Coffee in Naples: how to order, caffè sospeso and the historic cafés
In Naples, coffee is drunk standing at the counter, in a scalding-hot little cup, after a sip of water. It is a social ritual, and it also carries a tradition of solidarity: the caffè sospeso, the "suspended" coffee.
How to drink it
- At the counter: coffee is taken standing up, in a few seconds, chatting with the barista.
- The glass of water is drunk before, to clean your palate and taste the coffee better.
- The cup is hot: it is often kept in boiling water.
- It often comes already sweetened: if you want it without sugar, say so straight away (senza zucchero).
The caffè sospeso
It is a Neapolitan custom: at the café, those who can afford it pay for two coffees and drink one. The second stays sospeso (suspended), already paid for, for someone who comes in later and cannot afford one. Many cafés still keep a tally of the sospesi.
The variations
- Caffè alla nocciola, with hazelnut cream in the cup.
- Caffè con la panna, with whipped cream, in summer.
- Marocchino, with cocoa and milk foam.
Tip: step at least once into a historic café in the centre, like those around Piazza del Plebiscito and Via Toledo: period furnishings, sfogliatelle (the shell-shaped pastry) and the elegant Naples of times gone by.
Keep eating
Frequently asked questions
What is a caffè sospeso?
A coffee paid for in advance and left at the café for someone who comes in later and cannot afford one.
Where to stay in central Naples
137 places to stay in Toledo and Municipio on Napolibnb.it, the Naples holiday-rental portal: you contact the host directly, with no booking fees. Every listing shows its official CIN code.
