A true Neapolitan pizza follows rules laid down centuries ago in Naples. The dough is soft and light, made from just flour, water, salt and yeast, then left to rise slowly for hours. It goes into a wood fired oven that reaches close to 900 degrees Fahrenheit, so the pizza cooks in under two minutes. This gives the crust its signature look, a puffy edge called the cornicione, dotted with dark char spots often called leopard spotting. The center stays thin and almost custardy, meant to be folded and eaten by hand. Toppings are kept few and simple, usually San Marzano tomatoes, fresh buffalo mozzarella, basil and good olive oil.
Over the past few years, Delhi has fallen for this style in a big way. Diners tired of thick, cheese heavy pizzas are seeking out places that treat the dough with the same care Neapolitan pizzaioli do. Here are five spots across the city worth your time.
Leo's Artisan Pizza
Leo's Artisan Pizza started small and has grown into one of Delhi's most talked about pizza spots. Regulars say it is named after the owners' dog. It is known for a genuinely soft, airy Neapolitan crust cooked in a wood fired oven, without the sogginess or excess sauce that plagues many imitators.
Where to find it: Its most prominent outlet sits in Basant Lok Market, Vasant Vihar, with additional locations in Amar Colony and Ghitorni.
Cost for two: Around ₹1,700 for two.
What to order: The Margherita, made simply with tomato, buffalo mozzarella and basil. The Pesto Burrata, topped with pesto, creamy burrata, arugula and a balsamic glaze. The Parma pizza, layered with Parma ham, rocket, walnuts, melon and balsamic. Diavola for those who like heat. Finish with the bittersweet double chocolate pudding.
The vibe: The Vasant Vihar branch has simple, classy interiors with indoor and outdoor seating. Expect a wait during peak hours, since the pizzas are made fresh to order and the space fills up fast.
Pizzeria da Susy
Pizzeria da Susy was started by Susanna, an Italian who moved to India and turned her love of home cooking into a full pizzeria. It has picked up recognition on international pizzeria rankings, though the exact placement varies by source and year.
Where to find it: Da Susy is technically located in Gurugram rather than New Delhi proper, with outlets in Crosspoint Mall, Sector 28, and M3M IFC, Sector 66. It earns a place on this list because it sits firmly within Delhi NCR and is considered one of the finest Neapolitan pizzerias in the region.
Cost for two: Around Rs. 2000 for two.
What to order: The classic Margherita, the Marinara with bell peppers, sundried tomatoes, olives and basil, and the Quattro Formaggi with four cheeses including grana padano. The Funghi panuozzo, a folded Italian sandwich, is worth trying too. End the meal with tiramisu.
The vibe: Small, clean and unpretentious, with staff in proper kitchen uniforms and an atmosphere that feels closer to a neighbourhood pizzeria in Naples than a Delhi restaurant.
Camillo's Pizza
Camillo's Pizzeria opened inside The Manor Hotel in Friends Colony and quickly built a reputation for taking its dough seriously. The kitchen uses a 70 percent hydration dough that goes through both hot and cold proofing before it ever touches the oven.
Where to find it: The Manor Hotel, Friends Colony West, South Delhi.
Cost for two: Around ₹3,000 for two.
What to order: Start with the Margherita or the Sundried Tomato and Basil pizza, both built on San Marzano tomato sauce and a blend of Danish, local and Italian cheeses. The grilled Quattro Formaggi and Pepperoni are also popular. For non pizza options, the wild mushroom risotto is a strong pick, and the tiramisu is one of the better versions in the city.
The vibe: A live pizza station anchors the space, with earthy, minimalist interiors, indoor seating and a relaxed outdoor patio. It leans upscale and casual at once, better suited to a proper dinner than a quick bite.
Bomba
Bomba mixes Neapolitan pizza with Mexican tacos and handmade pasta under one roof, an odd sounding combination that works because each section of the menu gets the same attention as the next.
Where to find it: Outlets in Greater Kailash 3 and on MG Road in Sultanpur, South Delhi.
Cost for two: Around Rs. 2500 for two.
What to order: The Margherita and the Parma, made with Italian ham and rocket, are the pizzas to try first. Round out the meal with a few soft shell tacos and a plate of handmade pasta from their pasta bar.
The vibe: A vibrant, drawing room style setting with an open kitchen where you can watch the pizzas go into the oven. It works equally well for a casual family dinner or a date night.
EVOO Eatery & Pizzeria
Tucked into a quiet stretch between Malviya Nagar and Shivalik, EVOO is easy to miss and worth seeking out anyway. It serves hand stretched, wood fired Neapolitan pizzas alongside homemade pasta and panuozzos.
Where to find it: Shivalik Colony, Malviya Nagar, South Delhi.
Cost for two: Around Rs. 2000 for two.
What to order: The burrata pizza and the goat cheese pizza both come recommended, along with the pepperoni and pork half and half for anyone who wants variety in one order. Start with the tomato bruschetta or focaccia, and finish with tiramisu or a cannoli.
The vibe: A small, cosy eatery with soft lighting and a simple, homely feel. It gets busy, especially at lunch, so booking ahead is a good idea.
