Naples' takeaways and fry shops: where to gorge on fried foods

In Naples, fried food is a religion. Strolling through the narrow streets of the city center, between the Spanish Quarter and Vomero, the smell of boiling oil and freshly baked delicacies is an irresistible invitation. Rotisseries and fry shops are the beating heart of Neapolitan street food, places where tradition has been passed down for generations and where every bite tells a story.

Whether it's a crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside frittatina , a stringy potato croquette , an arancino , or the legendary fish cuoppo , the choice is so vast it's breathtaking. In this guide, we'll take you on a discovery of Naples' best rotisserie and fry shops, the temples for gorging on authentic fried foods.

The tradition of Neapolitan fried food

The culture of frying in Naples has ancient roots. In the post-war period, when a wood-fired oven was a luxury for the few, frying in boiling oil became the most accessible method for making even the humblest meals delicious. Thus was born the figure of the fryer , a craftsman of taste capable of transforming simple ingredients into masterpieces of flavor. Today, Neapolitan rotisseries are a riot of specialties: from pizza by the slice to calzones , from macaroni frittatas to supplì , including spit-roasted chicken and traditional side dishes.

The best rotisseries in Naples

Rosticceria Imperatore

The undisputed king of Neapolitan rotisserie. With two locations, the most famous is in Colli Aminei , where the Imperatore family has been churning out sublime fried food for decades. The pasta frittatina is considered by many to be the best in Naples: béchamel, meat, peas, and provolone in a crispy casing that melts in your mouth. Also worth trying are the crocchè , white and red arancini, and the spit-roasted chicken with baked potatoes, one of the city's most famous.

Address: Viale Colli Aminei 66/B – Naples

What makes it special: The pasta frittatina is legendary, recognized as the best in the city.

Must try: Genoese pasta frittata, croquettes, arancini, and spit-roasted chicken.

Friggitoria Fiorenzano

An institution in the historic center, right in the heart of Pignasecca . Fiorenzano is the true master of Neapolitan fried food, a must-see for students, workers, and tourists drawn by the irresistible aroma of the rustici. The cuoppi are unmissable: pasta frittatas, arancini, croquettes, stuffed and plain ciurilli, battered zucchini and eggplant, and zeppulelle. Don't miss the tripe , a typical dish of ancient Naples.

Address: Via Pignasecca 48 – Naples (also Via Pignasecca 14)

What makes it special: The variety of cuoppo and the authenticity of the street food.

Must try: Mixed cuoppo, zeppulelle, Neapolitan tripe.

Rosticceria La Padella

Since 1959, La Padella has been a go-to place for fried specialties from the Vomero and Arenella districts. Its frittatine, made with bucatini, béchamel sauce, meat, peas, and cheese, are renowned. The fried pizzas with escarole or ham, and the croquettes are also excellent . The roast chicken with baked potatoes is considered among the best in Naples. Open for both lunch and dinner.

Address: Piazza Arenella 21 – Naples

What makes it special: Historic Vomero rotisserie since 1959, light and tasty fried foods.

Must try: Pasta frittata, fried pizza with escarole, roast chicken.

Pizzeria Di Matteo

Already famous for its fried pizza (we talked about it in our guide to the best fried pizzas ), Di Matteo is also a staple for fried foods. The macaroni frittatina with bucatini, ground meat, peas, and béchamel sauce is one of the most famous in the historic center. Pair it with supplì, zeppole, and panzarotti. The portions are generous and the prices are affordable.

Address: Via dei Tribunali 94 – Naples

What makes it special: The frittatina is so famous that it has a dedicated Facebook page.

Must try: Macaroni omelette, supplì, fried pizza.

Giulia electric oven

On Posillipo Hill , Elettroforno has been a landmark since 1950. More of a bakery and deli than a mere fryer, it offers a wide variety of pizzas by the slice , including fried pizzas, Parisian pizzas, and delicacies like croquettes, arancini, frittatas, and paninis. Perfect for a stop after a summer swim in the sea or a stroll in the surrounding area.

Address: Piazza San Luigi 4 – Naples

What makes it special: Historic Posillipo bakery, ideal after a day at the beach.

Must try: Pan pizza, Parisian pizza, frittatine.

Nonna Titti Rosticceria

In Vomero , near Piazza Medaglie d'Oro, Nonna Titti is best known for its montanara : a typical fried pizza with tomato sauce, cheese, and basil, so good it's become synonymous with the place. They also offer a wide selection of fried foods and street food: arancini, croquettes, zeppole, supplì, and pasta frittatas.

Address: Via Tino di Camaino 8 – Naples

What makes it special: The Montanara has become an icon of the Vomero neighborhood.

Must try: Montanara, croquettes, pasta frittata.

Bar Augustus

On Via Toledo , Bar Augustus is also a renowned rotisserie, snack bar, and deli. You can choose from mini pizzas, fried foods like arancini and crocchè, as well as specialties like danubio and casatiello . The deli section offers high-quality cured meats and cheeses.

Address: Via Toledo 147 – Naples

What makes it special: Central location on Via Toledo, also offers food.

Must try: Crocchè, danubio, casatiello.

Friggitoria Vomero

A true cornerstone of culinary indulgence for over 75 years. The success of Friggitoria Vomero lies in the crispiness of its light and affordable fried food. Specialties: raised pasta , croquettes, arancini, breaded and fried eggplant, polenta scagliozzi, and ciurilli. All fried foods are perfectly golden brown, without any greasy residue.

Address: Via Cimarosa 44 – Naples

What makes it special: Over 75 years of history, light and impeccable frying.

Must try: Pasta crescente, scagliozzi, ciurilli.

The Cuoppo

A "revelation" fry shop in the heart of Spaccanapoli . In addition to classic fried foods, Il Cuoppo offers traditional and revolutionary versions: choose from the classic meat cuoppo, the sweet cuoppo with Nutella toppings, and the most popular fish cuoppo , with fresh shrimp and calamari fried to order.

Address: Via San Biagio dei Librai 23 – Naples

What makes it special: The fish cuoppo is among the best in Spaccanapoli.

Must try: Fish cuoppo, sweet cuoppo.

Passion of Sofì

Located on Via Toledo , Passione di Sofì is reminiscent of the old Neapolitan fry shops. Managed by Angelo Terzo, it quickly gained success thanks to its alternative fried food offerings, such as cod fritters and Cetara anchovies. The fried vegetables and meats are also excellent.

Address: Via Toledo 206 – Naples

What makes it special: Quality alternative fried foods in one of Naples' busiest streets.

Must try: Cod fritters, Cetara anchovies.

Pizzeria Salvo

In San Giorgio a Cremano , the Salvo brothers' pizzeria has become famous for its attention to detail. Their fried foods are excellent: the pasta and potato frittatina , the unbreaded croquettes that owe their crispiness to expert frying, and the pasta frittatina with Gragnano bucatini, ham, and béchamel sauce.

Address: Largo Arso 10-16, San Giorgio a Cremano (NA)

What makes it special: Selected raw materials and collaborations with Michelin-starred chefs.

Must try: Pasta and potato omelette, unbreaded croquettes.

Fried foods not to be missed

Here's a list of the absolute specialties you'll find in every self-respecting rotisserie and fry shop:

• Pasta omelette —Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. The king of Neapolitan fried foods.
• Crocchè — potato, stringy and golden. The ultimate comfort food.
• Croquette — white (rice and béchamel) or red (with ragù and peas).
• Montanara —fried pizza topped with tomato, cheese, and basil.
• Cuoppo —paper cone filled with mixed fried meat or fish.
• Zeppola —fried leavened dough, sweet or savory.
• supplì — stringy rice croquette, the Neapolitan version of the Roman one.
• Scagliozzi —crispy fried polenta slices.
• Ciurilli —stuffed and fried courgette flowers.
• Fried pizza — the queen of street food, to read in our dedicated guide.

Where to find the best pasta frittatas

We've dedicated a specific article to the best pasta frittatas in Naples , but if you're in a hurry, remember the key names: Imperatore (the number one for everyone), Di Matteo (the most famous in the historic center) and La Padella (the queen of Vomero).

Rotisseries and fry shops: what's the difference?

The line is often blurry. Rotisseries offer a wider selection: in addition to fried foods, they offer pizza by the slice, rotisserie chicken, first and second courses, side dishes, and desserts. Friggitorias specialize in pure fried food, with cuoppi (fried meats) and street food. Both, however, share a love of quality and tradition. For a more complete overview, consult our guide to the best rotisseries and our ranking of friggitorias.

FAQ — Takeaways and Frying Shops in Naples

What's the best rotisserie in Naples?
La Rosticceria Imperatore in Colli Aminei it is considered number one, especially for the pasta frittata.

What to eat at a Neapolitan rotisserie?
Pasta frittatas, croquettes, arancini, montanare, fried pizzas, spit-roasted chicken, and side dishes like escarole and peppers.

Where to eat the best cuoppo in Naples?
Da Fiorenzano in Pignasecca and from The Cuoppo in Spaccanapoli, but every fry shop has its own version.

How much does it cost to eat at a chip shop in Naples?
Prices are generally cheap: a cuoppo or a frittatina cost between 2 and 5 euros.

Are Neapolitan rotisseries open on Sundays?
Many, yes, especially those in the center. It's best to check the opening hours at the individual venues.

What are curlews?
They are battered and fried courgette (or zucchini) flowers, a typical specialty of Neapolitan fry shops.

Where can you eat the best fried pizza in Naples?
We have one complete guide to the best fried pizzas, but Stay at Materdei, Matteo's e Fiorenzano they are obligatory stops.

What are the typical opening hours of takeaways?
Most open around 9:00-10:00 and close between 21:00-22:00. Some are also open for lunch and dinner.