Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana Salt Lake City | Authentic Neapolitan Pizza

Bruce Bigford

TL;DR Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana Salt Lake City is the closest thing to a true Neapolitan pizzeria you'll find in Utah — and it's been that way since 2005.

 

Salt Lake City has true Neapolitan pizza — and Settebello helped introduce it to the local dining scene. Located at 260 S 200 W in the heart of downtown, Settebello was among the first pizzerias in the United States to recreate true Pizza Napoletana — the style that carries a protected designation of origin in Italy. For local pizza lovers, this place isn't just a restaurant; it's a landmark.

 

What Is Neapolitan Pizza?

 

Neapolitan pizza is a traditional style of pizza that originated in Naples, Italy. It is known for its thin, soft crust, simple ingredients, and extremely high-temperature cooking method. Authentic Neapolitan pizza is typically made with San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, olive oil, and basil, then baked in a wood-fired oven at temperatures near 900°F for about 60–90 seconds. The result is a light, tender crust with small charred spots often called “leoparding.

 

 

What Makes Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana Salt Lake City Different

 

The word "Napoletana" in the name is not just branding — it's a commitment. Settebello follows the strict standards of the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (AVPN), which governs everything from the type of tomatoes used to the temperature of the oven.

 

💠The Oven

 

The pizza goes into a wood-fired oven that hits temperatures close to 900 degrees Fahrenheit. At that heat, the pizza cooks in about 90 seconds. The result is a crust that is soft and chewy in the center, slightly charred at the edges (called "leoparding" by pizza nerds), and unlike anything you'll get out of a conventional oven.

 

💠The Ingredients

 

Settebello uses San Marzano tomatoes — grown in volcanic soil near Mount Vesuvius in Italy — for its sauce. The fresh mozzarella is imported mozzarella di bufala, made from water buffalo milk. These aren't marketing buzzwords. They taste fundamentally different from generic alternatives, and once you've had them, you'll notice the difference everywhere else.

 

💠The Dough

 

No shortcuts here. The dough is made fresh and allowed to properly ferment, which gives Neapolitan pizza its signature lightness. This isn't a thick, bread-like base — it's thin, soft, and has a slight tang that you simply can't fake.

The Signature Pies Worth Ordering at Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana Salt Lake City

 

💠The Settebello 

 

The namesake pizza is loaded with three different meats and seasoned to perfection. If it's your first visit and you're not sure what to order, start here. It's the most popular pizza on the menu for a reason.

 

💠The Margherita 

 

The purist's choice. San Marzano tomato sauce, imported fresh mozzarella, and fresh basil. It sounds simple because it is, and that simplicity is exactly the point. If you want to taste what makes the oven and the ingredients special, this is the one.

 

💠The Diavola 

 

For those who like heat. Spicy salami and a kick that builds with every bite. A fan favorite among regulars who want something bold.

 

💠The Ripieno 

 

Settebello's take on the calzone. It's massive — stuffed with ricotta, mozzarella, salame, and mushrooms. Easily enough for two people to share as a starter.

Beyond the Pizza

 

Settebello isn't a one-trick pony. The Caprese salad is genuinely worth ordering — the same imported buffalo milk mozzarella used on the pizzas is deeply creamy and rich in a way that surprises first-timers. The house-made meatballs are another standout, served with crushed tomatoes, parmigiano, basil, and fresh mozzarella alongside focaccia fresh from the wood-burning oven.

 

And then there's the gelato. Settebello partners with Capo Gelateria for desserts, and it has become almost as legendary as the pizza. And don’t leave without trying the gelato — the tiramisu and coconut flavors are frequently praised in customer reviews.

 

For drinks, the menu features Italian beers — the Moretti pilsner is a crowd-pleaser — and a wine selection that pairs naturally with the food.

A Note on Gluten-Free

 

Settebello is one of the most talked-about spots in Salt Lake City for gluten-free pizza. They offer gluten-free pizza using gluten-free dough and bake those pizzas in a separate oven to help reduce cross-contamination. Multiple guests with celiac disease have reported positive experiences, though it's always smart to call ahead and discuss your specific needs with the staff, who are knowledgeable and take the topic seriously.

The Atmosphere and Why It Works

 

Settebello has a modern, sleek interior with warm lighting and a casual atmosphere that feels elevated without being stuffy. It's the kind of place you can bring a first date or take the whole family with equal confidence. The staff is consistently praised for being attentive and genuinely knowledgeable about the menu.

 

The location next to Red Rock Brewing Company in downtown SLC puts it in great company. There's street parking nearby and additional parking in the back alley between Settebello and Red Rock — download the parking app before you arrive to snag free parking.

Why Settebello Matters to Salt Lake City's Pizza Scene

 

Settebello is frequently mentioned when locals discuss the best pizza in Salt Lake City, especially for those looking for authentic Neapolitan pizza. It also appears in our guide to Best Pizza in Salt Lake City: 15 Must-Try Spots, which highlights standout pizzerias across the valley.

 

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FAQ

 

Q   What is "Pizza Napoletana" and how is Settebello different from regular pizza places?

 

Pizza Napoletana is a protected style of pizza originating from Naples, Italy. It uses specific ingredients — San Marzano tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella — and is cooked at extremely high heat (around 900°F) in a wood-fired oven for roughly 90 seconds. Settebello follows these traditional standards, making it fundamentally different from American pizza chains or most local spots using conventional ovens.

 

Q  Is Settebello authentic Neapolitan pizza?

 

Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana focuses on traditional Neapolitan pizza made using methods that originate in Naples, Italy. The pizzas are baked in a wood-fired oven at extremely high temperatures and use classic ingredients such as San Marzano tomatoes and fresh mozzarella. This cooking style creates the soft, thin crust and lightly charred edges that define authentic Neapolitan pizza.

 

Q   Is Settebello good for gluten-free diners?

 

Yes — Settebello is one of the most frequently recommended spots in SLC for gluten-free pizza. They use imported Italian gluten-free flour and a separate oven.

 

However, the restaurant is not a dedicated gluten-free facility, so anyone with severe celiac disease should call ahead to discuss cross-contamination risks with the staff.

 

Q   Do I need a reservation at Settebello?

 

Reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekend evenings. Walk-ins are welcome but the restaurant stays consistently busy. Call ahead at (801) 322-3556 or book online.

 

Q   What are the must-try menu items beyond pizza?

 

The Caprese salad featuring the same imported buffalo mozzarella used on the pizzas is a genuine standout. The house-made meatballs are a crowd favorite. Don't leave without trying the gelato — the tiramisu and coconut flavors are the most praised in customer reviews.

 

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Summary

 

Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana Salt Lake City is widely regarded as one of Utah's most authentic Neapolitan pizza restaurants. Open since 2005 at 260 S 200 W downtown, it was one of the first pizzerias in the U.S. to follow strict AVPN guidelines for true Pizza Napoletana, using a 900-degree wood-fired oven, San Marzano tomatoes, and imported buffalo mozzarella.

 

The menu goes beyond pizza with standout offerings like the Caprese salad, house-made meatballs, and acclaimed gelato. Whether you're a lifelong pizza fan or a newcomer to the Neapolitan style, Settebello is a must-visit on any Salt Lake City dining list.

 

 

Where Is Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana Located?

 

Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana is located at 260 S 200 W in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah, near the intersection of 200 West and Broadway. The restaurant sits next to Red Rock Brewing Company and is a short walk from many downtown hotels, offices, and entertainment venues.

 

📍 260 S 200 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84101 

📞 (801) 322-3556 

🌐 settebello