The 4 Best Cuoppo in Naples

Cuoppo is a traditional street food in Naples that gets its name from cone-shaped paper that holds assorted fried items. You typically find them at the friggitorie, fried food shops, scattered throughout the city.

Fried seafood items like calamari, shrimp, and small fresh-caught fish are the most common. However, there are some sumptuous meat, mozzarella, and fried vegetable combinations that are reminiscent of Japanese tempura. I’m also a big fan of sweet cuoppo with arancini rice balls, or my beloved zeppole.

While there are many places to try cuoppo on your Naples food tour, I recommend starting with one of the following.

Vomero

As the name implies friggitoria Vomero is a cornerstone of Naples’ vibrant Vomero district. They offer up an authentic taste of Neapolitan Street food culture with a staggering array of fried foods in cuoppo. Vomero is in the Piazza Fuga and is within walking distance of Castel Sant’Elmo.

Vomero has an energetic atmosphere with bustling energy as they feed the constant stream of locals and tourists who frequent the friggitoria. This is the sort of volume you want to see in a fried food shop like this, as it ensures everything you order is fried fresh to order.

The cuoppo offerings at Vomero start with staples like fried calamari and shrimp, and as traditional Neapolitan street snacks like zeppole, and arancini stuffed rice balls. I think one of the hidden gems on their menu is the panzerotti.

They’re fried potato croquettes that you find scattered throughout the friggatorie in Naples. Yet I find the panzerotti at Vomero to be particularly light and crisp, with just the right amount of salt to help enhance the earthy flavors of the soft potato interior.

Vomero (€) – Via Domenico Cimarosa, 44, 80129 Napoli NA, Italy – Open Monday to Saturday for lunch from 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM with dinner service from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

Il Cuoppo San Biagio Dei Librai

Photo credit: Il Cuoppo San Biagio Dei Librai

You’ll find friggitoria Il Cuoppo in the historic heart of Naples. It’s conveniently close to must-see landmarks like Spaccanapoli and the Church of Santa Chiara, making this friggitoria a popular stop for tourists and locals alike.

The ambiance at Il Cuoppo is casual yet lively, which is typical of the Neapolitan street food scene. There’s a fast-paced energy to service during peak times. So, it helps to know what you want when it’s your turn to order.

The cuoppo menu starts with staples calamari, shrimp, and anchovies. They also have vegetarian versions that include mozzarella bites, and arancini.

In the peak of summer, this is my go-to place for fried zucchini flowers. Each one is stuffed with a small piece of rich, salty mozzarella and then fried like delicate tempura.  

They’re a special item that isn’t always on the menu, but you’ll see them listed as either o’sciurrilli in Napoletana, or fiori di zucca fritti. They’re only available early, as the flowers are picked early in the morning.

Il Cuoppo San Biagio Dei Librai (€) – Via San Biagio Dei Librai, 23, 80138 Napoli NA, Italy – Open Monday to Friday from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Open weekends from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

Antica Pizzeria e Friggitoria Di Matteo

Antica Pizzeria e Friggitoria Di Matteo is arguably more popular as a pizzeria, yet they are also a secret gem for cuoppo. You’ll find them on Via dei Tribunali in Naples, by popular attractions such as the Duomo di Napoli and the bustling San Gregorio Armeno street.

The ambiance at Di Matteo has the inviting vibe of a classic Neapolitan pizzeria, with the frenetic energy of a friggatorie fry shop. Their rustic décor and aroma of pizza with fresh fried food is a tantalizing assault on the senses.

Di Matteo’s cuoppo menu features fried seafood, arancini, and crispy vegetables. What I like to do is order a cuoppo as a starter while waiting for the pizza. A perfect one-two punch for a deeply satisfying supper.

Antica Pizzeria e Friggitoria Di Matteo (€€) – Via dei Tribunali, 94, 80138 Napoli NA, Italy – Open from Monday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Closed on Sunday.

La Cantina di Via Sapienza

Photo credit: La Cantina di Via Sapienza

Nestled in the vibrant Chiaia district of Naples, La Cantina di Via Sapienza offers a delightful blend of traditional Neapolitan cuisine including budget-friendly cuoppa. It’s also close to popular attractions like the Villa Comunale and the picturesque waterfront, making it an ideal spot for tourists and locals.

The decor at La Cantina is rustic with exposed wooden beams overhead and charming Neapolitan elements. The staff here also seem to have a good command of English, which is nice if you need help navigating their menu. They also have a kid’s menu with all kinds of items children love!

The most popular cuoppo items on the menu at La Cantina include zeppole as well as classic fried seafood like shrimp, squid, and anchovies. However, my favorite here is the arancini.

They’re usually stuffed with molten mozzarella, which infuses every interior rice grain to create the perfect cheese pull. I also appreciate how the outer coating of the arancini is perfectly crisp, without robbing any of the moisture from the rice grains itself. This helps the rice ball’s interior to stay perfectly moist.

La Cantina di Via Sapienza (€) – Via Sapienza, 40, 80138 Napoli NA, Italy – Open Thursday to Monday from 12:30 to 3:00 PM. Closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Conclusion

No Naples food tour would be complete without sampling the cuoppo at a few different friggatorie throughout the city. If you’re looking for a tasty fried appetizer to lead into an authentic pizza experience, you might want to start at Antica Pizzeria e Friggitoria Di Matteo.

If you’ve always been curious to try fried zucchini flowers, I recommend showing up early at Il Cuoppo San Biagio Dei Librai. If you’re traveling with kids or budget-conscious, La Cantina di Via Sapienza might fit the bill.

One thing is for sure, whatever flavor you’re looking for Naples has a cuoppo that will suit your taste.