Naples is a city that is famous for its food, and for good reason. The cuisine of Naples is diverse and delicious, with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients and bold, flavorful combinations. If you’re visiting Naples and want to experience the city like a local, you’ll want to try some of the traditional dishes that are beloved by Neapolitans. Here are some of the best things to eat in Naples, and where to find them.

The Classics

Pizza

When it comes to pizza, Naples is the birthplace of the Margherita – a simple but delicious pie made with fresh tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and basil. You can find excellent pizza all over the city, but some of the most famous pizzerias are Da Michele, Gino Sorbillo, and Pizzeria Brandi.

Pasta

Pasta dishes are a staple of Neapolitan cuisine, and there are countless variations to choose from. Try the classic spaghetti alle vongole (spaghetti with clams), or the hearty rigatoni alla Genovese (pasta with slow-cooked beef and onions). For something a little more unusual, try the ziti alla genovese – a baked pasta dish made with beef, onions, and plenty of cheese.

Street Food

Fried Foods

Naples is known for its fried food, and there are plenty of street vendors selling everything from arancini (fried rice balls) to panzerotti (fried dough stuffed with cheese and tomato sauce). For a truly indulgent treat, try the frittatina – a fried ball of pasta filled with béchamel sauce, meat, and peas.

Sfogliatella

Sfogliatella is a traditional pastry that is beloved by Neapolitans. It’s a flaky, layered pastry that is filled with sweet ricotta cheese and flavored with orange zest and cinnamon. You can find sfogliatelle in bakeries all over the city, but some of the best are Pintauro and Scaturchio.

Seafood

Frittura di Paranza

If you’re a fan of seafood, you won’t want to miss the frittura di paranza – a mixed fry of small fish and seafood that is a specialty of Naples. The dish typically includes anchovies, squid, shrimp, and other small fish, all lightly battered and fried to perfection.

Spaghetti alle Cozze

Spaghetti alle cozze is a classic Neapolitan dish made with fresh mussels, garlic, and white wine. The mussels are steamed in the wine and garlic, then tossed with spaghetti and served with a sprinkle of parsley. It’s a simple but delicious dish that is perfect for seafood lovers.

Naples is a city that is full of culinary delights, and these are just a few of the many dishes that you can try while you’re there. Whether you’re looking for classic Neapolitan cuisine or something a little more unusual, you’re sure to find something that will satisfy your taste buds. So don’t be afraid to explore the city’s markets, restaurants, and street vendors – you never know what delicious surprise you might find.