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Gastronomic Experiences in Naples

Gastronomic Experiences in Naples

As the birthplace of pizza, Naples's reputation for food is renowned. But there is so much more to sample when you visit this vibrant city.

From traditional Neapolitan dishes, such as spaghetti alle vongole (spaghetti with clams) and parmigiana di melanzane (eggplant Parmesan), to street food favorites like arancini and fried pizza, Naples offers an array of flavorful treats waiting to be discovered.

Throw in wine tours at exotic vineyards, beer tastings and immersive cooking classes and you're left with a cornucopia of gastronomic experiences in Naples.

Food Tours

You are spoiled for choice when it comes to food tours in Naples. The city is lined with hole-in-the-wall eateries, each with its own unique flavors and the best way to explore them all is by a guided tour.

Not only will you be able to sample some of Naples's most iconic dishes but you'll also gain insight into local customs and traditions as you follow your guide around.

Options include street food walking tours by day and by night, market tours and even private, tailored tours.

While every food tour is different, you can usually expect to visit areas such as the La Pignasecca market, Piazza del Plebiscito, Via Toledo and Vomero.

You'll sample close to a dozen different local delicacies on most food tours, likely including fried pizza and freshly made mozzarella.

Food tours generally last between 2 and 4 hours and can be either small group or private, depending on your preference.

Wine tours and tastings

Italy is known for its wines and Naples is no exception. From local favorites such as Lacryma Christi (the Tears of Christ) to international varieties, there are plenty of great wineries in the region.

You can tour some of these vineyards on a day trip from Naples, sampling a variety of reds and whites while learning about the history of Italian winemaking.

Most wine tastings include an introduction to the wines and their production as well as several regional food pairings.

On most wine tours you'll be picked up in Naples and taken to the vineyards around the Vesuvius volcano, where you'll spend the day learning about winemaking and the region's dramatic history before returning to the city in the evening.

Or, opt for a wine-tasting experience in one of Naples's cellars or restaurants, allowing you to try different blends without committing to an entire day at an out-of-town winery.

Cooking Classes

Want to take home a little bit of Naples with you? Take part in a cooking class and learn how to make some of the city's most iconic dishes.

Most classes are hands-on, meaning you'll get to roll your own pizza dough, prepare classic Neapolitan recipes such as caprese salad or seafood risotto and make your own desserts like tiramisu or sfogliatelle.

Depending on which Naples cooking class you choose, you'll be guided by a professional chef in a cooking kitchen or a friendly local in their home kitchen.

Either way, you'll be provided with the recipes, fresh ingredients and equipment needed to create some delicious dishes.

At the end of your class, you'll be able to sit down with fellow travelers and enjoy the meal you've prepared alongside a glass of local wine.

Cooking classes usually last between two and three hours, but can also be combined as one part of a half-day or full-day Naples adventure.

Dinners

If you'd rather have someone else cook, there are plenty of food experiences available in Naples.

From traditional Neapolitan dinners with live music and entertainment to unique dining experiences like pizza-making nights on board a boat, you'll find something that suits your taste.

These events usually include a welcome drink, several courses of classic Neapolitan dishes and a digestif to finish.

Choose from dining experiences at locals' homes in Naples or Pompeii, seafood dinners by the beach, gourmet meals on a rooftop terrace (such as at Hotel Excelsior), or an evening of Italian food and wine pairings in a restaurant.

If you'd like a more comprehensive experience you can also take your pick from combinations like dinner plus cooking demonstration, dinner plus market tour, dinner plus wine tasting and dinner plus concert.

No matter which option you choose, a traditional Italian dinner is sure to be an unforgettable experience on your trip to Naples. The activities typically last between 2 and 4 hours.

Beer Tastings

While Italy is most famous for its wine, beer is becoming increasingly popular throughout Naples and beyond.

Naples has a variety of local craft beers on offer as well as some international imports. You can take part in beer tastings to sample some of the local brews by visiting small breweries or bars in the city.

However, the most popular beer-tasting tour experience in Naples is the combined fried pizza-making activity.

Lasting around 3 hours, this tour features meal creation from scratch and tasting of at least four types of local beers, including reds, ambers and goldens with alcohol levels ranging from 4% to 7%.

While you eat and drink, your friendly guide will share stories about Naples' beer-making culture and history. This is the ideal activity for anyone looking to learn more about Italian beers in a relaxed atmosphere with tasty snacks.