Nestled in the heart of Italy’s Campania region, Naples boasts an ancient culinary heritage that has tantalized palates for centuries.
Ready to embark on a culinary escapade that you’ll be telling your grandkids about? Well, loosen your belts, because we’re about to dive fork-first into the gastronomic paradise of Naples.
And guess what? Your ticket to this food haven is just a train ride away with Trainline. Let’s get this yum-journey rolling and highlight some of the best places to eat in Naples.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Fani Kurti.
The sizzling starters: best Naples street food
Forget the fancy cutlery and stiff tablecloths. In Naples, your hands and a hearty appetite are all you need. The city’s streets are your menu, brimming with sizzling, aromatic, and downright irresistible bites.
- Pizza fritta: imagine the crispiest and fluffiest dough, deep-fried to perfection, and stuffed with a treasure of fillings. Find these beauties at local hotspots like Pizza Fritta (in Vico Conte di Mola) and thank us later!
- Cuoppo napoletano: picture a paper cone overflowing with deep-fried seafood, from baby octopus to shrimp, all fresh from the Mediterranean. Savor this maritime munch fest you can’t miss at Friggitoria Vomero (Via Domenico Cimarosa, 44).
- ‘O pere e ‘o musso: this quirky delight features boiled pork served in a lemon leaf, a true local street food experience. Give it a try at Le Zendraglie (Via Pignasecca, 14).
- Crocchè: these Neapolitan potato croquettes are crispy, creamy, and addictive — you can’t stop at one. See it for yourself at locals’ favorite Rosticceria La Padella (Piazzetta Arenella, 21).
- Frittatina di pasta: imagine pasta, cheese, and meat, lovingly enveloped in a golden, fried shell. Yes, it’s as good as it sounds.
- Mozzarella in carrozza: this deep-fried mozzarella sandwich is cheesy goodness that oozes with every bite.
- Panuozzo: take a 1.5-hour train + bus ride south to Gragnano, where Pizzeria Mascolo birthed this scrumptious stuffed pizza sandwich in the 1980s. It’s worth the trip!
Image Credit: Getty Image, Brandon Rosenblum.
The main stars: classic Neapolitan dishes
No gastronomic tour of Naples is complete without indulging in the city’s signature dishes. These are the flavors that put Naples on the world’s culinary map, and they’re a train ride away from your next destination in Europe.
- The legendary Neapolitan pizza: delve into the world of authentic Margherita and Marinara at L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele (Via Cesare Sersale, 1). Thin crust, bubbling cheese, and a history of perfection — it’s a slice of heritage you can taste.
- Pasta e patate: this humble dish is comfort in a bowl. Dive into this creamy mix of pasta and potatoes sprinkled with cheese at trattorias citywide. Simple? Yes. Scrumptious? Absolutely.
- Spaghetti alle vongole: this simple yet elegant dish marries tender clams with fresh pasta, a seaside serenade on your plate.
- Polpette al sugo napoletane: these succulent Neapolitan meatballs, drenched in a rich tomato sauce, are comfort food royalty.
- Mozzarella di bufala: experience the creamy, tangy wonders of buffalo mozzarella, a regional pride. Best spots to try it: Salumeria Rafele 'O Lattaro (Via dei Tribunali, 40) and Caseificio DG MuzzaRÈ (Via Porta S. Gennaro, 15).
- Friarielli: these sautéed greens (rapini or broccoli rabe) are a flavorful side that adds a touch of Naples’ earthy tones to any meal.
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The brew that bonds: Neapolitan coffee culture
Navigating Naples without nosediving into its legendary coffee scene is like going to the beach and not dipping a toe in the water – an incomplete mission.
Let’s spill the beans on where to grab the mightiest brew in town:
- Gran Caffè Gambrinus: time machine open to everyone. Surrounded by art and echoes of literary legends, every sip here is like drinking in a page from history, minus the paper cuts. Fancy a side of culture with your caffeine jolt? You’re in the right spot.
- Caffè Mexico: brace yourselves, coffee purists. It’s the kind of brew that’s been keeping locals and visitors on their toes, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed for decades. If your espresso doesn’t make your heart do the Macarena, you’re not at Caffè Mexico.
- Café do Brasil: coffee here is less of a drink and more of a lifestyle. It’s where the coffee kicks like a mule and life unfolds at each table. Come for the brew, stay for the chatter, and leave with a slice of Neapolitan-street theater. It’s authentic, vibrant, and unapologetically local.
Image Credit: Getty Images, dade80.
Sweet tooth centrale: Neapolitan desserts
Naples isn’t just about the savory. The city is a haven for sugary delights, and each confection is a testament to Neapolitan ingenuity.
- Babà: these rum-soaked sponge cakes are the stuff of dreams. Soft, sweet, and slightly boozy, they’re the perfect pick-me-up after a day of exploring.
- Sfogliatella: crispy, flaky, and filled with sweetened ricotta, these shell-shaped pastries are a delightful concoction of texture and taste.
- Struffoli: these tiny, honey-glazed dough balls, often adorned with colorful sprinkles, are a festive treat.
- Pastiera napoletana: a creamy, citrus-scented ricotta pie that sings of Naples’ sweet ingenuity.
- Zeppole di San Giuseppe: these deep-fried or baked pastries, oozing with custard and cherry, are a tribute to Saint Joseph and a gift to your taste buds.
- Graffa napoletana: soft, sugar-coated doughnuts that beckon enticingly from bakery windows.
- Fiocco di neve: the melt-in-your-mouth “snowflake” Neapolitan pastry, known for its irresistibly rich ricotta filling.
The journey is just as sweet: traveling to Naples with Trainline
Forget long airport lines and cramped seats. Train travel isn’t just a means to an end; it’s part of your Neapolitan adventure.
Imagine zipping through the Italian countryside, from Rome to Naples, in comfort. With scenic views, spacious seating, and eco-friendly travel, you’re in for a treat before you even arrive.
Plus, with Trainline’s easy booking system, you can plan your food trail in Naples while hopping across Europe, all with a few taps on your screen. It’s quick, efficient, and lets you focus on the important stuff — like deciding whether you want an extra serving of gelato (hint: the answer is always sì).
Buon viaggio & buon appetito!
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, FilippoBacci.