Gran Caffè Gambrinus — Restaurant in Naples

The Gran Caffè Gambrinus is a historic place in Naples located in via Chiaia . Its name derives from the mythological king of Flanders Joannus Primus , considered patron of beer . The Gran Caffè Gambrinus is one of the top ten Cafés in Italy and is part of the Historical Places Association of Italy. Furnished in Liberty style , it preserves stuccoes, statues and paintings of the late nineteenth century made by Neapolitan artists. Among these there are also works by Gabriele D'Annunzio and Filippo Tommaso Marinetti . Founded in 1860 , by the entrepreneur Vincenzo Apuzzo, it immediately met with enormous success and feedback from the population of all walks of life, attracted by the work of pastry chefs, ice cream makers, and bartenders, which its founder used; this, at the same time, gave him recognition by decree of "Supplier of the Real House". After Apuzzo the management passed to Mario Vacca who in the years 1889 - 1890 , entrusted the interior decoration to the architect Antonio Curri, to fresco the place he called the Neapolitan impressionist artists : Luca Postiglione , Pietro Scoppetta , Vincenzo Volpe , Edoardo Matania , Attilio Pratella , Giuseppe Alberto Cocco , Giuseppe Casciaro , Luigi Fabron , Giuseppe Chiarolanza , Gaetano Esposito , Vincenzo Migliaro , Vincenzo Irolli andVincenzo Caprile . During the Belle Époque years , local personalities frequented the halls of the bar to attend the Cafe Chantant . After happy and carefree years, on the evening of August 5, 1938, the prefect Giovanni Battista Marziale ordered its closure because it was considered a meeting place for anti-fascists. This is the official reason: the real reason was that the prefect's wife was unable to sleep because of the noise coming from the coffee, located on the ground floor of the historic Palazzo della Prefettura , home of the prefecture. The rooms that until then had been Gambrinus were intended to host the Banco di Napoli , until, in 1952 , the Neapolitan businessman Michele Sergio managed to reopen its doors, re-occupying part of the rooms, those that overlooked via Chiaia . The management was carried out by his sons Arturo and Antonio, who, after a dispute with Banco di Napoli, managed to recover the premises occupied by the bank (i.e. the rooms overlooking Piazza Trieste and Trento and Piazza del...

Gran Caffè Gambrinus, nestled in the heart of Naples at Piazza Trieste e Trento, is more than just a café—it's a living testament to the city's rich cultural and intellectual heritage. Established in 1860 and beautifully restored in 1890, this historic establishment has been a gathering place for luminaries such as Oscar Wilde, Ernest Hemingway, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Gabriele D’Annunzio .

☕ Coffee & Pastries

At Gran Caffè Gambrinus, coffee is an art form. The Neapolitan espresso is brewed dark, dense, and hot, following traditional methods. For those seeking a sweet twist, the Nocciola con Panna—a blend of espresso with hazelnut cream—is a popular choice, though some might find it on the sweeter side .

The pastry selection is a delightful showcase of Neapolitan classics, including sfogliatella, baba, pastiera, and zeppole di San Giuseppe. These treats are not only delicious but also a visual feast, often displayed in elegant showcases that tempt passersby .

🏛️ Ambiance & Service

Stepping into Gran Caffè Gambrinus feels like entering a bygone era. The interior boasts Art Nouveau décor, with walls adorned by renowned artists and rooms named after the subjects of discussions held within them, such as the Politics Hall and the Round Room . The café offers both indoor seating, where you can soak in the historic ambiance, and outdoor tables overlooking the bustling piazza .

Service is generally attentive, though some visitors have noted that sitting at a table may come with a premium price compared to ordering at the bar .

🧁 Other Offerings

Beyond coffee and pastries, Gran Caffè Gambrinus also serves a selection of savory items like pizzetta and caprese salad. For those with a sweet tooth, the gelato is a must-try, with options ranging from classic cups to innovative presentations like lemon sorbet served in its shell .

📝 Final Thoughts

Gran Caffè Gambrinus is a must-visit for anyone in Naples, whether you're a history enthusiast, a coffee aficionado, or simply someone looking to enjoy a leisurely moment in a place steeped in culture. While it may be on the pricier side, the experience of sipping coffee where literary giants once gathered...

The Café Gambrinus takes its name from the mythical King Gambrinus of Flanders, who is considered the patron saint of beer. Founded in 1860, the café is located on the ground floor of the historic Palazzo della Prefettura, the seat of the provincial government. It has hosted many celebrities, artists, royals, popes, heads of state and celebrities. Gabriele D'Annunzio found the inspiration for his A'vucchella, set to music by Tosti. It was also a meeting place for artists and intellectuals such as Ernest Hemingway and Sigmund Freud. The rooms of Gran Caffè Gambrinus have been the setting for several films and TV series: The Three-Legged Fox (2002), Donne ordini (2007), The Unbroken Chaos (2009), The Illegitimate Son of Pizzofalcone, Inspector Ricciardi (2021), etc. The price difference between dine-in and take-out is several times, but if you come all the way here, dine-in is a must, and the price is not a big deal. The interior is luxurious and upscale, the atmosphere is luxurious and refined, and many works of art are on display. We were lucky to encounter a knowledgeable, enthusiastic, fast-paced and experienced host in such a famous environment. The exquisite menu is rich in content and also introduces the history of the restaurant. The delicious dishes served are indeed delicious. From Neapolitan classics such as Sfogliatella and Babà, to exquisite cakes and carefully prepared coffee, every bite represents a journey through the authentic flavors of the Neapolitan tradition. We started with a refreshing glass of sparkling water to cleanse our palates, then had three coffees: the ladies chose the Cappuccino alla Melange, sprinkled with cocoa powder for a mocha-like flavor. The men chose the unique Gambrinus coffee. Created by the historic owner Gennaro Ponziani, this rich coffee contains cocoa, sugar and cream, which are gently heated to blend perfectly. Its small cup holds a rich flavor and has a beautiful cocoa coating on the rim, perfect...