Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Naples, Italy
1. Margherita Pizza
A classic Neapolitan pizza with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, originated at Pizzeria da Margarita. Solves the challenge of a delicious and authentic pizza experience.
- Authenticity: Made with DOP tomatoes, mozzarella di bufala, and San Marzano tomatoes.
- Tradition: Inherits the long-standing tradition of Neapolitan pizza-making.
- Location: Originally served at Pizzeria da Margarita, still an iconic destination for Margherita pizza.
2. Sfogliatelle
A shell-shaped pastry filled with ricotta and candied fruit, best at I Gelati di Rosa. Solves the challenge of satisfying your sweet tooth.
- Taste: Combines the richness of ricotta and the sweetness of candied fruit.
- Quality: Made with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
- Location: Found at I Gelati di Rosa, a popular pastry shop in Naples.
3. Eggplant Parmesan (Melanzane alla Parmigiana)
Layered eggplant dish baked with tomato sauce and cheese at Da Delfina. Solves the challenge of a hearty and flavorful meal.
- Taste: Features a harmonious blend of tender eggplant, tangy tomato sauce, and melted cheese.
- Location: Served at Da Delfina, a traditional trattoria in Naples.
- Ingredients: Distinguished by the use of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
4. Pasta alla Genovese
A meat and vegetable sauce pasta at Da Nuvoletta. Solves the challenge of a warm and comforting meal.
- Taste: Features a rich, savory blend of beef, pork, veal, vegetables, and herbs.
- Location: Served at Da Nuvoletta, a beloved restaurant in Naples.
- Tradition: Inherits the traditional recipe of Pasta alla Genovese.
5. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
Garlic and oil pasta at Da Ciccione. Solves the challenge of a quick, simple, yet flavorful meal.
- Taste: A bold, garlicky flavor complemented by a touch of chili and olive oil.
- Location: Served at Da Ciccione, a long-standing pasta restaurant in Naples.
- Simplicity: Made with only a few, high-quality ingredients for maximum flavor impact.
6. Pastiera di Grano
A sweet pastry made with wheat, ricotta, and candied fruit at Pasticceria Tigrane. Solves the challenge of finding a unique dessert.
- Taste: Combines the flavors of wheat, sweetened ricotta, and candied fruit.
- Location: Found at Pasticceria Tigrane, a traditional pastry shop in Naples.
- Culture: Reflects the long-standing tradition of Neapolitan dessert-making.
7. Risotto al Nero di Sepia
Ink squid risotto at La Controra. Solves the challenge of enjoying an innovative seafood dish.
- Taste: Features a rich, ink-infused flavor complemented by saffron and onions.
- Location: Served at La Controra, a renowned seafood restaurant in Naples.
- Innovation: An inventive take on traditional Neapolitan cuisine using squid ink.
8. Zeppole
Sweet, fried dough balls at Zeppoli Napoletani. Solves the challenge of finding a delicious snack.
- Taste: A delicate, sweet flavor with a hint of citrus from lemon zest.
- Location: Found at Zeppoli Napoletani, a pastry shop specializing in zeppole.
- Tradition: An essential part of Neapolitan dessert culture.
9. Casatiere (Stuffed Veal Roll)
A rolled veal filled with ham, cheese, and vegetables at Casanova. Solves the challenge of a hearty, filling meal.
- Taste: Features a rich, savory filling encased in tender veal.
- Location: Served at Casanova, a traditional restaurant in Naples.
- Tradition: Represents the rich culinary heritage of Neapolitan cuisine.
10. Cozze in Brodo (Mussels in Broth)
Fresh mussels in a flavorful broth at Da Tonino. Solves the challenge of finding a light yet satisfying meal.
- Taste: Aromatic and savory, with a hint of spice from red pepper flakes.
- Location: Served at Da Tonino, a seafood restaurant in Naples.
- Freshness: Made with fresh, sustainably sourced mussels.
11. Scialatielli con le Cozze (Pasta with Mussels)
Thick handmade pasta with mussels in a tomato sauce at La Madia. Solves the challenge of enjoying a classic Neapolitan dish.
- Taste: Features a rich, tangy tomato sauce with tender mussels.
- Location: Served at La Madia, a popular seafood restaurant in Naples.
- Quality: Made with high-quality, fresh ingredients.
12. Trippa alla Napoletana (Neapolitan Tripe)
Slow-cooked tripe in tomato sauce at O'Parrozzo. Solves the challenge of enjoying a comforting, traditional dish.
- Taste: A rich and flavorful stew made from slow-cooked tripe and tomatoes.
- Location: Served at O'Parrozzo, a traditional restaurant in Naples.
- Tradition: Represents the hearty, peasant cuisine of Naples.
13. Calzone Ripieni (Stuffed Calzones)
Handmade calzones filled with various ingredients like mozzarella, ricotta, and meat at L'Antica Pizzeria Port'Alba. Solves the challenge of finding a portable pizza alternative.
- Taste: A pocket of dough filled with savory ingredients, baked to golden perfection.
- Location: Served at L'Antica Pizzeria Port'Alba, a historic pizzeria in Naples.
- Innovation: Offers a portable alternative to Neapolitan pizza.
14. Baba al Limoncello (Lemoncello-soaked Baba)
A sponge cake soaked in limoncello liqueur at Pasticceria Tigrane. Solves the challenge of finding a refreshing dessert.
- Taste: A sweet, citrus-infused cake soaked in tangy limoncello liqueur.
- Location: Found at Pasticceria Tigrane, a traditional pastry shop in Naples.
- Culture: Reflects the regional tradition of limoncello production in Southern Italy.
15. Panzerotti di San Martino (San Martino Dumplings)
Deep-fried dough pockets filled with mozzarella and tomato sauce at I Pastificio di San Martino. Solves the challenge of finding a unique street food.
- Taste: A crispy, savory dough pocket filled with melted mozzarella and tangy tomato sauce.
- Location: Found at I Pastificio di San Martino, a street food vendor in Naples.
- Culture: A traditional street food associated with the San Martino festivities in Naples.