Naples is undeniably one of Italy’s most alluring cities for street food. The Campanian capital is known for its selection of fried treats, some of which are included in my Naples food tours. One such snack I’m especially partial to is frittatina di pasta, a Neapolitan staple that is essentially a pasta fritter.
These deep-fried delights are just as good as they sound and were one of the many dishes that came about as locals made an effort to utilize leftover pasta. In this article, I’ll give you a rundown of the can’t-miss spots serving the best frittatine in Naples!
Why Frittatine is a Must-Try in Naples
Photo credit: Antica Pizzeria Di Matteo
Like many Italian foods, frittatine is hugely historically and culturally significant. The dish is believed to have originated in the 19th century when poorer members of society sought innovative ways to make the most of leftover or stale food.
Bucatini and spaghetti are often the pasta shape of choice when it comes to frittatine. In most cases, creamy béchamel sauce is added, along with other variable ingredients, and the mixture is covered in batter and fried.
One of the most common filling combinations is ham, mozzarella, and peas, but you’ll also find versions with other meats, cheeses, and vegetables.
Best Places to Eat Frittatine in Naples
Antica Pizzeria Di Matteo
Antica Pizzeria Di Matteo sits in the heart of the Centro Storico, and it’s widely regarded as the go-to spot for the best frittatine in Naples. Everything I’ve sampled in this no-frills eatery has been superb, but the frittatine is their signature dish. Each bite was better than the last, from the crunchy exterior to the rich meat and tomato filling.
Antica Pizzeria Di Matteo – 80138 Napoli – Open every Monday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 11:30 pm, closed every Sunday.
La Masardona
La Masardona is a bustling joint in the Mercato area, which has long been revered for its fried pizza. As great as this iconic pizza is, I also love their frittatine. I can only assume the team here uses a secret recipe, as their traditional béchamel, ham, and pea offerings were unlike any other version I’ve tried, with smokey notes elevating the generally mild flavors.
La Masardona – 80142 Napoli – Open every Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, Saturday from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm and from 7:00 pm to 11:30 pm, closed every Sunday.
50 Kalò
Photo credit: 50 Kalò
50 Kalò is an iconic establishment for frittatine, so much so that this chic Chiaia institution has made it onto the Michelin guide. This particular spot uses bucatini, juicy beef, zingy tomato, and tangy provola. Any time I’ve tried these fritters, they’ve been so flavorful, complete with a crackling batter and soft interior.
50 Kalò – 80121 Napoli – Open every Monday to Thursday and Sunday from 12:00 pm to 4:30 pm and from 6:30 pm to 12:30 am and every Friday and Saturday from 12:00 pm to 4:30 pm and from 6:30 pm to 1:00 am.
Pizzeria Del Popolo
If you’re in the port area, I recommend swinging by Pizzeria Del Popolo. This much-loved, easygoing eatery is home to some of the best frittatine in Naples. I’d heard all about the pizza here but had to add a frittatine as soon as I spotted it on the menu. Between the chewy pasta, delicate béchamel, and savory ham, I couldn’t get enough of this dish.
Pizzeria Del Popolo – 80133 Napoli – Open every Monday to Thursday from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm and from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm, Friday and Saturday from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm and from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm, closed every Sunday.
Vomero Fried Food
Vomero Fried Food, situated in its namesake neighborhood, is a mecca for fried Italian treats. When I arrived at this modest take-out joint, I was lucky enough to secure the last two pieces of frittatine. Both were filled with tender mince meat, sweet peas, and floral mozzarella, all bound together inside a crispy crust.
Vomero Fried Food – 80129 Napoli – Open every Monday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 2:30 pm and from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, closed every Sunday.
Friggitoria Napoletana da Rosetta
Photo credit: Friggitoria Napoletana da Rosetta
Some of the best frittatine in Naples can be found in the heart of the Centro Storico, at Friggitoria Napoletana da Rosetta. Fried goods are what this quirky, diner-style haunt is all about, and I’m a huge fan of their ragù-stuffed frittatine. Inside this tasty morsel was robust beef and hearty tomato sauce.
Friggitoria Napoletana da Rosetta – 80138 Napoli – Open every Monday to Saturday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm and from 6:00 pm to 10:30 pm, closed every Sunday.
La Padella Rosticceria
Should you decide to venture to the north of the city, be sure to stop by La Padella Rosticceria in Arenella. A local favorite, this quaint deli is remarkably underrated. They stick to classic recipes, using silky pasta, salty ham, and milky mozzarella to create their heavenly frittatine.
La Padella Rosticceria – 80128 Napoli – Open every Monday and Wednesday to Saturday from 7:30 am to 10:30 pm, Sunday from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm and from 6:30 pm to 11:00 pm, closed every Tuesday.
Insider Tips for Enjoying Frittatine in Naples
- The best frittatine in Naples will be piping hot and crispy, which is a sign that it’s been freshly made rather than reheated.
- Locals typically eat their frittatine standing up at the counter and often pair it with other fried goods.
- Team your frittatine with a local beer or wines like a citrusy Fiano or a slightly tannic Piedirosso, depending on the specific filling.
- Most frittatine are roughly the size of a doughnut, though you’ll sometimes find smaller alternatives.
Final Thoughts
With this comprehensive guide to finding the best frittatine in Naples, you’ll have your pick of incredible spots to sample this indulgent street food snack. No matter which place you choose, I can almost guarantee you’ll be going back for seconds!
Sources:
Eating Europe. (n.d.). Naples food tours. Eating Europe. https://www.eatingeurope.com/naples
Antica Pizzeria Di Matteo. (n.d.). Home. http://www.anticapizzeriadimatteo.it/
Masardona. (n.d.). La Masardona – Pizza fritta dal 1945. https://masardona.it/
50 Kalò. (n.d.). Pizzeria 50 Kalò di Ciro Salvo. https://www.xn--50kal-yta.it/
TripAdvisor. (n.d.). Pizzeria del Popolo – Naples restaurant review. TripAdvisor. Retrieved June 22, 2025, from https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g187785-d2588914-Reviews-Pizzeria_del_Popolo-Naples_Province_of_Naples_Campania.html
TripAdvisor. (n.d.). Friggitoria Vomero di Acunzo Patrizio – Naples restaurant review. TripAdvisor. Retrieved June 22, 2025, from https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187785-d1091757-Reviews-Friggitoria_Vomero_di_Acunzo_Patrizio-Naples_Province_of_Naples_Campania.html
Da Rosetta Friggitoria Napoletana. (n.d.). Home. https://darosettafriggitorianapoletana.it/
La Padella. (n.d.). La Padella – Cucina tipica napoletana dal 1981. http://www.lapadella.it/
Naples Pizza & Drinks Tour: A Slice of Naples
Explore the thrilling maze of Naples, filled with delicious food, the world's best pizza, grand architecture, timeless history, vibrant folklore, and the warmth of local people.
- Daily
- 3.5 Hours
- Small Group
Explore the thrilling maze of Naples, filled with delicious food, world's best pizza, grand architecture, timeless history, vibrant folklore, and the warmth of local people.
- Daily
- 3.5 Hours
- Small Group
