Naples Food
Visitors arriving in Naples should always look to eat the wonderful array of local food, which can be found in abundance across the city.
Based on the fertile plains established by Mount Vesuvius and the volcanic region of the Campi Flegrei, Naples is well-positioned to produce some wonderful crops. Further, being situated on the edge of the Mediterranean, there is also a plentiful supply of fresh fish to be sourced.
However, it is pizza for which this city is most famed. While visitors might think that eating a pizza in Italy may seem a bit clichéd, in Naples it is a must. Not only did it come up with the world-renowned Magherita pizza, it continues to have a hold over this particular creation and pizza places across the world can receive accreditation from the Naples certification body only once it has met the most stringent standards.
Pizza establishments anywhere in the world are able to benefit from the certificate only if they have a traditional wood-burning oven which is similar to a Tandoori oven and gives the pizza a distinctive flavour. This famous pizza was created in celebration of the visit of Queen Magherita and its ingredients ? mozzarella cheese, tomato and basil ? were chosen specifically to represent the different colours of the Italian flag (white, red and green).
Other than Magherita pizzas, Naples is also known for a number of other of delicacies which have become favourites across the world. Pastry is one area in which the Neapolitans have excelled over the years, developing a variety of types of the food, including the delicate choux pastry. Another favourite of the region is pasteria, a type of cake made with ricotta cheese. Traditionally cooked for Easter, the cake uses ricotta cheese, eggs or pastry cream, water, cider and aromatic spices.
Another tasty treat in which you should be sure to indulge while in Naples is, of course, its ice cream. The city gave its name to the classic mix of chocolate, vanilla and strawberry ice creams served together, now known around the world as a Neapolitan ice cream. However, ice-cream in Naples is more than simply about throwing three different flavours together. The city has a wonderful tradition of providing some gorgeous ice creams and a visit to any gelateria is sure to tempt your taste-buds.
One of the best places to find traditional Neapolitan dining is near the Castel dell'Ovo, in the Borgo Marinaro region of the city. There are many small and pretty tratorias to choose from, all offering a good selection of typical southern Italian fare, which usually means simple ingredients which have been given an added spice. This is also a relatively cheap area in which to eat, especially when compared with the Santa Lucia region. But having said that if your budget will stretch to it, an evening out at one of these more exclusive restaurants is well worth it, given the stunning views they offer over the bay and into the beautiful blue Mediterranean.
A great place to find cheap food in Naples is the Centro Storico region of the city. Good quality food is usually served at low prices and these tend to be the favourite eateries of the locals.
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Eating & Drinking
