Vesuvian Magic: Food Tour of Neapolitan Cuisine with Visits to Gran Caffè Gambrinus, Traditional Osteria and More

Home to two of the world’s favourites - espresso and pizza, Naples sits at the heart of Italian food. Our Vesuvian food hopping tour in the city is the perfect treat for the foodie in you, exploring the epicurean heavyweight with more than 10 unforgettable dishes that put Neapolitan cuisine amongst the most loved in the world.

With an exuberant volcanic soil, a sea brimming with delectable crustaceans, and techniques that are passed down from one generation to another, it is no surprise that the city boasts some incredible fares. Our journey begins at the historic Teatro di San Carlo where we will indulge in a glass of sparkling prosecco and marvel at the fascinating story behind the mirrors placed in the 184 boxes (they were actually used to constantly check the audience’s reactions!) at the oldest running public opera house in the world. At the theatre kiosk, you will be greeted by Bobo, ready to showcase his talent - the famous lemonade which is not just an explosion of flavours but also literally bursts open like a volcano with the dash of soda. Keep your camera ready because you’d surely not want to miss out on this spectacle! 

Some tasty Neapolitan fried delicacies like courgette flowers are lined up next, ready to delight your palate. You will also get regaled with some astonishing anecdotes about culinary traditions and superstitions in the country, including the legendary one about how salt can bring both good and bad luck - while spilling salt is considered unlucky, one can apparently negate it out by tossing a bit of the spilled salt over your left shoulder. After this, we will head to an amazing osteria (a traditional Italian restaurant serving wine and simple food, mostly local specialties like grilled meat and pasta) in the city, a true hidden gem, interacting with Bruno who has been working there for more than 40 years. Listen to all the unheard stories about the osteria’s long list of celebrity guests, including Louis Armstrong, Sophia Loren and Luciano Pavarotti to name a few, who loved their quintessential Neapolitan ziti. And guess what? You too get to sample their famous ziti along with a glass of wine - a classic Neapolitan meal.

Our journey trails 10 different restaurants and eating joints, letting you savour Naples’ culinary landscape and unmatched heritage in all its glory. Discover the secrets to why this cuisine has often been referenced as ‘food for the soul’, the techniques that create some of the thinnest and freshest pizzas in the world, the ingredients that make the frittata di spaghetti (a spaghetti omelette) a crowd favourite, and much, much more. Finally, we will pay our homage to the “coffee-temple” of Napoli - Gran Caffè Gambrinus - which has been operation for more than 150 years. The iconic café, which opened in 1860, is an iconic experience with their espresso being a true representation being the face of Neapoltian coffee. Sit back and soak up the legacy of this charming café, while enjoying their  exemplary coffee that has been a favourite with illustrious personalities like Oscar Wilde, Ernest Hemingway, Jean-Paul Satre and more. Trust us when we say that this is a visit you won’t forget in a long, long time!

About the Supplier: Food is one of the biggest contributors to travel experiences. We are all foodies by nature and Food Hopping Europe understands that, leading to culinary experiences that touches upon all the nitty gritties and legacy of a destination’s cuisine. Making it an unforgettable affair are their food tours that almost resemble a multi-course menu of iconic dishes, quintessential flavours and a city’s best-kept secrets. With Food Hopping Europe, you will literally explore a new location through a carnival of flavours and a celebration of its cuisine!