Searching for the Real Neapolitan Pizza in Vancouver, WA

Vancouver’s food scene usually gets compared to its coffee‑obsessed neighbor across the Columbia River. But when it comes to wood‑fired pizza that tastes like Naples, our city can hold its own. Locals on the “r/vancouverwa” subreddit were recently asked where to find a thin, chewy crust kissed by a blistering wood‑fired oven — and they delivered a treasure trove of suggestions. As a proud pizza nerd and longtime Clark County resident, I couldn’t resist turning that thread into a proper guide. Here’s where to find the best Neapolitan‑style pies in and around Vancouver.

Photo by Pierre-Antoine Caisso on Unsplash

What makes a Neapolitan pizza?

Before we dive into the local favorites, let’s talk about what sets Neapolitan pizza apart. A true Napoli‑style pie isn’t about greasy slices or mountains of toppings — it’s about balance and technique. According to a primer on brick‑oven pizza, Neapolitan pizza is prized for its soft, chewy crust and simple, balanced toppings. The magic comes from baking it in a blisteringly hot brick oven (often around 900 °F) where a pie cooks in about 60–90 seconds. That high heat creates those signature little charred bubbles (known as leoparding) on the crust while keeping the inside moist. For proper flavor the sauce should use San Marzano tomatoes and fresh mozzarella.

Now that you know what we’re looking for, let’s see where to get it.

1. La Sorrentina – the undisputed champion

Address: 3000 SE 164th Ave, Vancouver, WA 98683

Hours: Wednesday–Saturday 12 – 9 PM; Sunday 12 – 8 PM; closed Monday & Tuesday

Reservations: Highly recommended for evenings

Phone: 360‑314‑4447

Locals on Reddit were unanimous: La Sorrentina is the Neapolitan spot. One commenter simply wrote “La sorrentina 100%”, while others chimed in that it’s the only correct answer. Regulars rave that all the food is delicious and that the owners and staff are awesome. It’s so popular you might wait if you just walk in, so call ahead to guarantee a table on busy nights.

La Sorrentina started as a food cart in 2016 when chef Daisuke Matsumoto — raised in his dad’s Italian restaurant in Osaka, trained in Sorrento and now settled in Vancouver — decided to bring authentic Southern Italian food to the Couve. The restaurant is built around a custom wood‑burning oven; you’ll smell the fire as soon as you walk in. The menu rotates, but you can always find the classic Margherita with its bright tomato sauce and fresh mozzarella. They also do seasonal pies and homemade pasta, and they even host occasional cooking classes. The indoor dining room is cozy, while the patio is dog‑friendly. When the servers suggest you order the Sfogliatella for dessert, listen — Chef Daisuke’s favorite Italian pastry is worth the extra carbs.

2. Nonavo Pizza – playful and farm‑driven

Address: 110 W Sixth Street, Vancouver, WA 98660Hours: Tuesday–Saturday 11 AM – 9 PM (or until sold out); closed Sunday & Monday

Happy hour: Daily 5 – 6 PM with $7 Margherita pizzas and $3 drafts

Phone: 360‑843‑9696

Nonavo splits Reddit opinions. Some Vancouverites say they love it more than Sorrentina, calling it their favorite pie in town and praising the lively vibe. Others feel the dough has become a bit too chewy or that the pizzas can come out scorched during busy times. Everyone agrees, however, that Nonavo offers great farm‑driven toppings. The company describes itself as a wood‑fired pizza shop whose menu changes with the seasons and what’s ripe on local farms. They serve salads, pizza and even ice cream, plus beer and wine.

On Tuesdays through Saturdays, Nonavo operates on the “when it’s gone, it’s gone” model; they close once the dough runs out. Their happy hour is a steal — a Margherita and a draft for about ten bucks — making this a great late afternoon stop before heading to a show or the waterfront. If you’re a sauce nerd, try the Tomato Pie: locals swear it delivers more dopamine than any pizza in town.

3. Rally Pizza pop‑up at Victor‑23 Craft Brewing

Address: 2905 St. John’s Blvd, Vancouver, WA 98661

Hours: Tuesday–Thursday 3 – 8 PM; Friday & Saturday 2 – 9 PM; Sunday 2 – 8 PM; closed Monday

Rally Pizza was a beloved pizza joint that closed during the pandemic. In true Vancouver fashion, it didn’t stay gone. Rally is now a permanent pop‑up inside Victor‑23 Craft Brewing. Their website invites guests to “rally with us at our pizza pop‑up” and lists hours for dine‑in, take‑out and delivery. The menu includes Neapolitan‑inspired pies, cheesy bread, salads and bar snacks, plus you get access to all the beers on tap at Victor‑23. While some Redditors point out that Rally’s pies are more of a hybrid than strict Neapolitan and may no longer be wood‑fired, the crust still has nice chew and char and the toppings are creative. If you’re hungry for pizza and craft beer in one spot, this is the play.

Bonus tip: Victor‑23 is also a brewery, so it’s 21+ indoors. Families can sit on the patio, but be ready to bundle up in winter.

Honorable mentions and beyond

·      Ken’s Artisan Pizza (Portland): While not in Vancouver, one commenter noted that Portland’s Ken’s Artisan Pizza was recently ranked among the top 20 pizzas in the world. It’s a 20‑minute drive south and worth it if you’re after a world‑class pie.

·      Victor 23 Brewing & Non‑Neapolitan favorites: Some people love Victor 22 (yes, there’s a Victor 22 bar) for its vibe even if the pizza isn’t strictly Neapolitan. For New York or Detroit style, check out places like The Hungry Sasquatch, Crust Collective or Ranch Pizza — but that’s a topic for another post.

Quick comparison

Pizzeria	Style & highlights	Why locals love/hate it
La Sorrentina	Strict Neapolitan: soft, chewy crust, leopard‑spotted char; wood‑burning oven	Chef Daisuke’s passion and hospitality, incredible food[10]; always busy so expect a wait & make reservations
Nonavo Pizza	Farm‑driven wood‑fired pies with changing seasonal toppings; happy hour deals	Fans love the vibe and creative toppings; critics complain about occasional chewiness/char
Rally Pizza pop‑up	Hybrid style in a brewery setting; pop‑up inside Victor‑23 Craft Brewing	Great pizza‑and‑beer combo; not strictly Neapolitan and not always wood‑fired

If you’re craving that classic Naples experience — a thin, chewy crust with little char blisters and bright tomato sauce — La Sorrentina should be your first stop. The community agrees it’s the best Neapolitan pizza in Vancouver and arguably in the whole metro area. Nonavo is a close second and worth visiting for its creative farm‑to‑table menu and killer happy hour, especially if you like a more experimental vibe. Rally Pizza is the comeback kid, bringing its hybrid pies back to life in a brewery. Whichever spot you choose, embrace the spirit of Neapolitan pizza: simplicity, quality ingredients and that satisfying char from a blistering hot oven. See you out there, pizza lovers!