12 Best Things To Do in Naples, Italy, for Foodies
Is Naples, Italy, worth visiting? Foodies like me answer with a resounding “Yes!”
If you’re an Italian food lover, and have Southern Italy on your radar for your next trip, Naples is calling you—and you don’t want to ignore this call!
Naples isn’t just any foodie city; it’s a true paradise for those who live for unforgettable meals. The rich aromas of freshly baked pizzas and the sight of bustling street markets brimming with local specialties will surely fill your soul (and stomach!) in ways you wouldn’t expect.
But Naples also has its seedy side. It’s a large port city and can be a little overwhelming for the average tourist.
That’s where this Naples foodie guide comes in. You’ll learn all of the best things to do in Naples that made my time there so special.
And who knows, maybe these same places will be the highlights of your own visit! Because once you taste what Naples has to offer, I promise, you’ll never forget it.
Things To Do in Naples for Foodies
Although there are plenty of attractions, the best things to do in Naples, Italy, involve food!
From a tourist’s perspective, the city of Naples offers a rich history, like many other popular Italian destinations worth seeing. It also has the castles, churches, ancient ruins, and main attractions that go along with this history.
These include Castel Sant’Elmo, Castel Nuovo, Castel dell’Ovo, Chiesa del Gesù Nuovo, the Royal Palace of Naples, San Francesco di Paola Basilica, and Piazza del Plebiscito.
But when it comes to food, there may be no better itinerary for a culinary adventure than visiting Naples, Italy!
I may be a bit biased as this is the land of my ancestors, and the food in Naples is infused with a special nostalgia for me. But I’m in good company. TimeOut recently ranked Naples as the #1 food city in the WORLD!!!
What makes this ancient city so great? All 12 answers are below! Let’s explore the best things to do in Naples that bring the heart and soul of local flavors straight to your belly . . . ahem, plate!
But these activities aren’t just about food—they’re about culture, connection, and discovery. You’ll find that every bite tells a story—and no two are alike.
1. Take a Food Tour
The pedestrian zone of Spaccanapoli, on a food tour in Naples, Italy. This article contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you. For more information, see my Affiliate Policy.
The absolute best way to kick off your culinary journey in Naples, especially if it's your first time visiting, is by booking this 5-star walking food tour of the historic center of Naples (a UNESCO World Heritage Site).
Trust me, it’s really worth it. This experience takes you deep into the heart of the city’s food culture. Following a local guide is also the easiest way to make sure you stay safe and avoid the city’s less desirable areas!
On this guided tour, you’ll discover hidden gems in the city center that most people miss. All while sampling authentic Neapolitan dishes and learning about the local traditions.
The guides are passionate locals who know every nook and cranny of Naples' vibrant food scene. Along the way you’ll see Piazza Dante, Port’Alba, Piazza Bellini, Chiesa Di San Domenico Maggiore, and stroll down famous streets like Via Dei Tribunali, Via Toledo, and Via San Gregorio Armeno.
By the end of your tour, you’ll feel like you’ve experienced the true essence of Naples, beyond the usual tourist spots.
Check the tour price and availability!
2. Taste the Best Neapolitan Pizza
Pizza Napoletana, the most famous food of Naples
If there's one experience you cannot afford to miss in Naples, it's tasting the true Neapolitan pizza! Honestly, it's one of my absolute favorite foodie things to do here.
Naples is the birthplace of pizza after all, and the pizza-making tradition here has even been recognized by UNESCO.
If you think pizza is pizza, think again! In my opinion, Pizza Napoletana is the best in the world, even better than Roman pizza. It’s all about the dough/crust. The outer edge of a Neapolitan pizza is slightly charred from the wood-fired oven, but there remains a perfectly soft chewy center.
This incredibly tasty marvel is traditionally topped with the freshest, simplest ingredients that practically melt in your mouth. Order the famous Pizza Margherita, with its rich tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and fragrant basil. Or try the iconic Marinara Pizza (just sauce, no cheese), with its bold garlic and oregano flavors.
In addition to Pizza Napoletana, there are 10 other types of pizza in Italy! Montanara and Pizza Fritta are two others from Naples that you should also try; both are fried. Montanara is like a Margherita pizza with fried dough, and the Pizza Fritta is like a fried calzone. They’re both amazing!
WARNING: Don’t even think about asking for pineapple on your pizza here. It's like committing a crime in the land of the original pizza—with long prison sentences handed out for violators!
OK, OK, it’s not really a crime. But keep things traditional, and you'll truly appreciate this art form that Neapolitans have been perfecting for centuries.
Yes, pizza is everywhere in Naples, but here are a few favorites where the dough has been perfected for generations, and you’ll be sure to savor every bite.
50 Kalo: My all-around favorite with lots of options and their own tasty beer label.
L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele: Made famous by Julia Roberts in Eat, Pray, Love. Only a handful of traditional toppings are offered.
Antica Pizzeria Di Matteo: Home of the most famous pizza a portafoglio (folded pizza), thanks in part to a visit and rave review from the former president of the USA, Bill Clinton.
Concettina ai Tre Santi: A local’s favorite in the Rione Sanità neighborhood. The pizza here is nothing short of bliss, and enjoying it on the outdoor patio makes it even better.
3. Eat The Most Famous Foods from Naples
Fancy or plain, sfogliatelle can be found at every bakery in Naples.
Pizza is definitely the most famous food in Naples, but certainly not the only one worthy trying. There is a whole world of flavors to discover here, with recipes that date back hundreds, some even thousands of years.
Below, you’ll find a list of Neapolitan foods you absolutely have to try. Each comes with a brief description, just enough to whet your appetite and give you a glimpse into why they hold a special place in the hearts of locals. For a deeper understanding of each of these dishes, read Food in Naples.
CUOPPO
This is a cone of fried goodies—think calamari, shrimp, and vegetables. It’s the perfect Naples street food if you want to eat like a local. Yup, since the Bay of Naples is loaded with seafood, this cornucopia of nearby bounty is even eaten on the streets.
MOZZARELLA CHEESES
Fresh, delicate, and creamy, fior di latte mozzarella melts in your mouth and is nothing short of heavenly. You’ll often find it served simply with tomatoes and basil—there's no need for anything more!
Just as delicious and perhaps the most notable Italian cheese from the area, mozzarella di bufala is made from buffalo milk.
FRITTATINE DI PASTA
Fried little pasta cakes filled with cheese, peas, and béchamel sauce, these are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. They’re the perfect street food or bar snack—satisfying and delicious.
IMPEPATA DI COZZE
If you’re a seafood lover, you can’t miss this dish—fresh mussels simply cooked with black pepper, garlic, and a squeeze of lemon. It’s all about letting the freshness of the seafood shine through.
SFOGLIATELLE
This is one of the foods of Campania I grew up eating and loving. These shell-shaped pastries are crispy on the outside, with layers of delicate dough, and filled with a sweet ricotta mixture. Biting into one is like tasting Naples in dessert form—light, flaky, and irresistible.
An extra bonus: For breakfast in Italy, the locals often eat dessert! So, feel perfectly comfortable enjoying your sfogliatelle as your first meal of the day with an espresso.
SPAGHETTI ALLA PUTTANESCA
This dish packs a punch with its bold flavors—spaghetti tossed in a sauce made from tomatoes, olives, capers, and anchovies. It’s salty, savory, and the ultimate Mediterranean pasta.
4. Get Your Hands Dirty: Naples Cooking Classes
Learning to make authentic Neapolitan pizza in Naples, Italy
One of my favorite things to do, especially when I’m traveling, is taking a cooking class. In Naples, the best cooking classes are for Pizza or Pasta.
Yes, I am a chef and know how to cook. I even learned a lot about Italian cuisine from my Italian grandmother. She made the best meatballs ever (not an exaggeration) and amazing Bolognese sauce, and her marinara sauce is legendary. But I love taking cooking classes when I travel because I always learn something from the locals!
Moreover, I think it’s one of the most beautiful activities to engage in while on the road because it's not just about learning how to cook a recipe. It’s also experiencing the local culture, connecting with people, and diving into the culinary heritage of the place you’re visiting.
There’s something so special about the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of being in a local kitchen, working with fresh ingredients, and being guided by a local chef who shares his or her passion with you.
I think it’s a unique way to connect with the heart of the country—through its flavors, traditions, and even the little techniques passed down through generations.
And, perhaps surprisingly, it makes the perfect souvenir. It’s an experience that lingers long after the last bite, reminding you of the warmth and richness of the culture you’ve been a part of, even if just fleetingly.
Check availability and pricing:
Naples Pizza Making Class
Naples Pasta Making Class
5. Get Lost in the Farmers Market
Vegetables at La Pignasecca Market in Naples, Italy
Another favorite thing to do in Naples is wandering through La Pignasecca, the local farmers' market. Watch the locals and let them guide you as you explore their culinary culture up close.
Just as in the food markets in Rome, here you can truly immerse yourself in the everyday life of the community.
You’ll find the freshest ingredients—vibrant fruits and vegetables, some of which you’ve probably never seen or tasted before. The colors, the textures, the smells—it’s all a sensory explosion that can leave you in awe.
6. Go to Food Festivals and Events
Try the freshest seafood at the Festa del Mare. Spoiler Alert: The shrimp will have their heads on.
If you time your trip right, you may be able to attend one of Naples’ food festivals and/or foodie events.
One of the most popular events is the Pizza Village, held annually in September at the Mostra d'Oltremare exhibition center. Here, you can indulge in all types of pizzas: It’s like stepping into pizza heaven.
But it’s not just about eating; there’s so much more. The festival comes alive with musical performances, foodie workshops, and cooking demonstrations from renowned pizzaiolos. It’s a feast for all the senses, where you can learn pizza-making secrets straight from the masters.
For seafood lovers, there's the Fish Festival, or Festa del Mare, which takes place in June along the Lungomare Caracciolo promenade. Local fishermen bring in their catch of the day and cook up a variety of seafood dishes for visitors to try. You can also find stands selling everything from fresh oysters to grilled octopus.
Aside from these large-scale events, many smaller food festivals take place throughout the year in various neighborhoods throughout Naples. These often focus on specific foods or ingredients, such as tomatoes, cheese, or wine.
Attending these festivals is a great way to sample traditional local specialties and learn about their history and preparation methods from passionate vendors and chefs.
7. Try the Best Gelato in Naples
If caramel gelato is on offer, I'm ordering it!
One of the absolute must-do foodie experiences when you're in Naples—or, honestly, anywhere in Italy—is eating gelato!
It’s a creamy, rich, velvety delight that will seriously make you question all other desserts. You’ll find yourself craving it when you’re back home, and regular ice cream just won’t cut it any more.
BTW, there are lots of Italian food quotes about decadent desserts. Some liken them to a magical or spiritual Italian event.
“Dolce are like a love potion, you can’t get enough of them.”
If you're wondering where to get the best gelato in Naples, head straight to Mennella Il Gelato.
8. Dine at the Best Local Restaurants
You can't go wrong ordering seafood pasta at the local restaurants in Naples.
Perhaps the best way to experience the city’s rich gastronomy is by visiting local restaurants that serve up authentic flavors, time-tested recipes, and a side of Neapolitan charm.
These are the best places to truly taste Naples and feel its vibrant atmosphere. Sure, there are Michelin-starred restaurants in Naples, but fine dining isn’t what this city is all about.
You don’t need to visit every spot on this list, but here are a few personal favorites that are sure to give you an unforgettable experience.
Tucked away just off the bustling Pignasecca Market in Montesanto, Add’u Fratemo is a cozy, authentic slice of Naples.
Locals flock here to enjoy a casual evening, whether popping in to catch up with friends or watch a football match on the small TV in the corner.
The seafood antipasti are a must, featuring generous portions of fresh sea flavors. And the linguine ai frutti di mare is simply unforgettable. This is one of those places where you can feel the heartbeat of the neighborhood while enjoying every bite of what comes out of the kitchen.
Hidden behind the lively fruit and vegetable market in the more upmarket Vomero district, Trattoria Malinconico is the kind of spot that oozes nostalgia.
This is a family-run trattoria that serves up traditional Neapolitan dishes with a no-fuss, laid-back vibe. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself sitting next to local market sellers who come here after a long morning of trading to recharge with hearty meals.
This is the kind of place where the simplicity of the food speaks volumes, and every dish feels like a warm embrace.
I love having a morning coffee standing at the counter of a tiny bar that’s been serving locals since 1927.
If you’re wondering why you’re going to the “bar” first thing in the morning, read about the Different Types of Eateries in Italy.
Bar Augustus, located right on Via Toledo, might be small, but it packs a punch when it comes to coffee and Italian breakfast pastries. It’s a local institution, where standing room only doesn’t feel like a drawback—it’s part of the charm.
OSTERIA PISANO
In the heart of Forcella, near the Napoli Centrale train station, sits the historic Osteria Pisano, a beloved establishment since 1947. This is a great place for a real taste of traditional Neapolitan cooking.
The menu is filled with seafood dishes and classic appetizers, all prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients that highlight the rich culinary resources of the region.
If you're a wine lover, you're especially in luck: Osteria Pisano boasts an impressive wine list featuring bottles from some of the best wineries in Campania.
9. Taste Local Wines
Tasting wine with a beautiful view of the Bay of Naples
Did someone mention wines? Well, of course, a great meal in Naples is never complete without some local wine in hand, right? When visiting, we tend to lean towards white wines that go so well with the local seafood and sunshine.
If you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry, I have two absolute must-try wines: Greco di Tufo and Fiano di Avellino.
GRECO DI TUFO
This is a white wine with ancient roots produced in the Campania region. It has a unique, mineral-rich flavor thanks to the volcanic soils of the area, giving it a crisp, fresh taste with hints of green apple, pear, and a subtle citrus edge.
It’s perfect for pairing with seafood or light pasta dishes, with its balance of brightness and complexity. If you’re looking for something refreshing, this one is a no-brainer.
FIANO DI AVELLINO
Another gem from Campania, this white wine is slightly fuller-bodied than Greco di Tufo. It offers richer, more aromatic notes—think honey, toasted nuts, and tropical fruits like pineapple.
It’s smooth and luscious, making it ideal for dishes with a bit more weight, like a creamy pasta or grilled fish.
10. Sip an Aperitivo
Snacks are often complimentary during aperitivo in Naples.
Aperitivo is the time before dinner when Italians have an adult beverage and a snack to relax before the meal ahead. It’s also the name for any of the adult beverages that are typically enjoyed during this relaxing ritual. Join in the tradition!
Naples is located in the land of lemons and limoncello. So, the one drink that is an absolute must during your stay is a Limoncello Spritz. It is similar to one of the world’s most famous cocktails, the Aperol Spritz, but it substitutes limoncello for Aperol.
Luckily, it’s impossible to go thirsty in Naples; it boasts an abundance of bars. Whether you're hunting for a classic Negroni, a spritz of any kind, or just the perfect place to sip and soak up the atmosphere, Naples has it all, and then some.
Here are a few spots where the ambiance, the drinks, and the people all come together for an unforgettable evening.
Stepping into L’Antiquario is like stepping back in time. This speakeasy-inspired bar is known for its vintage vibes and impeccable cocktails.
The bartenders here are masters of their craft, taking classic recipes and elevating them to new heights. It’s the kind of place where you lose track of time, mesmerized by the artistry happening behind the bar while enjoying the alchemy in your glass.
For those who appreciate a contemporary twist on the classics, Misture is where you’ll want to go.
The atmosphere here is laid-back yet stylish, making it the perfect place for catching up with friends or even having a relaxed date night. The drink menu features creative concoctions that reflect the vibrant energy of the city.
If you're craving something a little more scenic, Transatlantico is the spot for you. Located by the water, this is an ideal setting for an aperitivo at sunset.
Picture yourself with a spritz in hand, watching the sun dip below the horizon as the waves lap against the shore. It’s the ultimate Neapolitan experience—refreshing cocktails paired with stunning views.
If you ever find yourself hankering for an amazing aperitivo experience in Milan, read our article about the the best of Milanese aperitivo culture.
11. Take a Day Trip to the Amalfi Coast
A scenic boat ride along the Amalfi Coast will provide lots of Instagrammable moments.
There are lots of fun day trips from Naples. From natural settings such as the trails of Mount Vesuvius to archaeological sites like Pompeii and Paestum, there’s something for everyone.
But, if you can only do one day trip, Naples is conveniently just a short distance from one of Italy’s most breathtaking coastal regions: the famous Amalfi Coast.
If you’re dreaming of colorful cliffside villages, sparkling blue waters, the scent of lemons lingering in the air, and of course SEAFOOD . . . then a day trip here is living the dream!
Wander through the narrow streets of Positano, sip a cappuccino overlooking the sea in Amalfi, or just relax on one of the small, hidden beaches.
You’ll feel like you’re in a postcard—only better.
So, a trip to the Amalfi Coast while in Naples? I’d say it’s non-negotiable! And if you can squeeze in Capri, do it!
12. Stay in Centro Storico di Napoli
A quiet piazza in the Centro Storico di Napoli
When it comes to staying in Naples, there’s no better spot to immerse yourself in the city’s food culture than Centro Storico, the city’s historic center.
This area is the beating heart of Naples, with its narrow cobblestone streets, lively atmosphere, and endless hidden food treasures waiting to be discovered. If you only have one day in Naples, this is where you should spend your time.
If you're traveling on a budget but still want to be close to the action, Hostel of the Sun is a fantastic choice. It’s affordable, cozy, and super friendly—perfect for meeting fellow travelers. Plus, it’s only a short walk away from some of Naples’ best pizza spots.
You’ll get a great vibe, free breakfast, and helpful tips from the staff on where to find the best local food.
Check availability and pricing
For those who want a little more comfort without breaking the bank, Hotel Piazza Bellini is a gem. Located right in the historic center, this hotel offers modern amenities in a beautifully restored building. Some rooms have amazing panoramic views!
You’ll love the spacious accommodations and charming courtyard, perfect for a morning espresso before heading out to explore the nearby food markets. It’s a great balance of comfort, location, and price.
Check availability and pricing
$$$$ SANTA CHIARA BOUTIQUE HOTEL
If luxury is what you’re after, the Santa Chiara Boutique Hotel will make your stay unforgettable. Tucked into the heart of Centro Storico, this elegant hotel offers beautifully designed rooms with a blend of modern style and Neapolitan charm.
You’ll feel pampered from the moment you walk in. And after a day of indulging in Naples’ culinary delights, you’ll be able to relax in style, knowing the best of the city is just outside your door.
Check availability and pricing
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