Aunt Esterina Sorbillo

Naples, the birthplace of , is famous for its traditional Neapolitan pizza. And when talking about pizza in Naples, one name reigns supreme—Aunt Esterina Sorbillo. Known as the “Pizza Queen,” Aunt Esterina has dedicated her life to perfecting the art of making pizza and serving millions of people with her mouthwatering creations.

Born on September 7, 1941, in Naples, Aunt Esterina comes from a long lineage of pizza makers. Her family has been in the pizza business for over three generations, which has shaped her passion for cooking since childhood. Growing up surrounded by the aromatic smells and bustling atmosphere of the family pizzeria, it was inevitable that Aunt Esterina would follow in her ancestors’ footsteps.

At the age of 14, Aunt Esterina made her first pizza under the guidance of her grandmother. She quickly mastered the art of working with dough, learned the secrets of creating perfect tomato sauce, and perfected the art of stretching the mozzarella cheese. With each passing day, her love and passion for pizza deepened, and she was determined to establish her own pizzeria one day.

In 1957, Aunt Esterina opened her first pizza in the heart of Naples. It was a modest establishment, but her pizzas were an instant hit. The locals couldn’t resist the crispy yet chewy crust, the top-quality ingredients, and the well-balanced flavors. Word quickly spread about Aunt Esterina’s exceptional pizzas, and people from all over Naples flocked to her pizzeria.

Aunt Esterina’s dedication to preserving the traditional techniques of Neapolitan pizza making sets her apart from others. She refuses to compromise on quality, only using the freshest ingredients sourced directly from local farmers and trusted suppliers. The dough is made by hand, leavened naturally for a minimum of 24 hours, resulting in a light and airy crust. Her tomato sauce is made from San Marzano tomatoes, known for their superior quality, and she uses only the finest buffalo mozzarella cheese for that authentic taste.

Over the years, Aunt Esterina’s pizzeria has become an institution in Naples, visited by locals and tourists alike. She has even attracted the attention of celebrities and renowned chefs from around the world who travel to taste her legendary pizzas. Her pizzeria is not just a restaurant; it’s a testament to the rich history and culture of Naples and its iconic pizza.

Aunt Esterina’s success goes beyond her culinary skills. She is known for her warm and welcoming personality, treating her customers like family. The dining experience at her pizzeria is not just about the food; it is an opportunity to connect with the locals, embrace the Neapolitan way of life, and witness the art of pizza making firsthand.

As Aunt Esterina Sorbillo approaches her 80s, her passion for pizza remains unwavering. She continues to work tirelessly, ensuring that every pizza that leaves her kitchen is a masterpiece. Her dedication has earned her numerous accolades and awards, including being named a “Living National Treasure” by the Italian government.

Aunt Esterina Sorbillo’s legacy is not just about her exceptional pizzas. She has become an ambassador for Naples and its culinary traditions, and a symbol of the unbreakable bond between food and culture. Her life is a testament to the power of passion, hard work, and staying true to one’s roots. So, next time you visit Naples, be sure to pay a visit to Aunt Esterina’s pizzeria and experience the magic of true Neapolitan pizza.