Delicious Naples
Looks so good, doesn´t it?
The sound of motorcycles and scooters, laundry hanging from windows, very stylish and beautiful people. Wild, mysterious and enchanting – there is no other place like Naples.
Also pizza, coffee and pastries (…and actually the whole cuisine) are on the next level in Naples. As I am looking for the best pizza in Italy, I had to come to Naples. The art of Neapolitan pizzaiolo, the pizzabaker, is listed on UNESCO´s list of intangible cultural heritage. It means the culinary practice comprising four different phases relating to the preparation of the dough and its baking in a wood-fired oven, involving a rotatory movement by the baker.
Every pizza I had in Naples has been delicious, but so far my winner is the pizza margherita from L´Antica Pizzeria Da Michele (Via Cesare Sersarle, 1). The restaurant trusts in Neapolitan traditions, simplicity, high-quality ingredients and the best pizzaiolos. Their most famous pizzas are pizza margherita with tomato, oil, mozzarella and basil, and pizza marinara with tomato, oil, oregano and garlic.
Nowadays Da Michele is expanded into a chain, but the story began in Naples already in 1870. The original restaurant is also known from Eat, Pray, Love -movie, where Julia Roberts's character travels in Italy and finds her love; Da Michele´s pizza margherita.
Part of the experience is waiting in line outside for the pizza. One Saturday evening I waited for 2,5 hours, and then one midday waiting took only 45 minutes. I did not mind at all. I think this waiting line is a very collective, almost holy experience when locals and people from all over the world gather to participate in this pizza ceremony.
Buonissimooo!
A fangirl moment with the chefs.
My favourite restaurants in Naples
I am so curious about Naples, its culture and restaurants, and I want to discover more. Here are some of my favourite restaurants and one café I recommend visiting when you are in Naples.
1. L´Antica Pizzeria Da Michele
(Via Cesare Sersarle, 1)
The best pizza I have ever tasted. Try the classics, pizza margherita or pizza marinara. Or both!
2. Mimì alla ferrovia
(Via Alfonso D'Aragona, 19-21)
A famous family-owned restaurant in the heart of Naples was founded in 1943. The atmosphere is warm and cozy, and the menu is all about traditional Neapolitan cuisine.
3. George Restaurant
(C.so Vittorio Emanuele, 135)
When you want to indulge yourself and your date, I suggest dining at Grand Hotel Parker´s George restaurant. The five-star hotel’s restaurant has earned it’s one Michelin star. Chef Domenico Candela has created a menu where contemporary cuisine meets traditional Campanian recipes. The view from the restaurant is exquisite. You can see the city of Naples, the Sorrentine Peninsula, Capri and Vesuvius.
4. Il Comandante
(Via Cristoforo Colombo, 45)
This one Michelin-star - restaurant has a creative and sophisticated menu created by Executive Chef Salvatore Bianco. The restaurant is located in a modern 5-star hotel, Hotel Romeo´s 10th floor, and the views over the Gulf of Naples are stunning.
5. Gran Caffè Gambrinus
(Via Chiaia 1/2, in P.zza Trieste and Trento)
Probably the best place to have coffee, pastries and gelato in the whole world. Very elegant Belle époque -style café opened in 1860 and has a long history as the meeting place of influential people and locals. Nowadays it is an astonishing living room for us all.
Take a look at the beautiful architecture and art pieces, and enjoy an espresso with traditional pastries like sfogliatella or baba al rum. Baba is originally from France, but it is also very popular in Italy, especially in Naples.
After Da Michele it´s time for a strong Neapolitan coffee and a little dessert…Or two.
PS. I have created a Spotify playlist of the songs I am listening to when I am travelling in Italy and creating these blog posts. You can listen to the playlist here.
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My Napoli-playlist:
Pino Daniele: Napule È
Nino Rota: La dolce vita
Nino Rota: Love Theme from “The Godfather”
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Text and pictures by Hertta Hiltunen.
