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Coffee is synonymous with Italy. Rich, dark espresso is a key part of daily life here, and while I’ve always been a big coffee drinker, it was not until I moved to Italy that I became very particular about the quality of my regular caffeine fix. Having drunk coffee all over the country, it is indisputable that Naples is home to some of the best coffee shops, cafes and bars. Let me explain here why the coffee in Naples is so fantastic, along with some of my top recommendations.
Naples is the home of coffee in Italy and where you’ll find some of the smoothest cups anywhere
Everything You Need to Know About Coffee in Naples
There is no difficulty in finding good coffee throughout Naples and Campania, but you don’t want to settle for good when you could be enjoying excellent coffee instead! Naples has some of the highest coffee consumption anywhere in Italy so Neapolitans have a lot of experience in creating the perfect cup.
In this guide I’ll share what to expect from the coffee scene here, as well as highlighting some of my favorite coffee spots, including:
Italian Coffee Culture
Once coffee was introduced to Italy in the 16th century it quickly became very popular. Initially it was a social activity, with coffee houses being established as places where people could come together, discuss the important matters of the day and enjoy the coffee. Later, the invention of the moka pot allowed people to brew their own coffee at home, and then the espresso machine, meant that coffee became available to everyone.
Today coffee is completely ingrained into Italian culture. Meetings don’t start without a quick round of coffees, lunches and dinners alike end with an espresso, appointments at the hairdresser or at the bank, you name it, coffee is probably involved somewhere. It’s not even about the coffee itself, or a need for caffeine, caffè is the way of life.
From short coffees like the universal espresso to local specialities such as crema di caffe, this guide will walk you through coffee culture in Naples
Generally, most Italians don’t linger over a cup of coffee. Espresso is ordered and drunk standing up at the bar in a matter of minutes. Served piping hot, the act of quickly stirring in a large packet of sugar seems to cool it enough to drink fast! I haven’t quite mastered this technique yet but even allowing a little more time for my espresso to cool, I can be in and out of the cafe in under 10 minutes.
Naples Coffee Culture
In Naples the coffee culture is on another level. As a port city, Naples was where much of Italy’s coffee imports were unloaded, and a large roasting industry grew up here through the late 18th century and into the 19th.
Popularised by the Bourbon royal family, Neapolitan coffee was darker and had a richer flavor than the coffee being produced in northern Italy. It was the invention of the cuccumella in 1819 that changed everything. This turned coffee from a drink for the nobility to one for every person, making it much easier to brew a good cup. A precursor to the moka stovetop pots you will find everywhere now, there is an art to the Neapolitan version that brings out the best of a coffee blend.
As you can see from this photo of our home kitchen, the Napoletana coffee pot (far left) is very different from a traditional moka (behind)
Today Naples is often referred to as the Italian coffee capital, both for the continued production of excellent coffee (still dark roasted for a more intense taste) and the amount of coffee consumed. Caffè alla Napoletana is strong and aromatic, served very hot. Sugar is usually added, and while I am happy with a little, locals often add several spoonfuls to their espresso!
While other coffees are popular, nothing really beats an espresso in Naples. Partly because the flavour of the coffee really shines when served this way, but also because the pricing is consistent and accessible for everyone. In local bars and cafes espresso costs no more than a euro generally (when drinking it stood up at the bar) and sometimes as little as 70 or 80 cents.
Caffè Sospeso
One of the most uniquely Neapolitan elements of the coffee culture here is the caffè sospeso, which means ‘suspended coffee’. This is where you pay for two coffees: one for yourself and another for whoever needs it. Neapolitans have a special sense of community and this tradition allows everyone to still receive their daily coffee even in difficult times.
Not every bar offers it so look out for signs when ordering if you’d like to be part of this tradition. We do so when we have the opportunity, as it is a simple way for us to participate in something that means a lot to Neapolitans.
Look out for signs like this at the tills/cashiers in coffee bars across Naples if you’d like to donate a coffee to someone less fortunate
What Coffee to Order
Knowing what to order will make a big difference to your coffee experience. Not everyone likes the super strong Neapolitan black coffee, so understanding the other options means you’ll be able to find something you like.
Short Drinks
When I refer to a ‘short’ coffee, I mean something in an espresso-sized cup. These are quick to drink and can be ordered either to drink at the bar like many Neapolitans do, or sat down:
- Caffè – a regular espresso, typically served very hot in Naples. This is the default coffee option (usually with sugar added) but sometimes you will be asked ‘caffè espresso?‘ or ‘caffè normale?‘ to clarify that you want just this.
- Ristretto – an espresso pulled extra short, so the volume of liquid is around half that of a normal one.
- Lungo – an espresso with a longer pull, so it is a little bigger than a regular (while still fitting in the normal small cup)
- Macchiato – an espresso topped with a little milk. A macchiato caldo is one with hot milk and macchiato freddo is topped with cold milk – the default is made with hot milk so if you ask for just a macchiato, this is what you will recieve.
- Caffè corretto – an espresso with a little liquor added to it (corretto means ‘to correct’), often grappa.
If you want more than one shot of espresso, you can ask for a doppio – a double.
Few things beat a real Neapolitan espresso with a local sweet treat such as a Rhum Baba
Larger Cups of Coffee
No coffees in Naples or Italy are really that large, but the options below have more liquid than the short ones above:
- Cappuccino – usually served in a medium size cup, a cappuccino in Italy is the perfect balance of espresso, steamed milk and foam.
- Caffè lattè/Lattè macchiato – these are the closest to a US style latte, with more milk than a cappuccino and generally served in a taller glass. Italians often have one of these with their breakfast at home which is why they aren’t always on cafe or bar menus.
- Americano – served in a medium cup, these are an espresso lengthened with a good amount of hot water. The default is to serve it black, so if you would like some milk, you will need to ask for ‘un americano con lattè‘.
Filter coffee is not normally served here, so an americano is the closest option.
Cappuccini in Italy are traditionally much smaller than those available in the US and UK
Cold Coffee in Naples
While some more modern/speciality coffee shops have started serving iced lattes, in general cold coffee options are as follows:
- Shakerato – as the name implies, this drink is created by shaking espresso with ice in a cocktail shaker, which results in a cool, frothy delight that is usually served in a martini glass. You may be asked if you would like it ‘con zucchero or senza?‘ which means ‘with sugar or without?’.
- Crema di caffè – a Neapolitan classic and one of my go-to summer treats, crema di caffè is made by churning espresso with milk and cream, which combine to create a smooth mix that is like a milkshake crossed with gelato. Absolutely delicious, even if it’s on the rich side!
- Caffè freddo – a more simple cold coffee, made by refrigerating sweetened espresso. Served as an espresso in the little cup, it is a way to still get that caffeine hit in the heat.
Italians don’t generally opt for drinks with lots of ice cubes in them, which is why the cold coffee options are smaller and not served over ice as you might expect.
Caffe shakerato is typically offered during the warmer months only, but you may see it all year round in some coffee bars
A Note About Milk
So many Italy travel guides talk about how it is bad to order a cappuccino after 11AM, but I have lost count of how many times I have had to dispel this myth. Yes, Italians generally only drink cappuccinos or milky coffees for breakfast, but they will not and do not judge people for having them at other times of the day.
This myth arose because Italians believe having milky coffee after a meal is bad for digestion, so they won’t have a cappuccino after lunch or dinner. However, they do often have one mid-afternoon so the 11AM thing is simply not true. If you want to order a cappuccino at any time of day, go ahead, no one will say anything.
The default milk is cows milk, but if you do not drink this, you may ask for alternatives. Availability varies widely, but soy milk (latte di soia) tends to be the most reliably available. Lactose-free milk (latte senza lattosio) Oat milk (latte d’avena) and almond milk (latte di mandorla) are all commonly sold in supermarkets but are not always available at the bar. It is always worth asking however – to ask for different milks, you would request your chosen drink with the alternative milk, for example ‘un macchiato con latte di soia‘.
My Favorite Place for Coffee in Naples
While I have lots of recommendations on this page for the best coffee in Naples, there is one place that stands out across all categories – Caffe Diaz.
Located on Via dei Tribunali, Diaz is one of the best coffee shops I’ve been anywhere, not just in Naples. Diaz is a microtorrefazione (micro-roaster), which means they produce their own coffee roasts and blends. You can purchase their range of coffee beans and ground coffee to take home, but in their prime spot in the centro storico, you can also sit and enjoy a cup or two.
I particularly love this spot because of their varied menu. As well as all the classic coffee drinks, Diaz also offers different types of cold brew, iced cappuccinos, flavoured espresso (the cinnamon one is delicious) and coffee cocktails. While they make an exceptional espresso martini, Warren’s preference is for a Negroni al caffè – the perfect combination of pick-me-up and aperitivo!
We love the outdoor seating at Diaz, where you can appreciate the area’s layers of history and sit back to people-watch on Via dei Tribunali
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The Best Coffee for On-The-Go
If you need a quick coffee while exploring Naples, you can also do as the locals do and go into any convenient bar. It’s tough to make a mistake with coffee on the go as Neapolitans are so particular that bad espresso gets called out fast, but here are some of our go-to bars for an energy boost:
Caffè Mexico
One of the most memorable Neapolitan brands, the Passalacqua family started producing Neapolitan coffee in 1948, then opened three bars in Naples in the 1960’s. These are still here today, with vivid orange signage and decor, and are still making excellent coffee.
Smooth espresso comes sweetened unless you ask for no sugar, and service is brisk. The original location on Piazza Dante is our favorite but there is another near Napoli Centrale and on the Vomero hill.
As with most bars where you are looking for a quick coffee stood up, you will need to order and pay at the till before giving your ticket to the baristas who will make your order.
Caffe Mexico is a Naples institution and a must-go for any coffee lover
Augustus Napoli
This small pasticceria looks fairly unremarkable from the outside, but step inside and you’ll be rewarded with rows of cakes, pastries, traditional Neapolitan desserts and more. Augustus is on Via Toledo, close to the Toledo metro stop and the Spanish Quarter, so it is the perfect place to grab a coffee and a pastry in the morning.
Everything they do is top quality, but I particularly like their crostatine con fragoline di bosco, tarts filled with a sweet vanilla custard and topped with tiny little strawberries. Admittedly more difficult to eat on the go than a cornetto, but worth the mess!
There are a few tables just outside but as demand is high, this is not somewhere to linger for long.
Augustus is one of our go-to places not only for great coffee, but for delicious sweets also
Bar Pasticceria Zambardino
Bar Pasticceria Zambardino is on Via Duomo, close to Naples’ cathedral and on the corner of Spaccanapoli close to the famous mural of San Gennaro, so it’s a good place to stop by for a coffee stop when exploring this part of the city.
As well as serving great coffee, this is also one of the places where you can see the caffè sospeso tradition in action, and participate if you like.
The bar is on the simple side but don’t let the decor put you off, the coffee is great as are the pastries. They also offer vegan pastries and lots of alternative milk options so everyone can enjoy a Neapolitan breakfast.
Napoli Centrale
Chances are that you’ll be passing through Napoli Centrale at some point during your trip. Either arriving in or leaving Naples, or to take the train to Sorrento, Pompeii or Herculaneum and beyond in Campania.
After a recent renovation and improvement to the station there are lots more shops and places to eat. If you’re after a quick coffee as you pass through, here are some good options:
- Vyta – located on the lower level, where you have to go to connect to the metro or Circumvesuviana, this is a good, solid choice for coffee as well as food options like panini, pastries or cakes.
- Scaturchio – famous in Naples for their sfogliatelle, Scaturchio also serves good quality coffee to accompany their sweet treats. This is an unbeatable Neapolitan breakfast combination!
- Chalet Ciro – a popular Neapolitan family-owned business with locations around the city, there is a bar near the Trenitalia office where you can get an espresso fast along with a tasty pastry or panino.
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Recently two Starbucks have opened in Naples, the first in the train station and the other in the Galleria Umberto I near the Royal Palace and Piazza del Plebiscito.
While the coffee served here is in no way authentic Neapolitan or even Italian coffee, and the taste is what you find in Starbucks around the world, it is an option if you’re looking for something familiar.
Locals treat Starbucks like a novelty for an occasional treat so if you go you’ll mostly be surrounded by students or other tourists, but hey, sometimes a large iced caramel latte is what you’re craving!
The one in Napoli Centrale is smaller but is a good takeaway option if you’re rushing to catch a train.
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Our Favorite Cafes and Bars to Sit Down in
While more often than not I’m looking for a quick espresso, sometimes I want to sit and enjoy my drink in a more relaxing way.
You won’t find coffee shops filled with people staying for hours on their laptops in Italy, but there are plenty of cafe or bar locations which have a slower pace and more seating options:
Gran Caffè Gambrinus
This is definitely the most famous cafe in Naples. Gambrinus was originally founded in 1860, and while it was forced to close in 1938 by the ruling Fascist government, in the 1970’s a local family decided to restore the cafe and they did a wonderful job bringing the opulent Art Nouveau era back to life.
Even with the popularity of Gambrinus with visitors, it remains a place for Neapolitans to come. My top tip is to ask for a table inside, where you can fully appreciate the decor and atmosphere – the outside seating can feel a bit chaotic given the location between Via Toledo, the Galleria, Opera House, Royal Palace and Piazza Plebiscito.
The pricing for coffee is not unreasonable given the location and high quality, and they have a few different types of coffees to try beyond the regular options. Their aperitivo is particularly generous, with cocktails coming with full plates of snacks.
We love taking a coffee break in the beautiful Art Nouveau interior of Gambrinus
Gran Caffè La Caffettiera
Tucked away in Chiaia on Piazza Martiri, this cafe has been here for over 40 years and is a lovely place to come any time of day. As well as taking pride in their coffee options, you can also choose from a wide selection of teas, cocktails, wine and soft drinks.
The interior reflects their history, with shining modern equipment next to retro pieces, and the outdoor covered terrace is the perfect place to people-watch.
As with any cafe that has this type of service and seating, prices are higher than at a standard neighbourhood bar, but for me it is worth it.
Leopoldo Cafebar
Another historic Neapolitan brand is Leopoldo, named for the founder of a family business that started by selling taralli from carts around the city in the 1930’s and 40’s. Rooted in selling quality baked goods, especially Neapolitan specialities, Leopoldo now has multiple locations around Naples where you can sit and enjoy a great coffee paired with something sweet or savoury.
They are helpfully located near some of Naples’ most popular sights, including one on the Vomero hill, another close to the Santa Chiara complex and two opposite the MANN. One of these at the MANN is completely gluten free, and I can personally vouch for how fantastic their gluten free range is – definitely worth making a detour to visit.
These gluten free pastries are remarkably good, the perfect pick-me-up after visiting the MANN
Speciality Coffee in Naples
The Neapolitan obsession with coffee extends to trying new things. While most places in Italy are fairly resistant to changing their coffee options, in Naples I’ve seen multiple places offering different types of speciality coffee options.
Cold brew is pretty popular in the summer, and the concept of flavouring coffee is gaining popularity as well. There has always been a lot of interest in the coffee itself, with small batch producers focusing on specific countries, fair trade sources and different roasting styles, but trying new combinations and talking about flavour profiles has definitely been growing too.
We love It’s twists on coffee cocktails which make for an alternative aperitivo
As well as my favourite coffee spot, Diaz, which I talk about above, another recent discovery is It’s Caffè & Bistrot. They are passionate about coffee, offering multiple blends as well as different brewing methods, but also about ensuring they are using responsibly-sourced coffee.
Alongside the excellent coffee, It’s has a tasty brunch menu, great pastries, coffee cocktails and fun decor. They also offer a wide range of different milks (lactose free, oat, soya and almond) which is not common everywhere.
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Where to Buy Coffee to Take Home
For us, Neapolitan coffee is one of the best souvenirs or gifts. Not only is the coffee itself top quality, the packaging generally comes with fun designs or patterns – we particularly like the tin format which can then be used for other purposes once the coffee is finished.
It is also stable and doesn’t go bad in the heat, and if flying internationally doesn’t contravene rules about bringing in food items like meats or cheeses.
If you’ve had an especially memorable coffee somewhere, it’s always worth asking if you can buy that coffee to take away. Whether you’re in speciality coffee places like Diaz or It’s or more traditional places like Caffè Mexico or Gambrinus, it’s common to be able to do this.
If you’re looking in supermarkets, there are a few brands that are specifically Neapolitan:
- Caffè Borbone – this is a good coffee option, with different blends and strengths available as well as decaffeinated. They also sell capsules for coffee machines so make sure to get the actual coffee packets.
- Passalacqua – this is less common to see on store shelves, but as the coffee that Caffè Mexico uses, you can be sure it is excellent if you do find it (otherwise you can purchase it at their locations).
- Kimbo – this is one of the most well-known Neapolitan coffee brands, but often it is only their regular blend that people have tried. If you find their gold label range, or the premium selection espresso Napoletano, I’d opt for one of those instead.
When buying coffee to take home, remember to look at the labels closely. Grani are beans and macinato means the coffee has been ground already, usually for the moka stovetop pot, which also works for espresso machines.
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To sum up…
Everyone should try coffee in Naples at least once, you may be surprised how much you enjoy it! You won’t struggle to find good coffee here but it’s always worth taking the time to find a really great cup, whatever time of day you need a caffeine fix.
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