Antica Trattoria Mattozzi

Antica Trattoria Mattozzi is a classic Neapolitan trattoria at Piazza Carita 2, just off Via Toledo in the centre of Naples, Campania, Italy. The old-town location, close to Galleria Umberto, Via Toledo and the Quartieri Spagnoli, places it within the busiest shopping and sightseeing area of the city, and the trattoria draws a steady mix of office workers, families and visitors. The cuisine is traditional Neapolitan, with a menu that covers pasta, fried seafood and wood-fired pizza. The signature dishes include spaghetti alle vongole, a simple plate of spaghetti with clams, garlic, parsley and olive oil that is a benchmark of Neapolitan cooking, and frittura di paranza, a mixed fry of small fish and seafood. Pizza is also served, which makes the trattoria a flexible choice for groups with different tastes. Mains cost about EUR 12-22 (about $14-$25), a fair price for a central location. The dining room is traditional and unfussy, with a lively, noisy atmosphere at lunch and dinner and no dress code. The drinks list includes regional wine by the glass or bottle, beer and soft drinks, and the house white pairs well with seafood. The trattoria is largely walk-in, though groups should reserve for dinner, and weekends are the busiest. Visitors can expect quick service at lunch, when many diners are on a short break, while dinner tends to be slower. The piazza is a short walk from the Toledo metro station, the Teatro San Carlo and the Piazza del Plebiscito, so the trattoria suits a break during a day of sightseeing in the historic core. Prices of seafood dishes can vary with the daily catch, and visitors can ask the staff about the fish of the day. Payment by card is commonly accepted, though cash is useful.