How Italians Eat Pizza

We'll just come out with it: you've been eating pizza all wrong. It's not your fault. There is a "right" way to dive into a Neapolitan-style pizza. With enough practice, and a read of this guide, you'll fit in at the most Italian pizzerie out there.

How to eat pizza the Italian way

1. Don't hesitate. Pick up your knife and fork as soon as the piping-hot pizza reaches your table. Waiting for it to cool is considered an insult to the pizzaiolo (pizza maker).
2. Get triangular. If the pizza hasn't been pre-cut for you, slice out a triangle. We've seen die-hard Italians even use "pizza shears" (some might call them scissors).
3. Cut and bite. Cut off the point end of the slice and bring it to your mouth. Keep working your way up toward the crust, cutting bite-size pieces.
4. Pick it up. Once the pizza has cooled and only a small portion of your slice is left, it's acceptable to pick it up and eat it. There's no need to fold the slice. A folded pizza is known as a calzone, and even that should be eaten with a knife and fork.
5. Repeat. Pick up the next slice and start again. Real Italians eat the entire pizza napoletana.

Now you're ready

Practice makes perfect. To become more of a pro, visit us at Rossopomodoro at NYC Flatiron, NYC Downtown or Chicago and taste our award-winning pizza.

Buon appetito.