A Foodie's Guide to Naples, Italy (Bella Napoli!)

Naples — or as the locals lovingly call it, Bella Napoli — isn’t just a city; it’s a culinary love affair waiting to happen. As the birthplace of pizza and a capital of bold Mediterranean flavors, Naples welcomes food lovers with open arms, flour-dusted aprons, and bubbling pots of ragù. Whether you’re a pizza purist, pasta fanatic, or pastry lover, this is where your taste buds come to play.
To guide your fork (and feet), here’s a curated list of 10 must-try restaurants — each one a gem in Naples' crown, complete with standout dishes and a vibe to match.

1. 🍕 Antica Pizzeria Port'Alba📍 Historic Center | 👑 World’s First Pizzeria
Established in 1830, this legendary pizzeria is widely considered the first pizzeria in the world. The rustic interiors and smoky ovens feel like stepping into a culinary time capsule.
🌟 Must-Try Dish: Margherita Pizza – San Marzano tomatoes, fior di latte, fresh basil, and olive oil on a soft, chewy crust. The gold standard of Naples.

2. 🎭 Trattoria da Nennella📍 Quartieri Spagnoli | 🎉 Lively, Local, Legendary
A Neapolitan institution where the waitstaff sing, joke, and serve with flair. This is as local and chaotic as it gets — in the best way.
🌟 Must-Try Dish: Pasta e Patate – Creamy, carby, and cheesy with provola stirred right in. Comfort food with a Neapolitan soul.

3. 🍽️ Pizzeria Gino Sorbillo📍 Via dei Tribunali | 🥇 Pizza Royalty
Internationally renowned, Gino Sorbillo’s pizzas are art on a plate. Expect a line — and a flavor bomb once you're in.
🌟 Must-Try Dish: Pizza Marinara – Just tomato, oregano, garlic, and EVOO. Simple, sharp, and unforgettable.

4. 🎬 L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele📍 Forcella | 📖 Featured in “Eat Pray Love”
With only two pizzas on the menu (Margherita or Marinara), this historic spot lets the ingredients shine. Minimalist menu, maximum flavor.
🌟 Must-Try Dish: Margherita Doppia Mozzarella – Extra cheese, extra joy.

5. 🍷 Tandem📍 Centro Storico | 🥘 Ragù Royalty
This cozy eatery is a slow-cooked love letter to meat sauce. Portions are generous and flavors are deep.
🌟 Must-Try Dish: Ziti al Ragù – Pasta smothered in Napoli’s iconic slow-simmered tomato and meat sauce.

6. 🖼️ Osteria della Mattonella📍 Spanish Quarter | 🪟 Tiled Charm & Tradition
Adorned in classic blue-and-white tiles, this family-run spot oozes charm. It’s like being invited to Nonna’s for Sunday lunch.
🌟 Must-Try Dish: Parmigiana di Melanzane – Baked layers of eggplant, mozzarella, and sauce that melt into heaven.

7. 🍳 Pizzeria Starita📍 Materdei | 🧑‍🍳 100+ Years of Pizza Fame
From humble beginnings in 1901 to starring in Sophia Loren films, Starita serves pizza with legacy and flair.
🌟 Must-Try Dish: Montanara – A flash-fried pizza topped with tomato and smoked mozzarella. Crunchy, smoky, perfect.

8. 🍻 La Cantina di Via Sapienza📍 University District | 🪑 Rustic & Real
Unpretentious and full of heart, this hole-in-the-wall joint serves up authentic home-style dishes. No frills, just flavor.
🌟 Must-Try Dish: Salsiccia e Friarielli – Sausage and bitter greens: a bold, bitter-savory combo locals crave.

9. 🕯️ Ristorante Mattozzi📍 Piazza Carità | 🏛️ Old-World Elegance
Serving Naples since 1833, Mattozzi blends classic Neapolitan cuisine with a slightly refined touch — white tablecloths included.
🌟 Must-Try Dish: Spaghetti alle Vongole – Fresh clams, garlic, olive oil, white wine, and a touch of chili.

10. 🍰 Pasticceria Attanasio📍 Near Napoli Centrale | 🧁 Pastry Heaven
It’s technically not a restaurant — but leave without coming here and you’ve missed dessert history.
🌟 Must-Try Dish: Sfogliatella Riccia – A flaky, ridged pastry filled with sweet ricotta, semolina, and candied citrus. Warm and fresh from the oven.

✨ Buon Appetito, Food Lovers! Naples doesn’t serve food — it celebrates it. Every bite here is a story, a tradition, a bit of poetry written in tomato sauce and cheese. Whether you're devouring pizza in a centuries-old pizzeria or savoring sfogliatella on the sidewalk, you're tasting the soul of Naples.
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Ready to plan your foodie escape to Bella Napoli? 🍽️ Let’s chat — I’ll help you craft a custom culinary adventure you’ll never forget.

Mark Kelly
FORA Travel Advisor
Let’s plan something extraordinary →