Family owned and operated since the early 1900's, this is thick-crusted pizza at its best. Da Ricci's started as a wine store and then grew into one of the city's favorite pizzerias. Salads and desserts are also a part of the fare.

TRASTEVERE. Where do you find a bit of Naples in Rome? If it's pizza, the soft and thick pie type, Da Vittorio in the heart of Trastevere is the stop you should make. The owner prides himself on being special, so the Vittorio (fresh tomato, basil, mozzarella, and Parmesan) is a must. Pasta, antipasti, and salads are also on the menu. Decor is very Italian in this small but popular spot, which includes lots of Neapolitan memorabilia. Or, choose outdoor dining, but you might have a wait.

In a small street off the happening Trastevere neighborhood, Dar Poeta specializes in a 100% natural and yeast-free slow-rise pizza, which is exceptionally digestible. The toppings are traditional, as well as eclectic, like apple and Grand Marnier. The service can verge on gruff, in the best Roman fashion, and the bill's scrawled on the brown-paper covering the table. But the atmosphere's jolly, even in long queues outside (no reservations).

Named after a wine, this is one of Rome's most traditional pizzerias with an alluring if rather faded art nouveau interior. Family owned and operated, the restaurant has been serving thick-crusted pizza cooked in a pan (unique in Rome) since the 1930s. Popular for its calzoni ripieni (stuffed pizza). METRO: Republica; BUS: Via Nazionale

PRATI. In the residential Prati district (north of the Vatican), this place is a favorite with Romans for the high-quality pizza and fried antipasti. The pizza alle verdure (with vegetables) is one of the best in town, and the others are memorable too. Don't get disheartened by the queues; the venue is large and the service very efficient. The closest metro stop is Ottaviano-San Pietro. Closed August.