Naples Food Guide: Traditional foods in Naples
Naples is the capital of the Campania region in Southern Italy. It's a city rich in history, art, and culture, with a vibrant street life and a strong culinary tradition. Naples is famous for its pizza, which is considered by many to be the best in the world, but there's much more to the city's cuisine than just pizza. From seafood to pasta, from street food to fine dining, Naples has something to offer for every taste and budget.
What to eat in Naples, Italy
This is a list of the must have dishes in Naples. Ranked on best food score.
Pizza Margherita
The quintessential Neapolitan pizza, the Pizza Margherita is a simple yet delicious pie topped with San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella di bufala, and fresh basil. Legend has it that the pizza was created in honor of Queen Margherita of Savoy in 1889, and its colors represent the Italian flag.
Spaghetti alle Vongole
A classic pasta dish from Naples, Spaghetti alle Vongole features spaghetti tossed with fresh clams, garlic, white wine, and parsley. The dish is simple yet flavorful, and the briny flavor of the clams pairs perfectly with the pasta.
Baba al Rum
A sweet and boozy dessert, Baba al Rum is a small cake made with yeast, flour, eggs, and sugar, soaked in a rum syrup and often served with whipped cream. The dessert is said to have originated in Poland, but it has become a staple of Neapolitan cuisine.
Risotto alla Pescatora
A seafood lover's dream, Risotto alla Pescatora is a creamy rice dish made with a variety of shellfish, including mussels, clams, and shrimp, as well as tomatoes, garlic, and white wine. The dish is hearty and flavorful, and perfect for a chilly evening.
Frittura di Paranza
A popular street food in Naples, Frittura di Paranza is a mix of fried seafood, including small fish, squid, and shrimp. The seafood is lightly breaded and fried until crispy, and served with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of salt. It's the perfect snack to enjoy while exploring the city.
Polpette
Polpette, or Italian meatballs, are a classic Neapolitan dish. Made with a mix of ground beef and pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and herbs, the meatballs are typically served with tomato sauce and spaghetti. They're a hearty and comforting meal that's perfect for a chilly evening.
Sfogliatella
A shell-shaped pastry filled with ricotta cheese and semolina, Sfogliatella is a sweet treat that's popular in Naples. The pastry is flaky and crispy on the outside, and creamy and sweet on the inside. It's perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack.
Pastiera Napoletana
This traditional Neapolitan dessert is a sweet and creamy pie made with ricotta cheese, wheat berries, and candied fruit. The pie has a delicate flavor and a light, fluffy texture that's perfect for a spring or summer treat.
Zeppole di San Giuseppe
These fluffy, cream-filled pastries are a traditional Neapolitan treat that's typically served on St. Joseph's Day. The pastries are made with a light, airy dough and a sweet, creamy filling, and they're often topped with powdered sugar or a cherry.
Struffoli
These small, honey-coated dough balls are a traditional Neapolitan Christmas dessert. The dough is fried until golden brown, then coated in warm honey and sprinkled with colorful sprinkles or candied fruit.
Struffoli
These small, honey-coated dough balls are a traditional Neapolitan Christmas dessert. The dough is fried until golden brown, then coated in warm honey and sprinkled with colorful sprinkles or candied fruit.
