Naples Named World's Best Food City Amid Safety Concerns

Naples, a southern Italian city, has been recognized as the best food city in the world by professional food critics. Known for its culinary heritage and historical landmarks, Naples offers an extraordinary gastronomic experience despite its reputation for crime.

The city's selection came from a survey conducted by Time Out, which asked market chefs to list the top three culinary capitals. Naples emerged as the top choice, celebrated for its rich food culture and being the birthplace of famous footballers.

Naples boasts numerous attractions, including its renowned churches and world-class museums, but it is its food that truly stands out. The city is famously known for pizza, a dish invented in the 19th century for the working class. Today, old-school pizzerias around Via dei Tribunali continue to serve this iconic dish, with a slice costing as little as €1.

Another local favorite is the Cuoppo Napoletano, a mixed seafood and vegetable cone, symbolizing the city's culinary identity. Additionally, "mozzarella in carrozza," a deep-fried mozzarella sandwich, remains a popular choice among both locals and tourists.

Despite its culinary acclaim, Naples struggles with a high crime rate, ranking as the fourth most dangerous city in Europe according to the world crime index. The city is infamous for the Camorra, the local mafia, making it more dangerous than London but safer than Marseille, Coventry, and Birmingham.

While Naples’ food scene continues to attract gourmets from around the world, visitors are advised to be cautious due to its crime issues.