Welcome to one of my favorite cities: Napoli! If you're arriving by train, your first stop should be Ciro Chalet in the station for a coffee and a graffa (that dreamy fried dough). Then, make your way to Attanasio for a sfogliatella—it's the perfect introduction to Naples and will set the tone for an amazing trip!
Once you get past the bustling charm of the city and the excessive amount of garbage everywhere, you’ll find Napoli so beautiful and enchanting. The people here are the most hospitable. I'm not from Napoli, and none of my family is either, but I always feel right at home whenever I get the opportunity to go.
Italy is a food lover’s paradise, and each city has its own culinary gems. In Napoli, here’s what you absolutely have to try:
Breakfast:
- Sfogliatella (riccia or frolla—one is flaky, the other is not)
- Polacca aversana (custard and black cherry pastry)
- Monachina
Food:
- Montanare
- Pasta frittatine
- Crocchè
- Pizza fritta
- Parmigiana ( eggplant parmignana - you wont find any chicken parm)
- Taralli sugna e pepe
- Pasta alla Genovese (Neapolitan ragù)
- Pasta alla Nerano
- Spaghetti alle vongole
- Gnocchi alla Sorrentino
- Puttanesca
- Scarpariello
- Neapolitan lasagna (with eggs and meatballs)
- Buffalo mozzarella
- Casatiello
- Caprese salad
Desserts:
- Pastiera
- Babà
- Caprese cake
- Delizie al limone
- Buffalo milk gelato from Mennella
- Graffa
- Zeppola di San Giuseppe
- Mostaccioli
Enjoy every bite and savor the flavors that make Napoli so special. Here are just a few places to try all these amazing dishes:
Snacks and Dessert:
- Snowflakes from Poppella (this changed my life i tried the ricotta one and it was insane)
- Sfogliatella from Attanasio
- Babà, pastiera, or caprese from Scaturchio
Food:
- Pizzaria Brandi - it is said that this is where Pizza Margherita was invented for the queen of Italy over 100 years ago, I have been a few times, and it has never disappointed!
- Palazzo Petrucci (Michelin-starred), Ciro in Mergellina, Terrazza Calabritto, or Mimi alla Ferrovia
- For a real local experience, hit up Signora Bettola, Fiorenzano, or Nennella
- Isabella de Cham: Known for their pizza fritta, but we had their pizza al forno and it was incredible and so was the potato crocchè
Bars:
- Barrio Botanico
- L'Antiquario (a speakeasy near the seafront)
- L'Archivio Storico in Vomero
- Miranapoli or Palazzo Petrucci are perfect for winding down with a view
Naples is this incredible mix of old-world charm and vibrant street life. You’re going to love every second of it.
What to do and see (non-food related):
red dress pictured is linked here: https://rvlv.me/or9qnc
- The Naples Cathedral
- Ospitale dei Bamboli (the Doll Hospital): A quirky spot where they fix dolls in a beautiful old building with a garden
- Spaccanapoli: This street slices Naples in half. You’ll see the Certosa di San Martino perched on the hill as you walk
- Sansevero Chapel: Go see the Veiled Christ (buy tickets ahead of time to skip the line)
- Churches: Santa Chiara’s monastery and Gesù Nuovo are both stunning. Take your time exploring them!
- Piazza Bellini and Piazza Dante: Wander through these squares
- Naples Underground: Consider a tour to explore the historical layers beneath the city. It’s like time traveling!
- Spanish Quarter "Quartierri Spagnoli": See the Maradona mural
- Palazzo Zevallos: Look at a Caravaggio painting
- Teatro di San Carlo
- Walk by the seafront and see Castel dell'Ovo (Entry is free, and the views are amazing)
- Casa Comet: If you are looking for a gorgeous handmade souvenir and handmade ceramic, you need to visit my friend Terry. She has a shop called Casa Comet and creates the perfect ceramic gifts, allowing you to bring a piece of Napoli home with you!
Enjoy your time in Napoli!
FYI it's really hot in Napoli right now and i packed this dress and it was a lifesaver. https://rvlv.me/z1ok87