Naples, the birthplace of pizza, is a city where food isn’t just something you eat—it’s an experience, a culture, and a tradition. Having spent time exploring this vibrant city, I can confidently say that Naples offers an unrivaled food scene, where every corner promises something delicious and authentic. From world-famous pizza to delectable pastries, Naples is a city for food lovers. This guide takes you through some of the city’s best eateries, must-try dishes, and where to find them.
1. Pizza Napoletana: A Must-Try in the Birthplace of Pizza
When most people think of Naples, they think of pizza. As the birthplace of this beloved dish, the city is home to some of the world’s best pizza. The secret lies in the ingredients and tradition. Neapolitan pizza is characterized by a soft, thin crust, topped with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil. The pizza is cooked in a wood-fired oven at high temperatures, creating a deliciously crisp yet chewy crust.
Best Pizzerias in Naples:
- L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele: Arguably the most famous pizzeria in Naples, L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele has been serving up its classic Margherita and Marinara pizzas since 1870. The place is often packed, but it’s definitely worth the wait. The simplicity of the pizza—just mozzarella, tomato, basil, and a perfectly charred crust—lets the ingredients shine. Located at Via Cesare Sersale, 1, it’s a must-visit for anyone in Naples.
- Sorbillo: Another institution in Naples, Sorbillo is a pizzeria that attracts both locals and tourists. The pizzas here are mouthwatering, with a great balance between the crust, sauce, and toppings. You can opt for the traditional Margherita, or try their creative options. Located at Via dei Tribunali, 32, Sorbillo is a place that embodies the Neapolitan pizza culture.
- Di Matteo: Situated in the heart of the city, Di Matteo is a great spot to enjoy pizza in a lively atmosphere. In addition to their classic pizzas, they also serve pizza by the slice, which is perfect for a quick bite while exploring the historic center. Don’t forget to try their deep-fried pizza—another Neapolitan innovation. It’s located on Via dei Tribunali, 94.
2. Sfogliatella: The Pastry You Can’t Leave Naples Without Trying
No visit to Naples is complete without sampling sfogliatella, a traditional pastry that perfectly captures the essence of the city. This crispy, shell-like pastry is filled with a sweet ricotta mixture and sometimes a touch of orange blossom water, giving it a delicate, fragrant flavor. The texture is flaky, crunchy on the outside, and soft on the inside—absolutely irresistible.
Where to Find the Best Sfogliatella:
- Pasticceria Attanasio: Known as one of the best pastry shops in Naples, Pasticceria Attanasio on Vico Ferrovia, 1 is where you’ll find an exceptional sfogliatella. Fresh out of the oven, the pastry has a golden, crisp exterior, and the filling is perfectly balanced in sweetness.
- Sfogliatella Mary: Located in the Galleria Umberto, Sfogliatella Mary is another famous spot for these pastries. It’s a popular choice for both locals and tourists. The sfogliatella here is perfect, and you can enjoy it alongside a strong Neapolitan coffee.
3. Pizza Margherita: The Classic Napolitan Pizza
Though many types of pizza have gained global recognition, the original Neapolitan pizza remains the most famous. It’s a symbol of the city, and the Margherita version—topped with simple, fresh ingredients like mozzarella di bufala, tomatoes, and basil—is the quintessential Neapolitan pizza.
Where to Try the Best Margherita:
- Brandi Pizzeria: Another pizzeria with deep historical roots, Pizzeria Brandi, located at Salita S. Anna di Palazzo, 1, is often credited with inventing the Margherita pizza in 1889. Legend has it that it was created in honor of Queen Margherita of Savoy, who visited Naples and requested a pizza with the colors of the Italian flag—red, white, and green.
4. Pasta e Fagioli: Hearty Comfort Food
While pizza reigns supreme in Naples, the city is also known for its exceptional pasta dishes. One comforting classic is pasta e fagioli, a rich and hearty bean and pasta soup. Made with cannellini beans, small pasta, garlic, tomatoes, and sometimes a drizzle of olive oil, it’s the perfect dish for a cooler day.
Where to Enjoy Pasta e Fagioli:
- Trattoria Nennella: Located at Vico Lungo Teatro Nuovo, 103, Trattoria Nennella is a family-run eatery that serves up some of the best traditional Neapolitan dishes. Their pasta e fagioli is delicious, filling, and served with a side of humor and great atmosphere.
5. Limoncello: Naples’ Famous Lemon Liqueur
Naples is surrounded by the Amalfi Coast, where lemons thrive, and the result is the famed limoncello, a sweet, tangy lemon liqueur. The vibrant yellow drink is often served as a digestif after meals. It has a refreshing citrus flavor, with a kick that makes it a perfect end to a meal.
Where to Try Limoncello:
- Limoncello Bar: You can try limoncello at various bars across Naples, but the Limoncello Bar located on Via San Gregorio Armeno, 58 is a great spot. It’s a cozy, local place to enjoy a glass of this zesty drink while watching the hustle and bustle of the city.
- Limoncello Factory Tours: For a more in-depth experience, you can take a guided tour of a local limoncello factory. One such factory is Lemoncello Tour, which offers visitors the chance to see how the drink is made and enjoy a tasting session.
6. Pizza Fritta: The Fried Pizza Delight
While pizza is often associated with its thin, crispy crust, Naples has another version that’s equally beloved: pizza fritta, or fried pizza. This version of pizza is stuffed with cheese, ricotta, or meat, folded over, and then deep-fried to golden perfection. It’s crispy, gooey, and utterly satisfying.
Where to Try Pizza Fritta:
- Pizzeria La Masardona: Located at Via Giovanni Antonio, 53, Pizzeria La Masardona is famous for its pizza fritta. The dough is light and crisp, and the fillings are generous, making it one of the best places to sample this unique Neapolitan delicacy.
7. Neapolitan Coffee: A Ritual You Can’t Miss
Italians take their coffee seriously, and in Naples, coffee is more than just a beverage—it’s a way of life. The Neapolitan coffee is bold, rich, and served in a tiny cup. A classic choice is the caffè sospeso, where you pay for two coffees but drink only one—leaving the second coffee for someone else who needs it.
Where to Enjoy Neapolitan Coffee:
- Caffè Gambrinus: One of the oldest and most famous cafes in Naples, Caffè Gambrinus, located at Via Chiaia, 1/2, offers a great place to sit down and enjoy a traditional Neapolitan coffee. This historic café has been serving locals and tourists since 1860.
- Caffè Mexico: Known for its rich, strong coffee, Caffè Mexico is a staple in Naples. It’s the perfect place to experience the city’s coffee culture.
Naples is a food lover’s paradise, where every meal is an opportunity to explore the city’s deep-rooted culinary traditions. From its world-famous pizza and pastries to its bold coffee and seafood, the food scene here reflects the vibrant and passionate spirit of the city. Whether you’re indulging in a sfogliatella at a local pastry shop or sipping limoncello by the sea, Naples offers an authentic taste of Italy that’s sure to leave you craving more..
