What to eat in Naples: 10 dishes to taste on vacation

When visiting the vibrant city of Naples, Italy, your culinary experience is sure to be a highlight. Known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning coastline, Naples is also celebrated for its exceptional local cuisine. From beloved classics to lesser-known delicacies, here are 10 must-try dishes to savor during your vacation.

1. Pizza

No trip to Naples is complete without indulging in its world-famous pizza. Neapolitan pizza, with its characteristic soft, chewy crust and simple yet flavorful toppings, is a true taste of the city’s culinary tradition. The secret to the perfect Neapolitan pizza lies in the high-quality, locally sourced ingredients, the wood-fired ovens, and the skilled hands of the pizzaioli (pizza makers). Whether you opt for a classic Margherita, with its vibrant tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil leaves, or venture into more adventurous toppings, each bite will transport you to the heart of Naples.

2. Pizza fritta

Fried pizza, or “pizza fritta“, is a unique Neapolitan specialty that you simply must try. The dough is rolled out, filled with various ingredients such as ricotta, salami, or even Nutella, and then deep-fried, resulting in a crispy, golden-brown treat. The contrast of the crisp exterior and the warm, gooey interior is a delightful experience that will have you coming back for more.

3. Frittatina di pasta

This beloved street food is a true testament to Neapolitan ingenuity. Frittatina di pasta consists of a fried fritter made with leftover pasta, eggs, and cheese, creating a delightful fusion of textures and flavors.

4. Genovese

Genovese is a slow-cooked beef and onion ragù that simmers for hours, resulting in a rich, savory sauce that is often served over pasta. The long cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, creating a dish that is both comforting and complex. The key to a perfect Genovese is the patience and attention to detail required, as the sauce needs to be cooked low and slow to achieve its signature velvety texture.

5. Puttanesca

The bold and tangy puttanesca sauce, made with tomatoes, olives, capers, and anchovies, is a quintessential Neapolitan dish that packs a flavorful punch. Puttanesca is often served over spaghetti, but it can also be enjoyed as a topping for crusty bread or as a side dish.

6. Ragù

The Neapolitan version of ragù, a meat-based sauce, is a labor of love, with the sauce simmering for hours to develop its deep, complex flavors. Unlike the ragù found in other parts of Italy, the Neapolitan version is characterized by a longer cooking time, resulting in a sauce that is silky smooth and deeply flavorful. Ragù is typically served over thick, ridged pasta, such as rigatoni or paccheri, allowing the sauce to cling to the nooks and crannies of the pasta.

7. Mozzarelle

Naples is renowned for its exceptional mozzarella cheese, which can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, from fresh and creamy to grilled or baked. The city’s proximity to the Campania region’s fertile farmlands and the availability of high-quality milk from water buffalo contribute to the unparalleled flavor and texture of Neapolitan mozzarella. Whether served on its own, in a caprese salad, or as a topping for pizza, this iconic cheese is a must-try during your visit.

8. Casatiello

This savory, ring-shaped bread is a Neapolitan Easter tradition, filled with a variety of cured meats, cheeses, and hard-boiled eggs. The rich, buttery dough is a perfect canvas for the salty and savory fillings, creating a satisfying and indulgent treat. Casatiello is often enjoyed as a breakfast or brunch item, but it can be savored at any time of day.

9. Pastiera

A sweet, delicate tart made with wheat, ricotta, and orange blossom water, pastiera is a beloved Neapolitan dessert, often associated with the Easter season. The combination of the flaky pastry crust and the creamy, slightly sweet filling is a true delight for the senses. Pastiera is a testament to the city’s rich culinary heritage and the skilled hands of its pastry chefs.

10. Sfogliatelle

These flaky, shell-shaped pastries are a true Neapolitan delight, with a delicate, crispy exterior and a creamy, ricotta-based filling. The intricate layers of the sfogliatelle dough are a testament to the skill and patience of the pastry makers, who meticulously roll and fold the dough to create the signature appearance. Whether you opt for the classic ricotta-filled version or venture into more innovative flavors, each bite of a sfogliatella is a delightful exploration of Neapolitan pastry excellence.

The rich history and architecture of Naples

In addition to the culinary delights, Naples is also renowned for its rich history and stunning architecture. Visitors can explore the historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and venture underground to discover the ancient Greco-Roman ruins and the captivating Catacombs of San Gennaro. The city’s underground network of tunnels, aqueducts, and basements offer a fascinating glimpse into the city’s past, with guided tours providing insight into the various layers of Neapolitan history.
Above ground, the city’s iconic landmarks, such as the Castel Nuovo, the Duomo di Napoli, and the Piazza del Plebiscito, showcase the city’s diverse architectural styles and its role as a cultural and political center throughout the centuries. Learn more about this incredible city with Forexchange’s Naples Audio Guide, available in 6 different languages. Otherwise, visit the city with the Naples City Hop-on Hop-off Tour.

How to reach Naples by train

To reach Naples by train, you can easily purchase Trenitalia tickets online through the Forexchange platform, an official partner of Trenitalia. On our Trenitalia Train Tickets page, you can conveniently check train schedules, availability, and purchase tickets for high-speed trains like Frecciarossa, Frecciargento, and Frecciabianca, as well as Intercity and regional trains. Discover Naples and its magic with Forexchange!

Photo Credits:
City Foodsters, Flickr