Neapolitan Style Margherita Pizza: The Art of Simplicity Perfected at Mangia Pizza

There's something magical about a perfectly crafted Neapolitan style Margherita pizza. Simple yet sophisticated, this iconic pizza represents the pinnacle of Italian culinary tradition. At Mangia Pizza, we've dedicated ourselves to mastering this timeless classic, bringing authentic Neapolitan tradition to the heart of Amsterdam.

With just five ingredients—dough, tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and olive oil—the Neapolitan style Margherita pizza proves that greatness doesn't require complexity. It demands perfection in every element, precise technique, and unwavering commitment to tradition.

What Makes Neapolitan Style Margherita Pizza Special?

The Neapolitan style Margherita pizza isn't just another pizza—it's a protected cultural treasure. Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, authentic Neapolitan pizza follows strict guidelines established by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (AVPN).

This legendary pizza was born in Naples in 1889 when pizzaiolo Raffaele Esposito created it for Queen Margherita of Savoy. The colors—red tomatoes, white mozzarella, and green basil—represented the Italian flag. What started as royal tribute became the world's most beloved pizza.

At Mangia Pizza, we honor this heritage by following traditional methods passed down through generations. Our founder, Antonio Cavoto, brought his expertise from near Naples to Amsterdam, ensuring every Margherita we serve meets authentic Neapolitan standards.

The Five Sacred Elements of Neapolitan Style Margherita Pizza

Creating an authentic Neapolitan style Margherita pizza requires perfection in each component. Here's how we achieve it at Mangia Pizza:

1. The Dough: Foundation of Perfection

Authentic Neapolitan style Margherita pizza begins with dough. Not just any dough—a carefully crafted mixture that requires precision, patience, and expertise.

The result? A crust that's crispy on the outside, soft and airy inside, with characteristic charred bubbles (known as "leopard spotting") that only wood-fired ovens can create.

2. San Marzano Tomatoes: The Heart of Flavor

True Neapolitan style Margherita pizza demands San Marzano tomatoes. These aren't ordinary tomatoes—they're grown in volcanic soil near Mount Vesuvius, giving them unique sweetness and low acidity.

We source our San Marzano tomatoes directly from Italy, crushing them by hand to preserve their fresh flavor. No heavy sauces, no overcooking—just pure tomato goodness that tastes like summer in every bite. Learn more about our ingredient journey from Italy.

3. Fresh Mozzarella: Creamy Perfection

The mozzarella on a Neapolitan style Margherita pizza must be either Fior di Latte (cow's milk mozzarella) or Mozzarella di Bufala (buffalo mozzarella). Both offer distinct characteristics:

We use premium fresh mozzarella that's delivered regularly, ensuring optimal moisture content and flavor. It's torn by hand and distributed evenly, melting into creamy puddles that contrast perfectly with the crispy crust.

4. Fresh Basil: Aromatic Finishing Touch

Fresh basil leaves are essential to authentic Neapolitan style Margherita pizza. Not dried, not wilted, not added before baking—fresh leaves placed after the pizza exits the oven, allowing their aromatic oils to release naturally.

The basil provides a fresh, peppery contrast to the rich cheese and sweet tomatoes, completing the flavor trilogy that makes Margherita pizza unforgettable.

5. Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Liquid Gold

A final drizzle of premium extra virgin olive oil adds richness and brings all flavors together. It's the finishing touch that elevates good Neapolitan style Margherita pizza to greatness.

The Wood-Fired Oven: Where Magic Happens

You can have perfect ingredients, but without the right oven, you cannot create authentic Neapolitan style Margherita pizza. The wood-fired oven is non-negotiable.

Our traditional wood-fired oven maintains temperatures between 700-900°F. At this intense heat:

• 🔥 90-Second Cooking Time - The pizza cooks in just 60-90 seconds
• 🔥 Leopard Spotting - Characteristic charred bubbles form on the crust
• 🔥 Crispy Yet Soft - Exterior crisps while interior remains soft and airy
• 🔥 Smoky Flavor - Wood smoke infuses subtle aromatic complexity
• 🔥 Perfect Moisture Balance - Quick cooking prevents soggy centers

Our pizzaiolos are trained to read the oven, rotating the pizza at precisely the right moment to ensure even cooking. This is craftsmanship honed through years of experience—something that cannot be replicated in conventional ovens.

The Art of Making Neapolitan Style Margherita Pizza

Creating perfect Neapolitan style Margherita pizza is a choreographed dance of timing, technique, and intuition. Here's how it happens at Mangia Pizza:

This entire process takes just minutes, but behind it are years of training, thousands of pizzas, and unwavering dedication to authenticity. Go behind the counter to see our daily dedication to perfection.

Why Neapolitan Style Margherita Pizza Never Goes Out of Style

In a world of endless pizza variations—truffle pizzas, fusion pizzas, gourmet pizzas—why does the simple Neapolitan style Margherita pizza remain the gold standard?

1. Purity of Flavor

With only five ingredients, there's nowhere to hide. Every component must be perfect. The tomatoes must taste like tomatoes, the mozzarella must be fresh and creamy, the basil must be aromatic. This purity is refreshing in our complex culinary world.

2. Perfect Balance

The Neapolitan style Margherita pizza achieves perfect harmony: sweet tomatoes, creamy cheese, aromatic basil, fruity olive oil, and structured dough. No single element dominates; everything works together.

3. Universal Appeal

From children to food critics, everyone loves a well-made Margherita. It's sophisticated enough for gourmets yet accessible enough for anyone. This universal appeal has sustained its popularity for over 130 years.

4. Cultural Heritage

Eating authentic Neapolitan style Margherita pizza connects you to centuries of Italian tradition. It's not just food—it's cultural experience, a taste of history, a connection to Naples and its passionate people.

What Makes Mangia Pizza's Neapolitan Style Margherita Special

Many restaurants in Amsterdam serve Margherita pizza. But authentic Neapolitan style Margherita pizza? That's rare. Here's why Mangia Pizza stands apart:

These aren't marketing claims—they're daily commitments. Discover the secret behind our irresistible flavor.

How to Properly Enjoy Neapolitan Style Margherita Pizza

To fully appreciate authentic Neapolitan style Margherita pizza, follow these traditional guidelines:

Eat It Immediately

Neapolitan pizza is best enjoyed within minutes of leaving the oven. The crust begins to soften, the cheese cools, the magic fades. Don't wait—dig in immediately.

Use a Knife and Fork (Yes, Really!)

In Naples, pizza is eaten with knife and fork, starting from the center and working outward. The pizza is too delicate for hand-holding—its soft, moist center requires utensils. Save the crispy edges (cornicione) for last, eating them by hand if you prefer.

Don't Overload with Toppings

If you're tempted to add extra cheese, pepperoni, or other toppings, resist. The Neapolitan style Margherita pizza is perfect as-is. Additional toppings unbalance the carefully calibrated flavors.

Pair It Simply

A simple beverage complements best: Italian beer, light red wine, or sparkling water. Let the pizza shine as the star.

What Our Customers Say About Our Margherita

Don't just take our word for it. Here's what pizza lovers say about our Neapolitan style Margherita pizza:

"I've had Margherita in Naples, Rome, and Florence. Mangia Pizza's version stands proudly alongside them. The crust is perfection—crispy, soft, with those beautiful charred bubbles. This is the real deal."

"Sometimes simple is best. Their Margherita proves you don't need fancy toppings when every ingredient is this perfect. The fresh mozzarella, the sweet tomatoes, that incredible crust—it's poetry on a plate."

"I'm Italian, and I'm picky about pizza. Mangia Pizza makes me feel at home. Their Margherita transports me back to Naples. Complimenti!"

Beyond Margherita: Our Full Pizza Menu

While our Neapolitan style Margherita pizza is the foundation of everything we do, we also offer creative variations that honor tradition while exploring new flavors:

• 🍕 Classic Marinara - Even simpler: tomato, garlic, oregano, olive oil (€5.00)
• 🍕 Truffle Pizza - Luxurious truffle oil elevates the classic
• 🍕 Pistachio Cream Pizza - Unique signature creation
• 🍕 Traditional Italian Varieties - Regional specialties from across Italy (€5.00)

Every pizza on our menu receives the same care, same quality ingredients, same wood-fired perfection as our Margherita. It's our standard, not our exception.

Experience Authentic Neapolitan Style Margherita Pizza at 4 Amsterdam Locations

Craving authentic Neapolitan style Margherita pizza? We're never far away. Visit any of our four Amsterdam locations:

Each location features the same wood-fired ovens, the same quality standards, the same passionate team. Find your nearest location and taste the difference authenticity makes.

Perfect Occasions for Neapolitan Style Margherita Pizza

• 🎯 First-Time Visitors - Start with the classic to understand our standards
• 🎯 Pizza Purists - Appreciate authentic Neapolitan tradition
• 🎯 Quick Lunches - Simple, satisfying, always excellent
• 🎯 Romantic Dinners - Share authentic Italian tradition
• 🎯 Family Meals - Everyone loves Margherita

Mangia Pizza Amsterdam - Serving authentic Neapolitan style Margherita pizza with wood-fired perfection since 2015. Ranked #43 at The Best Pizza Awards. Experience the real taste of Naples at any of our 4 Amsterdam locations. Call (020) 331 55 55 to book.