When it comes to Italian cuisine, Naples and Sorrento are two cities that cannot be overlooked. Both are located in the Campania region, where the fertile land and crystal-clear waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea provide an abundance of fresh ingredients for the local cuisine. From the world-famous Neapolitan pizza to the refreshing lemon-based dishes of Sorrento, the culinary delights of these two cities are not to be missed.
Neapolitan Cuisine
Pizza: No guide to Neapolitan cuisine would be complete without mentioning the city’s most famous dish: pizza. Neapolitan pizza is made with a soft, chewy crust that is slightly charred on the edges and topped with San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil. The pizza is cooked quickly at high temperatures in a wood-fired oven to create a perfectly crisp crust and gooey, melted cheese. For the most authentic Neapolitan pizza experience, head to Antica Pizzeria Port’Alba, the oldest pizzeria in Naples.
Pasta: Naples is also known for its pasta dishes, particularly spaghetti alle vongole (spaghetti with clams) and linguine ai frutti di mare (linguine with seafood). These dishes feature fresh, locally sourced seafood that is cooked in a light tomato sauce with garlic and olive oil. For a more indulgent pasta dish, try the classic Neapolitan dish of spaghetti alla carbonara, which is made with pancetta, egg yolks, and pecorino cheese.
Seafood: As a coastal city, Naples has access to some of the freshest seafood in Italy. The city’s most popular seafood dishes include frittura di pesce (a mix of fried fish and seafood) and insalata di mare (seafood salad). For a unique seafood experience, try the Neapolitan specialty of spaghetti con le vongole veraci e bottarga (spaghetti with razor clams and bottarga).
Street Food: Naples is famous for its street food, which is a quick and tasty way to experience the local cuisine. Some of the most popular street foods in Naples include: Pizza fritta: A deep-fried pizza filled with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and various toppings such as ham, mushrooms, or ricotta cheese. Cuoppo: A cone-shaped paper filled with fried seafood such as calamari, shrimp, and anchovies. Arancini: Rice balls stuffed with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and peas, and then deep-fried.
Desserts: Neapolitan desserts are a must-try, and the most famous is probably the pastiera, a sweet pie made with ricotta cheese, wheat berries, and candied citrus fruit. Other popular desserts include: Babà: A small cake soaked in rum syrup and often filled with whipped cream or custard. Sfogliatelle: A crispy shell-shaped pastry filled with sweet ricotta cheese and flavored with orange zest and cinnamon. Struffoli: A sweet treat made of small balls of fried dough covered in honey and sprinkles.
Sorrentine Cuisine
Lemon-Based Dishes: Sorrento is famous for its lemons, and you’ll find them in many dishes. One of the most popular is the lemon risotto, a creamy rice dish flavored with lemon zest and juice. Other lemon-based dishes include: Lemon chicken: Chicken breasts cooked with lemon, white wine, and garlic. Lemon granita: A refreshing sorbet made with lemon juice and sugar. Limoncello: A sweet liqueur made with lemon zest and alcohol, often served as a digestif.
Seafood: As a coastal town, Sorrento is known for its fresh seafood. Some of the most popular dishes include: Spaghetti alle vongole: Spaghetti with clams in a white wine and garlic sauce. Grilled octopus: Octopus tentacles marinated in lemon and olive oil and then grilled. Seafood risotto: A creamy rice dish with mixed seafood such as shrimp, clams, and mussels.
Pasta: A staple in Sorrentine cuisine, and you’ll find many traditional pasta dishes on the menus. Some of the most popular include: Gnocchi alla sorrentina: Potato gnocchi baked in tomato sauce with mozzarella cheese. Spaghetti alla puttanesca: Spaghetti with a sauce made of tomatoes, olives, capers, and anchovies. Ravioli caprese: Cheese ravioli with tomato sauce and basil.
Cheese: Sorrento is famous for its fresh cheeses, particularly mozzarella and provolone. You’ll find them in many dishes, such as the classic caprese salad, made with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
Wines: Sorrento is located in the Campania region, which is known for its wines. Some of the most famous wines include: Lacryma Christi: A red wine made from grapes grown on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius. Falanghina: A white wine with a fruity and floral flavor. Aglianico: A full-bodied red wine with hints of black fruit and spice.
Must-Try Dishes in Naples and Sorrento
Margherita Pizza: One of the most famous dishes in Naples is the Margherita pizza, which features a crispy thin crust, sweet tomato sauce, and fresh mozzarella cheese. This simple yet delicious pizza is a staple of Neapolitan cuisine and can be found at nearly every pizzeria in the city.
Spaghetti alle Vongole: A classic dish in Sorrento, spaghetti alle vongole is a pasta dish made with spaghetti and fresh clams cooked in white wine, garlic, and olive oil. The dish is light and flavorful and perfect for a summer evening.
Parmigiana di Melanzane: A classic eggplant dish that originated in Naples. The dish features thinly sliced eggplant, layered with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. The dish is then baked until the cheese is melted and bubbly, creating a delicious and comforting dish.
Caprese salad: A simple yet delicious dish that originated on the island of Capri. The salad features fresh mozzarella cheese, ripe tomatoes, and basil leaves, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. The dish is light, refreshing, and perfect for a hot summer day.
Limoncello: A lemon liqueur that is a staple of the Amalfi coast. The liqueur is made with the zest of lemons, alcohol, sugar, and water. It is traditionally served chilled as a digestif after a meal.
Restaurants and Food Markets in Naples and Sorrento
Antica Pizzeria Port’Alba: One of the oldest pizzerias in the city. The pizzeria serves up traditional Neapolitan pizza, including the famous Margherita pizza.
Trattoria da Nennella: A small, family-run restaurant in Naples that serves up traditional Neapolitan cuisine. The restaurant is known for its authentic dishes and warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Mercato di Porta Nolana: A vibrant food market in Naples that is a must-visit for any food lover. The market features a wide range of local produce, meats, cheeses, and other food products.
Pasticceria Pintauro: A historic pastry shop in Naples that has been serving up sweet treats since 1785. The pastry shop is known for its delicious pastries and cakes, including the famous sfogliatella.
Osteria del Buonconvento: A traditional Sorrentine restaurant that serves up delicious seafood dishes and other local specialties. The restaurant is known for its cozy atmosphere and excellent service.
Tips for Enjoying Neapolitan and Sorrentine Cuisine
Don’t be afraid to try new things
Neapolitan and Sorrentine cuisine is full of delicious and unique dishes, so be adventurous and try something new.
Stick to authentic, locally sourced ingredients
One of the keys to enjoying Neapolitan and Sorrentine cuisine is to stick to authentic, locally sourced ingredients. Many restaurants and food markets in the area specialize in using locally grown and produced ingredients, which ensures the highest quality and flavor.
Visit restaurants and food markets recommended by locals
One of the best ways to experience the authentic flavors of Naples and Sorrento is by visiting local restaurants and food markets that come highly recommended by locals. These establishments not only offer the most genuine food but also provide a glimpse into the daily life and culture of the area. Some of the best local restaurants and food markets to visit in
Naples and Sorrento include Antica Pizzeria Port’Alba, Trattoria da Nennella, Mercato di Porta Nolana, Pasticceria Pintauro, and Osteria del Buonconvento.
Make reservations in advance for popular restaurants
Some of the most popular restaurants in Naples and Sorrento can get quite busy, especially during peak tourist season. To avoid disappointment, it is recommended to make reservations in advance for popular restaurants. This not only guarantees a table but also allows you to plan your itinerary accordingly.
Don’t forget to indulge in dessert
No meal in Naples or Sorrento is complete without dessert. Be sure to save room for the classic Neapolitan dessert, sfogliatella, a flaky pastry filled with sweet ricotta cheese and candied fruit. Other popular desserts in the area include babà, a rum-soaked sponge cake, and torta caprese, a chocolate and almond cake.
Exploring the cuisine of Naples and Sorrento is an essential part of any visit to the area. With so many unique and delicious dishes to try, visitors are encouraged to step out of their comfort zone and try something new. Whether it’s a classic Margherita pizza or a plate of spaghetti alle vongole, the culinary delights of Naples and Sorrento are not to be missed. When you’re ready to embark on your dream vacation to Italy give me a call!
