Discover the Top 8 Italian Restaurants in Naples
The European nation of Italy is renowned for several things. It is known for fine art. It is famous for historic architecture. And, of course, it is celebrated for the culinary scene. Italian cuisine is already widespread. Each city in the country adds flair to its local food. One of Italy’s most celebrated and delicious regional cuisines is that of Naples. Referred to locally as Napoli, Naples is the capital of the Campania region in Italy. It is the country’s third-largest city (after Rome and Milan).
The city boasts a thriving food culture. Its regional cuisine is one to look out for (think Neapolitan pizza and Neapolitan ice cream). The locals are pretty proud of their food. Aside from Italian staples like pizza and pasta, you can also quickly get fresh seafood. Delectable vegetable dishes are also available in the city. There are hundreds of restaurants to choose from. We can narrow it down to our top 8 Italian restaurants in Naples to try when visiting the city. (Pro tip: Leave your bags at a luggage locker in Naples for a seamless dining experience.)
1. Sorbillo
You can’t go to Naples and not have a slice (or five!) of the well-beloved Neapolitan pizza, and some would argue that the best place to get it is at Sorbillo. Sorbillo is located in Via dei Tribunali, a street known for its abundance of pizzerias. Sorbillo is a no-frills pizzeria with a cult-like adherence. The street-front stall is run by legendary pizza maker Gino Sorbillo, whose reputation goes beyond his pizza-making skills.
As you can expect, the store can get really crowded, which should really come as no surprise given its popularity. Customers can choose to eat at the tiny seating area or buy pizza to go. Sorbillo has branched to other Italian cities. It has even branched in the United States. But, nothing beats having pizza in the place where it all started.
2. Trattoria da Nennella
Arguably the most renowned trattoria in all of Naples, the Trattoria da Nennella is a dining institution in the city. It is one that you should try when visiting. While you find the service here a little haphazard and chaotic, it is all part of this restaurant’s charm.
The trattoria serves traditional, home-cooked meals. These include their signature pasta e patate alla Napoletana, pasta ragu, and roasted pork with a green salad. Eating at da Nennella is the closest you’ll get to having a homemade-style meal. It’s prepared by mamma and always bragged about by the locals.
3. Osteria della Mattonella
If you’re looking for traditional Neapolitan cuisine in classic family-owned trattorias, you should visit the Spanish Quarter in Naples. It is the place to go. Right on top of the list is Osteria della Mattonella, owned and operated by the La Marangio family. This eatery has been serving Neapolitan classics since 1978.
This cozy restaurant boasts an interior filled with 18th-century green and blue majolica tiles. It serves up some delicious, home-cooked Italian fare. Their bestsellers include the polpette (meatballs), pasta e provola, and their version of the zucchini alla scapece.
4. Pizzeria Da Michele
There is one pizzeria in Naples that rival the fame and status of Sorbillo. It would have to be Da Michele. Da Michele has a unique reputation and fans. It is located in Via Colletta, just outside the city centre. Operating since 1870, the pizzeria already has a loyal fan base. It gained even more popularity after being featured in the novel Eat, Pray, Love.
There are only two varieties of pizza available here. The Margherita (mozzarella, tomato, and basil) and the Marinara (garlic, tomato, and oregano). We guarantee that you will not get tired of eating them over and over. Much like Sorbillo, the line at Da Michele can get really long. Expect to line up at least half an hour if you want to try their legendary pizza.
5. La Taverna dell’Arte
La Taverna dell’Arte is an upscale restaurant located on a small street near the University of Naples Federico II. This welcoming trattoria is only open during dinner time. It boasts an exciting menu that features fresh and modern interpretations of Neapolitan staples. These include frittura and salami for appetizers. There are fish and meat grilled over wood for mains, and quaresimali and babas for desserts.
They also put a lot of emphasis on sourcing the best raw materials and ingredients. No matter what you order at La Taverna dell’Arte, you will surely have a pleasant dining experience.
6. Palazzo Petrucci Ristorante
The Palazzo Petrucci Ristorante is situated in the 15th-century Palazzo Donn’Anna and offers a stunning view of the beach. This restaurant is one of the fanciest and most incredible in Naples. Established in 2007, this dining spot quickly rose to the top of the city’s culinary scene. This happened just one year after it opened. Palazzo Petrucci became the first restaurant in the city to be awarded a Michelin star.
Neapolitan chef Lino Scarallo heads the restaurant. It features both an a la carte menu and a degustazioni tasting menu. The dishes served here are primarily Neapolitan favourites. These favorites have been reinvented. They are all made with fresh and seasonal ingredients. Some signature meals you can expect at Palazzo Petrucci include lasagna with buffalo mozzarella and the paccheri al impiedi.
7. La Stanza del Gusto
Headed by famous chef Mario Avallone, who is largely considered a pioneer of Neapolitan cuisine. The La Stanza del Gusto is one of the best places in Naples to have Italian and Neapolitan fare. The menu at this restaurant extends from traditional dishes to more modern and gourmet options.
Chef Avallone is dedicated to using locally sourced ingredients and serves up some incredible and inventive dishes. For instance, he makes antipasto di pesce (seafood appetizer). He also prepares pane cunzatu (open sandwich), salt cod tempura with baby peppers and also prepares the gatto delle due Sicilie (Sicilian eggplant with pesto mustard and cheese fondue).
8. Umberto
Last, but definitely not least on this list, is the family-operated restaurant Umberto, found in the Chiaia neighborhood. Opened in 1916, Umberto is a local favorite and one of the best dining spots for authentic Neapolitan fare. The Di Porzio family has been running the restaurant from the beginning. Their secret recipes have been handed down from generation to generation.
The atmosphere at Umberto is cosy, which only adds to its charm. The menu offers Neapolitan staples like salted codfish, eggplant parmigiana, spaghetti, and a variety of pizzas. They also have a great wine assortment that includes some of the best Italian bottles in the world.
