Naples: “fried pizza” workshop and tasting in front of Vesuvius

Introduction

Imagine standing on a sunlit rooftop overlooking the towering Vesuvius, crafting your own traditional fried pizza with expert guidance. This 3-hour Neapolitan culinary experience offers more than just a cooking lesson — it’s a full immersion into local flavors and design charm.

What makes this tour special? First, you’ll learn from Salvo, a seasoned chef from the Marchesi School, known for his patient teaching style and authentic recipes. Second, the setting itself is a highlight: a beautifully restored late 19th-century house on the Mergellina waterfront with a stunning roof garden. Lastly, the experience combines delicious food with a touch of elegance, thanks to Sabina’s thoughtful design touches and the picturesque backdrop of Vesuvius.

A couple of things to keep in mind: the activity is not suitable for those with gluten intolerance and involves some physical participation, so it’s ideal for travelers eager to get their hands dirty. If you love food, artful settings, and authentic Naples vibes, this workshop is a perfect fit.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Authentic Neapolitan cuisine with a focus on fried pizza, a local specialty.
• Expert guidance from Salvo, a professional chef from the Marchesi School.
• Beautiful setting on a roof garden overlooking Vesuvius, with charming design elements.
• Interactive experience with personal equipment, making pizza from scratch.
• Delicious tasting of freshly fried pizzas, accompanied by wine or craft beer.
• Small group sizes (limited to 8), ensuring a personalized experience.

What to Expect from the Naples Fried Pizza Workshop

A Warm Welcome and Stunning Venue

Your journey begins at the intercom MEA DOMUS MERGELLINA, where you’ll be greeted by Sabina, the talented designer behind this elegant house. Her meticulous attention to detail, blending Liberty Floral style with contemporary touches, immediately sets a charming tone. Once inside, you’ll step into a spacious, professional kitchen that overlooks the roof garden with Vesuvius looming in the background — a view that makes your cooking feel extra special.

Sabina’s warm hospitality instantly makes guests feel at home, setting the stage for a relaxed yet authentic experience. The house’s historic charm combined with modern design means you’re not just here for the food; you’re here to enjoy a piece of Naples’ elegant lifestyle.

Hands-On Pizza Making with Salvo

Once in the kitchen, Salvo — the chef from the School of Cuisine of the legendary Marchesi — will teach you how to make fried pizza dough from scratch. You’re provided with your own equipment: apron, hat, pastry board, utensils, and ingredients, ensuring a fully immersive experience.

The process begins with Mother Yeast, which Salvo has been nurturing for 20 years, giving the dough authentic flavor. You’ll learn how to get your hands in the game, mixing and shaping the dough, which is the foundation for the Montanara pizzas.

While waiting for the dough to rise, you’ll prep your toppings — from traditional tomato sauce, mozzarella, and ricotta to cold cuts like salumi. You’ll also enjoy a break with homemade bread topped with Extra Virgin Olive Oil, paired with a glass of wine or craft beer, which helps build anticipation for the main event.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Art of Frying and Topping Pizzas

Once the dough has leavened, it’s time to fry. You’ll prepare two “Montanara” pizzas — one topped with tomato sauce and pecorino, and the other with fresh cherry tomatoes and basil. Plus, a calzone stuffed with ricotta, fior di latte, and cured meats rounds out the tasting.

Salvo’s method emphasizes patience, cleanliness, and love — he believes these are the true secret ingredients for excellent food. As you fry your pizzas, you’ll start to appreciate the crispy, golden crusts that define this Neapolitan specialty.

Dining with a View

The highlight? Sitting at a table under the pergola outside, with Vesuvius providing a stunning backdrop. Here, you’ll enjoy your freshly made pizzas, accompanied by a glass of wine or craft beer. The relaxed setting makes it perfect for sharing laughs, exchanging tips, and soaking in the beauty of Naples.

Sweet Endings and Final Touches

Following the savory delights, you’ll be treated to a sweet surprise dessert and a classic Neapolitan coffee, prepared together as part of the experience. This sweet finale leaves a lasting impression of the genuine hospitality and culinary craft that Naples is famed for.

Why This Experience Offers Great Value

This workshop isn’t just about learning how to fry pizza; it’s about connecting with local traditions in a carefully curated setting. The small group size (limited to 8 people) ensures personalized attention and ample opportunity to ask questions. The inclusion of personal equipment, tasting, and drinks means you’re fully equipped to enjoy every moment without extra costs.

Priced as a 3-hour experience, the cost reflects the quality of instruction, the authenticity of ingredients, and the stunning setting. Guests have noted that the combination of knowledgeable guides, beautiful views, and delicious food creates a memorable experience that genuinely feels worth the investment.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for food lovers eager to learn authentic Italian techniques, particularly those interested in Neapolitan fried pizza. It suits travelers looking for a hands-on activity that combines culture, cuisine, and stunning scenery. Given the intimate setting and detailed guidance, it’s ideal for small groups or couples wanting a romantic touch.

However, it might not be suitable for those with gluten intolerance or mobility issues, as the experience involves active participation and some physical movement.

Practical Details

• Duration: 3 hours
• Start Point: Intercom MEA DOMUS MERGELLINA, 4th floor
• Languages: Italian, English
• Group Size: Limited to 8 participants
• Includes: Personal equipment, tasting of three pizzas, wine or craft beer, dessert, and Neapolitan coffee
• Availability: Check for specific start times, but typically flexible
• Cancellation Policy: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
• Not suitable for: Wheelchair users, gluten intolerance, or those over 95 years old

FAQs

Is this experience suitable for children?
While the activity involves hands-on cooking and active participation, it generally caters to adults or older children with interest and patience for the process. Check with the provider for specific age recommendations.

Do I need any cooking experience?
Not at all — the session is designed to be accessible to all, regardless of prior skills. Salvo guides you step-by-step, making it easy to follow along.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
This experience emphasizes traditional ingredients. Since gluten intolerance isn’t suitable, it’s best for participants without gluten restrictions.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes and the provided apron and hat will suffice. Expect to get a bit of flour on your hands!

Is transportation provided?
No, but the meeting point is easy to find on the Mergellina waterfront, close to public transportation options.

What’s the best time to join?
Check the availability for start times, but generally, afternoon sessions are common, making for a scenic and relaxed experience.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a genuine taste of Naples’ culinary soul, this workshop offers an authentic, enjoyable way to indulge in local flavors. The opportunity to fry your own pizza while soaking in breathtaking views of Vesuvius makes it stand out from typical cooking classes. The combination of expert guidance, a charming setting, and delicious results creates a memorable experience that’s worth every euro.

Perfect for foodies, couples, or anyone curious to see a different side of Naples — this experience proves that sometimes, the best way to understand a culture is through its food, made with love and served with a view.

In summary, this fried pizza workshop in Naples offers a well-rounded, engaging, and highly authentic taste of local cuisine with a scenic backdrop. It’s a perfect blend of education, relaxation, and flavor, making it a standout activity for anyone looking to deepen their connection to Naples’ culinary traditions.

You can check availability for your dates here: