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Get ready to drool: the 10 must-eat dishes in Naples that will blow your mind and where to find them!

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Naples is a city that is known for its incredible food scene. The cuisine of Naples is deeply rooted in tradition and history, with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients and simple, yet flavorful recipes. From classic pizzas to hearty pasta dishes, Neapolitan cuisine is all about the perfect balance of flavors and textures. This city is a true foodie destination, with a seemingly endless array of restaurants, trattorias, and street vendors offering up some of the most delicious food you'll ever taste. In this article, we'll take a closer look at why Naples is such a great food destination and highlight some of the best places to eat in the city.

  1. Pizza Margherita - This is the quintessential Neapolitan pizza, topped with San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella di bufala, fresh basil, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. The pizza is cooked in a wood-fired oven and served piping hot, straight out of the oven. One of the best places to try it is at Pizzeria Da Michele, located at Via Cesare Sersale, 1, 80139 Napoli.
  2. Spaghetti alle Vongole - This is a classic Neapolitan pasta dish made with spaghetti, fresh clams, garlic, white wine, and parsley. The clams are cooked in their own juices until they open, then combined with the pasta and a flavorful sauce made from the garlic, white wine, and clam broth. Try it at Trattoria Da Nennella, located at Vico Lungo Teatro Nuovo, 103-105, 80134 Napoli.
  3. Fried Pizza (Pizza Fritta) - This is a deep-fried pizza that is stuffed with ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and tomato sauce. The pizza is folded in half and deep-fried until golden and crispy. Try it at Pizzeria Starita a Materdei, located at Via Materdei, 27/28, 80136 Napoli.
  4. Ragù alla Napoletana - This is a slow-cooked meat sauce that is made with beef, pork, and tomatoes. The meat is cooked for hours in a flavorful tomato sauce until it is tender and falls apart. The sauce is typically served with pasta, such as rigatoni or spaghetti. Try it at Trattoria Pizzeria La Campagnola, located at Via Giulio Cesare Capaccio, 27, 80125 Napoli.
  5. Babà al Rhum - This is a sweet and boozy dessert made with a small cake soaked in a syrup made with rum, sugar, and water. The cake is then filled with whipped cream or pastry cream. Try it at Pasticceria Pintauro, located at Via Toledo, 275, 80132 Napoli.
  6. Sfogliatella - This is a shell-shaped pastry that is filled with ricotta cheese, semolina, candied citrus, and cinnamon. The pastry is made with many layers of dough that are rolled and folded to create a delicate, flaky texture. Try it at Antico Forno delle Sfogliatelle Calde Fratelli Attanasio, located at Vico Ferrovia, 1-2, 80142 Napoli.
  7. Eggplant Parmigiana (Parmigiana di Melanzane) - This is a classic Neapolitan dish made with fried eggplant slices, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. The dish is assembled in layers and baked until golden and bubbly. Try it at Trattoria Antica Pizzeria da Donato, located at Via dei Tribunali, 53, 80138 Napoli.
  8. Mussel Soup (Zuppa di Cozze) - This is a delicious seafood soup made with fresh mussels, tomato sauce, garlic, and white wine. The mussels are cooked until they open, then combined with a flavorful tomato broth. Try it at Trattoria Da Nennella, located at Vico Lungo Teatro Nuovo, 103-105, 80134 Napoli.
  9. Fried Seafood (Frittura di Pesce) - This is a popular Neapolitan dish made with a mix of fresh seafood, such as shrimp, calamari, and small fish, that is lightly battered and fried to crispy perfection. The seafood is usually served with a side of lemon wedges and can be enjoyed as a light snack or a full meal. One of the best places to try frittura di pesce is Da Dora, located in the historic district of Santa Lucia. The restaurant serves a generous portion of mixed fried seafood, including anchovies, calamari, and prawns, served with crispy fries and a side of fresh lemon. Another great place to enjoy frittura di pesce is at Nennella, a local institution in the heart of the historic center. Their frittura is made with the freshest seafood, lightly fried to a perfect golden brown and served hot and crispy.
  10. Pastiera Napoletana - Pastiera Napoletana is a traditional Easter cake that is made with cooked wheat, ricotta cheese, eggs, sugar, and orange blossom water. The filling is then baked inside a sweet and crispy pastry crust. This cake has a unique and delicate flavor, and the texture is creamy and light. You can find this cake at Scaturchio, located at Piazza San Domenico Maggiore, 19, 80134 Napoli NA, Italy.