Italian Food

Pizza
Perhaps it's the water, or the quality of the lour or yeast used, but Neapolitan pizza is inimitable. It's spongy, chewy, succulent and melts in your mouth, while the toppings are flavourful and aromatic. Purists insist that it was invented here centuries ago and that the only true pizza is the simplest, the margherita - tomato, basil and mozzarella cheese, with a sprinkling of olive oil.

Antipasti
The first course may be marinated fish or seafood, a selection of olives and cured meats, bruschetta (toasted bread) with a variety of toppings or prosciutto (ham) with figs or melon, depending on the season. The meal could stop here and you won't have missed out on the pleasures of the italian table.

Primo
This course usually means pasta or rice, but minestre and zuppe (soups) also appear in this category. Great primi to look for are spaghetti alle vongole veraci (with clams), pasta e fagioli (with beans), fettuccine alla puttanesca (egg noodles with tomato, capers, black olives and red pepper) and risotto alla pescatora (rice with seafood).

Secondo
Scamorza (grilled smoked mozzarella) is always included in this part of the menu, as are omelettes. Meat dishes include vitello (veal), polpette (meatballs), carne alla pizzaiola (with tomato and basil sauce), involtini (beef or ham rolls), agnello (lamb) or coniglio alla cacciatora (rabbit stew).

Fish and Seafood
This category is, of course, the area's strong point. Calamari (squid) are favourite, as are cozze (musseles) in a variety of delicious presentations. Seppie (cuttlefish) and polipo (octopus) are popular, too, stewed, fried or steamed. Pesce all'acqua pazza (fish in "crazy water") is a treat - fresh fish stewed in a water with tomatoes, garlic and chillies.

Contorni
The fertility of the land around Naples is never more evident that when you taste the produce it brings forth. For contorni (side dishes), peppers, artichokes, aubergine (eggplant), capers, mushrooms and green beans are offered steamed or sautéed. Expect the freshnees of each vegetable to have been fully retained, cooked with just a touch of garlic, tomato or lemon, and some herbs.

Insalata
Besides the host of fresh leaves and cherry tomatoes that end up in the wonderful salads (insalata) here, there are two famous cold dishes from the area. The insalata caprese is the essence of simplicity, relying on quality mozzarella di bufala, ripe tomatoes and aromatic basil. Caponata may include marinated aubergine (eggplant), artichoke hearts and capers, with bread chunks to soak up the flavours.

Formaggi
Mozzarella di bufala is the signature cheese from the area. The milk of the buffalo has a tangy quality and the cheese develops a unique smoothness. The smoked version is provola.

Dolci
Many Neapolitan desserts are inspired by their Sicilian cousins, notably delizie, a cream filled cake, and pannacotta (cooked cream), perhaps topped with fresh fruit. In season, the melon, figs and wild strawberries are unforgettable.

Pastries
A sfogliatella (pastry filled with ricotta cheese) is a sublime way to start the day, accompanied by a cup of coffee. Other treats include babà (cake soaked in a rum and honey) and zeppole (pastry filled with custard and topped with wild cherries).

Top 10 local drinks
White Wine
The quality of Campania wines has risen steadily in recent years. Falanghina, Greco di Tufo and Lacryma Christi are reliable names
Red Wine
Full-bodied reds come the local Aglianico grape.
Liqueurs
The most famous of these is the lemon liqueurs limoncello, delivering quite a kick.
Beer
All major brands are available, but the local Italian favourite is Peroni. If you want draft, ask for "alla spina".
Mineral Water
Italians enjoy a huge array of mineral waters. Agreat choice is Ferrarelle or for something lighter, Uliveto.
Digestivi
Many restaurants produce their own digestive concoctions, pure alcohol with a soothing mixture of spices and flavourings.
Coffee
Neapolitan style coffee traditionally comes already sweetened, and it is generally very concentrated.
Soft Drinks
The usual range of choices is available, but an interesting Italian Cola type drink is Chinotto
Infusioni
Cammomilla (camomile) is considered to be a paliative, while other herbal tears on offer include menta (peppermint) and tiglio (lime-tree).
Spremute
Most bars are set up, in summer, to turn out freshly squeezed orange juice and a local version of lemonade.