Where Naples' pizza tradition began as street food in 1936, Pizzeria di Matteo Naples preserves the authentic soul of Neapolitan cuisine through four generations of family mastery. Located on the historic Via dei Tribunali in the Spanish Quarter, this legendary pizzeria stands as a living monument to pizza's humble origins, serving the city's most traditional pizza fritta and pizza a portafoglio alongside classic wood-fired pies.

Founded by the Matteo family patriarch, this fourth-generation establishment has evolved from a simple friggitoria into Naples' most celebrated keeper of pizza tradition. Gennaro Matteo's invention of the world-famous frittatina—a fried pasta medallion combining bucatini, béchamel, ground meat, peas, and cheese—exemplifies the family's innovative spirit within traditional boundaries. The pizzeria gained international recognition when President Bill Clinton visited during the 1994 G7 summit, cementing its status among Naples' elite pizza destinations alongside L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele.

The cuisine celebrates Naples' dual pizza heritage through both wood-fired oven classics and the increasingly rare art of pizza fritta. Signature deep-fried pizzas arrive stuffed with ricotta, provola cheese, San Marzano tomato sauce, and pork lard, while the famous pizza a portafoglio folds into quarters for authentic hand-held enjoyment. Traditional Margherita and Marinara pizzas showcase paper-thin crusts, fresh buffalo mozzarella, and aromatic basil, complemented by an extensive menu of over fifty pizza varieties. The frittatina remains the crown jewel—a crispy, golden creation that transforms simple pasta into street food perfection. Handmade arancini, panzerotti, and zeppole complete the authentic Neapolitan friggitoria experience.

The atmosphere captures Naples' vibrant street culture through its bustling takeaway counter where Salvatore Di Matteo himself prepares folded pizzas amid the controlled chaos of Via dei Tribunali. Upstairs dining rooms maintain modest, familial charm with vintage touches, including a charming pulley system that delivers pizzas from kitchen to table with theatrical flair. The no-frills décor emphasizes food over atmosphere, while the lively street scene provides authentic Neapolitan energy through local interactions and impromptu musical performances.

Pizzeria di Matteo offers Naples' most authentic pizza experience at remarkably accessible prices, making reservations unnecessary but patience essential during peak hours. This is fine dining's antithesis—pure, unadulterated tradition where pizza returns to its street food roots through recipes unchanged across nearly nine decades.