This is a guide to the most famous food from Naples Italy, along with traditional drinks and the best restaurants and coffee bars in Naples too. From the iconic Neapolitan pizza to irresistible pasta, seafood, desserts, and drinks, you are sure to have a culinary feast in Naples!
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Hello 👋 I’m Hazel, a chef-turned-blogger from England, UK. I have eaten my way through Naples, Italy, and tried pretty much every item on this list – and enjoyed every second!
Food from Naples Italy.
I have split this guide into 10 sections of food and drink from Naples. You can use the table of contents above, or use these quick links below to navigate through the article.
- Pizza in Naples Italy.
- Street food from Naples Italy.
- Seafood from Naples.
- Pasta from Naples.
- Sweet treats from Naples.
- Coffee in Naples.
- Drinks in Naples.
- Food markets in Naples.
- Food tours in Naples.
- Famous restaurants in Naples Italy.
- Best coffee bars in Naples Italy.
- Map of restaurants and coffee bars in Naples Italy.
Further reading: Naples Travel Guide: Tips for Visiting Napoli, Italy.
1. Pizza in Naples.
Any list of food from Naples Italy has to start with pizza. The most famous and traditional pizza in Naples is the Neapolitan pizza, often referred to as Pizza Napoletana. Neapolitan pizza is known for its simple yet delicious ingredients and traditional preparation methods.
Here are some characteristics of Neapolitan pizza:
Thin, soft crust: Neapolitan pizza has a thin and soft crust that is slightly charred and blistered from the intense heat of a wood-fired oven.
San Marzano Tomatoes: Neapolitan pizza is typically topped with San Marzano tomatoes, a variety of plum tomatoes grown in the volcanic soil of the Campania region.
Mozzarella di Bufala: The classic topping for Neapolitan pizza is fresh Mozzarella di Bufala, a type of mozzarella cheese made from the milk of water buffaloes.
Basil: A few leaves of fresh basil are commonly added to Neapolitan pizza as a garnish.
Olive Oil: Neapolitan pizza is drizzled with extra-virgin olive oil.
Neapolitan pizza is known for its simplicity and focus on high-quality ingredients. It is typically cooked quickly at a high temperature, which results in a pizza that is soft and slightly charred.
The Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (AVPN) is an organisation that certifies pizzerias worldwide that adhere to the strict guidelines and techniques of making authentic Neapolitan pizza.
2. Street food in Naples.
You can’t sample food from Naples Italy without trying its famous street food!
Some popular street food items include:
Sfogliatella: This sweet and flaky pastry comes in two varieties: “sfogliatella riccia” (crispy and layered) and “sfogliatella frolla” (shortcrust pastry filled with ricotta cream).
Pizza fritta: Similar to a calzone, this is a deep-fried pizza filled with ingredients like ricotta, salami, or mozzarella.
Arancini: Fried rice balls typically stuffed with ragù (meat sauce), mozzarella, and peas.
Pizza Margherita: While pizza is typically associated with sit-down restaurants, Naples is the birthplace of pizza, and you can find authentic, mouthwatering slices from street vendors.
Frittatina: Frittatina, or Frittatine di Pasta, is a deep-fried pasta croquette. It is made by combining leftover pasta with cheese, eggs, and sometimes ragu or ham, shaping it into a ball, coating it in breadcrumbs, and frying it until golden and crispy.
Cuoppo: Cuoppo is a cone-shaped paper filled with a variety of fried items, such as seafood, arancini (rice balls), croquettes, potato croquettes, and more.
3. Seafood in Naples.
Being a coastal city, Naples boasts a fantastic selection of fresh seafood dishes.
Frittura di paranza: A mixed seafood platter featuring a variety of small fried fish and shellfish, such as shrimp, calamari, and small fish, served with a squeeze of lemon.
Grilled or oven-baked fish: Fresh fish, such as sea bream or sea bass, seasoned with herbs, lemon, and olive oil, and cooked on a grill or in the oven.
Alici marinate: Marinated fresh anchovies dressed with olive oil, garlic, parsley, and lemon juice.
Spaghetti alle vongole: Spaghetti with clams, garlic, and olive oil
Pezzogna al forno: Also referred to as Pagellus bogaraveo or common dentex, a type of fish commonly found in the Mediterranean Sea. It has a firm and flavourful flesh that lends itself well to baking.
4. Traditional pasta in Naples.
Naples is home to several pasta dishes that showcase the region’s culinary heritage.
Some must-try pasta dishes include:
Spaghetti alla nerano: Spaghetti tossed with zucchini, grated cheese, and basil.
Parmigiana di melanzane: Layers of fried eggplant, tomato sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, baked in the oven.
Polpette: Meatballs made with a combination of beef, pork, breadcrumbs, and herbs, served in a rich tomato sauce and accompanied by pasta or crusty bread.
Spaghetti alle vongole: Spaghetti tossed with clams cooked, garlic, olive oil, white wine, and sometimes tomatoes.
Pasta alla genovese: Pasta (usually rigatoni) topped with a slow-cooked sauce made from onions, beef, and sometimes pork.
Pasta e patate: A comforting pasta and potato soup typically made with short pasta shapes, potatoes, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and herbs.
Paccheri alla genovese: Paccheri pasta tubes served with the Genovese sauce—a slow-cooked ragu made from onions, beef, and aromatic herbs.
Linguine alle alici: Linguine pasta tossed with fresh anchovies, garlic, olive oil, and chilli flakes.
Lasagna Napoletana: A hearty baked pasta dish consisting of layers of pasta sheets, meat ragu, mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, and Parmesan.
Further reading: 2 day Itinerary for Naples Italy.
5. Sweet treats in Naples.
Naples is famous for its delightful desserts and pastries.
Babà: Sponge cake soaked in a rum-infused syrup. It is typically served with whipped cream on top.
Pastiera Napoletana: Traditional Neapolitan Easter cake made with a ricotta and wheat berry filling, candied orange peel and orange blossom water.
Zeppole di San Giuseppe: Deep-fried dough balls or pastry shells filled with sweet ricotta cream, topped with a cherry or candied fruit. Typically enjoyed on the Feast of St. Joseph (March 19th).
Struffoli: Small, deep-fried dough balls coated in honey and sprinkled with colourful nonpareils or other toppings. They are often shaped into a mound or wreath-like arrangement during festive occasions.
Torta Caprese: Flourless chocolate and almond cake from the island of Capri near Naples. It has a rich, dense texture and is often dusted with powdered sugar.
Delizia al Limone: Lemon-flavoured sponge cake filled with lemon-infused pastry cream.
A word about Neapolitan ice cream.
Contrary to popular belief, Neapolitan ice cream is not from Naples Italy! See Naples food faqs below for more details.
6. Coffee in Naples.
In Naples, coffee is an integral part of the local culture, and you’ll find a variety of traditional coffee options available.
Here are some popular coffee choices in Naples:
Espresso: Espresso is the foundation of Italian coffee culture, and Naples is no exception. It is a concentrated shot of strong black coffee brewed by forcing hot water under high pressure through finely ground coffee beans.
Caffè Macchiato: A caffè macchiato is an espresso “stained” with a small amount of steamed milk or milk foam. It provides a touch of creaminess to the strong espresso flavour.
Caffè Marocchino: A combination of espresso, cocoa powder, and frothy milk. It is typically served in a glass and has a layered appearance.
Caffè Freddo: Caffè freddo is a chilled coffee beverage perfect for hot summer days. It is made by shaking or blending espresso with ice and sometimes sweeteners or milk.
Caffè Shakerato: Similar to caffè freddo, a caffè shakerato is an iced coffee drink made by vigorously shaking espresso, ice cubes, and sometimes sugar syrup in a cocktail shaker. It results in a frothy coffee beverage.
Caffè con Panna: Caffè con panna is espresso topped with a generous dollop of whipped cream. It adds a creamy and indulgent touch to the strong coffee flavour.
Caffè Corretto: Caffè corretto is an espresso “corrected” with a small amount of liqueur, such as grappa, sambuca, or anisette. It is often enjoyed as a digestif after a meal.
Coffee bars in Naples
Naples takes its coffee seriously, and you’ll find numerous coffee bars and cafes throughout the city. Visit historic coffee houses like Caffè Gambrinus or Caffè Mexico to savour a perfect cup of Italian coffee. See section below for recommended coffee bars in Naples.
Don’t forget to try a caffè sospeso, a tradition where you pay for an extra coffee for someone less fortunate to enjoy later.
7. Drinks in Naples.
Here are some noteworthy drinks to try with your food from Naples:
Limoncello: Naples is famous for producing the vibrant and refreshing Limoncello liqueur. Made from the zest of local lemons, Limoncello is typically served as a digestif, served ice-cold to cleanse the palate after a hearty meal. Also famous in Sorrento.
Coffee specialties: Interesting coffees include Caffè Shakerato, a chilled espresso shaken with ice and sugar until frothy, and Caffè Corretto, where a shot of espresso is “corrected” with a splash of your preferred liqueur, such as Sambuca or Grappa.
Craft beer: Naples has witnessed a surge in craft beer culture in recent years, with local breweries offering a wide range of artisanal brews. There are craft beer bars and breweries, such as Birrificio della Corte, where you can sample a variety of beers.
Regional wines: Campania, the region surrounding Naples, has a rich viticultural heritage. You can try regional wines like Aglianico, Falanghina, and Greco di Tufo, which pair perfectly with the local cuisine. Explore enotecas (wine bars) or visit wineries in nearby areas like the famous vineyards of Avellino or the picturesque Amalfi Coast.
9. Food tours in Naples.
This section of my guide to food from Naples is dedicated to popular tours provided by the tour operator website Viator.
Cooking class in a historic Naples restaurant. Small-group pasta making workshop in Naples. Make tagliatelle, ravioli, ragu and try different cheeses and meats.
Small group pizza making class. Join a professional “pizzaiolo” (pizza chef) at one of the oldest pizzerias in the city to roll out your dough, top it with fresh local ingredients, and bake it in a wood-burning oven.
Streaty – the unfiltered street food tour of Naples. Extremely popular street food tour in the Spanish Quarter of Naples. All food and drink (including wine) included.
The 10 tastings of Naples. A private half-day food tour where your guide will take you to 10 different places in Naples for tastings, including drinks such as limoncello.
Scenic e-bike ride with vineyard wine and lunch. E-bike tour through the scenic Phlegrean Fields just outside the city, with hotel pickup, wine tasting and lunch on the shores of Lake Averno.
Culinary secrets of backstreet Naples with Culinary Backstreets. Wander the city’s historic backstreets and sample some of the best dishes Naples has to offer, from traditional pastries to the finest pizza in the world!
10. Famous restaurants in Naples.
Naples is home to a wide range of renowned restaurants. From traditional trattorias to fine dining establishments, here are some famous restaurants in Naples that are worth a visit:
1. Da Michele
Located in the heart of Naples, Da Michele is an iconic pizzeria that has been serving Neapolitan pizza since 1870. Known for its simple menu and traditional Margherita and Marinara pizzas, Da Michele attracts both locals and tourists seeking an authentic pizza experience.
📍Da Michele Via Cesare Sersale, 1, 80139 Napoli NA, Italy.
2. Antica Pizzeria Port’Alba
With a history dating back to 1738, Antica Pizzeria Port’Alba is regarded as one of the oldest pizzerias in Naples. It has a charming atmosphere and delicious pizzas cooked in a wood-fired oven, including classic Margherita and specialties like the “Montanara” (fried pizza).
📍Antica Pizzeria Port’Alba Via Port’Alba, 18, 80134 Napoli NA, Italy.
3. Tandem
Tandem is a popular trattoria known for its hearty dishes. The menu features Neapolitan classics like pasta with ragù, fried zucchini blossoms, and a variety of meat and seafood dishes.
📍Tandem Via Paladino Giovanni, 51, 80138 Napoli NA, Italy.
4. Osteria da Carmela
Located in the historic centre of Naples, Osteria da Carmela is a beloved restaurant serving traditional Neapolitan cuisine. From homemade pasta dishes to fresh seafood and meat specialties.
📍Osteria da Carmela Piazza Dante, 11, 80134 Napoli NA, Italy.
5. Il Comandante
Situated on the 10th floor of the Romeo Hotel, Il Comandante is a Michelin-starred restaurant that offers breathtaking views of the Bay of Naples. The menu features contemporary Mediterranean cuisine with a focus on local ingredients and innovative flavour combinations.
📍Il Comandante, Via Cristoforo Colombo, 45, 80133 Napoli NA, Italy
6. Palazzo Petrucci
Located in a historic building in the heart of Naples, Palazzo Petrucci is a fine dining restaurant known for its refined atmosphere and exquisite cuisine. The menu showcases traditional Neapolitan flavours with a modern twist.
📍Palazzo Petrucci, Piazza San Domenico Maggiore, 4, 80134 Napoli NA, Italy
7. Il Piastrato
Situated in the picturesque neighbourhood of Posillipo, Il Piastrato offers a dining experience with a stunning view of the Gulf of Naples. The restaurant specialises in seafood dishes prepared with the freshest catch of the day.
📍Il Piastrato Via Posillipo, 93, 80123 Napoli NA, Italy
These are just a few of the famous restaurants in Naples that showcase Naples food, and the best of Italian food too.
Tip: postcodes in Italy are known as CAP (Codice di Avviamento Postale). The “NA” in the addresses refers to the province of Naples.
11. Best coffee bars in Naples.
Naples has a popular coffee culture, and there are several renowned coffee bars where you can experience the city’s rich coffee traditions.
Here are some popular coffee bars in Naples:
1. Gran Caffè Gambrinus
Located near Piazza del Plebiscito, Gran Caffè Gambrinus is an iconic historical café. It has been serving coffee since 1860 and offers a wide selection of coffee beverages, pastries, and desserts.
📍Gran Caffè Gambrinus Via Chiaia, 1-2, 80121 Naples, Italy.
2. Caffè Mexico
Situated in the heart of Naples, Caffè Mexico is a historic coffee bar that has been serving Neapolitans since 1930. It is renowned for its excellent espresso and classic Italian coffee preparations.
📍Caffè Mexico Piazza Dante, 89, 80134 Naples, Italy.
3. Antico Caffè del Professore
Tucked away in the narrow streets of the historic centre, Antico Caffè del Professore is a charming café known for its artisanal coffee blends and unique coffee creations. They specialise in flavoured coffees, such as hazelnut and cinnamon-infused varieties.
📍Caffè del Professore Via dei Tribunali, 33, 80138 Naples, Italy.
4. Scaturchio
Scaturchio is a historic pastry shop and café known for its traditional Neapolitan pastries and exceptional coffee. It’s a great spot to enjoy a rich espresso alongside delicious local sweets like sfogliatella and babà.
📍Scaturchio Piazza San Domenico Maggiore, 19, 80134 Naples, Italy.
Map of Naples restaurants and coffee bars.
The following Google map shows the locations of the restaurants serving the best food in Naples! To use the map, click the blue icons to see more information about each place. Click the star to add to your own Google Maps.
Further reading: 10 Unique and Unusual Things to do in Naples.
FAQs about food from Naples Italy.
Here are some common frequently asked questions about food from Naples, Italy.
Q: What is the traditional dish of Naples?
A: The traditional dish of Naples is undoubtedly Neapolitan pizza. It is characterised by a thin and soft crust, topped with fresh tomato sauce, buffalo mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil. This dish is integral to food culture in Naples, and you can also get fried pizza too.
Q: What makes Neapolitan pizza so special?
A: Neapolitan pizza is special because it originated in Naples and is made using specific techniques and ingredients. The pizza dough is hand-kneaded and left to rise slowly, resulting in a soft and chewy crust. The use of San Marzano tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, and fresh basil adds to the distinct flavours of the pizza. A street food version is the pizza fritta.
Q: Are there vegetarian and vegan options for food in Naples?
A: Yes, Naples offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan options. Many pizzerias and restaurants offer vegetarian pizzas with toppings like fresh vegetables, mushrooms, and cheeses. Additionally, you can find vegan-friendly dishes like pasta with tomato sauce, vegetable risotto, and salads with locally sourced produce.
Q: What are some must-try seafood dishes in Naples?
A: Naples is known for its excellent seafood. Some must-try seafood dishes include spaghetti alle vongole (pasta with clams), frittura di paranza (a mixed seafood platter), cuoppo friggitori Napoletani and grilled or oven-baked whole fish, such as sea bream or sea bass.
Q: Are there any food markets worth visiting in Naples?
A: Yes, Naples is home to several vibrant food markets. Mercato di Porta Nolana and Mercato di Pignasecca are popular choices where you can find a wide variety of fresh produce, seafood, meats, and local specialties. These markets offer a lively atmosphere and a chance to experience the daily life of locals as well as the authentic food from Naples Italy.
Q: What are some popular dessert foods from Naples?
A: Italian cuisine is known for its delectable desserts. Some popular choices in Naples include sfogliatella (a flaky pastry filled with sweet ricotta cheese), baba (a small yeast cake soaked in rum or limoncello syrup), and pastiera Napoletana (a traditional Easter cake made with ricotta and wheat berries).
Q: What are the typical breakfast foods from Naples?
A: In Naples (and across southern Italy), a typical breakfast often consists of a coffee, such as espresso or cappuccino, paired with a pastry like a cornetto (similar to a croissant) or a sfogliatella.
Q: Is Neapolitan ice cream a food from Naples Italy?
A; No, Neapolitan ice cream is not originally from Naples, Italy. Despite its name, Neapolitan ice cream does not have a direct connection to Naples. It is believed to have been created in the United States in the late 19th century. The term “Neapolitan” in this context refers to the combination of flavours rather than its geographic origin.
Q: Is it customary to tip in restaurants in Naples?
A: In Italy, including Naples, tipping is not as common or expected as it is in some other countries, such as the United States. However, it has become more common for tourists to leave a small tip as a gesture of appreciation for good service.
While some Italians may not expect or anticipate a tip, they generally appreciate the gesture if it is given. It is important to note that tipping should be voluntary and based on your satisfaction with the service received. If you choose to leave a tip, rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount, such as 5-10% of the total, is generally considered appropriate.
Ultimately, the decision to tip or not is up to your discretion and comfort level. If you feel that the service was exceptional or you want to show gratitude, a small tip can be offered. However, if you choose not to tip, it is unlikely to cause offence or be considered rude.
Q: What are some local drinks to try with the food from Naples Italy?
A: Some local drinks to try in Naples include Limoncello, a refreshing lemon liqueur, and regional wines such as Aglianico, Falanghina, and Greco di Tufo, which pair well with the local cuisine and food from Naples Italy.
Q: Can I find gluten-free options in Naples?
A: Yes, many restaurants and pizzerias in Naples offer gluten-free options, including gluten-free pizza crust and pasta made from alternative flours like rice or corn. It’s always advisable to inform the staff about your dietary restrictions or preferences to ensure a suitable meal.
Q: Where is the Naples restaurant where Julia Roberts ate pizza in the film ‘Eat Pray Love’?
The restaurant where Julia Roberts’ character dines in the movie “Eat Pray Love” is called L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele. However, it’s important to note that the actual scenes in the movie were filmed in a replica of the restaurant in the United States, not the original location in Naples. The address of the original L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele in Naples is:
📍 L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele: Via Cesare Sersale, 1, 80139 Napoli NA, Italy.
While the original restaurant in Naples may not be the exact filming location, it is still a renowned and popular pizzeria known for its delicious Neapolitan pizza.
Q: Where can I learn to make traditional Neapolitan dishes?
A: Naples offers several cooking classes and culinary workshops where you can learn to make food from Naples Italy, including pizza, neapolitan ragu, spaghetti alla puttanesca and pasta alla genovese. The food from Naples is very different to the food from, say, Rome.
Pin for later – food from Naples, Italy.
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Related reading – food from Naples Italy.
Below are some further posts related to this article about food from Naples.
A Naples Itinerary: 2 Days in Naples, Italy.
Naples travel Guide: Tips for Visiting Napoli
15 of the Best Things to do in Naples Italy.
10 Unique & Unusual Things to do in Naples, Italy.
10 Best Day trips from Naples, Italy.
Amalfi Coast Planned Road Trip Itinerary
Thank you for reading my post about food from Naples Italy. I hope it has helped you to plan your trip to Naples.
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