If Naples has a living room, it’s the Gran Caffè Gambrinus. But it’s not the only historic café that tells the city’s story through a cup. Here are the places where Neapolitan coffee is history too.
The Gran Caffè Gambrinus
Opened in 1860 a stone’s throw from Piazza del Plebiscito and the Teatro San Carlo, the Gambrinus is Naples’ historic café par excellence: mirrors, Liberty-style stucco, artwork, and a long literary tradition — writers, poets, and politicians once passed through its rooms. It also has a special role in the tradition of caffè sospeso, which was relaunched here. → Suspended coffee.
Practical tip: to really experience it, sit inside, in the historic rooms, rather than grabbing a quick coffee outside. A table costs more, but it’s part of the experience.
Caffè del Professore
On Piazza Trieste e Trento, facing the Gambrinus, it’s famous for its hazelnut coffee. An institution — more immediate and unpretentious.
Gran Caffè Aragonese and Scaturchio
In the heart of the historic center, on Piazza San Domenico Maggiore, the Gran Caffè Aragonese and the historic Scaturchio pastry shop (since 1905) pair coffee with sfogliatella and babà: the perfect Neapolitan combination. → The bars of Naples.
Frequently asked questions
When did the Gambrinus open? In 1860, near Piazza del Plebiscito.
Why is it famous? For its history, art, literary tradition, and its connection to caffè sospeso.
What other historic cafés should I see in Naples? Caffè del Professore, the Gran Caffè Aragonese, and Scaturchio.