Authentic Neapolitan Pizza in Incheon
If you are traveling to Incheon, South Korea, and want to experience authentic Neapolitan pizza, there is a hidden gem inside Sinpo International Market that you should not miss: Jacob’s Pizzeria.
Discovering Real Italian Pizza in Korea
Although pizza originated in Italy, many of us first encountered American-style pizza—thick crust, heavy cheese, and bold flavors. Because of that, Italian pizza can feel unfamiliar at first, much like how Italians might react when they see an iced Americano for the first time.
Unlike global pizza chains, Neapolitan pizza is baked in a wood-fired oven, resulting in a lighter, less greasy taste with a soft yet chewy crust. For a while, wood-fired pizza became popular in Korea, but due to the cost and effort of maintaining traditional ovens, it gradually became harder to find.
That nostalgic craving for authentic pizza came back after watching Pani Bottle’s Italy travel series, where he visited Rome and Naples with other Korean creators and mentioned the world’s best pizza in Naples. While traveling to Italy immediately wasn’t an option, the next best thing appeared unexpectedly in Incheon.
Jacob’s Pizzeria in Sinpo Market
While walking through Sinpo International Market, I came across Jacob’s Pizzeria by chance.
The name itself explains the concept:
- Pizza + eria = Pizzeria (a restaurant specializing in pizza)
At the entrance, Blue Ribbon and Red Ribbon stickers immediately caught my attention—clear signs that this place is well recognized for its quality.
Inside the Restaurant
The restaurant is cozy rather than spacious, and several tables were already occupied. Since I had already eaten, I decided to take out instead of dining in.
The menu greets you with the Italian word “Ciao”, a casual greeting meaning both hello and goodbye. It instantly sets an Italian tone.
Interestingly, the menu explains that in Italy, pizza is often ordered one pizza per person, similar to how Koreans might order one bowl of soup per person. It made me wonder if I could really finish an entire pizza alone.
Since I was ordering takeout, I chose two pizzas.
Menu & Prices
Rucola Ricotta (Signature / Best Seller) – 18,000 KRW
Toppings: Tomato sauce, mozzarella, ricotta, arugula, cherry tomatoes, black olives, walnuts, balsamic glaze
This pizza looked especially generous compared to typical arugula pizzas. The toppings were fresh, colorful, and abundant.
Mortadella Burrata – 24,000 KRW
Toppings: Mozzarella, mortadella, burrata cheese, walnuts, black pepper, lemon zest
- Mortadella: A traditional Italian sausage made from finely ground pork with spices
- Burrata: A soft Italian cheese made from mozzarella filled with fresh cream
This pizza focuses on the contrast between savory ham and rich, creamy cheese.
Total: 42,000 KRW
Authentic Italian Ingredients
While waiting, I noticed photos on the wall showing visits from notable figures, including Italian TV personality Alberto Mondi and even the Italian Ambassador to Korea.
Jacob’s Pizzeria uses Caputo flour, imported directly from Italy. Caputo is widely known as a premium flour specifically made for Neapolitan pizza, which reassured me about the authenticity.
Takeout Extras
If you leave a Naver review, the restaurant gives you a scratch lottery ticket. Mine wasn’t a winner, but someone might enjoy a little extra fun with their pizza.
They also include pickled radish, which isn’t traditional in Italy but feels comforting and familiar for Korean customers.
Taste Review
Because the pizzas were eaten at home, they had cooled down by the time I tried them. At first, the flavor didn’t stand out dramatically.
However, after reheating them in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute, the difference was clear—the pizzas tasted significantly better. This made me curious how incredible they must be fresh from the wood-fired oven inside the restaurant.
Compared to American-style pizza, the crust is thinner and lighter, making one pizza per person feel realistic—though you might need the appetite of someone who can eat two or three bowls of rice.
If two people are visiting and two pizzas feel like too much, a good option would be:
- 1 pizza + 1 salad
Practical Information for Travelers
Restaurant Name: Jacob’s Pizzeria
Address: 29, Uhyeon-ro 45beon-gil, Jung-gu, Incheon, South Korea
Location: Sinpo International Market
Final Thoughts
If you are a foreign tourist visiting Korea, especially Incheon, and want to try real Neapolitan pizza, Jacob’s Pizzeria is a rare and satisfying find. It’s a perfect stop while exploring Sinpo Market, offering a taste of Italy in a traditional Korean market setting.
Highly recommended for pizza lovers seeking something authentic beyond typical chain restaurants.
