Gran Caffè Gambrinus – from 1860

At the end of one of Naples’ most bursting shopping streets, Via Toledo, you’ll find what can be described as the city’s most famous culinary institution, Caffè Gambrinus. For 150 years, Gambrinus has been a sort of “living room” to a large number of the city’s cultural, political and intellectual VIPS both local and foreign. Oscar Wilde came here to read and Italy’s former president Francesco Crispi to discuss politics. Here, in 1892, the writer, Matilde Serao started her editorial office for the Neapolitan daily, Il Mattino, which still exists today, and it was also here, that author Gabriele d’annunzio wrote the text of the famous Neapolitan song, A Vucchella. Stucco ornaments, antique mirrors, marble floors, bas-reliefs, waiters dressed up to the nines and paintings of De Sanctis, Volpe and Pratella all contribute to give Gambrinus an unmistakable antique atmosphere and an almost tangible touch of history. If you want to try a typical Neapolitan ritual, i.e. the enjoyable consumption of ‘na tazzuella ‘e cafè, a good cup of coffee, do it at Gambrinus. You could try the creamy and delicious Caffè Nocciolato (with the taste of hazelnuts), which is a Neapolitan specialty, Caffè Gegè (with liquid whipped cream, cocoa and milk) or the legendary Caffè Gambrinus, a sort of cappuccino with whipped cream and cacao. If you want to get completely under the skin of Naples, a visit to Gambrinus is an absolute must.

Via Chiaia, 1/2, 80132 Napoli