Marco Zanna shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Marco, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
If I had to choose between intelligence, energy, and integrity, integrity would come first.
With integrity, intelligence is guided toward good decisions, and energy is channeled productively and ethically.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
From Napoli to Miami: Bringing the Neapolitan Fried Calzone to the Streets with Marco Zanna
MIAMI, FL – A Taste of Naples Hits the Magic City
The vibrant streets of Miami are no strangers to bold flavors, sizzling spices, and rich cultural fusions—but now, there’s a new street food sensation making waves on the culinary scene: the Neapolitan Fried Calzone, a golden, crispy, flavor-packed delicacy from the heart of Naples, Italy. And it’s all thanks to Marco Zanna, the passionate founder of Best From Italy LLC, who’s on a mission to introduce authentic Italian street food to South Florida.
A Culinary Journey from Naples to Miami
Born and raised in Rome, Italy, Marco Zanna grew up immersed in a culinary tradition where food is not just a meal but a celebration. “In Italy, food is part of our identity. It’s how we connect, how we express love, and how we celebrate life,” Zanna shares.
One of his fondest childhood memories? Watching his nonna prepare calzoni fritti—deep-fried pizza pockets stuffed with ricotta, mozzarella, salami, and tomatoes—like the one served hot and bubbling on the streets of Naples.
Years later, after moving to the United States and settling in Miami, Zanna saw an opportunity: to bring a slice of Naples to the diverse, fast-paced, and food-loving streets of South Florida.
What Is a Neapolitan Fried Calzone?
If you’ve never had a Neapolitan fried calzone, you’re in for a treat. This southern Italian classic is essentially a pizza turned inside-out and deep-fried to golden perfection. Unlike its baked cousin, the fried calzone has a crispy exterior that gives way to a molten, savory interior—often filled with traditional ingredients like ricotta cheese, fior di latte mozzarella, San Marzano tomatoes, and spicy salami.
“It’s comfort food with soul,” Zanna explains. “Crispy, cheesy, slightly tangy—and totally addictive.”
Street Food with Authentic Italian Roots
Through Best From Italy LLC, Zanna is committed to preserving the authenticity of Italian ingredients and cooking methods. His team sources key products directly from Italy—flour from Naples, San Marzano tomatoes from Campania, and the typical cheeses for the original recipe. Even the frying technique has been refined to replicate the crispiness you’d find on the streets of Napoli.
What sets Zanna’s venture apart is the hybrid of pop-up street food energy with artisanal quality. His fried calzones have debuted at food truck events, Italian festivals, University of Miami and farmers’ markets around Miami, quickly becoming a hit among both Italian expats and curious locals.
“We’re not reinventing the wheel—we’re just introducing Miami to a food that’s beloved in Italy but still under-the-radar here,” he says.
The Future of Italian Street Food in Miami
With growing buzz around his fried calzone, Marco Zanna has big plans. To expanding his food truck operations, he’s looking for more locations where introducing Neapolitan street food staples such as fried calzoni, pizza a portafoglio (folded street pizza), cuoppo (paper cones of fried seafood or vegetables), and more.
“Miami is the perfect city for this. It’s lively, open to new cultures, and already has a huge love for Italian food. We’re just taking it to the next level—more authentic, more street-style, more Napoli.”
Zanna also envisions collaborations with local chefs, cooking classes on traditional Neapolitan techniques, and even guided food tours that bring the essence of Naples to Florida.
Where to Find Best From Italy LLC
Best From Italy LLC Catering Division, regularly announces its pop-up locations and event schedules via Instagram (@bfibfycatering) and the company’s website http://www.bestfromitaly.us . Whether you’re strolling through Wynwood, attending a weekend market in Key Biscayne, or visiting a local food truck festival, keep an eye out for the unmistakable aroma of freshly fried calzoni wafting through the air.
Because sometimes, all it takes is one bite to be transported straight to the sun-drenched streets of Naples.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I have always been myself with my integrity. Everything I do, I do with passion.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Good job! Keep up, never give up and go for the win!
I always thought that it is very important to be motivated in your life, it helps to push and reach your goals.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
Truth.
Not just factual accuracy, but truth as a cultural value — honesty and transparency.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I would like people to remember me as someone who stood firm in truth, who didn’t bend for convenience or sell out for approval.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bestfromitaly.us/catering
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bfibfy/catering/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bestfromitaly
