The Ultimate Guide to Neapolitan Pasta: Must-Try Dishes and Where to Find Them in Naples

Every Italian city has those signature pasta dishes that capture the essence of the local cuisine, and Naples happens to have plenty. Somehow, Naples’ pasta offerings have gone largely unnoticed compared to those in other regions, but I’m here to let you in on one of the country’s best-kept secrets!

I’ve lost count of the number of times someone on my Naples food tours was entirely unfamiliar with Neapolitan pasta, only for them to soon fall in love with it. The city’s unique flavor combinations, the storied history of each dish, and the quality ingredients set each pasta recipe apart.

In this guide, I’ll run you through the must-try Naples pasta dishes, why you need to try them, and where to find the best versions of each one.

What Makes Neapolitan Pasta Special?

Naples’ pasta dishes center around no-fuss preparation techniques and seasonal ingredients. Although the process seems straightforward, Neapolitans take great care with each step, which is evident in how incredibly tasty these dishes turn out!

Some of the key ingredients include San Marzano tomatoes, locally grown herbs, and fresh seafood. In Naples, these elements are combined with dough that’s kneaded until elastic, and sauces are cooked slowly to produce more concentrated flavors. 

It’s this fusion of tastes, textures, and techniques that makes Neapolitan pasta so exceptional yet simple.

Must-Try Neapolitan Pasta Dishes

Naples’ pasta line-up is pretty extensive, but these are a few that I think showcase the best of this side of Neapolitan cuisine.

Spaghetti alle Vongole

Otherwise known as spaghetti with clams, this dish is always a favorite among seafood lovers. There’s just a handful of other ingredients, namely garlic, parsley, and olive oil, though you’ll often see white wine or chili added. Uncomplicated but so flavorful, spaghetti alle vongole shows how it’s all about quality over quantity when it comes to ingredients.

Spaghetti alla Puttanesca

Freshly caught seafood is a key feature in many Naples pasta dishes, and anchovies are oceanic fare of choice for spaghetti alla puttanesca. These salty fish typically have a distinctive taste, but when teamed with capers, olives, garlic, and tomatoes, it makes for a bright and bold mix of flavors. If you like a little punch in your pasta, this one’s for you.

Ragù alla Napoletana

Its counterpart in Bologna gets most of the glory, but ragù alla Napoletana is not to be missed. Both center around tomatoes, but the Neapolitan version uses chunks of meat rather than mince, meaning it works as both a pasta sauce and a dish in its own right. In some cases, it also features red wine or pine nuts.

Gnocchi alla Sorrentina

Whenever you’re craving comfort food, gnocchi alla Sorrentina will hit the spot. A rich, hearty gnocchi dish, it’s made from a blend of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Some varieties will include ricotta or pecorino. On a winter’s evening, there’s nothing quite like it!

Where to Find Authentic Neapolitan Pasta in Naples

La Locanda Gesù Vecchio

Photo credit: La Locanda Gesù Vecchio

La Locanda Gesù Vecchio in the Pendino neighborhood is among my go-to restaurants for fresh pasta. While the food is the undisputed star, I also find their decor so charming. Inside this small but bright eatery are traditional wooden seats, white brick walls, and quirky wallpaper.

The menu has a wide selection of pasta dishes, including Neapolitan classics and other varieties from the wider region. I chose the ragù alla Napoletana, which came with rigatoni. 

This version was made with ricotta, adding soft, creamy elements to the dish and mellowing the intense flavor of the other ingredients. Each pork and beef chunk was bursting with deep, savory notes, while the aromatic tomato sauce clung to the chunky rigatoni perfectly.

La Locanda Gesù Vecchio – Via Giovanni Paladino, 26, 80138 Napoli NA, Italy – Open every Monday and from Wednesday to Sunday from 12:00 pm to 3:30 pm and from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm, closed every Tuesday.

Cala la Pasta

In Naples, it’s often the no-frills spots that serve the best fare, and Cala la Pasta in Centro Storico is a prime example. Their understated and contemporary dining area was always super busy whenever I walked by, which was the only encouragement I needed to venture inside.

I struggled to choose just one dish, as they had so many appetizing Naples pasta dishes available. Seeing as I’d worked up quite the appetite, I felt confident I could tackle some gnocchi alla Sorrentina.

The gnocchi itself had a touch of chewiness but still had a fluffy texture and a smooth exterior. Rather than mozzarella, the guys here opted for mild and gooey provolone cheese and its subtle flavors were boosted by the warm, zingy tomato sauce.

Cala la Pasta – Via dei Tribunali, 179/180, 80139 Napoli NA, Italy – Open every Monday and from Wednesday to Sunday from 10:30 am to 11:00 pm, closed every Tuesday.

Trattoria da Concetta

Trattoria da Concetta is hidden down one of the many narrow streets of Quartieri Spagnoli. Once I stepped inside, the chilled-out vibe and sea-inspired interiors made me feel like I was a world away from the hustle and bustle outside.

It was scorching on the day I arrived, so I was leaning towards the lighter menu options. Within seconds, the spaghetti alle vongole caught my eye.

This was exactly the kind of meal I had in mind, between the silky al dente spaghetti and refreshing, minerally clams. The clean flavors from the parsley and the hint of sweet garlic were the perfect finishing touches.

Trattoria da Concetta – Via Speranzella, 19, 80134 Napoli NA, Italy – Closed every Monday, open Tuesday to Saturday from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm and from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm, every Sunday from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

Conclusion

While I think Italian food is far from underrated, Naples’ pasta dishes certainly are! From the bold flavors to the quirky mix of components, they depart from most traditional pasta recipes yet still feel authentically and deliciously Italian.

Sources

La Locanda Gesù Vecchio. (n.d.). La Locanda Gesù Vecchio – Via Giovanni Paladino, 26, 80138 Napoli NA, Italy. Retrieved from https://www.lalocandagesuvecchionapoli.it/  

Cala la Pasta. (n.d.). Cala la Pasta – Via dei Tribunali, 179/180, 80139 Napoli NA, Italy. Retrieved from https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187785-d15218134-Reviews-CALA_la_Pasta-Naples_Province_of_Naples_Campania.html 

Trattoria da Concetta. (n.d.). Trattoria da Concetta – Via Speranzella, 19, 80134 Napoli NA, Italy. Retrieved from https://trattoriadaconcetta.com/