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Naples Today
By the People, for the People
Explore Naples' Vibrant Street Food Scene at Pignasecca Market
From traditional fried seafood to innovative gluten-free offerings, the historic market is a hub of Neapolitan culinary delights.
Published on Feb. 16, 2026
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Naples, Italy, is renowned for its thriving street food culture, with the bustling Pignasecca Market at the heart of this culinary tradition. Establishments like the family-run Pescheria Azzurra, serving up fresh seafood and fried cuoppi cones, showcase the enduring appeal of high-quality ingredients and time-honored techniques. Meanwhile, newer vendors like Al Forno Vecchio are diversifying the street food landscape, offering a range of innovative dishes, including gluten-free options, to cater to modern dietary preferences. As food tourism continues to grow, Naples' street food scene is poised to evolve, blending tradition and innovation to delight both locals and visitors alike.
Why it matters
Naples' street food culture is a vital part of the city's identity, reflecting its history as a bustling port and trading center. The Pignasecca Market is a hub for this culinary tradition, showcasing the diversity and adaptability of Neapolitan cuisine. As the demand for authentic, high-quality, and convenient food options increases, the street food scene in Naples is evolving to meet the needs of both locals and tourists, ensuring the longevity of this beloved aspect of the city's gastronomic heritage.
The details
The Pignasecca Market is home to a variety of street food vendors, each offering a unique take on traditional Neapolitan flavors. Pescheria Azzurra, a family-run fishmonger operating since 1946, has adapted to changing consumer preferences by introducing cuoppi - paper cones filled with deep-fried seafood. Meanwhile, Al Forno Vecchio, a newer establishment catering to a younger, student crowd, offers a range of innovative dishes beyond the classic pizza, including deep-fried spaghetti al pomodoro, panuozzo sandwiches, and paranza cones filled with fried anchovies, prawns, and baby squid. Notably, Al Forno Vecchio also caters to dietary needs by offering many of its specialties in gluten-free versions.
- Pescheria Azzurra has been operating since 1946.
- The Pignasecca Market has been a hub of Neapolitan street food for decades.
The players
Pescheria Azzurra
A family-run fishmonger that has been central to Naples' food scene for decades, originally focused on selling fresh seafood and later adapting to introduce popular fried seafood cones called cuoppi.
Al Forno Vecchio
A newer street food establishment in the Pignasecca Market that caters to a younger, student crowd with a menu that extends beyond traditional pizza, offering dishes like deep-fried spaghetti al pomodoro, panuozzo sandwiches, and paranza cones filled with fried seafood. They also provide gluten-free options to accommodate modern dietary preferences.
The takeaway
Naples' vibrant street food scene at the Pignasecca Market showcases the city's ability to blend tradition and innovation, catering to both local and tourist preferences. As food tourism continues to grow, the street food vendors in Naples will need to maintain high standards of quality and authenticity while adapting to changing dietary needs and consumer trends to ensure the long-term success of this beloved aspect of Neapolitan culinary heritage.
