Naples, Zeppole di San Giuseppe, where to eat the best
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In Naples , the Zeppola di San Giuseppe represents much more than a simple dessert: it is a symbol of Neapolitan tradition linked to Father's Day , celebrated on March 19th . Its presence on Neapolitan tables has roots in the ancient local gastronomic culture , winning over generations thanks to its rich and unmistakable flavor . To truly enjoy the experience, you need to choose the authentic Neapolitan zeppola , avoiding characterless imitations . Before discovering five famous pastry shops where you can enjoy an authentic Zeppola di San Giuseppe , it's worth exploring the history of one of Naples' most iconic desserts.
The origins of the Zeppola di San Giuseppe
Zeppole di San Giuseppe are a traditional Neapolitan dessert, attributed to the city of Naples . The first official recipe dates back to 1837 and was written by the famous gastronome Ippolito Cavalcanti, Duke of Buonvicino, in his Treatise on Theoretical-Practical Cooking. Its origins are linked primarily to two legends.
Christian legend
The first legend, of Christian origin , attributes the birth of zeppole to the Holy Family's flight into Egypt . It is said that Saint Joseph , to support Mary and Jesus, had to combine his profession as a carpenter with that of a fryer and street vendor of fritters.
Legend of Liberalia
We often hear about the Liberalia , Roman festivals held in honor of the gods of wine and grain. A legend takes us to Rome during these celebrations, which took place on March 17 and included homage to Bacchus and Silenus , his tutor and companion in revelry. On these occasions, people drank much wine and ambrosia and enjoyed wheat fritters cooked in boiling lard.
With the ban imposed by Emperor Theodosius II on any pagan cult, the Liberalia also ceased to be celebrated. It is possible that over time these holidays were incorporated into Catholicism , which established the feast of Saint Joseph two days after March 17. Since 1968 , this holiday has been adopted as Father's Day . The zeppole, which now bear the name of Saint Joseph, are actually descendants of the ancient Roman fritters.
The best Zeppole di San Giuseppe in Naples
Attanasio
The Attanasio bakery, founded way back in 1930 thanks to the passion of Vincenzo Attanasio and Carmela Fabbrocino, is a true reference point for Neapolitans and tourists alike. It's not just a place to buy top-quality sfogliatelle, but a true symbol of Naples where you can sample all the traditional sweets.
Address : Vico Ferrovia, 1-2-3-4, 80142 Naples
Carraturo
Since 1837, Pasticceria Carraturo has been a true icon of the city of Naples, with nearly two centuries of experience and tradition in the confectionery industry. For decades, the pastry shop has been renowned for the quality of its products , which have captivated the palates of Neapolitans, tourists, and customers from all over the world.
Address : Via Casanova, 97, 80139 Naples
The Sfogliatella Mary
Sfogliatella Mary pastry shop is a true institution in Naples , renowned for its classic Neapolitan desserts, including the famous sfogliatelle. Located in a corner of the Galleria Umberto , the pastry shop produces millions of pastries every year, attracting both tourists and local dessert lovers. It can be described as a "mini" pastry shop , as it's a sort of showcase where Neapolitans and tourists line up to sample its excellence.
Address : Via Toledo, 66, 80134 Naples
Leopold
Leopoldo is a historic restaurant in Naples , located on Via Foria opposite the evocative Royal Botanical Gardens. Today, the restaurant is run by two generations of the Infante family : brothers Gianni and Patrizio, who inherited the founder's passion for cooking and have worked at the restaurant since 1967, and their children, Leopoldo, Nunzia, Fabio, and Marco.
Address: P.za degli Artisti, 6, 80129 Naples / Via Chiaia, 248, 80121 Naples
Santoro
Pasticceria Santoro is one of the finest historic Neapolitan pastry shops, with over a century of history behind it. Our family, led by Ferdinando Santoro , has passed down the secrets of pastry making from father to son, delighting the palates of Neapolitans with high-quality products.
Pasticceria Santoro opened two stores in Naples, one on Via Simone Martini in 1989 and the other in the heart of the Vomero district on Via Luca Giordano in 2019.
Address: Via Simone Martini, 113, 80128 Naples NA
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- Where: Naples
- When: Sunday March 19 2023