Friends and neighbors,

Every week, I hear the same question: “Where’s the best Italian in Naples?” The truth is, it depends on what you’re looking for. Some diners want classic, old-school dishes; others are chasing fresh pasta and “authentic” flavors. This week, I’ve dared to bring you a top-five list that reflects the best of the best: where Naples locals actually go for Italian food. 

I also wanted to highlight a couple of hidden gems off the beaten path if you know all the local favorites already. They may not be the names you see on every list, but they’re proof that Naples’ Italian dining goes well beyond downtown.

I hope this guide helps you discover meals worth remembering. And as always, we encourage you to get out, try something new, and maybe even find your own favorite tucked-away corner of Naples.

Buon Appetito,

If you ask for Italian restaurant recommendations in Naples, you’ll quickly learn two things:

Still, it’s one of the most asked questions, and for good reason. Last I checked, Naples has well over 100 Italian restaurants. This list isn’t meant to be definitive, but it reflects where locals consistently return to have Italian meals. It isn’t all the downtown favorites, or the most expensive places, but a well-rounded list prioritizing taste above all else. 

 1. Molto Trattoria

Molto sits comfortably in the “modern Italian” category, but what separates it from others is discipline. The menu changes seasonally, pastas are made in-house, but the dishes are intentional rather than experimental. Well-sourced ingredients and solid technique. Molto is busy most nights, which says something in a town where new restaurants open constantly. Despite the volume, the kitchen remains consistent, and service tends to stay sharp even during season.

Best for: Date nights or entertaining guests
What to order: House-made pastas or chef specials
Good to know: Downtown pricing

2. Trattoria Mangia

Trattoria Mangia is small, focused, and serious about food. The menu leans traditional, with an emphasis on house-made pasta and classic Italian preparations. Think smaller menu but stellar execution.

Because of its size, it books up quickly, especially during season. Mangia has loyal followers, and it’s recommended for those who prioritize taste above all else.

Best for: Italian purists, quiet dinners, and people who care about technique
What to order: Any handmade pasta or daily special
Good to know: Reservations are essential

3. Limoncello Ristorante

Limoncello does comfort Italian very well. Portions are generous, flavors are familiar, and the menu covers a lot of ground without feeling sloppy. Often a great suggestion for groups and visiting guests because it reliably pleases a wide range of tastes.

This isn’t minimalist Italian -- it’s Italian American with the portions to match (and frescos on the wall). Don’t overthink it. 

Best for: Family dinners, visitors, or when you want something familiar
What to order: Pasta dishes or seafood entrées
Good to know: You won’t leave hungry

4. Bellini Italian Restaurant & Bar

Bellini is more upscale than many of the other choices. It’s not trying to reinvent Italian food, but it executes classic dishes well and delivers a professional dining experience from start to finish. The dining room feels formal, and it’s a popular choice for celebrations and business dinners.

Prices are on the higher end, but Bellini earns repeat business because guests know exactly what they’re getting.

Best for: Special occasions, celebrations, or a refined night out
What to order: Veal dishes, classic pastas, or seafood
Good to know: Strong service is part of the appeal

5. Mino’s Italian Restaurant

Mino’s is a longtime Naples staple. Next to Tin City, it offers classic Italian-American fare in a relaxed setting. The menu is extensive, portions are generous, and authentic, brick oven pizza keeps locals coming back year after year.

It’s not trying to compete with trend-driven downtown restaurants and you won’t find white tablecloths. Instead, it leans into what it does well: comfort food, friendly service, and a dependable experience.

Best for: Casual dinners 

What to order: Spaghetti and meatballs, brick oven pizza
Good to know: A neighborhood favorite with staying power

Final note:
There’s no universal “best” Italian restaurant in Naples, and anyone who says otherwise hasn’t eaten around enough. But these five are consistently recommended by fellow locals, and to me, that’s a reliable metric. 

While you may be familiar with many of Naples’ Italian mainstays, I wanted to highlight a few under-the-radar spots that keep locals coming back for more but didn’t make the top five list. Casa Cotzelli, tucked away in Island Walk, is a haven for Northern Italian flavors. Known for its hand‑rolled pastas and attention to detail, the gnocchi with truffle cream and butternut squash ravioli are must-orders. The dining room is intimate, making it perfect for a quiet night where the food takes the stage.

Further north, Trattoria Abruzzo delivers hearty southern Italian dishes with a family-run touch. Their lasagna, veal parmigiana, and seafood pasta are consistently praised, and the early-bird specials make it an easy choice for both flavor and value. The owners frequently check in with diners, ensuring each meal meets their exacting standards.

Both Casa Cotzelli and Trattoria Abruzzo are reminders that there is much more than the downtown Italian dining scene, and that there are still hidden gems to be found. For those willing to step outside their usual routines, the rewards come in generous portions of house-made lasagna, fresh pasta, and rich sauces.

Casa Cotzelli

6175 Towncenter Circle, Naples

Website
Hours:
• Wednesday–Sunday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM (closed Monday & Tuesday)

Trattoria Abruzzo

2359 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, Unit 416, Naples

Website

Hours:
• Lunch (Thursday–Saturday): ~11 AM – 2:30 PM
• Dinner (Daily): ~3 PM – 10 PM

Last week’s poll asked: When do you usually go for happy hour?

Here’s where you landed:

“Only for nights out with friends” led with 27% votes, followed closely by some weekend afternoons. This helps me better understand what you’re looking for when it comes to happy hours! Thank you for all the responses. 

Naples is full of Italian restaurants, but not every meal is worth the money, the wait, or the parking. This list is here to save you from guesswork, especially during the season, and point you to places locals actually return to.

Because the right Italian spot isn’t just dinner. It’s date night, hosting out-of-town friends, celebrating something big, or turning a random Tuesday into a favorite memory.

Elizabeth Bellotti
Editor-In-Chief
Naples, Florida
The Naples Florida Review

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