The Best Places to Eat in Naples

Cinematic Naples lives to eat, but there is far more to this southern Italian city than scoffing pizza margherita at famous locations like Da Michele, as Julia Roberts did in the movie Eat Pray Love. Frequenting restaurants where culinary legends like Sophia Loren worked also adds to the city’s allure.

Dining out in bustling Naples, steeped in grassroots tradition and the warm Mediterranean sun, is an experience not to be missed. Shopping for seasonal vegetables, fresh seafood, silky buffalo mozzarella, and aromatic spices at local markets is a fundamental practice for Neapolitans. Scratch cooking and minimizing waste are habitual ways of life.

Indulging in fried fish from a paper cone or sharing aperitivi (pre-meal drinks) at sunset reflect a lifestyle that transcends mere trends. Naples has always charted its own gastronomic journey, catering to a spectrum of tastes from vegan delicacies to traditional recipes, amid a dazzling array of eateries.

From the city’s top pizzerias to restaurants famous for seafood, here are Naples’ 14 best places to eat.

1. Concettina Ai Tre Santi

Discover the vibrant neighborhood of La Sanità at Concettina Ai Tre Santi, the hippest pizzeria in the area. With a legacy spanning over 70 years, the creative pizzaiolo Ciro Oliva has transformed his family’s restaurant into a beloved hotspot. Try the artichoke-filled pizza-dough bun paired with local craft beer or small-production Campanian wine.

2. Tandem

At Tandem, you can savor the extraordinarily rich ragù napoletano any day of the week. This traditional meat and tomato sauce has become widely popular, appearing in numerous dishes. For an authentic experience, try it atop fresh pasta or with crunchy bread for dipping.

3. Antica Pizza Fritta di Zia Esterina Sorbillo

For an unforgettable meal, enjoy lunch at Antica Pizza Fritta, a fried pizza joint that has maintained authenticity since WWII. Gino Sorbillo prides himself on using original family recipes to deliver light, puffy, and delicious fried pizza filled with rich ingredients.

4. Cibi Cotti “Nonna Anna”

If you seek an authentic, home-cooked meal, Cibi Cotti is the place to be. This market eatery is adored by locals for its affordable and delicious dishes, such as trippa al sugo and tracchia al ragù. Until her passing in 2017, Anna Pappalardo’s culinary legacy continues through her family.

5. 50 Kalò

At 50 Kalò, each wood-fired pizza is paired with a specific extra-virgin olive oil, ensuring that every bite is a celebration of flavors. The pizzeria sources its organic San Marzano tomatoes and artisanal ingredients from independent producers, making it a must-visit without the need for reservations.

6. Pizzeria Gino Sorbillo

Pizzeria Gino Sorbillo, situated in the historic center, is renowned for its ideal Neapolitan pizzas. The thick-crust pizzas are baked to perfection in a massive wood-fired oven, combining age-old techniques with a passion for quality ingredients.

7. Osteria della Mattonella

This charming Spanish Quarter eatery features a cozy ambiance filled with vintage memorabilia. Their old-school Neapolitan cuisine includes comforting soups, fresh pasta, and an exquisite Genovese sauce that has remained unchanged since its inception.

8. Pescheria Mattiucci

Experience the freshest pesce crudo at this historic fish market, which has served the community since the 1890s. The Mattiucci family’s expert selections of raw fish with unique marinades create a delightful culinary experience.

9. George

This Michelin-starred restaurant presents modern Neapolitan cuisine with French influences, making it a top choice for food enthusiasts. The tasting menu offers an exceptional culinary journey paired with stunning views of the Bay of Naples from the rooftop garden.

10. Palazzo Petrucci

Palazzo Petrucci marries tradition with innovation, offering timeless classics alongside contemporary twists. The serene waterfront location enhances the dining experience with views of the sea.

11. Friggitoria Vomero

At Friggitoria Vomero, grab a cone of Naples’ quintessential street food from this vintage fry shop. The array of deep-fried delights guarantees a unique and satisfying culinary adventure.

12. Mimì alla Ferrovia

For those wanting a touch of nostalgia, Mimì offers an elegant setting and a commitment to traditional Neapolitan recipes that have stood the test of time. Signature dishes like stuffed peppers and spaghetti con vongole veraci remain beloved staples.

13. L’Ebbrezza di Noè

At L’Ebbrezza di Noè, select from an extensive list of wines to accompany delectable dishes, including pizza di scarola and fine seafood offerings, perfect for any dining occasion.

14. Umberto

This veteran trattoria has been serving traditional dishes since 1916, capturing the essence of Naples with its rich flavors and local ingredients. Be prepared for a culinary experience that embodies the region’s Slow Food ethos.

This article was first published on Feb 17, 2023, and updated on Dec 7, 2023.