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Food & Drink in Naples

The Essential Guide to Places to Eat in Naples Italy

By Sara MaxwellFebruary 5th, 2025No Comments

Naples is routinely recognised as one of the world’s top food cities, and with good reason! The Naples food scene is excellent but vast so here’s our top suggestions for places to eat in Naples.

marinara pizzas on wooden table
Find out where our favorite place for pizza is in Naples

Everything you need to know about the different places to eat in Naples

As well as an introduction to Neapolitan cuisine, on this page you’ll find lots of information about both what to eat and the best places to eat in Naples. These are based on our own experiences but part of the fun of exploring the food culture here is discovering your own favorites so try whatever you think looks good!

Neapolitans take their food very seriously so it is tough to eat badly here, with far less ‘touristy’ restaurants around.

Neapolitan cuisine and dishes are renowned around the world, and as the home of pizza, mozzarella and other global favorites, you’re sure to have a delicious time here. Let’s dig in!

On this page we’ll cover:

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All about coffee in Naples

Coffee is a serious thing in Naples, and the city has a well deserved reputation for serving some of Italy’s best.

Coffee culture in Naples is just like anywhere in Italy – here are the fundamentals:

  • A simple coffee is an espresso. If you want a larger measure, request a lungo or an americano – in Italy this is an espresso with extra water, and is still a fairly small serving.
  • Cappuccino is traditionally drank at breakfast but that shouldn’t stop you having one at another time of the day. Do whatever makes you happy! If you need reassurance, when Warren and I ran a small kiosk near Venice, locals would ask for cappuccino and other milky coffees late in the day, particularly during winter. Having one after a large meal is thought to be odd because of the milk but no one will stop you!
  • A latte is not a coffee, it’s a glass of milk. If you want a latte coffee like you get in the US or UK, ask for a caffe latte.
  • Most small bars require you to order and pay for your coffee first at the cashier/till, and then take your receipt to the bar for the server to make your order.
  • Some bars will charge more if you choose to sit and drink your coffee instead of standing at the bar. Be sure to tell the cashier when ordering if you plan to sit at a table to avoid confusion!
sfogliatelle pastries and coffee cups
Coffee and a sfogliatella are a near-holy combination in Naples

One additional thing to highlight about coffee in Naples is the tradition of caffe sospeso. This phrase translates to ‘suspended’ or ‘delayed’ coffee and is the process of buying an extra coffee for the bar to then give to a future patron as an act of charity.

While this used to be very common in Naples and southern Italy generally, it is slowly fading for society which I think is a shame. As such, if you see a sign offering the caffe sospeso, consider gifting a coffee to someone less fortunate.

caffe sospeso sign
Keep an eye out for signs like this one at the counters of coffee bars and cafes

Breakfast in Naples

Like anywhere in Italy, breakfast is a serious matter in Naples. So serious in fact that there is a plethora of unique treats available to start your day with that you don’t often see in other regions.

Here are some of the most popular:

  • Sfogliatelle (plural), sfogliatella (singular). These come in two different styles; frolla and ricca, which are made with shortcrust pastry and crispy flaky pastry respectively. Both versions are filled with sweetened ricotta and candied fruit pieces and are definitely the most famous pastries to come out of Naples.
  • Graffe (plural), graffa (singular). This is my favorite thing to eat at breakfast! It’s a sugared ring donut, which differs from others in that the dough is made with potato, giving it a super light and fluffy texture when fried. The only downside of eating these (don’t think about the calories) is that the sugar goes everywhere – you have to eat carefully to avoid being covered!
  • Coda d’Aragosta. Translating to ‘lobster tail’, these little crispy pastries are filled with a wide variety of flavors. Chocolate, pistachio, vanilla, lemon and more in a creamy, sweet cream filling, what’s not to like? Try a few different flavors for breakfast or have one with coffee as an afternoon treat!
  • Crostata di Fragoline. These fruit tarts have a crisp pastry base that are filled with sweet pastry cream and topped with tiny strawberries known as fragoline. Usually available in full and mini size, these are very more-ish – one of Sara’s favorites!
  • Cornetti and Brioche. You will also find a wide selection of more recognizable cornetti pastries (the Italian version of a croissant) and brioche buns which are less sweet than their French equivalent. The brioche buns are good if the intense sweetness of the other Neapolitan pastries are a bit much for you.
two glasses of freshly squeezed orange juice
We love a glass of fresh spremuta to set the day up

Naples and the south of Italy is also renowned for the cultivation of delicious citrus fruits so you should also try a freshly made juice with your breakfast – referred to as spremuta.

Spremuta comes in a range of flavors in Naples beyond just orange. Keep an eye out for different fruits and don’t be afraid to experiment!

Curious to know more, or want to share your own tips? Leave a comment!

Pizza in Naples

There’s a strong chance you’re reading this page because you want to know about real Neapolitan pizza, specifically where to get it.

As the home of pizza, in Naples you will struggle to find any bad options. While there are a couple of very famous establishments that have gone viral in recent years, you’ll find great pizza joints in nearly all parts of the city, as well as in Campania.

sausage and broccoli pizza
If you are wanting to try something super authentic, opt for a pizza with a sausage and friarielli broccoli topping

Here are three of our favorites for a sit-down meal:

  • Portico Pizzeria, Via dei Tribunali, Naples – You’ll find this place in the heart of the historic center of Naples. It’s close to many of the major sites which makes it a great place to end a day of sightseeing. Their pizza margherita is excellent (always a sign of a good spot) but they also have a wide variety of other toppings. Don’t skip their appetizers either!
  • Franco Gallifuoco Pizzeria, Corso Arnaldo Lucci – We love this place not only for the pizza, but for its location right next to Naples’ main train station. If you are passing through Naples on your way to somewhere like Sorrento or the Amalfi Coast, stop here for an authentic Neapolitan pizza!
  • Pizza a Metro da Gigino, Vico Equense – If you are looking for something slightly different from traditional pizza, head to the town of Vico Equense on the Sorrentine Peninsula. This small town is home to Pizza a Metro which allows you to order pizza by the meter – i.e. you can choose how long your pizza is! While a little gimmicky, it makes for a fun experience (they wheel out their pizzas on large trays) and the pizza itself is delicious!
naples filled fried pizza street food
Try a fried pizza from a takeaway bar at some point when here – you won’t be disappointed!
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Types of Neapolitan Pizza

Neapolitan pizza comes in many more shapes and styles beyond the traditional version which you’ll get in sit down restaurants. Pizza enthusiasts should try:

  • Pizza taglia – square slices of pizza cooked in large trays and then sliced to order. Sold by weight, this is a perfect quick lunch.
  • Pizza fritta (fried pizza) – made with pizza dough that is filled with the classic tomato sauce, mozzarella and other toppings, it is formed into a pocket and deep fried.
  • Montanara – again made with fried pizza dough, the cooked pizza bun is topped with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese before being served.
  • Pizza portafoglio – essentially this is a small pizza margherita that is then folded into a sort of cone shape to make it easier to eat on the go.
two halves of margarita pizza on two plates
Restaurants won’t mind if you order a single pizza between two people and will usually serve it like this

We’re also often asked about pizza etiquette by visitors – here are some tips and answers to the most common queries:

  • It’s totally okay to ask for a box to take any leftovers away with you that you can’t finish in the restaurant. The restaurant team will take it as a complement and probably encourage you to eat it for breakfast the next day (a Campanian tradition!)
  • All pizza restaurants will offer a (usually large) range of topping combinations to choose from on their menus. But what if you can’t make up your mind or have something particular in mind? Just ask! Any restaurant will be happy to create you something unique as pizzas are prepped fresh to order. Note that most places will take the cost of a regular pizza margherita and then add the costs for the added ingredients as separate line items on your bill (usually 1-2€ per ingredient).
  • Pizza (in restaurants) in Italy comes as one size. There are no options for small, medium, large etc. The size is not uniform, but generally it will be around the size of a large dinner plate.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask for a pizza to share if you’re not feeling a whole one to yourself. This is very common and restaurant owners would prefer you do this instead of wasting food! Plus, this leaves space for dessert or gelato…

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Naples Street Food

Naples is well known for its huge range of street food specialities. No matter where you are in the city you’ll find bars, cafes and small establishments offering light bites and fried food, including:

  • Arancini – the Neapolitan take on these iconic rice balls are closer to the Sicilian version than the Roman suppli. Large balls of risotto rice are formed around creamy mozzarella before being breaded and fried. A classic for a reason!
  • Mozzarella in Carrozza – This is a very simple snack, but delicious. A thick slice of mozzarella is sandwiched between two slices of bread which is then fried so the bread is crispy and the cheese melted inside.
  • Cuoppo – You will see these paper cones all over the place. The cuoppo is the paper cup and it is filled with all sorts of fried goodness to have on the go. Everything from calamari to fried zucchini blossoms can be in here, but you can generally choose from fish, meat, vegetables or a mix of everything.
  • Frittatina di Pasta – Originally a way to use up leftover pasta, the frittatina has become a special dish in its own right. Cooked pasta is mixed with thick bechamel sauce before being breaded and fried. Generally a little bit of ham and some peas are added to the mix but there are all sorts of versions out there.
  • Crocchè di Patate – A very simple snack but no less tasty, these are croquettes made from smooth mashed potatoes covered in a crispy coating.
arancino street food
Arancini are the perfect grab-and-go snack in Naples

This is in addition to the fried pizza and pizza portafoglio options we mentioned above.

If you’re looking to try some Neapolitan street food, wander the streets of the Spanish Quarter neighborhood or head to Spaccanapoli and Via dei Tribunali in the historic center. Anywhere in these areas is a great choice – competition is fierce which encourages a high level of quality!

Most establishments will have a handful of benches, small tables and/or stools that you can stop at if you don’t want to eat on the move. Some may charge a little extra if you plan to sit down so it’s always best to tell your server when ordering if you plan to stop.

Cash versus card 

It is a legal requirement in Italy of any bar/cafe/restaurant to accept credit or debit cards. If a restaurant insists on cash payment, you have the right to refuse and insist on a card payment.

Paying with cash however can often mean you’ll get a small discount as the business doesn’t need to pay payment processing charges – this also applies to shops. Note that small kiosks and street vendors are not under the same obligation, but a lot will have a card reader to hand if needed. 

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Aperitivo in Naples

I joke (mostly) that aperitivo is my favorite meal of the day. The reason I love aperitivo time is that it traditionally comes after a long day of work, and is an opportunity to relax with friends and family before dinner.

If you’re visiting Naples, going for aperitivo is the perfect way to round off a day of sightseeing.

While there are no shortage of options, we recommend heading to Piazza Dante for a drink if you are staying in Naples as all of the bars here are reasonably priced and it’s a great place to people watch. Nearby Piazza Bellini is also fun, with a series of bars that get very lively in the evenings, particularly at the weekend.

jugs of spritzes
The bars in Piazza Dante are known for their great value and fun atmosphere

If you’re looking for somewhere extra special for aperitivo and are staying in/near Sorrento, our recommendation is Hotel Continental’s Terrazza Vittoria. The amazing views of Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples are only surpassed by the incredible service.

When you go out there is no pressure to drink alcohol; aperitivo time is about relaxing however you choose to do so. Common soft drinks such as Coca Cola are popular at aperitivo time, as well Italian classics such as Crodino which emulate the bitter-sweet taste of spritzes but without the alcohol.

wine glass with sunset behind
It doesn’t get much better than watching the sun set over the Bay of Naples with a good glass of wine at aperitivo

Depending on where you are coming from in the world you might be surprised to see people drinking alcohol openly in the streets and piazzas – most commonly small bottles of beers or spritzes in takeaway cups.

This is totally normal and legal. It’s part of the social fabric of Naples, particularly in the summer evenings when bars are full.

Restaurants in Naples for lunch and dinner

As you can likely tell by now, Naples is a foodie city. Few other cities anywhere in the world hold food and drink in such high importance as Naples. With this there are no shortages of great restaurants and places to eat in Naples.

What to order

If you would like to try a classic Neapolitan dish or two, here are some ideas for what to order:

  • Zucchini alla Scapece – Good as both a starter and a side dish, these are small pieces of zucchini that have been fried before being marinated in a sauce made with vinegar and garlic. They taste better than they sound, with fresh mint often added to balance the flavors.
  • Caprese salad – A classic for a reason! While the Caprese salad has become a standard feature in Italian cuisine, it tastes totally different when made in the Campania region. Having proper buffalo mozzarella, ripe tomatoes and fresh basil topped with good quality olive oil is essential – simplicity is everything.
  • Impepata di Cozze – A very traditional dish in Neapolitan cooking, peppered mussels are often prepared for special occasions, particularly around Easter. This is a different take on mussels with a peppery broth that is absolutely wonderful!
  • Parmigiana di Melanzane – Another of the traditional dishes that has become popular worldwide, the Neapolitan eggplant parmesan is fantastic, especially in the summer when the eggplants are at their best.
  • Spaghetti alla Puttanesca – Simple ingredients combine to create a delicious pasta dish with spaghetti alla puttanesca. The sauce is made with capers, olives, garlic, chili flakes and tomatoes as well as plenty of olive oil.
  • Pasta e Patate – Perfect in the winter, this is a really hearty dish. Potato is cooked down to a sauce with vegetables before small pieces of pasta are added and then provolone cheese. The end result is a rich, cheesy pasta. It doesn’t look hugely appealing but the taste is incredible!
  • Ziti alla Genovese – Possibly the ultimate classic Neapolitan dish, the Genovese sauce is made from slow cooked onions with a little meat that cooks down into a rich sauce.
  • Ragù Napoletano – Unlike the typical Bolognese ragù, the Neapolitan version is made with a lot of tomato sauce and whole cuts of meat rather than minced. Slow cooking the meat means it collapses into pieces and merges with the tomatoes to create something special. This is one of our favorite pasta dishes for sure!
  • Polpette al Sugo – Neapolitan meatballs are not served with pasta here, but are instead simply served with a little of the tomato sauce they are cooked in. Inspiring the universal spaghetti and meatballs of Italian food abroad, you have to try the original version at least once.
pasta genovese dish
Pasta Genovese is something you must try on your trip here – let us know what you think!
neapolitan ragu pasta on bright ceramic plate
Another classic is ragù – no trip to Naples is complete without at least one dish of this

Where to eat

If you are looking for casual dining and traditional Neapolitan dishes, check out the historic center and areas around Piazza Dante, Spaccanapoli and Via dei Tribunali.

These are some of our favorite restaurants in this area:

  • Monastero Ristovino, Via Santa Chiara – Intimate restaurant offering traditional pastas, authentic local specialities and an extensive wine list. If the owner (Rosario) is there when you visit, you’re in for a treat; you won’t receive better service anywhere else in Naples!
  • Trattoria Enoteca Campagnola, Via dei Tribunali – This is a traditional restaurant with a menu based on what was available at the market – if you’re not sure what something on the chalkboard is, make sure to ask! Bookings are not taken in advance so make sure to arrive early to secure a table.
  • Vasceria Locanda Popolare, Via Speranzella – Right in the heart of the Spanish Quarter, this small restaurant is slightly chaotic but the food is exceptional. Make sure to try the parmigiana di melanzane!

If seafood is more your thing, head to the waterfront neighborhood of Santa Lucia. Here, and around Castel dell’Ovo, you’ll find dozens of fantastic fish restaurants with views of the Bay of Naples with the daily catch top of the menu. Check out Transatlantico Restaurant Hotel.

For fine dining establishments, the best part of the city to explore is Chiaia – one of our favorites is Coco Loco.

One area also worth mentioning is the Vomero Hill; this is where Neapolitans come when they want to eat well and any highly-rated place on Google is a good idea.

spaghetti with clams
One of my favorite pastas period is Spaghetti alle Vongole – these clams were caught the same day and were so fresh I had to come back the next night!

For Neapolitan and Campanian classics such as Mozzarella di Bufala (Buffalo Mozzarella), head out of Naples to Sorrento or Paestum. Two of our favorite spots to eat anywhere in Italy (seriously) are here:

  • Inn Bufalito, Vico Primo Fuoro, Sorrento – Serving all things buffalo, this is an excellent place to enjoy steaks, pastas and of course buffalo mozzarella! We have been eating here for years and the quality is always exceptional.
  • La Bottega del Gusto, Via Magna Graecia, Paestum – Right next to the archeological site in Paestum, this is a simple restaurant which serves wonderful local food. Make sure to ask for the vegetable platter which comes with whatever is in season, and you have to get some local cheeses.

Should I tip in Naples?

Like in the rest of Italy, tips are not expected by restaurant and bar teams, but greatly appreciated. If you have enjoyed your experience, I’d recommend either rounding your bill up to the nearest whole amount (if paying in cash) or adding 10% (if paying by card).

Again, at any reputable establishment, tips are not expected and should never be requested by the staff. If a waiter asks for a tip and you do not feel it is warranted, do not feel pressured to oblige. Tips are not an integral part of the pay for service industry workers as Italy operates a minimum mandatory wage for all employees.

Gelato and desserts in Naples

Not only is Naples and Campania famous for its savory delicacies, it also excels in sweet offerings.

Gelato

Like anywhere in Italy, you’ll find no shortage of gelaterias all across the city of Naples and in the towns in Campania.

As a general rule, stay clear of anywhere that has gelato piled up and out on display in the fridges. The gelato only stays this way (even in the high heat of the summer) because of a huge amount of artificial additives. The bright and unnatural colors will also indicate the inauthenticity!

Authentic Italian gelato is stored in small metal containers, typically silver in color which are submerged in the fridge. Only when you ask for a flavor will the server reach into the container to scoop your gelato. You may also see fridges with shallow metal tubs that don’t have much gelato in them, these are also ‘proper’ gelato.

granita cup close up with bay of naples behind
Somewhat controversially, I prefer granita over gelato

Granita

Another popular cold dessert in this part of Italy is granita. Granita is a semi-frozen dessert made from sugar, water, and flavorings like lemon, coffee, or fruit. It has a semi-coarse, iced crystalline texture, created by stirring the mixture as it freezes.

Like gelato, there is a type to avoid; anything being swirled automatically in see-through machines is full of fake ingredients and flavors.

Real granita is often served in gelato shops in the same way as authentic gelato; from metal containers submerged in the serving counter of the shop.

Controversially (for someone who lives in Italy) I am not a gelato fan; I will almost always go for granita if I can get the real stuff!

two delizia di limone desserts and two shots of limoncello
If you haven’t ever tried Delizia al Limone, you’re in for a treat…

Other desserts and sweets

Many of the pastries I talked about in the breakfast section are available all day, but there are some other desserts that are well worth trying:

  • Torta Caprese – Made with ground almonds and dark chocolate this is an excellent dessert. Plus it’s gluten free as there is no flour in it.
  • Delizia al Limone – Hands down our favorite dessert, this is a true culinary treat. Made with sponge cake soaked in limoncello topped with light lemon cream and finished with lemon icing, it’s just a fantastic way to end a meal!
  • Babà – Another alcohol-soaked dessert, the babà is a sweet bread dough shaped into a sort of mushroom shape which is drenched in rum after being baked. A sticky, syrup covered cake is the end result.
  • Pastiera – Traditionally the pastiera was only made for Christmas and Easter but nowadays you can find the cake in bakeries year-round. Made with lots of eggs, sugar and ricotta, it’s easy to see why this is a cake to celebrate with!

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To sum up…

It is hard to get truly bad food here, but there are definitely some places to eat in Naples that are better than others. Do some research before you go into the dishes of Neapolitan cuisine so you have an idea of what you’d like to taste, and don’t be afraid to try something you might never have heard of!

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