Gran Caffè Gambrinus is a must-visit if you're in Naples. Open since 1860--before Naples was even…read moreofficially part of a unified Italy--the historic cafe has been serving guests for more than 165 years and has welcomed everyone from artists and writers to politicians and royalty. The beautifully preserved interior, with its marble, chandeliers, frescoes, and ornate details, is reason enough to stop in.
We visited later in the evening and were pleasantly surprised to find no line or wait. It was a bit confusing at first. There's a few different areas to order and a separate line/section if you want to dine-in. We dined in and got seated at a table right away, but I imagine it's much busier during the day/peak hours. Though there is plenty of seating inside and outside.
We ordered a variety of pastries, including the maritozzo con la panna, a sampler platter, sfogliatella, and the famous Delizia al Limone. The Delizia al Limone was what I ordered and was light, fresh, and perfectly balanced without being overly sweet. The lemon flavor was perfect and I was perfectly happy with my choice.
The menu also includes coffee, espresso, cocktails, sandwiches, and other light bites. What impressed me most was how affordable everything was, especially considering the stunning setting and the café's reputation. I am from Hawaii though where everything is twice the price, so that may be subjective.
While takeout is available, I'd recommend dining inside if you have the time. The atmosphere is part of the experience, and it's worth slowing down to appreciate the history and beautiful art inside their historic walls.
Gran Caffè Gambrinus is absolutely worth adding to your Naples itinerary. Between the rich history, beautiful interiors, delicious pastries, and surprisingly reasonable prices, it's easy to see why it has remained one of Naples' most beloved institutions for well over a century.
