Let me be upfront with you. I am far from a food blogger. That said, I love food, and I’m not sure it’s even possible to visit Naples without spending the entire trip talking about it.
As a true pizza lover, coming to the birthplace of pizza felt like a fantasy. Whilst any other traveller would be scouting excursions and photo spots, I spent my pre-trip research deep in TikTok rabbit holes about Neapolitan food. So much so that my algorithm now firmly believes pizza is my life’s purpose. And honestly, it might be right.
Neapolitan Pizza: Worth Every Bit of the Hype
Believe it or not, despite all the excitement, it took me three full days to try my first Neapolitan pizza. Anticipation was high, expectations even higher, and with such lofty hopes I was practically setting myself up for disappointment.
I was not disappointed.
I went for the classic Margherita. Simple, yet bold. With so few ingredients I’m still not entirely sure how the chef managed to create what can only be described as an explosion of flavour. The freshness of the tomato, the creaminess of the mozzarella, the vibrancy of the basil. A marriage made in heaven. But despite all of that, it was the dough that stole the show. Thin, slightly crisp base. Thick yet airy crust that simply melted in your mouth.
I genuinely believe that chef recited sonnets to the dough during the proving process. With every bite I fell deeper in love. Who needs romance when you have a Neapolitan pizza in front of you?
Beyond the Margarita
Whilst the Pizza is Naples is world class, if you’re looking for something a little extra Naples has you covered. Here are a few of my favourites:
-Pizza Fritta: Deep Fried and Completely Unapologetic
Whilst we’re on the subject of pizza, let’s talk about Pizza Fritta. The deep fried cousin nobody warned me about. Picture all the components of a pizza you know and love, folded up and fried instead of baked.
When I first spotted it on menus I had to ask why Neapolitans insist on frying everything. The answer I got was simple and honest. Everything tastes better fried. And honestly? He wasn’t wrong. Surprisingly the fritta wasn’t greasy at all. Eating it straight from the fryer was like biting into a savoury doughnut filled with cheesy tomatoey goodness that oozed with every bite.
-Coffee in Naples: A Full Spiritual Experience
Whilst coffee isn’t technically food, in my life it is a life force and Italians take it very seriously. One important note. Coffee with milk should only be consumed before 11am. It would be practically ungodly to order a cappuccino at 11:01. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
That said, when coffee has as much flavour and depth as it does in Naples there is absolutely no need to dilute it with anything. A simple espresso will not only put hairs on your chest but also teach you what true love is. Something to be savoured, appreciated and most importantly devoured.
-Sfogliatella: Your New Favourite Pastry
During my time in Naples there was only one thing capable of accompanying my morning cappuccino and that was Sfogliatella. There are two versions and both are worth trying.
- The first is a shortcrust pastry filled with a ricotta based custard. The texture is similar to a chewy scone but the filling transforms it into something moreishly sweet and completely addictive.
- The second version holds the same filling inside a crispy flaky puff pastry shell. Imagine that ASMR crunch with every bite, followed by the warmth of freshly baked ricotta hitting your tastebuds. Need I say more?
-Neapolitan Mozzarella: Not What You Think You Know
Hear me out on this one. There is something truly special about freshly made Neapolitan mozzarella. Its smooth outer skin holds together a juicy gooey centre and before you say “I can get mozzarella anywhere” let me stop you right there.
This is Buffalo mozzarella, made with milk that can only be produced in southern Italy. Beyond the region the environment simply isn’t right for it. Don’t take my word for it. Fly to Naples and try it yourself.
-Gelato: Do I Even Need to Explain?
Have you really visited Italy if you haven’t stopped at every other block for gelato? Rich, intensely flavoured, impossibly creamy. It transports you somewhere better with every spoonful.
I love gelato. You love gelato. We all love gelato. Let’s declare this loudly and proudly and move on.
Final Verdict: Neapolitan Food Will Change You
To summarise my very enthusiastic ramblings about everything I ate, I will simply say this. Food in Naples is a spiritual experience. It nourishes the soul and I’m fairly confident it cures most things. This is not medical advice. Fair disclaimer has now been made.
So if the rest of my Naples content doesn’t convince you to book a flight, at the very least know that Neapolitan food cannot be beaten. Jump on that plane, even if it’s just for the pizza.
For the best way to experience the taste of Naples would be through a food tour. The company I used was with locals (With Locals Naples Food Tour) offering a range of private tours led by Locals who are able to show you the best spots that tourists may not stop at.
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