What Food To Try in Napoli and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Napoli for 2025.
National currency: Euro, symbol — € (international currency code EUR).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Napoli cafes and restaurants
$16.4
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $9.83
$54.6
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $38.21
$8.7
Combo Meal
Starting from $8.52
What to Try in Napoli
Must-try Dishes
Pizza Margherita - Classic Neapolitan pizza with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Best enjoyed at a bustling pizzeria during late evening, when the dough is perfectly charred from the wood-fired oven.Frittatina di Pasta - Crispy pasta fritters made from leftover pasta mixed with béchamel and cheese, then deep-fried. You’ll find these as popular street food snacks, perfect for a quick lunch on the go.
Gnocchi alla Sorrentina - Soft potato dumplings baked in a rich tomato and mozzarella sauce, creating a nice cheesy crust. Often served in trattorias for lunch, locals savor them during winter months when they crave comfort food.
Spaghetti alle Vongole - Spaghetti with fresh clams, garlic, and a hint of white wine, creating a delicate yet savory flavor. A staple in coastal eateries, it’s best enjoyed while gazing at the sea during a sunny afternoon.
Melanzane alla Parmigiana - Eggplant Parmesan - Layers of fried eggplant, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese baked to perfection. Traditionally eaten as a main course during Sunday family meals, it’s a filling option for vegetarians.
Zeppole di San Giuseppe - Cream-filled pastries popular during the feast of St. Joseph, served with a dusting of powdered sugar. These are usually eaten in March, but always come with a side of nostalgia for locals.
Pizza di Scarola - Savory pie filled with escarole, olives, and capers, offering a unique twist on typical quiche. Often enjoyed as a quick lunch option, its simplicity belies the rich, layered flavors that locals treasure.
Ragù Napoletano - Hearty meat sauce simmered for hours with tomatoes and spices, served over pasta. Often reserved for Sunday dinners with family, this dish embodies the spirit of traditional Napoli gatherings, where time and flavor meld beautifully.
Desserts & Drinks
Caffè Napoletano - Caffè Napoletano (rich espresso) - Strong and intense coffee made from finely ground beans, brewed under high pressure, resulting in a thick crema. Locals often enjoy it at the bar, standing up, and it's common to savor it mid-morning or after meals, sometimes with a side of a sweet pastry.Limoncello - Limoncello (sweet lemon liqueur) - A zesty liqueur made from lemon peels, alcohol, and sugar, served ice-cold in small glasses. Frequently enjoyed as a digestivo after dinner, especially during warm summer nights when the local lemons are in season, it perfectly captures the spirit of the Amalfi Coast.
Pastiera - Pastiera Napoletana (Easter wheat cake) - A traditional pastry made with cooked wheat, ricotta cheese, eggs, and flavored with orange blossom, typically served with a dusting of powdered sugar. This sweet, aromatic cake is synonymous with Easter celebrations, lovingly made ahead of time by families and shared during festive gatherings.
Caffè Freddo - Caffè Freddo (chilled coffee) - A delightful cold brew that involves espresso shaken with ice, resulting in a smooth, sweet concoction served in a small glass. Perfect for hot afternoons, locals can be found enjoying it while chatting at outdoor cafes, often accompanied by a pastiera or sfogliatella for a delightful treat.
By the way, don’t be surprised if your caffè comes sweetened; many locals tend to prefer their drinks with sugar already mixed in—be sure to specify “amaro” if you like it black!
Food and Groceries in Napoli
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $1.3 |
| Bananas | $1.88 |
| Oranges | $1.77 |
| Potatoes | $1.31 |
| Apples | $1.72 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $0.5 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $1.87 |
| Imported Beer | $2.59 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $5.46 |
| Milk 1L | $1.48 |
Various Groceries
| Meat (Beef or Pork) | $13.4 |
| Chicken | $9.21 |
| Cigarettes | $6.55 |
| Rice | $2.04 |
| Local Cheese | $12.39 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
In Napoli, lunch begins rather late, often around 1:00 PM, with many locals enjoying a leisurely meal that stretches into the afternoon. Even as late as 2:30 PM, restaurants are buzzing with diners, a sharp contrast to cities like Rome, where meals are often quicker. Evening dining typically starts around 8:00 PM, making the after-dinner stroll a common sight among families, couples, and groups of friends alike.
Price ranges can vary significantly from district to district. In the historic center, you might pay about €10-€15 for a pizza at a mid-range pizzeria. However, venture to the Vomero area, and there's an upscale trattoria where the same dish might cost you around €20. Seasonal variations can also affect prices, particularly during tourist peaks in the summer, when prices might surge by 20% for the same menu items.
Payment customs in Napoli are fairly straightforward. Many places accept card payments, but it’s wise to carry cash, especially for small vendors. It’s also customary to pay first at the register in casual eateries, a practice many tourists find confusing at first. Tipping is rare here; rounding up the bill or leaving small change is appreciated but not expected.
Oh, and before I forget, one typical local eating habit is the tradition of "scoprire," where you wait a few minutes before diving into your meal. This practice allows one to savor the moment, often accompanied by lively conversation. Visitors sometimes make the common mistake of not being patient enough, rushing through their meals instead of taking the time to savor each bite.
If you’re considering a visit, keep in mind that peak dining times create a real buzz, particularly from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM and after 8:00 PM. Arriving too early or too late might leave you waiting for a table. The best time to find a quiet seat at a popular spot is usually around 1:30 PM or just before 8:00 PM.
As for reservations, it's always a good idea to call ahead if you plan to dine at a popular restaurant on weekends. Many locals do, which ensures they won't be left standing.
Moving forward, it’s interesting to observe how younger locals are adapting food traditions, often embracing international flavors while still paying homage to their beloved Neapolitan roots. Whether this evolution will redefine the landscape remains to be seen, but for now, Napoli’s dining scene feels as vibrant as ever.
Price ranges can vary significantly from district to district. In the historic center, you might pay about €10-€15 for a pizza at a mid-range pizzeria. However, venture to the Vomero area, and there's an upscale trattoria where the same dish might cost you around €20. Seasonal variations can also affect prices, particularly during tourist peaks in the summer, when prices might surge by 20% for the same menu items.
Payment customs in Napoli are fairly straightforward. Many places accept card payments, but it’s wise to carry cash, especially for small vendors. It’s also customary to pay first at the register in casual eateries, a practice many tourists find confusing at first. Tipping is rare here; rounding up the bill or leaving small change is appreciated but not expected.
Oh, and before I forget, one typical local eating habit is the tradition of "scoprire," where you wait a few minutes before diving into your meal. This practice allows one to savor the moment, often accompanied by lively conversation. Visitors sometimes make the common mistake of not being patient enough, rushing through their meals instead of taking the time to savor each bite.
If you’re considering a visit, keep in mind that peak dining times create a real buzz, particularly from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM and after 8:00 PM. Arriving too early or too late might leave you waiting for a table. The best time to find a quiet seat at a popular spot is usually around 1:30 PM or just before 8:00 PM.
As for reservations, it's always a good idea to call ahead if you plan to dine at a popular restaurant on weekends. Many locals do, which ensures they won't be left standing.
Moving forward, it’s interesting to observe how younger locals are adapting food traditions, often embracing international flavors while still paying homage to their beloved Neapolitan roots. Whether this evolution will redefine the landscape remains to be seen, but for now, Napoli’s dining scene feels as vibrant as ever.