The 5 Best Restaurants in Naples, Italy

Naples in Italy is one of the top culinary hotbeds in the country. There are so many great restaurants in Napoli, that it’s understandably hard to know where to start.

If you’re looking for a fine dining experience Palazzo Petrucci might be the best restaurant in Naples for a special occasion. If you want to get an authentic taste of classical Neapolitan cuisine a restaurant like Trattoria Nennella or Pizzeria da Michele deserves to be at the top of your list.

These restaurants and the others on this list are all good places to start when choosing the kind of dining experience you want to include in your Naples food tour.

L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele

Photo credit: L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele

Pizzeria da Michele is considered one of the best restaurants for authentic Neapolitan pizza. It’s within walking distance of Duomo di San Gennaro and the shops of Spaccanapoli, making it a great stop for some world-class pizza on a walking tour in the heart of Napoli.

Da Michele’s décor is modest and unpretentious, with simple wooden tables. The walls are lined with old photos of the pizzeria’s history, which extends back to 1870. However, it’s so popular with tourists and locals, that there’s often a line outside, and there is no reservation system.  

At Da Michele, they typically serve Margherita and Marinara pizza. This expedites service and also ensures that you are getting the best of each type of pizza when you order.  

Each pizza is painstakingly crafted using the Verace Pizza Napoletana method. I love how you can taste the terroir of the San Marzano tomatoes, and how they play perfectly with the basil, and the creamy fresh mozzarella, with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil.

The crust is especially airy, which helps it bubble up perfectly. The moisture of the dough also does a great job of capturing the essence of the wood-fired oven before lightly blistering the way a Neapolitan pizza is supposed to.

L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele (€€) – Via Cesare Sersale, 1, 80139 Napoli NA, Italy – Open every day from 10:30 AM to 11:00 PM.

Palazzo Petrucci Ristorante

Photo credit: Palazzo Petrucci Ristorante

It’s not just the stunning views of the Gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvius, that make the dining experience at Palazzo Petrucci memorable. This Michelin-starred restaurant is led by master chef Lino Scarallo, who skillfully combines local ingredients that draw from the deep traditions of Neapolitan cuisine.  

​Palazzo Petrucci has a coastal charm with an air of sophistication. They even have a highly regarded lounge that flows seamlessly into the dining room. While there isn’t a bad seat in the room, I think the pinnacle experience is to get a table near the window to enjoy the stunning vista at golden hour.

The menu at Palazzo Petrucci is highly influenced by the local seafood and what’s in season in the farms surrounding Naples. Chef Scarallo offers tasting menu experiences that typically have five or seven courses, taking you on a journey through classical Neapolitan flavors.

On my last visit, I fell in love with their Le Candele made with fresh bucatini pasta that was perfectly dressed in a Genovese sauce reduction. The reduction process brought out the umami hiding deep in the onions, giving the entire dish a rich, almost meaty flavor.

Palazzo Petrucci Ristorante (€€€€) – Via Posillipo, 16 C, 80123 Napoli NA, Italy – Open Monday to Thursday from 7:00 to10:30 PM. Open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for lunch from 12:30 to 3:00 PM with dinner service from 7:00 to 10:30 PM. 

Antica Osteria Da Tonino

Photo credit: Antica Osteria Da Tonino

You’ll find Antica Osteria da Tonino nestled in Naples’ Chiaia neighborhood. It’s a charming, family-run trattoria that was originally established in 1880 and focuses on authentic Neapolitan cuisine.

The interior décor at Antica Osteria da Tonino is rustic and warm. The walls are festooned with memorabilia, giving you a snapshot of their history, which extends back to 1880. I personally love the outdoor seating area. It’s a great place to enjoy a casual meal and do a little people-watching.

Antica Osteria da Tonino’s menu features local favorites, with friendly prices and generous portions. My absolute favorite is the gnocchi alla Sorrentina, which has pillowy-soft potato gnocchi stained by a rich tomato sauce and melted mozzarella. It’s my go-to comfort food when I need to relax after a long day on my feet.

Antica Osteria Da Tonino (€€) – Via Santa Teresa A Chiaia, 47, 80121 Napoli NA, Italy – Open every day from 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM. 

Trattoria Nennella

Photo credit: Trattoria Nennella

Trattoria Nennella is in Naples’ bustling Quartieri Spagnoli (Spanish Quarter). It’s a lively eatery offering a classic Neapolitan dining experience that’s beloved by locals and tourists alike.

The ambiance at Trattoria Nennella is rustic with wooden tables and an open kitchen where you can watch them prepare your meal. The cooks are also very animated, and their witty banter is truly entertaining.

Trattoria Nennella’s menu changes with the season and what’s best at the mercato. Some of the best in-season staples include fried arancini (stuffed rice balls) and fried eggplant. They also have several pasta dishes that feature slow cooked Genovese onion sauce.

On my last visit, I enjoyed a pasta e patate con provola, which was bucatini pasta with potatoes in Genovese sauce. Then it was topped with provolone, which melted deep into every level, providing the perfect amount of richness to every bite.  

Trattoria Nennella (€€) – Piazza Carità, 22, 80134 Napoli NA, Italy – Open Monday to Saturday for lunch from 12:00 to 3:00 PM with dinner service from 7:00 to 11:00 PM. Closed on Sunday.

Salvatore Ravello

Photo credit: Salvatore Ravello

Salvatore Ravello sits in a picturesque part of Naples overlooking the distant Amalfi Coast. With the ocean waves crashing on the horizon, it’s no wonder that they’re considered to be one of the best restaurants for seafood in Campania.

The décor at Salvatore Ravello is simultaneously elegant and down to earth with rustic touches that reflect the area’s coastal charm. If possible, I recommend reserving a table on the terrace at golden hour. Especially if you’re planning a special occasion.

Salvatore Ravello’s menu is seasonally inspired and strongly influenced by the catch of the day from nearby Chitara. One of their staples is spaghetti alle vongole which is simple, yet always astonishingly fresh.

On my last stop at Salvatore Ravello, I enjoyed the branzino al forno. The oven-baked sea bass was perfectly done and lightly seasoned with sea salt and fresh herbs. The olive oil drizzled overtop had nice peppery notes which really accented the fresh flavor of the sea bass.

Salvatore Ravello (€€€) – Via della Repubblica, 2, 84010 Ravello SA, Italy – Open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch from 12:30 to 3:00 PM, with dinner service from 7:30 to 10:00 PM. Closed on Monday.

Conclusion

Naples has far too many amazing restaurants to mention in just one article. So, it’s best to think of places like Trattoria Nennella, Pizzeria da Michele, and Salvatore Ravello as easy starting points for your Naples food tour. They’ll give you a proper taste of the city that can help guide your exploration of Neapolitan cuisine.