Hostel Of The Sun: Award-Winning Hostel In The Heart Of Naples, Italy

As we all well know, food is extremely important for Italians, and it should be for any foreigner visiting Italy too.  Yes, the pizza is fantastic but Naples has a load more to offer than just that; from fried street-food to gourmet modern takes on age-old recipes, one thing you can guarantee from a few days in this city is that you’re not going to go hungry…

So just to get your tastebuds going, here’s our tips!

Italian and Traditional Napolitan Cuisine

$ Trattoria Nennella

I’m not sure where to begin. Nennella is crazy, chaotic, fun, and bizarre all at the same time. Not for people who want to have a quiet romantic dinner for two, but absolutely for anybody who wants to have a true Neapolitan experience with true Neapolitan food cooked by a team of seven brothers; the most Neapolitan of Neapolitan hosts. This is not meant to put you off; more to encourage you. And so should the price. There are no prices on the handwritten, daily-changing menus but a brother will give you a grand total on exit of around €10-15 per person for a 4 course dinner and as much wine as you can possibly get down you. Nothing extremely special on the food front but an unbeatable price, and the entertainment is included…

http://digilander.libero.it/trattorianennella/nennella.htm

$$ Timpani e Tempura

Something a little special and certainly off the beaten track. The restaurant only opens at lunchtime and seats less than ten (squashed) people but serves up some of the most traditional of traditional recipes, some of them originating from recipes researched by the head chef from as far back as the 16^th century. In the old town, near Piazza Dante.

http://www.timpanietempura.it/main.htm

$ Trattoria del Buongustaio

Tiny and always packed, this little trattoria in the market area of Montesanto offers again traditional Neapolitan ‘cucina’, at a low price. Perhaps the highlight is the frittura mista (fried seafood) or the seafood pasta. Reassuringly un-tourity.

$$ Hosteria Toledo

One of our very favorites. Run by an enthusiastic family, this little place tucked just into the Spanish Quarter off the main shopping drag Via Toledo, serves up fantastic traditional Neapolitan specialties like Ragu and Polipo all’Insalata (octopus salad)

$$ L’Osteria della Mattonella

Located in a more up-market area of Naples, between Piazza Plebiscito and Chiaia, La Mattonella offers an excellent ‘Genovese’ (pasta with onion sauce and chunks of beef, my personal favourite, just don’t expect to get lucky after eating it…) or Meat with Ragu sauce.

$$ La stanza del gusto

For those who want something a little more modern, sick of the same old Italian dishes this eatery offers modern twists on old classics and a very good cheese board. Also plenty of options for vegans and vegetarians.

$$$ Palazzo Petrucci

Set in a historic ‘Palazzo’ of the same name, on the side of the San Domenico Maggiore church in the heart if the historical centre, Palazzo Peutrucci is one of Naples’ most famous and most exclusive restaurants. Not cheap, but for the quality and originality of the menu, and considering it’s Michelin star status, the 40 euros you pay for the tasting menu could be a lot worse.

http://www.palazzopetrucci.it/home.html

Pizzerias

Word is that anywhere trying to charge you more than €3,50 for a Margherita is not worth it. The top three places mentioned here won’t sell ANY pizza for more than €6….

$ Pizzeria Gino Sorbillo

The queue is constant for a reason: this is the best pizza in Naples. Cripsy crust, thin base and delicious toppings. Grab a beer and stand out front until your name is called, it’s worth the wait.

$ Pizzeria Da Michele

Still probably the best known outside of Naples, especially thanks to it’s mention in that film starring Julia Roberts…. Da Michele still continues to serve up their two pizzas; the Marinara and the Margherita to an exceptional standard.

$ Pizzeria Di Matteo

They haven’t tried to refurbish this place.I’m glad they haven’t and they don’t need to; they serve up the best Ripieno and fried tit-bits in town. Try the melenzane fritte and panzarotti before delving straight into the Pizza.

Our wildcard:

$$ Fresco

Relatively very modern, this pizzeria is making a big name for itself. It’s along the seaside, near the Castel dell’Ovo and is a lot flashier than any of the other place listed here. Don’t let this put you off though. Prices are a little higher: on average €1 more per pizza but the view is beautiful and the result just as delicious.

Pastries and Other Sweet Stuff

$$ Scaturchio, Piazza San Domenico Maggiore www.scaturchio.it/

$ Pasticceria Mary, Galleria Umberto, at the entrance from Via Toledo

$ Pasticceria Moccia, Via San Pasquale, 77, 80121 Napoli

$ Pintauro, Open since 1785, Via Toledo 275 http://www.pintauro.it/

Icecream

$ Fantasia Gelati Award-winning Icecream on Via Toledo. Always open. Make sure you try the ’sorbetti’ as well… www.fantasiagelati.it

$ Gay Odin On Spaccanapoli, the famous street in the Centro Storico, some of the best gelato in town. Via Benedetto Croce 61 http://www.gay-odin.it/

Fantasia Gelateria is known as Naples’ best gelateria. There is no right or wrong time to enjoy one of these tasty Italian treats. We recommend at least one visit since they use only the best quality prime materials in the production process. Of course, the most important ingredients are love and passion. Thegelateria’s fruit specialities are the public’s favorites.

The place to get the most delicious sweet napoletan specialities of Babà, Sfogliatella as well as plenty more..

To make things a bit easier for you to understand all the great culinary options available while you are in Naples, we’ve compiled links to some great third-party reviews and articles from travel guides and experts.

If you see something you like, stop by the front desk of the hostel and talk to one of our well-trained staff/travel advisors and get a custom map with directions for getting from Hostel to your destination.

Gino Sorbillo has long been considered one of the top pizzerias in Italy. Terrific ingredients, wood-fired oven and recently renovated interior combine to provide the best atmosphere and “vibe” of any Naples Pizzerias. Sorbillo’s family-run establishment and has an extremely open 2nd floor which is always crowed. Expect long wait times unless you arrive at 7:00PM.

Considered by many to be one of the top pizzeria’s in Italy, Da Michele focuses its decades of expertise (it opened in 1870) on two simple pizzas: the margherita and the marinara. Quick service, tasty food–be sure to try if you are spending 1-2 days in Naples.

Di Matteo is the pizzeria of choice for multitudes of locales and the large crowd gathered around the storefront is a strong sign that the pizzas inside are worth pursuing.

Representing the essence of Naples life is this dynamic and memorable dining establishment. If you have 2-3 nights in Naples, make sure to plan an evening trip and catch a 4 course meal for 10EURO. It’s rather impossible to try to and prepare you for your experience at Nennella, but you can be sure it will be unlike any you’ve had.