Eating in Naples (A morning to evening food guide)
Are you looking for the best places where to eat in Naples?
For the quintessential Italian food it is hard to compete with this foodie city. However make sure you do not fall into tourist traps and instead find the locally loved restaurants, where to eat true Neapolitan food.
Naples is the birthplace for pizza, as well as home to many of the best Italian pastries, however it is equally famous for fresh, simple and seasonal dishes.
To help you enjoy Naples to its fullest, below is a comprehensive list of where to eat, with restaurant suggestions to enjoy Traditional Neapolitan cuisine.
This blog will not only explain where to eat in Naples, but also what to eat, as well as where to drink.
See our post for exciting ideas for fun places to go and things to do in Naples.
Coffee in Naples
The Napolitan coffee culture is huge and there is a coffee shop on almost every street in Naples. Popular Neapolitan coffee brands that you often find in the cafes in Naples, include Kimbo and Borbone.
Below is a list of a few of the more frequented cafes to visit, to enjoy your caffeine fix.
Gran Caffè Gambrinus
Gran Caffè Gambrinus is a beautiful cafe dating back to 1860. The interior is filled with vintage paintings with ornate walls. A great pace to watch the world go by, with terrace seating offering splendid views of the Teatro San Carlo. Try the Caffé Gambrinus, which is an espresso shot with whipped cream, milk foam and sprinkles of chocolate and cocoa powder.
Location – Via Chiaia, 1/2, 80132
Hours: Mon – Thu 07:00 – 01:00, Fri – Sat 07:00 – 02:00
Bar Mexico
Bar Mexico with its orange and red sign is unmistakable in Naples. It is a franchise with with outlets spread across Naples and Southern Italy. Here you can enjoy a freshly grounded Passalacqua blend, already sweetened in a hot cup. The decor has a 60’s feel and warm atmosphere to it.
Location: Via Alcide de Gasperi, 43
Since 1927, Bar Augustus has been satisfying the locals with excellent coffee and delicious pastries. It is well located on Via Toledo but it is not large, so its mostly standing. Try the sfoglitella, which are served warm.
Location: Via Toledo, 147
Hours: Mon – Sun 06:45 – 20:30
Pastries
Napolitans love their pastries, with local creations including the baba (a small, rich sponge cake, typically soaked in rum-flavoured syrup) and the sfogliatella (translating as small, thin layers, as the pastry’s texture resembles stacked leaves). Fillings include fruit-flavored ricotta and almond paste.
The oldest bakery in Naples, Pasticceria Bistrot Giovanni Scaturchi is loved by locals and tourists, for its delicious pastries, including baba, sfogliatella, ministerial and cakes. They are famous for a baba in the shape of Vesuvius. They also have excellent coffee and ice cream on offer.
Location : Piazza Domenico Maggiore 19
Hours: Mon – Sun 07:00 – 18:00
Food Markets in Naples
Neapolitan markets are some of the most fun and colorful in the country. The two largest and most frequented are Mercato Pignasecca and Mercato Porta Nolana.
Mercato Pignasecca
Mercato Pignasecca is the most historic market in Naples. It is located by Via Toledo and sells all types of fresh food, specialty items and street food.
Location: Via Pignasecca, 14
Hours : 08:00- 18:00
Mercato Porta Nolana
Porta Nolana Market is the most famous fish market of Naples. There are also other type son food besides fish, including fruits, vegetables, meats and cheeses and desserts.
Location: Via Cesare Carmignano, 80142
Hours: 08:00- 16:00
Where to eat the best pizza in Naples
Naples is the creator of pizza and you’ll find it everywhere in the city. However it seems nobody can agree on where the best place to eat pizza is in Naples. Why they can agree on, is that the Neapolitan version is unquestionably the best. The true Neapolitan version is the margherita, (named after the queen) made with local buffalo mozzarella and tomatoes.
Pizzeria Brandi
Pizzeria Brandi is known as the birthplace of pizza margherita, where the letter written by Queen Margherita to chef Esposito to thank him for the pizza. They still have the letter hung on the wall.
Location : S. Anna di Palazzo, 1/2, 80132
Hours : Tue – Sun 12:30 – 16:30, 19:30 – 22:30
Di Matteo
Since 1936 Di matteo has been satisfying locals and tourists with amazing pizza. Often a line to get in, which is to be expected with the quality of their pizza and great prices. Th crust is perfect, chewy and delicious. Also not to miss is their selection of fried food.
Location : Via dei Tribunali 94
Hours : Mon – Sat 09:00 – 23:00, Sun 09:00 – 15:00
L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele
L’antica pizzeria da Michele offers incredible pizza; simple, authentic and delicious. Dating back to the late 1800s, they menu consists of just 2 types of pizza; margherita and marinara. Many argue its the best pizza in Naples.
Location : Via Cesare Serale 1
Hours : Mon – Sun 12:00 – 15:00, 19:00 – 00:00
Gino Sorbillo
The pizza at Gino Sorbillo is one of the most highly rated in Naples, with stunning location with its seafront setting. Try the buffalo mozzarella pizza.
Location : Via dei Tribunali, 32
Hours : Mon – Sat 12:00 – 15:30, 19:00 – 23:30
Bufalo Mozzarella
Bufalo mozzarella is the iconic fresh cheese of Campania, known by Neapolitans as “the pearl of the table”. Naples, Salerno and Battipaglia are the main cities known for the production of the best buffalo mozzarella.
Muu Muuzzarella
MuU Mozzarella is a small and cozy restaurant seating maximum 12 people, where everything is buffalo mozzarella based from the starters, mains and desserts. Try the Bocconcini with apple and pesto. The mozzarella cheesecake and the tiramamuu, are definitely worth saving room for.
Location : Vico II Alabardieri, 7, 80121
Hours : Tue – Sat 10:00 – 00:00
Antonio & Antonio
Located by the harbor, its mostly local dinning at Antonio & Antonio. The mozzarella starter is huge and full of flavor.
Location : Via Partenope 26
Hours : Mon – Sun 11:30 – 00:30
La Bufala
A restaurant chain that specializes in buffalo mozzarella. Smoked mozzarella is definitely worth a try.
Location : Piazza Garibaldi 34
Hours : Mon- Sun 12:00 – 16:00, 19:00 – 23:45
Traditional Neapolitan food
Palazzo Petrucci
Aruably one of the best places where to eat in Naples, has to be Palazzo Petrucci. It was the first restaurant in Naples to receive a Michelin star. They offer sublime food and wine, with an open kitchen and 2 wine cellars, as well as breathtaking views. Definitely recommended for a romantic, fine dining experience.
Via Posillipo 16 b/c
Umberto ristorante
Umberto ristorante is a family owned restaurant satisfying the locals since 1916. Favorite dishes include eggplant parmigiana, meatballs, spaghetti with clams and fresh fish stew.
Location : Via Alabardieri, 30
Hours : Mon – Sun 12:00 – 15:00, 19:00 – 22:30
Donna Teresa
Donna Teresa is a family owned osteria, offering simple delicious home made Neapolitan dining. Located very close to Castel Sant’ Elmo in the Vermero area. There is no menu, but that is part of the charm. They usually serve a small section of dishes, a handful of starters, mains and desserts. Very affodable prices.
Location : Via Michele Kerbaker, 58
Hours : Mon – Sat 12:00 – 15:00, 19:00 – 11:30
Fish restaurants in Naples
Neapolitans enjoy eating fish throughout the year and have more than their fair share of fish restaurants.
Osteria Il Gobbetto
Il Gobbetto is a family owned restaurant, famous for its fresh fish dishes; you won’t get fresher. Great service and prices.
Location : Via Sergente Maggiore 8
Hours : Tue – Sun 12:00 – 15:30, 19:00- 22:30
Pescheria Mattiucci
Fishmonger by day and restaurant by night, Pescheria Mattiucci is a must stop for a unique dining experience in Naples.
Location : Vico Belledonne Chiaia 27
Hours : Mon 12:00 – 15:00, Tue – Sat 09:00 – 22:30
Where to eat gelato in Naples
Fantasia Gelati
With over 50 flavors made with natural ingredients, Fantasia gelati is a great choice for those looking for delicious ice cream. A handful of venues throughout the city.
Location :Piazza Vanvitelli, 22, Naples
Hours : Mon – Sun 07:00 – 01:00
Mennella il Gelato
Mennella il gelato has been satisfying the locals since 1969, with fresh and natural ingredients. Large servings at good prices. Has a modern laboratory which comes up with innovative flavors. Be sure to try the nut flavors, including pistachio, hazelnut, almond and turkish nuts.
Location :Via Toledo
Hours : Mon – Sun 10:00 – 02:00
Gay Odin
Offering exceptional high quality since early 1900’s, Gay ordain offers a wonderful assortment of artisanal gelato and chocolates. It is without doubt one of the best places, where to eat gelato in Naples. Try the pear and ricotta as well as the foresta with pistachio and chocolate.
Location :Via Vetriera, 12, Naples
Hours : Mon – Sat 10:00 – 14:00, 16:00 – 20:00, Sun 10:0- 20:00
To conclude with, there are many places in Naples where it will be a absolute pleasure dinning, for all tastes and occasions. I hope now you have a great idea of where and what to eat in Naples. I would love to hear of your foodie experiences in the comments section below.
If you are looking for great places in Rome to eat, check out our where to eat in Rome blog, as well as our selection of food tours throughout the Eternal City.