Napoli, the culinary capital of Southern Italy, where every bite tells a story and every meal is a celebration of flavor. Nestled along the stunning Amalfi Coast, Napoli is a city steeped in history, culture, and, most importantly, incredible food. Join us on a gastronomic journey as we explore Napoli’s 10 iconic must-try dishes and the best restaurants and places to savor them.
1. Pizza Margherita at L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele: We begin our culinary adventure with the undisputed king of Neapolitan cuisine – Pizza Margherita. Head to L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele, a legendary establishment dating back to 1870, where you can taste the original and best version of this iconic dish. With its thin, chewy crust, tangy San Marzano tomatoes, creamy buffalo mozzarella, and fragrant basil, every bite of their Pizza Margherita is a taste of Napoli’s culinary heritage.
2. Sfogliatella at Attanasio: Next on our list is the sfogliatella, a delicate pastry that’s as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to eat. Make your way to Attanasio, a historic bakery in the heart of Napoli, where you can sample their famous sfogliatelle – layers of flaky pastry filled with sweet ricotta and hints of citrus. It’s a true taste of Napoli’s sweet side.
3. Spaghetti alle Vongole at Trattoria da Nennella: For a taste of the sea, head to Trattoria da Nennella and indulge in their Spaghetti alle Vongole. Made with perfectly al dente spaghetti, fresh clams, garlic, parsley, and a splash of white wine, this dish is a celebration of Napoli’s coastal flavors. Pair it with a glass of crisp Falanghina wine for the ultimate dining experience.
4. Babà al Rum at Pasticceria Scaturchio: No visit to Napoli is complete without trying the Babà al Rum, a decadent dessert that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Head to Pasticceria Scaturchio, a historic pastry shop dating back to 1905, and treat yourself to their famous Babà al Rum – a tender sponge cake soaked in rum syrup and topped with a dusting of powdered sugar. It’s a little piece of heaven in every bite.
5. Fried Pizza at Sorbillo: For a twist on the classic pizza, make your way to Sorbillo and try their famous Fried Pizza. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, this indulgent dish is filled with your choice of toppings, from classic tomato and mozzarella to decadent ricotta and salami. It’s a must-try for pizza lovers looking to experience Napoli’s culinary creativity.
6. Mozzarella di Bufala at Caseificio Il Casolare: Experience the true taste of Napoli with a visit to Caseificio Il Casolare, a family-owned cheese shop specializing in Mozzarella di Bufala. Made from the milk of water buffaloes raised in the Campania region, this creamy and flavorful cheese is a staple of Neapolitan cuisine. Sample it fresh from the source and savor the difference.
7. Neapolitan Coffee at Gran Caffè Gambrinus: Start your day like a true Neapolitan with a cup of coffee at Gran Caffè Gambrinus, a historic cafe dating back to 1860. Whether you prefer an espresso, cappuccino, or caffè shakerato, their expert baristas will craft the perfect cup to start your day off right. Pair it with a freshly baked cornetto for the ultimate breakfast experience.
8. Cuoppo di Mare at Da Ettore: For a taste of Napoli’s street food scene, head to Da Ettore and order a Cuoppo di Mare. This paper cone filled with fried seafood – from calamari and shrimp to fish and octopus – is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Grab a seat at one of their outdoor tables and enjoy this crispy and flavorful treat on the go.
9. Pastiera Napoletana at Pintauro: Indulge in a taste of Napoli’s Easter tradition with a slice of Pastiera Napoletana from Pintauro, a historic bakery dating back to 1785. This rich and aromatic dessert is made with ricotta cheese, wheat berries, candied citrus, and fragrant orange blossom water, creating a symphony of flavors that’s sure to delight your taste buds.
10. Gelato at Gay-Odin: End your culinary journey on a sweet note with a scoop of gelato from Gay-Odin, a beloved gelateria with a legacy dating back to 1894. Choose from a mouthwatering array of flavors, from classic chocolate and vanilla to exotic fruit and nut combinations, and savor every spoonful of this creamy and refreshing treat.
Napoli, is a city that takes its food seriously, and with good reason. With its rich culinary heritage, vibrant street food scene, and legendary restaurants and bakeries, Napoli offers a dining experience that’s truly unforgettable. So come hungry, leave satisfied, and savor every moment of your culinary adventure in this culinary paradise. Buon appetito!