When you travel to Naples and the Amalfi Coast, you can expect to experience some of the best food in the world. This region of Italy is known for its rich flavors, fresh ingredients, and traditional dishes that have stood the test of time and become famous around the world. From Naples, the birthplace of pizza, to coastal towns where seafood abounds, every meal is a celebration of Southern Italy’s dedication to fresh, vibrant cuisine. Here are eight must-try dishes that will show you the best of what Naples and the Amalfi Coast have to offer.
The Most Iconic Meals: A Travel to Naples
1. Pizza Margherita
Where better to enjoy Pizza Margherita than in the city where it was invented? We all know and love pizza, and experiencing it in its original, authentic form does not disappoint. Legend has it that in 1889, Queen Margherita of Savoy visited Naples and was served a pizza resembling the colors of the Italian flag—red from tomatoes, white from mozzarella, and green from basil. She loved it so much that the pizza was named in her honor. In Naples, it’s still made with these simple ingredients, and the wood-fired oven gives the crust its perfect crispness, while the toppings offer a balance of flavors. There are many types of pizza available in Naples, but eating a Pizza Margherita is one of the purest ways to experience this iconic food, and the purest symbol of Italy’s culinary history.
2. Spaghetti alle Vongole
This classic dish of spaghetti with clams is a symbol of Naples’ deep connection to the sea. The Gulf of Naples has long provided an abundance of fresh seafood, and Spaghetti alle Vongole exemplifies this maritime tradition. With its simple combination of garlic, olive oil, and white wine, this dish highlights the Neapolitan philosophy of letting fresh ingredients shine. The clams are often served in their shells, providing an authentic feel to the dish. Enjoying a plate of Spaghetti alle Vongole by the bay of Naples, with the sea breeze on your face, is a quintessential Southern Italian dining experience.
3. Parmigiana di Melanzane
For a taste of true comfort food, Parmigiana di Melanzane (Eggplant Parmesan) is a must. This dish hails from Sicily and consists of thin slices of eggplant layered with rich tomato sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan, and baked to perfection. It’s a hearty dish that showcases the best of Italian home cooking, with flavors that are rich and warm. This dish, often served at family gatherings, is a look into the region’s love for hearty, comfort foods that bring people together.
4. Cùoppo di Pesce – Frittura di Paranza (Naples and Amalfi Coast)
Frittura di Paranza or Cuppo di Pesce, translates to “a cone-shaped paper wrap a cone-shaped paper wrap”. This fried seafood platte is deeply tied to the coastal heritage of Naples and the Amalfi Coast as it is an iconic Neopolitan street food. It consists of a combination of small fish, squid, and shrimp are lightly battered and fried until golden. Served with a squeeze of lemon, Frittura di Paranza is fresh, delicious, and the perfect partner to a crisp white wine. This dish began as a fisherman’s meal and is a true celebration of the Mediterranean, showcasing all it has to offer to those fortunate enough to live along its shores.
The Most Iconic Meals: A Travel to the Amalfi Coast
5. Scialatielli ai Frutti di Mare
Scialatielli is a thick, short pasta unique to the Amalfi Coast, often served with an assortment of fresh seafood like mussels, clams, and shrimp. While it was invented in the 1960s, it has quickly become a regional specialty due to its unique texture, perfectly suited to absorbing rich seafood sauces. This dish highlights the continuing innovation in Italian cuisine, even in regions steeped in tradition, and eating Scialatielli ai Frutti di Mare is a taste of the sea and the region’s deep connection to its fishing traditions.
6. Totani e Patate
Totani e Patate is a rustic dish with deep roots in the fishing villages of the Amalfi Coast. Totani, a variety of squid, has long been a local staple, while potatoes, introduced to Italy in the 16th century, became a beloved ingredient. It’s a hearty meal that perfectly balances the sweetness of the squid with the earthiness of the potatoes, making it a local favorite. Totani e Patate is a dish that exemplifies the simplicity of Amalfi Coast cooking—using few ingredients, but in perfect harmony. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a comforting and deeply satisfying meal. It’s a dish that’s often made in homes along the coast, showcasing the region’s love for simple, wholesome food.
7. Delizia al Limone
The Amalfi Coast is famous for its lemons, and Delizia al Limone is the ultimate tribute to this treasured fruit. This light lemon-flavored dessert consists of sponge cake filled with lemon cream and topped with a zesty glaze. The dessert is refreshing and often beautifully presented, resembling small domes of lemony goodness. The region’s lemon cultivation dates back to Roman times, and this dish is one of the many ways you can see these fruits highlighted on a visit to the Amalfi Coast. It is also the perfect dish to enjoy on a hot, oceanside day.
8. Limoncello
Last but certainly not least, no meal along the Amalfi Coast is complete without a shot of limoncello. This iconic lemon liqueur is also a tribute to the region’s most famed fruit – the lemon. Made from the zest of Amalfi’s lemons and best enjoyed as a digestive after your meal, limoncello is an icon of the region. It’s often served chilled in small glasses, and many local producers along the coast make their own versions, giving you the opportunity to taste the subtle differences in each batch. Sipping limoncello at the end of a meal is not just a tradition—it’s a way to connect with the land and its rich agricultural heritage.
Travel to the Amalfi Coast and Napoli: A Journey Through Italian Cuisine
9. Babà
A true Neapolitan classic, Babà is a rum-soaked sponge cake that’s light, airy, and irresistibly sweet. This dessert has become synonymous with Naples, and you’ll find it in nearly every pastry shop in the city. Its origins trace back to the 18th century, and while variations exist, the traditional version is simple yet decadent, making it a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.
10. Sfogliatella
Sfogliatella is another iconic dessert of the region, known for its crisp, multi-layered pastry shell and sweet ricotta filling. Its interesting shape, resembling a seashell, and its delicate flavor make it a favorite among both locals and visitors. There is a flaky “riccia” version as well as the smoother “frolla,” either way this dessert is a representation of the Neapolitan dedication to pastry craftsmanship.
Wrap Up Your Culinary Adventure: Naples and the Amalfi Coast Await
These eight dishes capture the essence of Italian cuisine in Naples and the Amalfi Coast. From classic pizzas to fresh seafood and indulgent desserts, each dish represents the heart of Southern Italy. Whether you’re dining in a rustic trattoria or a seaside restaurant, the flavors of this region will stay with you long after your meal. So, as you explore the vibrant streets of Naples or the stunning coastal towns of the Amalfi Coast, make sure to savor these iconic dishes—they are the true taste of Southern Italy.
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