Naples is a feast for all the senses — but especially for the taste buds. Known as the birthplace of pizza and a hotbed of culinary tradition, Naples is where age-old recipes meet bold Mediterranean flavors. Whether you’re wandering through the city’s buzzing alleys or taking in sweeping sea views from a breezy terrace, you’re never far from something delicious. Wondering what to eat in Naples? Here are 12 of the best foods in Naples, Italy that you simply can’t miss.
1. Pizza Napoletana
You can’t talk about what to eat in Naples without starting with the city’s most iconic dish: pizza. Neapolitan pizza is world-famous for its soft, chewy crust, slightly charred from the blistering heat of a wood-fired oven. The classic Margherita — made with San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella di bufala, fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil — is the gold standard. With only a few ingredients, it showcases the beauty of simplicity and local quality, and it’s a must-try where it all began.
2. Sfogliatella
Sfogliatella is one of the best pastries to eat in Naples — and a true work of culinary art. Its shell-shaped layers of thin, crispy dough cradle a rich filling of ricotta, citrus zest and semolina. There are two types: sfogliatella riccia (crunchy and flaky) and sfogliatella frolla (with a smooth, shortcrust exterior). Pair one with a strong Neapolitan espresso for an authentic local breakfast or a mid-morning pick-me-up.
3. Pasta alla Genovese
Despite its name, Pasta alla Genovese is a quintessential Neapolitan dish (and has nothing to do with Genoa). This comforting pasta is slow-cooked for hours in a sauce made of sweet onions and beef, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth ragù. The onions cook down thoroughly until they become a velvety base, enveloping the pasta in flavor. Traditionally served with ziti or rigatoni, this dish captures the heart of Neapolitan home cooking.
4. Frittatina di Pasta
Frittatina di pasta is Naples' version of fried comfort food — and it's outrageously delicious. Imagine leftover pasta mixed with béchamel, peas and bits of ham, then coated in breadcrumbs and deep-fried into a golden puck of creamy, cheesy goodness. Found in street food stalls and bakeries throughout the city, frittatina is the kind of snack that stops you in your tracks. It’s a prime example of how Neapolitans turn humble ingredients into unforgettable bites.
5. Parmigiana di Melanzane
Eggplant parmigiana, or parmigiana di melanzane, is one of the best foods in Naples, Italy — especially if you’re craving something hearty and satisfying. Slices of eggplant are fried, layered with tomato sauce, basil and mozzarella, then baked to bubbly perfection. The result is a gooey, comforting dish that highlights the rich tomato flavor Southern Italy is known for. It’s often served as a starter, but could easily be the star of your meal.
6. Cuoppo Napoletano
Cuoppo is Naples’ answer to a grab-and-go seafood cone. Served in a paper cone and perfect for strolling, it usually contains a mix of lightly-fried fish, shrimp, squid and even veggies like zucchini or eggplant. The batter is thin and crisp, allowing the freshness of the seafood to shine through. It's a favorite street food among locals, offering a satisfying crunch with every bite — especially with a squeeze of lemon.
7. Ragù Napoletano
Another rich, slow-cooked specialty, Ragù Napoletano is more robust than its Bolognese cousin. Made with large chunks of beef or pork (sometimes both), the sauce simmers for hours with tomatoes, wine and aromatics until the meat falls apart. It’s traditionally served with wide pasta like paccheri or mafaldine, allowing the thick sauce to cling to every bite. This Sunday staple is a true labor of love — and worth every forkful.
8. Babà al Rum
If you're wondering what to eat in Naples when your sweet tooth kicks in, look no further than babà. These spongy, yeast-based pastries are soaked in rum syrup, giving them a boozy, melt-in-your-mouth quality. Originally from France, babà found a second home in Naples and became an essential part of the local pastry scene. Some bakeries even fill them with whipped cream or pastry cream for an extra indulgent treat.
9. Mozzarella di Bufala
Creamy, milky and subtly tangy, mozzarella di bufala is another must-eat in Naples and the surrounding Campania region. Made from water buffalo milk, this cheese is protected by DOP status and is best enjoyed fresh. Whether eaten on its own with a drizzle of olive oil or layered into caprese salad, the texture is both delicate and decadent. Try it from a local caseificio or at a trattoria specializing in Campanian cheeses.
10. Struffoli
If you’re visiting Naples around the holidays, don’t miss a plate of struffoli. These bite-sized balls of sweet dough are fried until golden, then coated in honey and topped with colorful sprinkles and candied fruit. While typically a Christmas treat, you might find variations throughout the year. It’s festive, fun to eat and totally addictive — especially with a mug of espresso to balance the sweetness.
11. Zeppole di San Giuseppe
Zeppole are another sweet Neapolitan specialty, traditionally eaten on March 19 for St. Joseph’s Day, but available in pastry shops year-round. These light, fried or baked dough puffs are filled with pastry cream and topped with sour cherries. The texture is delightfully airy with a creamy, sweet center that’s not overly rich. Zeppole showcase the Neapolitan love for seasonal and celebratory food done right.
12. Neapolitan Coffee
While technically not a dish, coffee in Naples is an experience all its own. Served short and strong, Neapolitan espresso is deeply ingrained in the city’s culture. Many locals enjoy their daily shot standing at the bar, chatting with friends or people-watching from a street-side café. The coffee is usually roasted darker than in northern Italy, giving it a more intense, full-bodied flavor — perfect for pairing with sfogliatella or babà.
Try a Culinary Excursion in Naples, Italy
To truly understand Neapolitan culture, you need to eat like a local — and some of the best experiences in the city combine sightseeing with street food tasting or traditional meals. Here are a couple of immersive excursions that offer just that:
- Naples Bicycle Adventure With Pizza Tasting
- Pedal your way through Naples’ historic streets and scenic waterfronts while discovering art, history and culture — followed by a delicious pizza lunch. From the enchanting Castel dell’Ovo to the lively Piazza del Plebiscito, this tour pairs sightseeing with Neapolitan flavors for an unforgettable ride.
- Naples Street Food & Historical Center
- Stroll through the heart of Naples with a knowledgeable guide as you sample a variety of street food favorites, like frittatina, cuoppo and sfogliatella. In between bites, explore the city’s rich past with visits to a Gothic cathedral and the Museum of San Gennaro’s treasures.
These excursions offer the perfect blend of flavor and culture, helping you experience the best foods in Naples, Italy while soaking up the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
What Food is Naples, Italy Famous For?
From wood-fired pizza and decadent pastries to rustic pastas and fresh-from-the-sea specialties, the best foods in Naples, Italy reflect the city’s rich culinary heritage. Whether you're savoring slow-cooked ragù in a cozy trattoria or enjoying a crisp frittatina on a bustling street corner, every dish offers a taste of Naples' vibrant soul. It's this deep connection to tradition and flavor that makes Naples one of the most unforgettable food destinations in Europe.
Ready to experience Naples like a true foodie? Book a shore excursion to taste local favorites and uncover hidden culinary gems throughout the city. You can also dive deeper into your trip by exploring what Naples is known for and what to buy in Naples for an unforgettable Mediterranean adventure. Plan your trip around the perfect time of year that matches your interests.
