Naples, a beautiful coastal city in Italy, is known for many things, including its stunning architecture, historical landmarks, and beautiful coastline. However, one of the things that truly sets Naples apart is its mouth-watering cuisine.
With a rich culinary heritage that dates back centuries, Naples is home to some of the most delicious and iconic dishes in Italian cuisine. From pizza, and Margherita to seafood specialties like spaghetti alle vongole, the food of Naples is bursting with flavor, complexity, and authenticity.
The Culinary Heritage of Naples, Here are What Food is Naples known for
In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at what food is Naples known for and explore the unique cultural and historical context that makes them so special.
Pizza Margherita
This classic Neapolitan pizza is one of the most popular and well-known dishes from Naples. It is made with a simple but delicious combination of tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil leaves, and is named after Queen Margherita of Savoy. The pizza is traditionally cooked in a wood-fired oven, resulting in a crispy crust and melted cheese. The Margherita pizza is a staple food in Naples and is enjoyed all around the world.
Spaghetti alle vongole
Another famous dish from Naples is spaghetti alle vongole, which is a pasta dish made with spaghetti, clams, garlic, olive oil, and parsley. This seafood pasta is a light and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. The spaghetti is cooked al dente and is then tossed with a mixture of clams, garlic, and olive oil. The dish is then topped with fresh parsley, giving it a fragrant and fresh taste.
BabÃ
Babà is a sweet pastry that is soaked in rum syrup and sometimes filled with whipped cream. This dessert is a specialty of Naples and is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. The pastry is light and fluffy, and the rum syrup gives it a unique and delicious flavor. The whipped cream filling is optional but adds a creamy texture to the dessert.
Sfogliatella
Sfogliatella is a flaky pastry that is filled with ricotta cheese, semolina, and candied fruit. This pastry is another specialty of Naples and is enjoyed as a breakfast pastry or as a dessert. The sfogliatella is made with a flaky pastry dough that is layered with a filling made of ricotta cheese, semolina, and candied fruit. The pastry is then baked until it is golden brown and crispy.
Mozzarella di bufala
This soft and creamy cheese is made from buffalo milk and is a staple food in Naples. It is often served with fresh tomatoes and basil in a Caprese salad. The mozzarella is creamy and rich, and its flavor pairs perfectly with the fresh tomatoes and basil. It is a popular ingredient in many Neapolitan dishes, including pizza Margherita.
Ragu alla Napoletana
Ragu alla Napoletana is a hearty meat sauce made with tomatoes, beef, pork, and vegetables, often served with pasta or polenta. This sauce is cooked slowly over low heat, resulting in a rich and flavorful sauce. The meat and vegetables are cooked until they are tender, and the tomatoes give the sauce a sweet and tangy flavor.
Frittata di spaghetti
This savory omelet is made with leftover spaghetti, eggs, and cheese. The frittata is a popular breakfast dish in Naples and is also enjoyed as a lunch or dinner dish. The leftover spaghetti is mixed with eggs and cheese and then cooked until it is golden brown and crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
Pastiera Napoletana
Pastiera Napoletana is a traditional Easter cake made with ricotta cheese, wheat berries, candied fruit, and orange blossom water. This dessert is a sweet and fragrant cake that is enjoyed during the Easter holiday. The ricotta cheese gives the cake a creamy texture, while the wheat berries add a chewy texture.
Parmigiana di melanzane
This baked dish is made with eggplant, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. It’s a classic Italian dish that’s popular in Naples and is a great vegetarian option.
Taralli
This crispy ring-shaped snack is made with flour, olive oil, and white wine, and is sometimes flavored with fennel seeds or black pepper. It’s a popular snack in Naples and is often enjoyed with a glass of wine or as a mid-day snack.
Spaghetti Alla Puttanesca
Spaghetti Alla Puttanesca is a classic Neapolitan dish that is beloved for its bold and spicy flavors. This dish is made with spaghetti noodles, a rich tomato sauce, garlic, capers, black olives, and red pepper flakes. The name of the dish, Puttanesca, comes from the Italian word “puttana,” which means “prostitute.” It is said that this dish was created by prostitutes who needed to quickly prepare a meal using whatever ingredients they had on hand.
Pizza di Scarola
Pizza di Scarola is a pizza that is made with escarole greens, garlic, black olives, and anchovies. It is a delicious, healthy pizza that is perfect for vegetarians and vegans. The pizza is typically prepared with a thin, crispy crust and topped with a generous amount of fresh escarole greens.
Pizza Napoletana
Pizza Napoletana is a classic Neapolitan pizza that is made with fresh tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil. The pizza is typically cooked in a wood-fired oven, which gives it a smoky, slightly charred flavor. This pizza is a true Italian classic and is beloved by people all over the world.
Pizza Fritta
Pizza Fritta is a deep-fried pizza that is a favorite snack food in Naples. The dough is stuffed with cheese, tomato sauce, and other ingredients before being deep-fried to perfection. The result is a crispy, delicious pizza that is perfect for a quick snack on the go.
Marinara pizza
Marinara pizza is a classic Neapolitan pizza that is known for its simplicity and deliciousness. It is a traditional pizza that is typically made with San Marzano tomatoes, garlic, oregano, and extra-virgin olive oil. The toppings are minimal, consisting of just tomato sauce, garlic, and basil leaves. The pizza is then baked in a wood-fired oven until the crust is crispy and the toppings are bubbling.
Calzone pizza
Calzone pizza is another classic Neapolitan dish that is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. It is essentially a folded-over pizza that is filled with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and a variety of toppings such as ham, mushrooms, and peppers. The calzone is then baked in a wood-fired oven until the crust is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.
Pasta e Fagioli
Pasta e Fagioli is a hearty and comforting soup made with pasta, beans, and vegetables. This classic Neapolitan dish is made with cannellini beans, ditalini pasta, and a flavorful base of onions, garlic, and tomatoes. The soup is then finished with a generous sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil. The result is a satisfying and nourishing meal that is perfect for colder days.
Impepata di Cozze
Impepata di Cozze is a simple yet flavorful dish of black pepper mussels. The dish is made by cooking fresh mussels in a broth of garlic, white wine, and plenty of black pepper. The mussels are cooked until they are tender and then served with a generous amount of flavorful broth. This dish is perfect as an appetizer or as a main course, especially when paired with crusty bread for dipping.
Gattò di Patate
Gattò di Patate is a classic Neapolitan potato cake that is often served as a side dish. The cake is made with mashed potatoes that are layered with various fillings, such as meat, cheese, and vegetables. The layers are then baked until they are golden brown and crispy on top. This dish is hearty and flavorful, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Frittata di Pasta
Frittata di Pasta is a unique take on the traditional Italian frittata. This dish is made by mixing leftover pasta with eggs and cooking it in a skillet until it is golden brown and crispy on the outside. The frittata can be filled with various ingredients, such as cheese, vegetables, or meats. This dish is perfect for using up leftover pasta and is a great way to enjoy a delicious meal with minimal effort.
Cuoppo
Cuoppo is a popular street food in Naples. This dish is made by deep-frying a variety of seafood, such as calamari, shrimp, and fish, in a light and crispy batter. The seafood is then served in a paper cone and topped with lemon juice and salt. This dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal on the go and is a must-try for seafood lovers.
Struffoli
Struffoli is a traditional Neapolitan dessert that is often served during the holiday season. These small, fried dough balls are coated in honey and sprinkled with colorful nonpareils. The result is a sweet and crunchy treat that is perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Sfogliatelle
Sfogliatelle is a pastry that is native to Naples and is considered one of the most iconic and beloved pastries in Italy. It is a flaky, crunchy pastry that is shaped like a seashell and is made with a filling of ricotta cheese, semolina, and candied orange peel. The pastry is made with layers of dough that are rolled out very thin, then layered with a mixture of lard and flour.
Caprese Salad
Caprese Salad is a fresh and flavorful salad that is named after the island of Capri, which is located off the coast of Naples. It is a simple salad made with fresh mozzarella cheese, ripe tomatoes, and fresh basil. The salad is typically drizzled with olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. The salad is simple, yet elegant, and is a perfect representation of the fresh and vibrant flavors of Italian cuisine.
Pizza marinara
Pizza marinara is a traditional Neapolitan pizza that is named after the fishermen’s wives who used to prepare this pizza for their husbands when they returned from fishing trips. The pizza is made with a simple tomato sauce that is flavored with garlic, oregano, and olive oil. There are no additional toppings, making this pizza one of the simplest and most traditional Neapolitan pizzas. The crust is thin and crispy, and the sauce is tangy and savory, making this pizza a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Read Also: Is Naples Italy Safe: Travel, Female, Places, To Live (2024)
FAQ
What is the famous food in Naples?
Pizza originated in Naples in the 18th century and has since become one of the most beloved foods worldwide. The Neapolitan pizza is distinct from other types of pizza as it is made with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves, representing the colors of the Italian flag. The dough is also unique, being thin and crispy, with a slightly raised edge, and cooked in a wood-fired oven.
Apart from pizza, Naples is also famous for its seafood dishes, including the popular Spaghetti alle Vongole, which is spaghetti with clams, garlic, and olive oil. Other seafood specialties include Zuppa di Cozze, which is a savory soup made with mussels, and Baccalà alla Napoletana, a salt cod dish prepared in tomato sauce.
What is Naples famous for?
Pizza originated in Naples in the 18th century and has since become one of the most beloved foods worldwide. The Neapolitan pizza is distinct from other types of pizza as it is made with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves, representing the colors of the Italian flag. The dough is also unique, being thin and crispy, with a slightly raised edge, and cooked in a wood-fired oven.
Does Naples Italy have good food?
Naples is famous for its cuisine, with a variety of dishes that appeal to all tastes. From seafood delicacies to Neapolitan pizza, the city’s culinary offerings are sure to satisfy even the most discerning palate.
What is typical Neapolitan cuisine?
Typical Neapolitan cuisine is characterized by the use of fresh and simple ingredients, resulting in flavorful and satisfying dishes. In addition to pizza and seafood dishes, typical Neapolitan cuisine includes Pasta e Fagioli, which is a pasta and bean soup, and Polpette, which are fried meatballs made with beef and pork.
