Naples, Verona, Milano, Lake Como:

Naples: Where Pizza, Street Food & Flavorful Traditions Come Alive

Naples is a city of almost overwhelming vitality — where Baroque churches and ancient palazzos sit side by side with street-market chaos, crumbling façades, and the timeless smell of dough baking in wood-fired ovens. As locals will tell you, the city reveals its beauty slowly: tucked-away piazzas, the orange-scented courtyard of the Santa Chiara Cloister, and the baroque mysteries of the Sansevero Chapel Museum, home to the astonishing Veiled Christ. Another must-see is the National Archaeological Museum of Naples, one of Europe’s richest collections of Greek, Roman, and Renaissance antiquities, including treasures from nearby Pompeii and Herculaneum. Stroll the historic arteries like Spaccanapoli, the narrow street slicing through the old centre with unrelenting energy, where artisan workshops, cafés, and hidden monuments pop up around every bend. Nearby, the soaring Naples Cathedral (Duomo di Napoli) houses the treasure of San Gennaro. At the heart of Neapolitan civic life is Piazza del Plebiscito, a grand neoclassical space backed by the regal Royal Palace of Naples and framed by the majestic Basilica of San Francesco di Paola. For panoramic views and history, ride the funicular up to Castel Sant’Elmo and the Certosa di San Martino complex perched above Vomero. From this lively base, excursions to Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast, or sunny Capri are easily within reach.

Points of Interest & What to See:

Historic Center & Streets:

• Spaccanapoli – Iconic street slicing through the historic center, full of life and artisan shops.

• Naples Cathedral (Duomo di Napoli) – Home of the Miracle of San Gennaro.

• Santa Chiara Cloister – Serene courtyard adorned with majolica tiles.

• Sansevero Chapel Museum – Marvel at Baroque masterpieces including the Veiled Christ.

• National Archaeological Museum of Naples – Premier collection of Roman, Greek, and Renaissance artifacts.

Squares, Palaces & Panoramas:

• Piazza del Plebiscito – Naples’ grand public square.

• Royal Palace of Naples – Historic royal residence.

• Castel Sant’Elmo – Fortress with sweeping bay views.

• Certosa di San Martino – Former monastery with panoramic city views.

Art & Museums:

• National Museum of San Martino – History, art, and breathtaking views.

• San Lorenzo Maggiore & Napoli Sotterranea – Explore Naples’ Roman and medieval roots underground.

Naples Restaurants & Bars — Curated Highlights:

 Pizza & Neapolitan Classics:

• Attilio Pizza – Family-run pizzeria; fluffy dough and local toppings, lively market vibes.

• Notizia Pizza – Meticulously fermented dough with seasonal toppings, pizza laboratory feel.

• I Decumani – Bright tomato, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil in classic Naples style.

• Sorbillo – Legendary Via dei Tribunali pizzeria with festive energy.

• Palazzo Petrucci – Elegant pizzeria with Gulf-view terrace.

• Salvo – Focused on local tomato varieties and olive oils.

• Ciro Cascella – Contemporary, seasonal toppings, Neapolitan soul.

• La Concettina ai Tre Santi – Inventive toppings and vibrant neighborhood charm.

Pizza Fritta & Street Food:

• Pizza Fritta by Isabella De Cham – Crispy, indulgent fried pizza stuffed with ricotta, salami, sauce, or greens.

Naples Street Food — Must-Try Bites:

Naples’ streets are alive with pizza fritta, cuoppo, frittatine di pasta, and pizza a portafoglio — snacks perfect for exploring the city. Locals wander with cones and bites in hand, savoring bold flavors between historic piazze.

Must-Try Street Foods:

• Pizza Fritta – Fried folded pizza with ricotta, provola, tomato, or cicoli.

• Frittatina di Pasta – Leftover pasta with béchamel, peas, and pork, deep-fried.

• Cuoppo Napoletano – Cone overflowing with fried treats: crocchè, zeppole, veggies, seafood.

• Pizza a Portafoglio – Folded, portable pizza.

• Pagnottiello & Panini – Stuffed Neapolitan rolls with salumi, cheese, or ragù meatballs.

Top Street Food Spots:

• Il Cuoppo | Friggitori Napoletani – Iconic cuoppo cones.

• Friggitoria Vomero – Historic friggitoria in Vomero.

• Antica Pizzeria Di Matteo – Pizza and frittatine on Via dei Tribunali.

• Zia Esterina Sorbillo – Traditional pizza fritta.

• Passione di Sofì – Cuoppo cones and seasonal fried snacks.

• Antichissima Pizzeria Port’Alba 1738 – Historic pizzeria, pizza a portafoglio.

Where to Explore:

• Via dei Tribunali & Spaccanapoli – Heart of Naples’ street-food scene.

• Mercato della Pignasecca – Lively market with friggitorie stalls.

• Vomero district – Hilltop friggitorie and cuoppo stops.

Neapolitan Restaurants & Modern Italian:

• Donna Teresa – Rich ragù and seafood paccheri in a warm trattoria.

• Veritas – Innovative dishes rooted in Campanian terroir.

• Locanda Gesù Vecchio – Slow-braised meats and mozzarella di bufala.

• Osteria Pignatelli – Coastal bounty with traditional soul.

• Luminist Bistrot – Playful, contemporary small plates.

• Di Martino Pasta Bar – Fresh, hand-rolled pasta.

Bars & After-Dinner Spots:

• Buona Merenda – Natural wines and small bites.

• L’Antiquario – Vintage cocktail charm.

• Pepe Vintage Room – Retro chic, inventive cocktails.

Naples Pastry & Bakery Highlights:

• Antico Forno Fratelli Attanasio – Famous for sfogliatelle.

• Pasticceria Scaturchio – Historic sweets and babà.

• Sfogliatella Mary – Crisp sfogliatelle.

• Pintauro – Invented sfogliatella riccia.

• Antica Pasticceria Bellavia – Sicilian-Neapolitan desserts.

• Pasticceria Poppella – Signature “fiocchi di neve.”

• Carraturo – La Bottega della Sfogliatella – Traditional sfogliatelle.

• L di Leopoldo Infante – Classic and modern pastries.

• Pasticceria Luciano Mazzone – Babà and delicate pastries.

 Naples Gelato Shops:

• Annarè – Creative flavors inspired by local classics.

• Gelateria Soave 1950 – Traditional and inventive gelato.

• Chalet Ciro 1952 – Gelato and graffa donut-cones on the Lungomare.

• Pasticceria Mennella – Creamy gelato and classic Italian profiles.

• Gelateria Valenti – Imaginative flavors in the historic centre.

• Casa Infante – Classic and playful gelato across multiple locations.

• Fantasia Gelati – Whimsical flavors and colorful scoops.

• Gay-Odin – Chocolate-inspired gelato.

• ROL Gelateria – Gelato with Gulf views.

Verona:

Cradled in the Veneto region and steeped in Shakespearean romance, Verona is more than Juliet’s balcony—it’s a city of Roman relics, Renaissance façades, and a vibrant food culture anchored in hearty northern Italian flavors. Explore the ancient Arena, stroll along the Adige, and end your day in a trattoria where tradition sings in every dish.

Where to Eat:

• Locanda 4 Cuochi – Casual meets creative in this charming corner spot with fresh, inspired plates like cheese-stuffed tortellini and roasted meats.

• Trattoria Masemni – Rustic and traditional, this spot dishes out risotto all’Amarone and pastissada de caval in a warmly nostalgic setting.

• L’oste Scuro – Intimate and atmospheric, serving seasonal local fare like wild boar ragù and silky tagliatelle. Amarone is essential.

• Al Bersagliere – An old-school Veronese institution championing slow-cooked regional dishes with soul.

• Trattoria dall’Oste – Meat lovers, rejoice: this is your bistecca alla fiorentina sanctuary.

• Osteria Mondo d’Oro – Cozy and heartfelt, with honest Veronese fare that leans into seasonal simplicity.

• Trattoria al Pompiere – Gnocchi, braised meats, and a rustic atmosphere make this a local favorite.

• La Loggia Bistro – Panoramic city views meet modern Italian finesse. Great for a romantic night out.

• Il Desco – A Michelin-starred haven of refined Veronese elegance.

• Casa Perbellini 12 Apostoli – Two Michelin stars, an innovative tasting menu, and unforgettable service in the historic heart of Verona.

Milano:

The capital of fashion and finance, Milan pulses with modern energy and ancient pride. Gothic spires, art masterpieces, and aperitivo culture thrive alongside culinary sophistication. From old-school trattorie to cutting-edge kitchens, this city’s food scene is every bit as chic as its boutiques.

Where to Eat:

• Antica Trattoria della Pesa – A slice of Milanese history with saffron risotto and ossobuco served in vintage surrounds.

• Langosteria – Sleek, modern, and seafood-forward; a must for lovers of fine coastal cuisine.

• Erba Brusca – A farm-to-table favorite championing local, sustainable flavors with countryside soul.

• Trippa – Offal done beautifully. Bold, flavorful, and not for the faint of palate.

• Ristorante da Giacomo – Sophisticated and classic, where Milanese dishes are executed with timeless grace.

• 28 Posti – An intimate design-forward space offering modern tasting menus with ethical sourcing.

• Il Kaimano – Elegant seafood dishes in an effortlessly cool Milanese ambiance.

• Propaganda Alimentari – Creative vegetarian options in a cozy, stylish bistro.

• Macelleria Popolare – Meat-driven minimalism at its best in a butcher-shop setting.

• Pavé – Possibly Milan’s finest pastry shop—ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a midday sugar fix.

Lake Como:

With its glacial waters, opulent villas, and cinematic hillsides, Lake Como is northern Italy’s postcard come to life. Days are slow, meals are long, and the lake’s bounty—perch, trout, and freshwater fish—takes pride of place on the plate.

Where to Eat:

• Trattoria del Porto – Careno – A waterside retreat with lake-fresh fish and timeless recipes.

• Crotto Isadoro – Dongo – Mountains meet water at this hidden gem offering polenta and lake fish in a serene setting.

• Rifugio Martina – Lezzeno – A mountaintop lodge where rustic comfort food and sweeping views converge.

• Feel – Como – Contemporary, refined, and deeply rooted in regional tradition. A treat for modern palates.

• Radici – Como – Local ingredients, elegant plating, and a laid-back lakeside vibe.

• Ristorante Mella – Bellagio – Fresh seafood and local produce served with Bellagio’s signature charm.