo on Via dei Tribunali. The visit was widely photographed and became one of the most famous moments in the pizzeria's history.
What is a cuoppo fritto?
A cuoppo is a traditional Neapolitan street food served in a cone of paper, filled with an assortment of small fried items: zeppoline (fried dough balls), crocchè (potato croquettes), fried calamari, and seasonal vegetables. It is the quintessential Neapolitan street food format.
How does Di Matteo compare to Gino Sorbillo and da Michele?
Di Matteo is slightly less internationally famous than Sorbillo or da Michele, resulting in somewhat shorter queues. The pizza quality is very good and the fritto menu is arguably the strongest of the three. Prices are marginally lower across the board.
Does Di Matteo take reservations?
Di Matteo generally does not take advance reservations; it operates on a walk-in basis. The street window for fritti allows immediate purchase without any queue.