From a small kitchen in Naples to Brooklyn's most beloved pizzeria — a 37-year story of family, tradition, and the perfect pizza.
It started with a dream, a worn leather suitcase, and Nonna Rosa's recipe book.
In 1987, a 28-year-old Giuseppe Napoli stepped off a plane at JFK with $800 in his pocket and an unshakeable belief that Brooklyn deserved authentic Neapolitan pizza. He had learned the craft from his grandfather in Naples, spending every afternoon after school kneading dough and learning the secrets of San Marzano tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella.
He found a small storefront on Maple Street in Brooklyn and opened Napoli's Pizzeria with four tables and a second-hand oven. Word spread quickly. Within a month, there were lines out the door. Within a year, he had to expand to fit the growing Brooklyn family that had adopted his little pizzeria as their own.
Today, 37 years later, Giuseppe's daughter Maria and his grandson Antonio continue the tradition. The recipes haven't changed. The love hasn't changed. Only the queues have gotten longer.
Giuseppe Napoli opens the first location at 142 Maple Street with just four tables and a second-hand oven. The first week, he sold 47 pizzas.
Featured in Brooklyn Eagle as "Brooklyn's Hidden Gem." Lines began forming before opening time. Giuseppe hired his first three employees.
Expanded to a larger kitchen and installed our signature Valoriani wood-fired oven, imported from Italy. The flavor transformed overnight.
Won the Brooklyn Restaurant Association's top honor for the first time. Giuseppe wept. The team celebrated with free pizza for the entire block.
Launched our delivery service with a fleet of three bikes. Within a year, we were delivering to over 500 addresses weekly across Brooklyn.
Added handmade pasta, calzones, desserts, and a curated wine list. Antonio Rossi joined as Executive Chef, bringing 20 years of Italian culinary experience.
Launched online ordering and curbside pickup during the pandemic. Provided thousands of free meals to healthcare workers and vulnerable Brooklyn families.
Opened our Williamsburg location on Bedford Avenue, bringing authentic Napoli's pizza to a new Brooklyn neighborhood. Same recipes, same love.
Two locations, 45 team members, and over 500 happy customers every day. The recipes still haven't changed. And they never will.
Three principles that guide everything we do, from sourcing ingredients to welcoming every guest
We never compromise on ingredients. San Marzano tomatoes from Italy, buffalo mozzarella from Campania, and vegetables from local Brooklyn farms — every ingredient is chosen with care. If it isn't fresh, it doesn't go on your pizza.
Napoli's has always been a family business, and we treat our team, our customers, and our community as family. Many of our staff have been with us for over a decade. When you walk through our door, you're family too.
Brooklyn gave us everything. We give back through school fundraisers, local sponsorships, and our "Feed the Neighborhood" program that donates meals to those in need. We're proud to be part of this community.
Every great pizza starts with great people. Meet the passionate team who make it all happen.
Founder & Head Pizzaiolo
Giuseppe learned pizza-making in Naples at age 12, apprenticing under his grandfather. He brought those secrets to Brooklyn in 1987 and has been perfecting his craft ever since. Still comes in every morning at 6 AM to start the dough.
"Pizza is not just food. It is memory, love, and community on a plate."
Co-Founder & Business Director
Giuseppe's wife Maria joined the business in 1990 and transformed a beloved pizza joint into a sustainable, growing brand. Her warmth and sharp business sense are the backbone of everything Napoli's has become.
"Every customer who leaves happy is our greatest achievement."
Executive Chef
Antonio brings 20 years of Italian culinary experience including stints at Michelin-starred restaurants in Rome and Florence. He joined in 2015 and developed our expanded pasta and dessert menu while respecting the original pizza traditions.
"Tradition is the starting point, not the destination."
Creative Director & Digital Head
Sofia modernized Napoli's identity for the digital age without losing its soul. She designed our online presence, launched the loyalty app, and manages our social media — which has grown to 40K+ followers across platforms.
"Great pizza deserves great storytelling. That's what I try to do."
Our work has been recognized by critics, publications, and food lovers alike
"The standard by which all Brooklyn pizza should be judged."
— NY Magazine, 2022
"Best pizza in Brooklyn, hands down! The Diavola is absolutely life-changing — perfectly spicy with that incredible wood-fired crust. We come every single weekend."— Maria G., Park Slope · Customer since 2018
"We order every Friday night without fail. Our kids refuse to eat pizza anywhere else — they call other places 'fake pizza.' High praise from tough critics."— The Johnson Family, Brooklyn Heights · Customer since 2015
"As an Italian chef, I'm very particular. Napoli's is the real deal — proper fermented dough, DOP tomatoes, authentic technique. It genuinely reminds me of Naples."— Chef Antonio R., Williamsburg · Customer since 2019
"We chose Napoli's for our wedding rehearsal dinner and it was perfect. Giuseppe personally made our pizzas and the whole team went above and beyond. Unforgettable."— Sarah & Mike T., DUMBO · Customer since 2012