The city of Naples has long been seen as the gateway to the Amalfi Coast and the archaeological sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum. But stay a while and you'll discover a gritty city bursting at the seams with a vibrancy unlike any other city in Italy. Wander through streets and meet the many merchants who have the best-kept food secrets waiting for you patiently on their small benches.
PIZZA PORTOFOGLIO DI GENNARO SALVO
pizza wallets
This unassuming street shop is raved about by locals and for good reason. It’s the kind of spot whereby have it not been for the lingering smell of woodfired pizza drifting into your nostrils, you might walk straight past it. But don’t do that. Instead, pay the 3 euro price tag for your very own pizza wallet, the crust is so thin that the only way to eat it is by folding it which makes it the perfect on the go lunch to take with you on your exploration of the city.
PIZZERIA DE' FIGLIOLE
fried pizza
Another Neapolitan classic is the invention of fried pizza. The love for these tasty morsels has traveled across the ocean where it is enjoyed by millions of Americans each year. Nothing can beat the freshly fried savoury lunch meal that had its origin in Naples. I recommend the Pizzeria De' Figliole, they claim to be the creators of this street food in a recipe passed down by their Nonni after the war. Their fried pizzas are not greasy like some reproductions you'll find around the city, and with a multitude of fillings to choose from on their menu -though you can't go wrong with their classic completa, you'll find yourself returning again and again.
ANTICO FORNO DELLA SFOGLIATELLE FRATELLI ATTANASIO
sfogliatelle
These sweet pastries are a traditional menu item found across Naples, perfect for a quick breakfast snack or an after coffee dessert. Filled with creamy ricotta and lightly flavoured with citrus, sfogliatelle are flaky delicacies made popular in Naples. At the Antico Forno Della Sfogliatelle, follow the lines of locals who make their way to this shop for freshly made warm sfogliatelle sprinkled inside with delicious candied fruit.
PATISSERIE CAPPARELLI
zeppole
Another classically Neapolitan dessert is zeppole, a deep-fried pastry filled with custard and black cherries, then dusted with a layer of powdered sugar. My favorite is the ricotta filled variants with sultanas, however, if you want to go the traditional route, get them freshly cooked without any filling, sprinkled with sugar and ready to go. The Patisserie Capparelli on via dei Tribunali serves up these tasty delights to fulfill all your deep-fried dreams.
LEOPOLDO INFANTE
taralli
The addictiveness of taralli are no joke, all it takes is one bite of the crunchy twisted crackers and it'll be a challenge to stop eating them. Originally made with lard, almonds and black pepper, the widespread popularity of taralli means that you can find them in almost any bakery in the city in a variety of flavours. My personal favorite is the taralli that includes fennel seeds, or chilli.
ANTICA PIZZERIA E RISTORANTE PORT'ALBA
frutti de mare
Translating to 'fruits of the sea', this popular Neapolitan pasta dish serves up delectable seafood plucked fresh from the ocean and pairing it with the classic linguine, though a risotto version of this is also divine! The Antica Pizzeria e Ristorante Port'Alba serves up one of the best version of this traditional dish.
TRATTORIA MALINCONICO
pasta all genovese
Don't let the Genovese name confuse you, this dish was born in Naples and is a well-known favorite of pasta in Naples. A rich, caramelized onion sauce cooked alongside melt in your mouth veal, this hearty meal is set to enthrall your tastebuds. Some say that the dish is inspired by french onion soup, and I challenge anyone who doesn't like onions to taste this dish because you very well may be converted!
PIZZERIA DA ATTILIO
natalina
This mouthwatering pizza can be found at Pizzeria Da Attilio, and is topped with fresh ingredients that are distinctly Neapolitan. Cod, black olives, tomatoes from the base of Mt. Vesuvius, capers and escarole combine to create a salty delight that I keep going back to, trust me when I say you won't be disappointed.
L'ANTICA PIZZERIA DA MICHELE
neapolitan
Now for the piece de resistance, the Neapolitan Pizza. L'antica pizzeria da michele offers you the choice of two pizza bases, either the Marinara which has tomato, garlic, oregano and olive oil, or the Margherita which is classically tomato, mozzarella, basil and olive oil. The pizzeria is an institute of the highest calibre in Naples with the freshest of ingredients locally sourced to bring you a simple and decadent flavor profile.
Thinking about visiting Naples? Check out Amalfi Coast Italy Tours for their day tours!
About the Author
Carolina Burgio is a travel blogger based in the fantastic Melbourne. Carolina is the owner at Life Well Travelled.
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