Antica Pizzeria Port'Alba, Naples

Antica Pizzeria Port'Alba is a working pizzeria with an extraordinary claim attached to it: it is widely regarded as the world's first pizzeria. Its story begins in 1738, when it operated as a stand supplying pizza for street sellers; the permanent pizzeria opened in 1830 on Via Port'Alba. Those sellers carried hot pizzas through the streets, using small metal stoves balanced on their heads to keep them warm.

The clientele included artists and students with little money, so simple toppings such as oil and garlic were typical. Port'Alba even offered credit called pizza a otto, allowing payment as much as eight days later. Its cooking ovens have always been lined with lava stone from near Mount Vesuvius. A historic specialty is Mastunicola, made with lard, sheep's milk cheese, and basil.