The best Neapolitan Casatiello, here's where to buy it in Naples
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In Naples, Easter celebrations revolve around two symbols of gastronomic tradition: the casatiello and its close relative, the tortano . Both are rustic cakes with a bold character, packed with flavorful ingredients and linked to a deeply rooted culinary culture. The most obvious distinction concerns the eggs : in the casatiello , they are placed whole on the surface, while in the tortano, they are chopped and mixed into the batter. A simple difference, yet one that defines the identity and ritual of two iconic preparations.
History and characteristics of Casatiello
Casatiello is a typical Easter dish in Southern Italy , with roots dating back to Greek Naples. Initially prepared during the spring festivals in honor of Demeter or Ceres , it has become a symbol of Christian Easter, representing Christ's crown of thorns.
The Casatiello's ring shape symbolizes the cyclical nature of the Easter resurrection , while the strips of bread on its surface represent the cross of Jesus. Since the 70s, it has become a staple at Easter Monday picnics, accompanying day trips and packed lunches.
According to tradition, on Holy Thursday , Neapolitan women gathered to prepare Casatiello, sometimes selling the excess directly from their homes. This practice provided economic support for families until the 50s.
The name "Casatiello" derives from the Latin " caseus " (cheese) due to the large amount of cheese used in the recipe. It's important to distinguish Casatiello from " Tortano ," which is similar in preparation but with two major differences: the use of lard instead of suet and the lack of eggs as a decoration.
The Best 5 Places to buy an authentic Neapolitan Casatiello
If you don't have the opportunity to make casatiello at home, here's a list of 5 places in Naples where you can buy a casatiello following the original recipe.
rescigno
Rescigno is a long-established bakery specializing in bread, focaccia, wood-fired pizza, rustici, and other baked goods, both sweet and savory. Beginning as a symbol of craftsmanship in the heart of Pozzuoli, our business has grown to become a trusted source of inspiration.
Among the reviews on TripAdvisor , customers seem highly satisfied with the casatiello they made. Among the many, we find:
The escarole pizza is delicious, with a very abundant filling, made with top quality ingredients but the apotheosis is reached with the casatiello I recommend you try the classic version but also the one with sausage and brothers , I can hardly resist and often I ask for a slice to eat in the oven itself
- Address: Via di Niso, 19, 80078, Naples
- Phone Number+39 329 019 7687
August
With nearly a century of experience , this historic establishment is a true institution in the city. Excellence in quality and the ability to renew Neapolitan culinary traditions are the cornerstones of Augustus 's reputation . Here, the flavor of tradition blends with innovation to offer customers a unique and unforgettable culinary experience.
Among the many reviews on TripAdvisor we find:
Recommended by several Neapolitan friends, we went in search of Casatiello here. We received two enormous, still-steaming slices, delicious. We ordered excellent buffalo mozzarella, sausages, and broccoli rabe. Everything was truly delicious, authentic, and sincere.
- Address: Via Toledo, 147, 80134, Naples I
- Phone Number+39 081 551 3540
Coppola Bakery
Panificio Coppola is the fruit of a family tradition passed down from generation to generation, founded on a love of the craft and a lifestyle focused on quality. This renowned bakery is synonymous with excellence and dedication, skillfully blending tradition and modernity.
Savoring Coppola's products, you will be able to perceive a piece of nature, appreciate the genuineness of the ingredients and the care in the processing. Tradition is valued without neglecting the importance of technological innovation. Indeed, the bakery has recently moved to a new factory located at the foot of Vesuvius, right in the place where its history began.
Coppola offers a wide range of sweet and savory products, ideal for accompanying breakfasts, snacks and moments of relaxation in the name of gastronomic pleasure. The experience and passion that characterize this bakery are reflected in each creation, guaranteeing authentic and irresistible flavours.
Among the many reviews , this one about casatiello stands out:
We bought the taralli, the bread, and the mini casatielli . Everything was delicious. Recommended for anyone traveling to Naples.
- Address: Via Nazionale 646, Torre del Greco
- Phone Number: 081 883 2557
Caseificio Marigliano, the meeting place for flavours
After exploring Piazza Garibaldi , treat yourself to a food and wine break at Caseificio Marigliano's restaurant , Il Ritrovo dei Sapori . Nestled in the heart of Italian cuisine, this establishment offers a menu full of delicacies to satisfy the most discerning palates.
Among the various reviews we also find some on casatielli:
Mr. Franco welcomed us with warmth and friendliness, and prepared a top-notch tasting platter for us, featuring homemade vegetables, cured meats, and dairy products including ricotta and buffalo mozzarella. It was all accompanied by an excellent homemade casatiello.

- Address: Via Sigismondo Castromediano, 10, 80142 Naples
- Phone Number: 081 344 2721
Ambrosinus
In the Ambrosino family , the love of baking is a precious gift passed down from generation to generation. The family has always dedicated itself to the art of baking with passion, dedication, and respect for tradition and nature, creating high-quality products.
At Ambrosino, you can discover a rich selection of sweet delights , prepared daily with fresh, authentic ingredients. The establishment also boasts a large rotisserie counter , where you can savor classic Neapolitan fried foods, mouthwatering pizzas, rustic croissants, and stuffed rolls.
And here too there is no shortage of reviews:
There's a wide selection of takeout options, including pasta dishes, chicken, main courses, and sandwiches. These, combined with the deli and bakery items, make for a great lunch. The quality is decent, but for the price, you'd expect better. Special offers like pastiera and casatiello before Easter are good, and the prices are good.

- Address: Via Michele Kerbaker, 52, 80127 Naples
- Phone Number: 081 556 4722
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