Are You Ready to Discover the Naples Pizzeria That Captivated Marc Murphy?
You’re probably no stranger to the allure of a perfectly crafted Neapolitan pizza, with its delicate balance of flavors and textures that can transport you straight to the sun-kissed streets of Italy. But have you ever wondered what makes a pizzeria truly exceptional, earning the loyalty of culinary connoisseurs like Marc Murphy?
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The Timeless Charm of Gino Sorbillo’s Pizzeria
Tucked away on Via dei Tribunali, a street affectionately known as “via della pizza,” lies Gino Sorbillo’s eponymous pizzeria, a culinary institution that has been serving up some of Naples’ finest pies since 1935. Founded by Luigi Sorbillo and Carolina Esposito, the restaurant has remained in the family for generations, with Gino Sorbillo at the helm since the 1990s. The story goes that Sorbillo’s grandparents had 21 children, all of whom became pizza chefs – a testament to the family’s dedication to the craft.
A Tradition Steeped in Quality and Innovation
So, what sets Gino Sorbillo’s pizzeria apart from the rest? For starters, the restaurant adheres to the time-honored traditions of Neapolitan pizza-making, as outlined by the True Neapolitan Pizza Association (Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana). This means that the dough is crafted with Italian type 0 or 00 flour, natural yeast, water, and salt, before being fermented for anything between 12 and 24 hours.
| Ingredient | Description |
|---|---|
| Type 0 or 00 flour | A finely milled Italian flour ideal for pizza dough |
| Natural yeast | A type of yeast that occurs naturally in the environment, used to ferment the dough |
| Water | Used to hydrate the dough and create a smooth, pliable texture |
| Salt | Adds flavor and helps to control yeast growth |
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The Art of Neapolitan Pizza-Making
The dough is then formed by hand, without the aid of a rolling pin, before being topped with a selection of simple yet high-quality ingredients. These might include crushed Italian tomatoes, fior di latte or mozzarella di Bufala cheese, extra virgin olive oil, and fresh basil. The pies are then baked in a hot wood-fired oven for between 60 and 90 seconds, resulting in a crisp crust and a delicate smoky flavor.
Gino Sorbillo’s Innovative Spirit
While Gino Sorbillo is deeply respectful of tradition, he’s not afraid to push the boundaries of Neapolitan pizza-making. The chef has been known to experiment with more unusual toppings, including pineapple, watermelon, and even banana and chocolate. Love them or hate them, these creations always generate a buzz, and it’s not hard to see why fans like Marc Murphy keep coming back for more.
The Pineapple Pizza That Sparked a Global Debate
One of Sorbillo’s most infamous creations is his pineapple-topped pizza, which features caramelized pineapples paired with three types of cheese on a white base. The pizza sparked a global debate when it was featured on the front cover of an Italian magazine in early 2024, with some hailing it as a genius innovation and others declaring it a travesty.
A Pizzeria That Continues to Evolve
Despite the controversy surrounding some of his creations, Gino Sorbillo remains committed to using only the freshest, highest-quality ingredients in his pizzas. The menu at his Naples pizzeria is constantly evolving, with new and innovative pies being added all the time. Whether you’re a traditionalist or an adventurous foodie, there’s something for everyone at Gino Sorbillo’s pizzeria.
What Makes Gino Sorbillo’s Pizzeria a Must-Visit Destination?
So, what sets Gino Sorbillo’s pizzeria apart from the rest? Is it the restaurant’s rich history and tradition, its commitment to using only the finest ingredients, or its innovative spirit? The truth is, it’s all of these things and more. Whether you’re a culinary expert or just a pizza lover, Gino Sorbillo’s pizzeria is a must-visit destination that promises to delight and surprise even the most discerning palates.
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