Mariella Barbato Coffee in Naples. Few cities in the world have such an intimate and passionate relationship with coffee as Naples. In the capital of southern Italy, coffee is not just a drink: it is a ritual, a symbol of hospitality, a sacred break in the day. Whether at a bustling bar in the historic center or at home with a Neapolitan coffee maker, drinking an espresso here is an experience that goes beyond taste.
In this article, I tell you about the history of coffee in Naples, its evolution, local customs and some traditional recipes that are still valid today.
How did coffee arrive in Naples?
Coffee arrived in Italy through Venice in the seventeenth century, but it was in Naples where it took root with the greatest force. At the beginning of the 18th century, coffee was already part of daily Neapolitan life, although at first it was received with skepticism by some sectors of society.
It was in the 19th century when Naples began to establish itself as the Italian capital of coffee. It became common in homes, in taverns and in the first public cafés, spaces where intellectuals, artists and ordinary citizens gathered to share ideas… and good coffee.
La Cafetera Napoletana: icon of homemade coffee
Before the moka (the modern Italian coffee maker) became popular, the “cuccumella”, the classic Neapolitan coffee maker, reigned in Naples.
Unlike the mocha, which uses pressure, the cuccumella works by drip and requires patience: the hot water passes slowly through the ground coffee, producing a smooth, aromatic and full-bodied espresso.
Using it is almost an art, and for many Neapolitans it is still the most authentic way to prepare coffee at home.
The Coffee Ritual in Naples
It’s not just about coffee here. In Naples, it is lived with intensity:
- Coffee is drunk standing at the bar, amidst chatter and laughter.
- It is served very short and very intense, almost always with sugar already added by the waiter.
- There is a tradition of “caffè sospeso” (suspended coffee): someone pays for an extra coffee for those who cannot afford it. A very Neapolitan gesture of generosity.
- The barista is almost a sacred figure: if he makes good coffee, he becomes part of the daily life of the neighborhood.
Types of Coffee you will find in Naples
- Caffè espresso: short, intense, served in a hot cup.
- Caffè ristretto: even shorter than espresso, very concentrated.
- Caffè lungo: a little more diluted, for those who prefer it milder.
- Caffè corretto: with a dash of liqueur (such as sambuca, aniseed or grappa).
- Caffè alla nocciola: coffee with hazelnut cream, sweet and creamy.
- Caffè freddo: ideal in summer, served cold, sometimes with ice and sugar.
- Crema di caffè: an iced and frothy mixture, half dessert, half coffee, delicious!
A coffee with culture
Coffee in Naples has also inspired music, cinema and literature. It is common to find references to coffee in traditional Neapolitan songs or in movies where espresso marks the rhythm of the scenes.
There is even a very famous song called “‘Na tazzulella ‘e cafè”, which talks about everyday life and the role that coffee plays in it.
Conclusion: more than a beverage, a way of life
Having a coffee in Naples is not just an everyday act. It is a moment to connect, to share, to stop for a second and enjoy the present. Its history, its customs and its intense flavor make Neapolitan coffee one of the jewels of Italian culture.
So if you ever visit Naples, don’t miss the opportunity to have an espresso at a bar in the center, served by a waiter who will call you “amò”. And if you’re far away, try preparing it with love at home… you’ll see how it changes your day.
How do you prefer your coffee: with cuccumella, mocha or espresso? Tell me in the comments and share this article with other coffee lovers.
with much affection,
your Neapolitan girl!
