Naples Food
Explore Naples Food: Restaurants, Pizzerias & More
Naples is a vibrant culinary destination where rich traditions meet lively street culture and fresh, local ingredients.
From world-famous pizzerias and elegant restaurants serving refined Campanian dishes to bustling street food stalls and colorful markets overflowing with fresh produce and seafood, the city offers an unparalleled variety of dining experiences.
We spent a month in Naples researching what local foods to eat and where to eat them. We’ve compiled a summary of the information we collected so you can start enjoying Naples food as soon as you arrive!
This website contains affiliate links that may earn us a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Traditional Food in Naples
Neapolitan cuisine is celebrated for its vibrant flavors, fresh ingredients, and time-honored recipes passed down through generations. Centered around staples like San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella di bufala, and fresh seafood, the local food scene highlights simple yet delicious dishes such as pizza Margherita, pasta alla Genovese, and sfogliatella pastries.
Check out our Campania Food page for more information about these foods.
Campania Food
Campania’s cuisine is known for its fresh, high-quality ingredients like tomatoes, mozzarella di bufala, seafood, and olive oil. The region boasts iconic dishes such as Neapolitan pizza, pasta with rich ragù sauces, and sweet treats like sfogliatella and babà, reflecting a vibrant culinary tradition rooted in simplicity and bold flavors.
Restaurants in Naples
Naples offers a rich and diverse dining scene that reflects the city’s deep culinary heritage and evolving tastes. From no-frills trattorias serving time-honored local dishes to innovative restaurants reimagining Neapolitan flavors, the city caters to every kind of traveler seeking authentic or contemporary Italian cuisine.
Di Martino Sea Front Pasta Bar
A pasta-focused bar located opposite Castel Nuovo, operated by the Di Martino pasta family from Gragnano. Guests sit at a counter to watch chefs prepare traditional and creatively plated pasta dishes, offered individually or as part of a tasting menu—an appealing choice for enthusiasts seeking a focused culinary experience.
Address: Piazza Municipio, 1, 80133 Napoli, Italy
Il Ristorante Alain Ducasse Napoli
Perched on the 9th floor of Romeo Hotel, this fine‐dining venue melds French haute cuisine with Campanian ingredients, prepared under the “cuisine de la naturalité” philosophy. Executive Chef Alessandro Lucassino emphasises light cooking to highlight local seafood, vegetables, and refined sauces—backed by impressive sunset Bay of Naples views.
Address: Via Cristoforo Colombo, 45, 80133 Napoli, Italy
Michelasso
Michelasso is a refined, contemporary restaurant in central Naples offering an elegant setting ideal for romantic dinners. The menu features meat and fish dishes with modern reinterpretations of traditional flavors, and a lovely outdoor terrace overlooking Via Santa Brigida in summer.
Address: Via Santa Brigida, 14/16, 80132 Napoli, Italy
Essencia Restaurant
Located in the historic centre, this Mediterranean fusion restaurant subtly blends Spanish and Italian influences. It features an open‑view kitchen and chef’s table, offering an elegant, relaxed dining experience.
Address: Piazza Santa Maria la Nova, 9, 80134 Napoli, Italy
Caruso Roof Garden
Located on Via Partenope, this refined roof‑garden restaurant offers panoramic views of Castel dell’Ovo and Vesuvius. Chef Emanuele Petrosino highlights Campanian produce in tasting menus such as “Suite 531” and signature dishes like sea‑urchin gnocchi.
Address: Via Partenope, 45, 80121 Napoli, Italy
La Locanda Gesù Vecchio
A Bib Gourmand trattoria hidden in Spaccanapoli, featuring simple, family-style Campanian dishes in a cozy, informal setting. Specialties include fried mozzarella, eggplant parmigiana, bean and endive soup, pasta e piselli, salted cod, meatballs, and pastiera.
Address: Via Giovanni Paladino, 26, 80121 Napoli, Italy
Sustanza
A creative restaurant set inside Galleria Principe di Napoli, reached via a café lift to Liberty-style dining rooms. The menu showcases modern Mediterranean-inspired dishes—drawing on North African influences—with fermented elements and occasional grilled preparations, for diners seeking a contemporary culinary adventure.
Address: Galleria Principe di Napoli, 13, 80135 Napoli, Italy
ARIA
ARIA offers a refined dining experience blending traditional Neapolitan ingredients with contemporary culinary techniques. The elegant ambiance and carefully crafted dishes attract food lovers interested in innovative yet regionally inspired cuisine.
Address: Via Loggia Dei Pisani 2, 80134 Napoli, Italy
Joca
Joca presents modern Mediterranean cuisine with a focus on seasonal, high-quality ingredients. The stylish setting and inventive menu appeal to visitors looking for contemporary takes on local culinary traditions.
Address: Vico Sospiri, 10B/10C, 80121 Napoli NA, Italy
Januarius
Januarius blends traditional Neapolitan cuisine with modern flair, showcasing fresh seafood and seasonal produce in an elegant setting. Its thoughtful menus and welcoming atmosphere attract travelers interested in sophisticated regional dining.
Address: Via Duomo, 146/148, 80138 Napoli NA, Italy
Veritas
Veritas is a contemporary restaurant combining Italian culinary traditions with modern techniques and seasonal ingredients. Its stylish décor and carefully curated wine list make it popular among food enthusiasts and travelers.
Address: C.so Vittorio Emanuele, 141, 80121 Napoli NA, Italy
George Restaurant
George Restaurant specializes in Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with an emphasis on seafood and fresh, regional produce. Its elegant ambiance and creative dishes appeal to visitors seeking high-end dining experiences in Naples.
Address: C.so Vittorio Emanuele, 135, 80121 Napoli NA, Italy
Osteria della Mattonella
Established in 1978, this cozy, tile-adorned Osteria offers timeless Neapolitan fare—Genovese sauce, meatballs, octopus salad—served in a warm, intimate setting.
Address: Via Giovanni Nicotera, 13, 80132 Napoli NA, Italy
A Taverna d’ ‘e Zoccole
A market-side gem serving seasonal seafood and fresh-catch “all’acqua pazza” (fish in light tomato broth). The menu rotates with seasonal produce, offering creative and delicious antipasti.
Address: Vico Lungo del Gelso, 96, 80134 Napoli NA, Italy
Le Zendraglie
A bustling market trattoria in Pignasecca, famed for its fresh tripe dishes prepared in various styles, along with fried snacks and seafood pasta. A homey, authentic culinary spot
Address: Via Pignasecca, 14, 80134 Napoli NA, Italy
Pescheria Mattiucci
A traditional fishmonger-by-day that transforms into a simple raw seafood restaurant by night. Famous for pesce crudo—locally sourced raw fish paired with fresh produce in a casual, maritime setting.
Address: Vico Belledonne a Chiaia, 27, 80121 Napoli NA, Italy
Pizzerias in Naples
Naples is the birthplace of pizza, and its pizzerias are world-renowned for preserving the art of traditional Neapolitan pizza. From historic institutions to innovative newcomers, the city offers countless places to enjoy perfectly blistered, wood-fired pies made with fresh, local ingredients.
L’antica Pizzeria da Michele
Founded in 1870, this historic pizzeria offers a lively, convivial atmosphere centered on only two pizza options—Margherita and Marinara. It’s famed for its traditional approach: numbered tickets, no reservations, and a strictly focused menu.
Address: Via Cesare Sersale, 1/7, 80139 Napoli, Italy
Pizzeria Da Attilio
A longstanding family‑run pizzeria (since 1938) in a working‑class district, known for traditional Neapolitan pizzas and playful shapes like the eight‑pointed star. It’s small and reservation‑free, with a warm, local atmosphere.
Address: Via Pignasecca, 17, 80134 Napoli, Italy
Gino Sorbillo
A lively, historic pizzeria on Via dei Tribunali (“via della pizza”), celebrated for maintaining traditional Neapolitan pizza with high‑quality ingredients. Expect communal seating and queues during peak hours.
Address: Via dei Tribunali, 32, 80138 Napoli, Italy
50 Kalò
50 Kalò is celebrated for its expertly crafted Neapolitan pizzas, featuring a soft, airy crust and high-quality toppings. Its modern yet casual setting attracts pizza aficionados looking for an authentic taste of Naples.
Address: P.za Sannazaro, 201/c, 80121 Napoli NA, Italy
De’ Figliole
aka La Masardona
One of the very best in Naples for pizza fritta (fried pizza), this storied family-run stall has been deep-frying golden, calzone-like delights since 1860 on Via Giudecca Vecchia.
Address: Via Giulio Cesare Capaccio, 27, 80142 Napoli NA, Italy
Street Food in Naples
Naples is a vibrant city where street food is woven into daily life, offering travelers an authentic taste of its rich culinary heritage on the go. From bustling markets to historic streets, you’ll find iconic snacks like cuoppo (mixed fried treats), pizza fritta (fried pizza), and sfogliatella pastries served by beloved vendors known for their tradition and quality.
Antica Friggitoria Fiorenzano
This legendary friggitoria has mastered the art of cuoppo—paper cones overflowing with mixed fried goodies like shrimp, squid, zucchini flowers, crocchè, and frittatine di pasta. Their zeppole are especially renowned for being crispy outside and soft inside, making it a quintessential Neapolitan snack.
Address: Via Pignasecca, 48, 80134 Napoli NA, Italy
Friggitoria Vomero
A historic fried-food stall near the Vomero funicular, offering classic Neapolitan snacks—zeppole, arancini, fritto misto, and pasta omelettes—all expertly fried in the traditional way.
Address: Via Domenico Cimarosa, 44, 80129 Napoli NA, Italy
Sfogliatella Mary
A must-visit for pastry lovers, offering crispy sfogliatella riccia and the short-dough frolla variety. It’s considered a benchmark for quality and flavor .
Address: Galleria Umberto I, 66, 80132 Napoli NA, Italy
Antica Tripperia O’ Russ
A famed offal stall since 1945, specializing in ‘o per e ‘o muss (pork offal seasoned simply with salt and lemon). It’s a top spot for adventurous eaters seeking true Neapolitan soul food .
Address: Via S. Eframo Vecchio, 68, 80137 Napoli NA, Italy
Food Markets in Naples
Food markets in Naples are vibrant hubs where local ingredients and daily life come together in a lively, authentic setting. From historic markets like Pignasecca—the city’s oldest and busiest street market—to bustling seafood markets near Porta Nolana, these markets offer travelers a firsthand look at Neapolitan food traditions and fresh produce.
Mercato di Pignasecca
As Naples’ oldest and busiest street market, Pignasecca buzzes with energy and local color. It offers a wide variety of fresh produce, seafood, meats, cheeses, and street-food stalls, making it a must-visit for authentic ingredients and lively Neapolitan street eats.
Address: Piazza Pignasecca, 3, 80134 Napoli NA, Italy
Mercato di Porta Nolana
This bustling fish market near the Porta Nolana train station is renowned for its fresh seafood and vibrant atmosphere. It’s the ideal spot to watch fishermen unloading their catch and sample seafood delicacies at nearby street vendors.
Address: Piazza Nolana, 80142 Napoli NA, Italy
Mercato di Forcella
A traditional market located near the historic center, Forcella offers an array of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, and spices. Its local charm and authentic Neapolitan vibe attract food lovers interested in exploring everyday ingredients.
Address: Via Pasquale Stanislao Mancini, 80139 Napoli NA, Italy
Mercato di Poggioreale
Known for wholesale food distribution, Poggioreale market is also a place to find fresh produce, meats, and local specialties at competitive prices. It’s less touristy, giving a glimpse into Naples’ everyday food commerce.
Location: Via Marino di Caramanico, 80143 Napoli NA, Italy
Food Tours in Naples
Food tours in Naples offer visitors a hands-on way to explore the city’s rich culinary heritage, from tasting traditional street food to sampling regional specialties in local eateries.
Want to learn about the local food during your Naples visit? Book one of the best food tours in Naples!
Best Place to Stay in Naples
Hotels in Naples
If you are planning a trip to Naples, there are plenty of excellent places to stay. However, for food lovers, we recommend staying in or near the Historic Center (Centro Storico)—it puts you within walking distance of the city’s best pizzerias, street food, and markets.
The castle marker on the map below is the heart of the HIstoric Center. We suggest staying as close to it as possible, depending on your budget and preferences.
Here’s a map with hotel and apartment options that can be filtered to meet your needs. Select your travel dates to get specific availability and prices.
Book your stay now!
FAQs About Naples Food
What is Naples’ famous food?
Naples is world-famous for its authentic Neapolitan pizza, especially the classic Margherita with San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella di bufala, and basil. Beyond pizza, the city is known for dishes like pasta alla Genovese, spaghetti alle vongole (clam pasta), and delicious pastries such as sfogliatella and babà. These iconic foods reflect Naples’ rich culinary tradition and fresh local ingredients.
What must I eat in Naples?
When visiting Naples, you must try traditional Neapolitan pizza from a wood-fired oven, sample fresh seafood pasta like spaghetti alle vongole, and enjoy street food favorites like cuoppo (mixed fried snacks). Don’t miss regional specialties such as ragù napoletano and the famous pastries sfogliatella and babà for a complete taste of local flavors.
Is Naples a foodie city?
Absolutely. Naples is a dream for food lovers—from iconic wood-fired pizzas to humble fried snacks sold from tiny stalls. Whether you’re into Michelin stars or back-alley bakeries, this city delivers bold, authentic flavors at every turn.
Where can I find the best pizza in Naples?
Naples is dotted with legendary pizzerias, but some of the best-known spots include L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele, Gino Sorbillo, and Di Matteo. These historic pizzerias serve traditional wood-fired pizzas with simple, high-quality ingredients like San Marzano tomatoes and mozzarella di bufala. Many locals and travelers alike consider them must-visit destinations to experience authentic Neapolitan pizza in a lively, welcoming atmosphere.
What are traditional Neapolitan desserts to try?
Traditional Neapolitan desserts are a delightful part of the city’s food culture. Highlights include sfogliatella (a flaky pastry filled with ricotta and citrus), babà (a rum-soaked cake), and pastiera (a ricotta and wheat berry tart typically enjoyed at Easter). These sweets are often enjoyed alongside strong Neapolitan espresso and reflect Naples’ love for rich, flavorful pastries.
Is street food safe to eat in Naples?
Yes, street food in Naples is generally safe to eat, especially at well-established vendors and busy markets where turnover is high. Popular street foods like cuoppo (fried snacks), pizza fritta (fried pizza), and arancini (rice balls) are freshly prepared using traditional recipes. Travelers are advised to choose vendors with good hygiene and high local popularity for the best and safest experience.
What local ingredients define Neapolitan cuisine?
Neapolitan cuisine is defined by fresh, high-quality local ingredients such as San Marzano tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella from nearby Campania, fresh seafood from the Bay of Naples, fragrant basil, and extra virgin olive oil. These staples provide the foundation for the region’s simple yet flavorful dishes, emphasizing freshness and authenticity.
Can I find vegetarian or vegan options in Naples?
Yes, Naples offers a growing number of vegetarian and vegan-friendly options, especially in modern restaurants and pizzerias that accommodate dietary preferences. Traditional dishes like pizza margherita can easily be veganized by omitting cheese, and vegetable-based antipasti, pasta with fresh tomato sauces, and fried vegetable snacks are widely available. Many food markets and casual eateries also offer fresh produce and plant-based specialties.