My Italian Roadmap: Naples (Napoli), A City of Passion, Chaos and Culinary Excellence

Naples is a city like no other. It is alive with energy, chaos, and raw beauty.

Naples doesn’t try to impress; it just exists in its own unapologetic way. It exudes a freedom like no other, the way people lived fully in the moment, embracing life’s joys and imperfections alike. In the midst of its vibrancy, I felt strangely at home. It was a city that gave me confidence, that fuelled my creativity, and that made me want to bring a piece of its spirit back to Devour.

My Journey Through Naples: Inspiration for Devour

Returning to my mother’s childhood city was more than just a visit; it was a pilgrimage of flavour. I spent my days wandering through hidden trattorias, tasting pasta handmade by local nonnas, indulging in pastries that melted on my tongue, and experiencing true artisans at work.

A visit to Il Turuziello farm was one of the most humbling experiences. There, I watched the incredible transformation of milk into mozzarella, a process carried out with precision and deep-rooted tradition. The family running the farm had spent generations perfecting their craft, using seven different grains to feed their buffalo, ensuring the cheese carried the true taste of the land.

This kind of dedication and respect for food is what I wanted to bring back to Holmfirth.

At Devour, we strive to honour these traditions while making them our own. I wanted to create a space where food wasn’t just about eating, but about storytelling, experience, and memory. We use the best ingredients we can find, we champion small producers, and we pour passion into every dish. Inspired by Naples, we embrace the philosophy of simplicity—letting the ingredients shine, treating them with respect, and ensuring that every bite carries a piece of history

The Heart of Naples' Food Culture

Naples is the birthplace of some of Italy’s most iconic dishes. It is a city where street food reigns supreme, where the simplest ingredients are transformed into masterpieces. From the crispy, pillowy dough of a freshly made pizza to the sweetness of a sfogliatella, everything here is made with care, tradition, and a deep respect for provenance.

Shaped by the land itself, the volcanic soil and water surrounding Mount Vesuvius gives birth to some of the most flavourful produce in the world. San Marzano tomatoes, famous for their deep, rich taste, thrive in this mineral-rich earth. Buffalo mozzarella, with its creamy, delicate texture, is made from the water buffalo’s milk in the nearby countryside. Fresh seafood, kissed by the Mediterranea.

The Importance of Community and Tradition

Beyond the food itself, what truly defines Naples is the warmth and generosity of its people. Walking through the markets of Montesanto (where my nonno lived) I felt an unbreakable bond between the vendors and their customers. For every exchange, so was a personal story shared, cooking tips were given, and laughter filled the air. It reminded me of what food is about: connection.

There’s no truer reflection of the Neoplolitan way of community than the beautiful tradition of caffè sospeso, or suspended coffee. The concept is simple yet powerful: when someone orders a coffee, they pay for an extra one in advance, leaving it as a gift for a stranger who may not be able to afford one.

This act of kindness is more than just charity; it represents a shared human connection. To buy a caffè sospeso is to offer not just a drink, but a moment of comfort, a small pleasure extended to someone unknown. It is, in essence, like enjoying a coffee with a friend you haven’t met yet. This tradition embodies the spirit of Naples—a city where generosity flows as freely as espresso, where hospitality is a way of life, and where even in the most challenging times, there is always room for kindness. The simple pleasure of sharing coffee, of extending warmth to another person, is one that many Neapolitans take joy in, a reminder that even the smallest gestures can bring people together.

Naples taught me the power of community, of coming together over food, of sharing knowledge and passion.

It made me appreciate the importance of supporting small producers, of respecting where our ingredients come from, and of keeping traditions alive.