Naples Breakfast Guide: Top Spots and Dishes to Try

Naples has some of the best breakfast spots with signature must-try dishes in all of Italy. This includes historic caffès like Gambrinus known for sfogliatella and espresso bars like Leopoldo Infante.

With so many different options, it can be hard to know just which spot is best known for which iconic Neapolitan breakfast item. To help get your Naples food tour started off on the right foot, I thought I would take a look at some of the city’s best caffès and pasticcerias. 

Gran Caffè Gambrinus

Photo credit: Gran Caffè Gambrinus

Gran Caffè Gambrinus is a historic Neapolitan caffé near Piazza del Plebiscito and the Royal Palace. They are known for their decadent pastries, especially sfogliatella which is a flaky pastry filled with sweet ricotta and citrus zest.

The ambiance at Gambrinus is elegant as well as nostalgic, with ornate decor that reflects its rich history dating back to 1860. The high ceilings, vintage furnishings, and an inviting atmosphere remind you that you’re stepping into a generations-old tradition.

Gambrinus breakfast menu is festooned with delightful options, including freshly baked pastries, traditional Italian coffee, and other breakfast classics. Their signature breakfast item is the sfogliatella.

It’s a traditional flaky Italian pastry that’s filled with sweet ricotta, which pairs perfectly with their rich espresso. I love it when lemons are in season as they infuse the ricotta filling with lemon zest, which not only cuts the richness but brightens the aroma.

Gran Caffè Gambrinus (€€) – Via Chiaia, 1, 80132 Napoli NA, Italy – Open every day from 7:00 AM to 12:00 AM.

Pasticceria Poppella

Photo credit: Pasticceria Poppella

Pasticceria Poppella has two locations in Naples, but my favorite is on Via Santa Brigida near the Duomo di Napoli. It’s a much-beloved pastry shop that’s a perfect spot to indulge in a sweet treat while exploring the city’s charm.

Poppella’s ambiance is warm with a lively atmosphere that reflects the local spirit. The pastry case is on full display with staggering colors, and even the wood furnishes seemed to be infused with the sweet aroma of freshly baked pastries. The staff are friendly and happy to help you understand their specialties. 

I think their standout item is the baba al rum. It’s a delightful rum-soaked cake that is both fluffy and rich in flavor. It pairs perfectly with robust black coffee or espresso.

On my last visit to Poppella it was early summer, and I ordered the baba al rum with a side of whipped cream and fresh strawberries. The richness of the cream and the brightness of the berries paired perfectly with the body of the rum-soaked cake.

Pasticceria Poppella (€€) – Via Santa Brigida, 69/70, 80132 Napoli NA, Italy – Open Tuesday to Sunday from 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM. Closed on Mondays. 

Leopoldo Infante

Photo credit: Leopoldo Infante

Leopoldo Infante is a Neapolitan espresso bar that’s also known for their sfogliatella, and graffette pastry. They’re also conveniently located near popular attractions like the Royal Palace of Naples and the beautiful Piazza del Plebiscito. Making them a great place to grab an espresso and a sweet treat on a walking tour of the city.

The atmosphere at Leopoldo Infante is cozy and inviting. The down-to-earth décor gives it a traditional Italian café feel that encourages you to relax and savor your food.

While they make a great sfogliatella, I think the graffette is the brightest star at Leopoldo Infante. It’s a type of Neapolitan doughnut inspired by famous Austrian krapfen that you typically see around Carnival.

I love how it has the crispy exterior of an American fried cake doughnut. Yet it gives way to an soft and airy interior. My favorite way to eat it is to bite into it, and then smear a little fresh jam on the exposed sections of the fluffy interior.  

Leopoldo Infante (€€) – Via Toledo, 8, 80134 Napoli NA, Italy – Open Monday to Thursday from 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM. Open Friday to Sunday from 7:30 AM to 11:00 PM.

Carraturo

Photo credit: Carraturo

You’ll find Carraturo nestled in the lively Chiaia district of Naples. It’s a delightful café that’s a perfect spot for breakfast before exploring nearby attractions like the stunning Villa Comunale and the picturesque Lungomare promenade. 

The ambiance at Carraturo is warm with rustic decor and wooden accents that give it a laid-back vibe. Yet the surrounding vibrant neighborhood adds to the café’s charm.

Carraturo’s breakfast menu is loaded with freshly baked pastries, must-try artisanal breads, and robust Italian coffees. However, I think the cornetto stands out as their best breakfast item.

It’s a flaky, buttery pastry that’s a little reminiscent of a French croissant or pain au chocolat. While I love their version that’s filled with creamy custard, I prefer the cornetto filled with rich chocolate cream.

I like to eat it taking one bite to perfume my mouth with chocolate flavor, then wash it down with a sip of robust espresso. The two flavors are a perfect counterpoint to each other.

Carraturo (€€) – Via Casanova, 97, 80139 Napoli NA, Italy – Open Thursday to Tuesday from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Scaturchio

 

Photo credit: Scaturchio

Pasticceria Scaturchio is a beloved Neapolitain institution known for its delectable pastries and historic charm. It’s also close to popular attractions like the San Lorenzo Maggiore and the bustling Via Tribunali.

The ambiance at Scaturchio is warm and inviting, with the lighting strategically placed to showcase the elegant display of pastries. The interior features classic decor that speaks to the pastry shop’s history dating back to the turn of the last century.

However, I think the spot to be is the outdoor seating area. It lets you enjoy your breakfast while taking in the vibrant street life of Naples.

Scaturchio offers a delightful array of traditional pastries and croissants, but they are best known for their bomboloni. They’re essentially fluffy, yeast-risen doughnuts that are filled with luscious creams, custard, or chocolate, before being dusted with powdered sugar.

I love to tear apart a custard-filled bomboloni and dip it in a cup of black coffee. Letting the pastry soak up a little of the coffee’s robustness helps bring out the yeast-leavened flavor in a way that separates it from a simple American doughnut.  

Scaturchio (€€) – P.za S. Domenico Maggiore, 19, 80134 Napoli NA, Italy – Open every day from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM.