Neapolitan coffee is legendary. To truly appreciate it, you must visit Naples, the capital of “black gold.” Here, coffee is an art and a daily ritual. However, not every bar honors this tradition.
Here’s my personal selection of the best cafes in Naples, serving coffee that’s black, hot, and lightly sweetened, always with a glass of water. Discover my top picks for an authentic Neapolitan coffee experience.
10. Bar Nilo: Immerse in Authentic Neapolitan Coffee Culture with a Unique Maradona Shrine
Located on Via San Biagio dei Librai, just ten meters from Piazzetta Nilo, Bar Nilo is a must-visit. This cozy spot, run by Bruno, is famous for its bold neapolitan coffee and a unique shrine dedicated to Maradona, featuring a hair of the legendary footballer.
The coffee here is served in piping hot cups, and the atmosphere captures the essence of Naples coffee. For anyone exploring Napoli, Bar Nilo is a perfect stop to experience authentic coffee in Naples and immerse in local culture.
9. Bar Mexico: Discover the Best Coffee Experience in Naples Italy
Napoli centro boasts two iconic locations where the unmistakable red and orange sign shines bright: the renowned Bar Mexico, located in both Piazza Dante and Piazza Garibaldi. Founded in 1948, Bar Mexico is famous for its coffee, meticulously prepared according to Neapolitan coffee tradition.
Here, coffee is freshly ground, pre-sweetened, and served piping hot in the classic cup. The fantastic quality-to-price ratio makes a visit even more irresistible, and according to reviews, it’s a delightful journey into the “pure poetry” of Naples Italy coffee culture.
8. Bar del Professore: Enjoy Unique Coffee Creations in One of the Best Cafes in Naples
For one of the best cafes in Naples Italy, visit Bar del Professore, just steps from Piazza del Plebiscito at Piazza Trieste e Trento 46. Known internationally as Caffè del Professore, this cozy spot offers more than just a simple espresso. You can enjoy a creamy, rich, and perfectly balanced coffee here.
The café is especially famous for its unique variations like hazelnut coffee, coffee with cream, and even Nutella coffee. This isn’t just a cup of coffee; it’s a unique Naples Italy coffee experience, perfect for anyone exploring the vibrant coffee culture of the city.
7. Gran Caffè Gambrinus: Experience Naples’ Rich Coffee Culture in a Historical Setting
Just a few steps from Caffè del Professore, you’ll find Gran Caffè Gambrinus, a place steeped in history that feels like a museum. This unique cafe, founded in 1860, features elegant interiors with walls adorned with period frescoes.
Besides the traditional blend, Gran Caffè Gambrinus offers a wide selection of coffees with chocolate, hazelnuts, and cream, perfect to pair with their famous freshly baked sfogliatella.
Located at Via Chiaia 1, this cafe is a must-visit for any Napoli travel experience, truly embodying the coffee in Naples aesthetic and the rich Naples Italy coffee culture.
6. Centrale del Caffè: Savor Vintage Coffee Charm in the Heart of Naples
Located in the heart of the historic center of Naples at Via Benedetto Croce 16, Centrale del Caffè masterfully blends modern touches with vintage charm. This vintage coffee shop is renowned for its high-quality Italy coffee, meticulously prepared following the ancient Neapolitan tradition.
Besides the classic espresso, you can try bold options like ginseng coffee and iced coffee. The cafe also offers a variety of teas and delicious pastries, with their muffins being a standout. For an authentic taste of coffee in Naples, Centrale del Caffè is a must-visit on any Napoli travel itinerary.
5. Caffè Ciorfito: Indulge in Classic Neapolitan Coffee and Delectable Pastries
Located near San Gregorio Armeno, at Via San Biagio dei Librai 90, Caffè Ciorfito is a must-visit if you love coffee. This cozy neapolitan cafe not only offers high-quality Italy coffee, but also provides fast and precise service, with baristas adding elegant decorations to your drinks.
Beyond exceptional coffee, you can indulge in a wide selection of pastries, with their delicious sfogliatelle being a highlight. Caffè Ciorfito also participates in the commendable “caffè sospeso” initiative, allowing you to pay for an extra coffee that will be given to someone less fortunate.
4. Bar Augustus: Step Back in Time with Vintage Coffee and Pastry Delights in Naples
Founded in 1927, Bar Augustus at Via Toledo 147 is a true icon of Neapolitan pastry tradition, offering a window into the past. The coffee experience here is a genuine delight, featuring high-quality Italy coffee paired with a wide array of pastry specialties.
The warm and friendly service at this vintage coffee shop makes the experience even more memorable. Visiting Bar Augustus provides a wonderful journey through Italian coffee culture, making it a must-visit spot for any Naples itinerary.
3. Gran Caffè La Caffettiera: Taste Exceptional Coffee Blends in an Elegant Neapolitan Cafe
Strategically located in Piazza dei Martiri 26, Gran Caffè La Caffettiera is a historic institution in the elegant heart of Naples. This neapolitan cafe is renowned for its meticulous selection of coffee blends and the precise process of bean preparation, which is adjusted daily to match the humidity.
Their Kimbo blend, an authentic representative of Naples Italy coffee, is celebrated for its extraordinary quality and expert extraction process. Beyond exceptional coffee, Gran Caffè La Caffettiera delights customers with a variety of gastronomic offerings, from savory dishes like timballo di pasta alla Genovese to classic desserts.
2. Ceraldi Caffe’: Experience Fast Service and Fresh Pastries with Your Naples Coffee
Located in Piazza Carità 14, Ceraldi Caffe’ is a renowned destination, famous not only for its excellent Naples coffee but also for its showcase of fresh and delicious pastries.
The staff’s speed is impressive, yet this efficiency never compromises the quality of their beverages. A distinctive feature of Ceraldi Caffe’ is the “reverse” setup of their coffee machine, allowing baristas to maintain eye contact with customers, creating a more welcoming experience, embodies the vibrant coffee culture of Naples.
1. Il Gusto del… Relax: Enjoy High-Quality Beans and Unique Coffee Offerings in Vomero
At Via Luca Giordano 31, in the charming Vomero district, you’ll find Il Gusto del… Relax, affectionately known as “Il Signor Caffè.” This renowned spot is famous for offering a blend of high-quality beans that have made it a local favorite.
The cafe stands out not just for its coffee but also for its unique offerings: fresh artisanal coffee cream, various wholesale coffee options to take home, and traditional espresso served in a pre-sweetened, warm cup, a must-visit for those exploring the vibrant cafe culture of Naples.
