A Slice of Naples in Biella: the Perfect Pizza
As you know, I had lived in the region Campagna (with the capital Naples) for 22 years and learnd some of their traditions that I took with me when I moved to Biella. Here is one of my “rituals”.
As the train gently meanders into Biella, the surrounding mountains—rising majestically to 2,600 meters (ca. 8,530 ft)—seem to embrace the town in a silent, protective hug.
In the heart of this charming place, right in front of the railway station, stands a fountain that whispers stories of local life. The iconic Mucrone mountain watches over it all, its snow-capped peak shimmering in the winter light.
In this breathtaking setting, I discovered the best pizza restaurant, according to my taste. The owner, hailing from the south of Italy, brings a passion and mastery that creates pizzas with unparalleled soul. While their menu offers all the classics, I’m drawn to a special creation: cheese and prosciutto sourced from local producers, capturing the essence of Biella’s land. With a cold, blond beer in hand, each bite feels like a celebration—an ode to these rugged mountains, the timeless traditions, and the simple, divine pleasures that make Biella uniquely enchanting.
Margherita pizza's story is wrapped in the romance of Naples’ timeless streets. It begins when King Umberto I and Queen Margherita decide to explore the city incognito, wandering a short distance from their palace, just a street away from the shimmering blue sea that gently kisses the coast. As they strolled through the lively heart of Naples, feeling the faint caress of the sea breeze against their skin, they paused at a modest pizzeria—its charm rooted in tradition, nestled in the oldest part of the city, not far from the historic bar that has witnessed countless stories over the centuries.
The pizzaiolo, inspired by the fleeting presence of royalty and driven by the spirit of emerging Italian unity, crafted a simple yet evocative masterpiece that would forever carry the colors of their new nation. He placed ripe red tomatoes, fresh white mozzarella, and fragrant green basil on this humble pie, mirroring the Italian flag’s proud hues. Queen Margherita, captivated by the vibrant colors and delicate flavors, found a taste of Italy in that pizza—a perfect harmony of history, land, and love.
Today, that very same creation bears her name—a symbol of unity, passion, and Italy's enduring beauty. Each bite whispers a romantic story of a fleeting royal visit, the sea’s gentle touch, and a slice of Italy’s heart.
In the heart of this romantic story of Naples and its timeless streets, I have my cherished ritual. While many visitors eagerly order from a menu, I tend to my favorite—simple and pure. I always ask for a “Margherita con carciofini.” It’s a modest combination, but for me, it’s the essence of Italy’s honest, poetic soul: the creamy mozzarella, the sweet, tangy artichokes, and a touch of basil—each bite a delicate dance of flavors.
What makes it even more special is the certainty that the pizzaiolo will always say yes, crafting this particular pizza for me despite all other options. It’s a small, intimate tradition—an unspoken bond with the city that feels like a quiet love letter.
Of course, Italy has a universe of tastes beyond my favorite. I’ve discovered a stunning red pizza topped with ripe tomatoes and crowned with burratina—an indulgent cheese like a soft, creamy treasure inside a mozzarella bag, enriched with a buttery, stracciatella heart. That burst of rich, delicate flavor broadens the horizon of my pizza love, but the simple Margherita con carciofini remains forever my favorite—my personal slice of Naples’ heartfelt poetry.
And so, in this restaurant of Biella, where the mountains cradle the city, each bite of pizza becomes a tender journey—an ode to love, tradition, and the simple pleasures that make life so sweet. Whether it’s the legendary Margherita con carciofini or a new, unexpected flavor, each slice tells a story that reminds us that sometimes, the most beautiful moments are found in the most minor, most authentic bites. In memory of that eternal city by the sea, where history and taste intertwine, every flavor is a love letter to la dolce vita—a life to be savored, one magical slice at a time.
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Actually Im a cheese whore......the more the better....and I like it saucy!!!!.
Im in for a slice!!!