Top 7 restaurants with sea and Vesuvius views in Naples, Italy

Situated on the ninth floor of The Grand Hotel Vesuvio, the Caruso Roof Garden restaurant offers a breathtaking panorama over the Gulf of Naples. Named after the legendary tenor Enrico Caruso, who called the hotel his “Neapolitan home” and spent his final years here, this restaurant is a true gem. Over the years, this iconic spot has hosted a slew of celebrities, including Woody Allen, Giorgio Armani, Princess Grace Kelly of Monaco, and many Hollywood stars.

The food here is as extraordinary as the views, featuring the bay, distant mountains, and Ovo Castle right at the building’s base. Dive into delightful Neapolitan cuisine that Caruso himself would have loved. Try creamy risotto, baccalà alla napoletana (salted cod stewed with spices and pine nuts), minestra napoletana con riso (a hearty soup with rice, bacon, and caciocavallo cheese), and more delicious dishes.

For dessert, indulge in a sfogliatella, a pastry filled with ricotta, candied fruit, vanilla, and cinnamon, paired with a chilled glass of Falerno bianco or a shot of limoncello. While the prices are on the higher side, they’re a fair reflection of the top-notch service and the unforgettable experience. Treat yourself to an evening of exquisite cuisine and stunning views – it's worth every euro!

Average bill – €100+

Zi Teresa offers a more relaxed vibe than our previous pick, but the view is still worth a million bucks. Nestled in the chic San Ferdinando neighborhood, this restaurant gives you a close-up, waterfront perspective of Castel dell’Ovo and Borgo Marinari. With its impressive 240-seat panoramic terrace overlooking the Santa Lucia pier, the scenery is nothing short of breathtaking. This gem has been around since the unification of Italy in 1861, and the owner still has the original parchment paper document to prove it.

The menu here is packed with Neapolitan favorites: from exquisite crudo di mare and mouthwatering fresella napoletana to refined scialatielli ai frutti di mare (an Amalfi Coast specialty) and traditional fritto di paranza (fried seafood). Don’t miss their popular impepata di cozze (clam and mussel soup), tempting caprese, or famous lobster linguine. Plus, the pizza selection is top-notch, perfect for a quick and tasty snack at any time of day.

If the weather turns windy, step inside to enjoy the frescoed walls showcasing 19th-century Naples scenes and the newly restored antique majolica floor tiles – unique ceramics with a special crafting and painting technique that dates back to Ancient Egypt. It's easy to lose track of time here, enjoying the delicious food and stunning views. So, save this spot for your next trip!

Average bill – €48

Take a scenic ride north of Naples to the charming Posillipo and discover Rosiello, a delightful restaurant tucked away on the highest hill in the area. Here, you'll enjoy postcard-perfect views of the sea while sitting on the veranda under a canopy of blooming wisteria. It's a peaceful escape from the tourist crowds, offering homemade food that will absolutely thrill you. The secret to their mouthwatering dishes lies in ingredients grown in the volcanic soil of the family vegetable garden, lovingly tended since the 1930s.

Relax on the open veranda, shaded by lush plants entwining the ceiling beams, and indulge in their signature pasta alla genovese, personally served by the owner, Gelsomina, and her daughters. The seafood, sourced fresh from Marechiaro or nearby islands, ensures that risotto with mussels, fried calamari, and spaghetti with king prawns taste like home-cooked perfection. Every dish is paired with family-produced wines: Falanghina, Per 'e Palumm, and the famed Uva Rosa, celebrated by famous Italian musicians Murolo and Gambardella themselves.

Average bill – €40-50

Occupying the rooftop of Hotel San Francesco al Monte, perfectly positioned between the city's main funicular lines, its main restaurant La Terrazza dei Barbanti offers a perfect peek into the heart of Naples. From this sky-high gem, you'll soak in the vibrant cityscape, with majestic Mount Vesuvius and a glimpse of the sea adding to the picturesque scene – an unbeatable combo!

Hotel guests and visitors alike can indulge in a buffet breakfast featuring a tempting array of sweet and savory treats from 7:30 am to 10:30 am. Adjacent is a serene small pool surrounded by blooming flowers, creating a tranquil oasis.

Come lunch and dinner, Executive Chef Vincenzo Stingone unveils a sumptuous Mediterranean menu. Begin your culinary adventure with delightful amuse-bouches and a glass of Prosecco, and then indulge in dishes like Canadian lobster tail with couscous, linguette pasta with Bronte pistachio pesto and red shrimp, or ravioli with eggplants. As night falls, live piano music sets the mood, enhancing the ambiance as you soak in breathtaking sunset views and the sparkling city lights, promising to elevate your dining experience to cloud nine.

Average bill – €60-70

Located on the edge of Posillipo Hill in Marechiaro, Ristorante 'a Fenestella beckons with its vintage charm and a terrace boasting panoramic views that are simply out of this world. This eatery's story dates back to the last century, immortalized in Salvatore Di Giacomo's song "A Marechiaro." Step into a romantic journey through time as you soak in the ambiance and gaze at the breathtaking vista.

The menu here revolves entirely around the day's freshest catch, ensuring a treat for seafood aficionados. Start with octopus salad, dive into the paccheri di gragnano with lobster (a type of short pasta), or savor delicate gnocchetti a fenestella. Make sure to indulge in something crispy like the gamberi in crosta – shrimp in a crunchy coating. And no matter how full you are, dessert is a must-do – try the delizia al limone, a mini sponge cake filled and coated with lemon custard that's an Amalfi Coast classic.

Average bill – €35

This charming café nestled right on the edge of the volcano's crater boasts perhaps the most iconic location in the world. La Capannuccia is a small wooden building with a cozy interior and a terrace dotted with benches, always occupied by tourists ascending to the crater.

Just imagine the experience – enjoying a glass of fine wine made from grapes grown in volcanic soil or an Aperol Spritz on Europe's only active volcano! The views from here are breathtaking; if you're lucky, you might see the sea of clouds unfolding beneath your feet. To warm up, treat yourself to a hot panini or pizza, perfectly paired with a cup of hot chocolate, and you'll be ready to descend back to civilization, perhaps with a souvenir to remember your ascent.

Average bill – €9

If you've left Naples behind and embarked on a coastal drive, make sure to reach the picturesque town of Sorrentino, where the cliffs are adorned with picture-perfect houses and bustling boat docks. Perched dramatically above Spiaggia La Marinella beach, you'll find Hotel Mediterraneo Sorrento, home to the luxurious Vesuvio Panoramic Restaurant on its top floor – a bit splurgy but oh-so-beautiful venue where the terrace alone will sweep you off your feet.

It's undoubtedly the most romantic spot around, with refined Mediterranean dishes served amidst candlelight, heightening the enchantment. Admire the lava stone décor and the artworks by Neapolitan artist Gennaro Regina on the veranda while you await your order. Dive into the tasting menu featuring delights like herb-grilled artichokes, Chef's twist on Sorrento-style potato dumplings, or sea bass infused with the flavors of the sea. Wrap up with a traditional Neapolitan babà adorned with pellechielle apricots and pair it with a choice from their exquisite wine collection, expertly guided by your waiter.

And as if that's not enough, Capri island beckons just 25 minutes away by boat, making your visit here a highlight of a lifetime's adventures.

Tasting menu – €90

Now you've got Naples' ultimate restaurant guide, where dining is an adventure in itself. Share your experiences with us, and if you have any questions, drop them in the comments below. Buon viaggio!