The 4 Best Spots for Spaghetti alle Vongole in Naples

When you think of Neapolitan cuisine, you might think of pizza, Sunday ragu, and pasta soaked in a rich marinara sauce. However, Naples is also a hotbed for some of the best seafood you’ll find in Italy, if not all of Europe.

So, it only makes sense to include a classic dish like spaghetti alle vongole in your upcoming Naples food tour. Yet with so many great places like Salvatore Ravello and Antica Osteria Pisano, it can be hard knowing just where to go first. While there are no wrong answers, I think you’ll find some of the best spaghetti alle vongole at one of the following spots.

Ristorante Da Dora

Photo credit: Ristorante Da Dora

Ristorante da Dora is a family-run restaurant that offers seafood lovers some of the best spaghetti alle vongole in the Chiaia neighborhood of Naples. It’s also conveniently situated near popular tourist attractions like the historic Castel dell’Ovo.

The ambiance of Ristorante da Dora is cozy with touches of family memorabilia that make you feel at home. It also has a fair amount of maritime decor reflecting the city’s coastal heritage.

While the menu at Ristorante da Dora is festooned with Neapolitan seafood classics, it’s the spaghetti alle vongole, that I think stands out the most. It’s made from fresh, local clams, and the spaghetti is al dente. This helps the pasta strands soak up more of the clam sauce flavor, which is enhanced by a light perfume of garlic, olive oil, and a hint of white wine.

Ristorante da Dora (€€€) – Via Ferdinando Palasciano, 30, 80122 Napoli NA, Italy – Open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch from 1:00 PM to 3:45 PM, with dinner service from 7:45 PM to 11:45 PM.

Salvatore Ravello

Photo credit: Salvatore Ravello

With its stunning views of the distant Amalfi Coast, you just know Salvatore Ravello is going to be one of the best spots in Naples for spaghetti alle vongole. In truth, I think it’s arguably one of the best seafood restaurants in Campania.

Salvatore Ravello’s ambiance is both rustic and elegant with décor that reflects Campania’s coastal charm. If the weather is nice, I think the outdoor seating area is the place to be. Especially if you want to enjoy a fine dining experience with a special someone at sunset.  

The menu at Salvatore Ravello is strongly influenced by the catch of the day and what’s in season. While they make a spectacular branzino al forno. They are best known for their spaghetti alle vongole.

They get all the essential elements just right. The spaghetti is al dente, which lets it absorb the sauce, which has just the right amount of white wine to cut the richness of the dish.

Yet to me, the thing that stands out most about the spaghetti alle vongole at Salvatore Ravello is that every single clam is perfectly tender. This is a bit of a challenge with this particular protein and demonstrates true mastery of this classic Neapolitan seafood dish.

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. 

Antica Osteria Pisano

Photo credit: Antica Osteria Pisano

Antica Osteria Pisano is a family-run trattoria nestled in the historic center of Naples, close to notable sites like the Duomo di Napoli and the Archaeological Museum. They’re also known for a budget-friendly, high-quality, no-frills spaghetti alle vongole.

The atmosphere at Antica Osteria Pisano is relaxed with warm, rustic décor that creates a comforting vibe. It evokes the charm of a traditional Neapolitan home with simple table settings. The staff is also very friendly with a functional command of English if you need help navigating the menu.  

The spaghetti alle vongole is the biggest star on Antica Osteria Pisano’s menu. I think it’s one of the purest expressions of the dish in Naples. I think the white wine they use adds just the right tang and tannins to the sauce in a way that enhances the briny flavor of the fresh, locally sourced clams.

Antica Osteria Pisano (€€€) – Piazza Crocelle ai Mannesi, 1, 80138 Napoli NA, Italy – Open Thursday to Tuesday from 12:00 PM to 11:30 PM. Closed on Wednesday.

La Cantina Dei Mille

If you’re looking for easy access to a place that offers an authentic taste of spaghetti alla vongole, then La Cantina Dei Mille checks off all the right boxes. It’s relatively close to Naples’s central train station as well as popular attractions like the Museo di Capodimonte and the city’s historic center.

The ambiance at La Cantina Dei Mille is lively with warm lighting and rustic décor. The overall vibe is a direct reflection of the traditional Neapolitan spirit, with moments of frenetic energy and relaxed moments of adagio as the crowd of guests ebbs and flows.

The menu at La Cantina Dei Mille is filled with Neapolitan classics, including an authentic take on spaghetti alle vongole. I love the amount of garlic they use, which I think also helps punch up the aroma of the sea in the clams.

I also appreciate the absorption power of the Scarpetta bread they give you with it. It sort of compels you to sop up every last drop of the sauce, leaving the plate perfectly clean.

La Cantina Dei Mille (€€) – P.za Giuseppe Garibaldi, 126, 80142 Napoli NA, Italy – Open every day from 9:00 AM to 12:00 AM.

Conclusion

Spaghetti alla vongole is one of those classic Italian dishes that needs to be included in a Naples food tour. The brininess of the clams, the brightness of the white wine and the olive oil all infuse themselves into the pasta to give you a true taste of Neapolitan cuisine.

If you’re looking for an easy introduction to spaghetti alla vongole, La Cantina Dei Mille is a convenient, budget-friendly option. If you are looking for more of a fine dining experience, the terrace at Salvatore Ravello might be the best spot to enjoy spaghetti alla vongole.