In Naples, ordering a coffee (un caffè) is a rapid, intense, and deeply cultural experience. It's a moment of pause in a chaotic city. Here's what you need to know to enjoy this daily ritual like a true Neapolitan.
The Neapolitan Flip Coffee Pot
The traditional home of Neapolitan coffee is the cuccumella, or Neapolitan flip pot. While most bars now use modern espresso machines, this iconic pot symbolizes the city's deep-rooted coffee history. The result is a coffee that is strong, dark, and rich, but never bitter.
How to Order
When you step into a bar, you typically pay at the cash register first (pagare alla cassa) and get a receipt (scontrino), which you then present to the barista. The coffee is served in a small, pre-heated ceramic cup and is meant to be drunk quickly, standing at the bar. It's a shot of pure energy.
Caffè Sospeso: The "Suspended Coffee"
A beautiful Neapolitan tradition is the caffè sospeso. It's an act of anonymous generosity where a customer pays for two coffees but only consumes one, leaving the second one for someone in need who may ask for it later. It reflects the warm and communal spirit of the city.
Before you head out for a day of exploring from Quartino Napoletano, be sure to ask us where to find the most authentic local bars for your morning coffee. It's the perfect way to start your day on a truly Neapolitan note.
