One of the best things about Naples is its food scene. Whether you’ve only got 24-hours to explore Naples or whether you’re visiting for longer there are certain foods that cannot be missed. This guide will tell you the top must-eat foods in Naples and where to eat them like a local.
Pizza
Naples is the birthplace of pizza and of course home of the world’s best. The most famous is the Neapolitan Margherita pizza which is always prepared with fresh, simple ingredients. It’s a thin-crusted dough, topped with fresh green basil, tomatoes, and delicious mozzarella cheese. You’ll be able to find this classic Neapolitan dish all over the city. Some of the best pizzerias are L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele, where they filmed the Julia Roberts film “Eat, Pray, Love”, Gino Sorbillo and Concettina Ai Tre Santi.
Sfogliatella
A delicious sweet pastry that pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee. Sfogliatella means “small, thin leaf/layer”, as the texture resembles stacked leaves. You’ll find two types of this pastry in Naples, the Sfogliatella Riccia which is the traditional version similar to puff pastry and filled with a mix of ricotta, semolina, sugar, and citrus. The other is Sfogliatella Frolla which uses a shortbread crust but the filling is the same. You’ll find the best Sfogliattella at Carraturo, Pasticceria Giovanni Scaturchio, or Sfogliatella Mary but honestly, it’s delicious all over the city.
Pizza Fritta
The perfect street food while you’re exploring the best things to do in Naples. If you thought the Neapolitan pizza was delicious then this is the perfect snack for you. Pizza Fritta is basically fried pizza that is made by sealing the usual topping between two layers of pizza dough to form a little pillow that is then deep-fried until golden brown and crispy. One of the best places to pick up this must-eat food in Naples is La Masardona.
Babà
Also known as a rum cake, this is a yeast-leavened sweet treat soaked in either rum or limoncello. The cake is shaped to resemble a volcano in the Gulf of Naples, Mount Vesuvius, although many think it looks more like a mushroom. Local’s usually eat this at breakfast or after dinner as a dessert. Tuck into a Babà at Sfogliatella Mary or Pasticceria Giovanni Scaturchio.
Frittatina
A rich egg-based pasta dish that’s similar to an omelet and enriched with a variety of mouthwatering ingredients like bacon, mozzarella, eggs, and macaroni pasta. This ball of ingredients is then deep-fried, yum! Local’s enjoy this on the streets and during the summer they’ll enjoy them on the beach too. It’s not the healthiest option but hey, you’re on holiday after all! One of the best places to try Frittatina or frittata di pasta is Pizzeria Di Matteo.
Neapolitan Coffee
Neapolitans take their food and its superiority seriously (and often with good reason!). When it comes to coffee here Neapolitans like it strong and thick. If you’re not keen on a very strong coffee taste many bars in the city offer cremina which is a smooth mix of sugar, coffee, and sometimes cream. A spoonful of this makes for a more mellow, less punchy cup.
Graffa Napoletana
One of the most authentic Southern Italian desserts and an absolute must-try food in Naples. Graffa Napoletana are similar to donuts but instead of being filled with cream or marmalade they are usually friend and coated with sugar. Grab one of these sweet treats as a pick-me-up after a busy more of exploring Naples at Chalet Ciro Gelato.
Friarielli
If you’re lucky enough to be visiting in December, don’t miss the local broccoli called Friarielli. It’s a delicious leafy green plant that has a slightly bitter, almond-like taste and is best served sauteed with olive oil and garlic. Once you’ve tried some you may even be tempted to take some home if you’ve got enough space! 50 Kalò does a really good Pizza carrettiera which has Friarielli or Rapini as a topping.
Pasta Alla Genovese
You may be thinking pasta alla Genovese isn’t that from Genoa in northern Italy? Apparently not! In fact, this pasta dish is as Neapolitan as the pizza. This dish is made with pasta and stewed meat and onions. although you may be a little more skeptical about this dish trust us, it’s delicious. It is slow-cooked so the onions caramelize into a sauce that’s packed with flavor and accompanies the veal perfectly. Indulge in a hearty portion at Osteria Della Mattonella or Al Vecchio 53 Restaurant
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