Ever been to Italy? If so, chances are you made your way down south to Naples, the bustling capital of the Campania region. Naples is a feast for the senses, from the azure waters of the Bay of Naples to the vibrant street life and of course, the mouth-watering food. Pizza, pasta, coffee, seafood – Napolità cuisine is world famous for good reason.
But there’s more to Naples than its edible delights. Dig a little deeper under the layers of margherita and you’ll find a city steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty. From the ruins of Pompeii to the dramatic cliffs of Capri, the Neapolitan coastline has stories to tell. Meander through the historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and stumble upon architectural gems around every corner. Take in an opera at the magnificent Teatro San Carlo, or catch a buzz at an open-air bar on Piazza Bellini.
There’s an intoxicating spirit to Naples that seeps into your soul and never leaves you. So next time you’re planning an Italian getaway, consider venturing further south to Naples, a city whose pleasures extend far beyond its pizza and pasta. Buon appetito – and buon viaggio! The delights of Napolità await you.
What Is Napolità Cuisine?
Napolità cuisine originates from Naples, Italy and is all about fresh, high-quality ingredients and simplicity. At its heart are staples like pizza, pasta, seafood, and vegetables.
Pizza was invented in Naples, so you can’t go wrong with a classic Margherita – tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil. Napolità pizza has a soft, chewy crust and is meant to be folded and eaten with your hands. Other popular varieties include Genovese, topped with pesto, pine nuts and parmesan, and Calzone, a half-moon shaped pocket stuffed with ricotta and salami.
Pasta like spaghetti, linguine and penne are also central to Napolità cooking. They’re usually served al dente, or firm to the bite, and tossed with fresh vegetables, seafood, olive oil, garlic, and herbs. A classic dish is Spaghetti alle Vongole, spaghetti with clam sauce.
With its location on the Tyrrhenian Sea, seafood like red mullet, anchovies, octopus, and shrimp are staples. They’re grilled, baked, or served in light broths and stews. Frittura Mista, a mix of fried squid, shrimp and vegetables, is popular.
Napolità cuisine also makes great use of the region’s produce like San Marzano tomatoes, eggplants, zucchini, broccoli rabe, and lemons. Meals are casual, meant for sharing, and accompanied by full-bodied red wines like Aglianico or Piedirosso.
Buon appetito! Dig in and enjoy the flavors of Naples. Pizza, pasta, pesce (seafood) and contorni (side dishes) – what’s not to love about laid-back, delicious Napolità fare?
Iconic Napolità Dishes: Pizza, Pasta and More
Naples is known for pizza and pasta, but the cuisine offers so much more. Some iconic Neapolitan dishes you have to try:
Pizza Napoletana
No trip to Naples is complete without savoring an authentic Pizza Napoletana. Made with San Marzano tomatoes and mozzarella di bufala, the dough is kneaded and spun in the air, then baked in a scorching hot wood-fired oven for just 60-90 seconds. The result is a perfect, chewy crust and slightly soupy center.
Pasta al Ragù Napoletano
Neapolitans are masters of ragù, a rich meat-based pasta sauce. Pasta al Ragù Napoletano is made from beef, pork, and sometimes lamb simmered for hours with tomatoes, herbs, and red wine until thick and flavorful. Toss with bucatini pasta and grated pecorino romano cheese. Heaven!
Fritto Misto
An assortment of fried seafood like calamari, shrimp, and fish filets. After being coated in flour or breadcrumbs, the seafood is deep fried until golden brown and served with lemon wedges. Crispy, light, and not too greasy.
Sfogliatella
A flaky pastry dessert filled with a sweet ricotta cream. Shaped like a seashell, sfogliatella has many layers of ultra-thin dough wrapped around the filling. Dust with powdered sugar and enjoy!
Naples’ cuisine reflects its history and culture. Beyond the classics, explore regional recipes like polenta, casatiello, and pastiera to experience the soul of Napolità. Buon appetito!
The History and Origins of Napolità Cooking
The origins of Napolità cooking date back centuries and are a fusion of cultures. Naples has been inhabited by Greeks, Romans, Normans, Spanish and French over the years, and each group left their mark on the city’s cuisine.
- The Greeks brought olive oil, garlic, and basil. Olive oil became (and still is) the main source of fat for cooking and salad dressings.
- The Romans introduced wine, pasta, and cheesemaking techniques. While the Romans did not invent pasta, they popularized it in southern Italy. Two popular pasta shapes from Naples are spaghetti and ziti.
- The Spanish introduced tomatoes, peppers, and cocoa during their rule in the 15th and 16th centuries. Tomatoes, in particular, became a staple ingredient in Neapolitan cooking and are essential for dishes like pizza and pasta sauces.
- The French contributed butter, cream, and egg-based recipes under the Bourbon rule in the 18th century. You’ll find these ingredients in pastries like sfogliatelle and babà.
Over time, these influences combined to form a distinctive Neapolitan cuisine based on simplicity, freshness of ingredients and strong, vibrant flavors. Dishes tend to focus on just a few high-quality ingredients to allow their natural flavors to shine through. This results in timeless classics like pizza, pasta, parmigiana, and seafood dishes that strike a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
The history of Napolità cooking is long and complex, but ultimately gave rise to the delicious, comforting fare the region is known for today. A bite of Neapolitan pizza or pasta transports you back centuries through layers of cultural influences with every flavorful forkful. No wonder Napolità cooking has endured and spread far beyond the city’s borders.
Where to Find Authentic Napolità Restaurants in the US
While New York and Chicago may boast some of the most well-known Italian restaurants in the US, many argue that the most authentic Italian dining experience can only be found in cities with a strong Southern Italian influence. If you’re craving real Napolità fare, here are some of the top restaurants to try:
Da Marco Cucina e Vino – Houston, TX
This upscale yet unpretentious restaurant in Houston’s Museum District is renowned for its authentic Neapolitan cuisine and impressive Italian wine list. Everything is made in-house, from the pasta to the limoncello. Their menu features homemade tagliatelle with Bolognese sauce, fried calamari, and wood-fired pizzas with San Marzano tomato sauce and fresh buffalo mozzarella.
Il Buco Alimentari & Vineria – New York, NY
This cozy restaurant in Manhattan’s NoHo neighborhood is all about high-quality ingredients and time-honored recipes from Southern Italy. Their menu focuses on Campanian specialties like paccheri pasta with braised octopus, meatballs in tomato sauce, and frittatine – fried rice balls stuffed with meat ragu and cheese. They also have an all-Italian wine list and artisanal Italian products for sale in their salumeria.
Dopo – Oakland, CA
Chef Nelson German brings a taste of Naples to Oakland with homemade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and other Southern Italian comfort food. Some standouts are the bufala mozzarella with roasted peppers, spaghetti with clams, and pizza with nduja salami and ricotta. The interior has a rustic trattoria vibe with an open kitchen, and they offer a great selection of Italian wines, craft cocktails, and beers on tap.
Sfoglina Pasta House – Washington, DC
As the name suggests, Sfoglina in Washington DC is all about homemade pasta. Using imported flours and a pasta machine from Italy, they make garganelli, pici, and other traditional pasta shapes. They’re served with simple, high-quality sauces like cacio e pepe, carbonara, and puttanesca. The menu also features Italian cheeses, salumi, and other antipasti meant for sharing. An intimate, upscale space with knowledgeable staff and an Italian-centric wine list.
Napolità: Frequently Asked Questions About This Beloved Cuisine
Napolità cuisine often brings up many questions, especially for those unfamiliar with its bold flavors and history. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about this beloved Italian fare.
What makes Napolità cuisine unique?
Napolità cooking is distinguished by its use of fresh, local ingredients and techniques that maximize flavor. Some hallmarks include:
- San Marzano tomatoes: Grown in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius, these tomatoes are considered the best for making tomato sauce and are essential for Neapolitan pizza and pasta dishes.
- Mozzarella di Bufala: Made from the milk of water buffalo, not cows, this mozzarella is creamy, decadent and perfect for Caprese salad or pizza.
- Garlic and olive oil: Used liberally, especially in pasta dishes, soups and salads. Fresh basil and oregano are also popular herbs.
- Seafood: With a coastline on the Tyrrhenian Sea, fresh seafood like clams, mussels, octopus and local fish are highlight.
- Slow cooking: Techniques like braising meat for hours results in bold, complex flavors. Simmering tomato sauce all day produces a tangy, rich sauce.
What are some must-try dishes?
You can’t go wrong with pizza, especially Pizza Margherita with tomato sauce, mozzarella and fresh basil. Pasta dishes abound, like Spaghetti alle Vongole with clam sauce or Lasagna Napoletana. Don’t miss Parmegiana, fried eggplant topped with tomato sauce and cheese. Panettone, a sweet bread with candied citrus peel, makes a perfect dessert.
What wine pairs well with Napolità cuisine?
Full-bodied reds like Aglianico, Piedirosso and Taurasi pair nicely with hearty Napolità dishes. For seafood, try a crisp Falanghina or Greco di Tufo white. And no meal is complete without a limoncello, a lemon liqueur, for digestivo. Salute!
Conclusion
And that’s why Napolità is so much more than pizza and pasta. This buzzing southern Italian city is an assault on the senses in the best possible way. The vibrant colors, delicious smells wafting from tiny family-run restaurants, and sounds of laughter and conversation that fill the streets – it all combines to create an atmosphere that is uniquely Neapolitan. Whether you spend your time exploring ancient ruins, gazing at the azure sea, shopping for handcrafted goods, or simply soaking in the lively atmosphere over an espresso, Napolità will capture your heart. You’ll return home longing for just one more taste of the city’s addictive zest for life. So what are you waiting for? Napolità awaits! Go experience this unforgettable city for yourself.
