America’s Cup Naples: Where to Grab a Sit-Down Pizza Near the Waterfront
Watching high-speed foiling boats slice across the Bay of Naples is an unbelievable experience. But after a full morning of race-watching events on the water, there comes a moment every spectator faces: it's time for lunch, and you need to sit down.
Karen Phillips
9/25/20263 min read


Watching high-speed foiling boats slice across the Bay of Naples is an unbelievable experience. But after a full morning of race-watching events on the water, there comes a moment every spectator faces: it's time for lunch, and you need to sit down.
While Naples is famous for street-food pizza eaten on the go, standing shoulder-to-shoulder in an hour-long queue when your feet are tired isn't always ideal. Fortunately, you don't have to sacrifice comfort for world-class quality.
Some of Naples’ top-rated pizzerias offer sit-down service and comfortable seating just a brief 2-to-10-minute walk from the race village along the Lungomare.
Here are incredible sit-down pizza spots where you can rest your feet, recharge, and enjoy legendary Neapolitan pizza right near the action.
1. La Masardona (Piazza Vittoria)
📍 Distance from event: ~2-minute walk
✨ Vibe: Casual, lively, and welcoming
Famous worldwide for pizza fritta (fried pizza), La Masardona is a Neapolitan institution. While traditional fried pizza is often grabbed on the run, their Piazza Vittoria location features full table service. Sit down in air-conditioned comfort or at an outdoor table and enjoy golden, airy fried dough filled with creamy ricotta, smoked provola, and crisp pork cracklings—all paired with a glass of chilled local white wine.
2. Pizzeria Salvo (Riviera di Chiaia)
📍 Distance from event: ~5-minute walk
✨ Vibe: Modern, polished, and refined
Located just behind the leafy Villa Comunale park, brothers Francesco and Salvatore Salvo's pizzeria is known for meticulous ingredient sourcing (including rare heirloom tomatoes and boutique olive oils) and an extensive wine menu, Salvo offers an elevated sit-down experience. Don't leave without ordering a frittatina (a deep-fried pasta bite) as your starter.
3. Regina Margherita (Via Partenope)
📍 Distance from event: ~2-minute walk
✨ Vibe: Classic waterfront dining with panoramic views
Located directly on Via Partenope overlooking the Bay of Naples and Castel dell'Ovo, Regina Margherita is ideal for a classic, relaxed sit-down meal right along the promenade. Famous for traditional Neapolitan wood-fired pizzas, seafood starters, and welcoming table service, it offers comfortable seafront seating where you can savor your pizza alongside the sea breeze.
4. 10 Diego Vitagliano Pizzeria (Santa Lucia)
📍 Distance from event: ~5-minute walk
✨ Vibe: Sleek, trendy, and contemporary
Consistently ranked among the absolute best pizzerias in the world, Diego Vitagliano brings a modern approach to Neapolitan pizza. Tucked into the elegant Santa Lucia neighborhood just off the main waterfront strip, this location offers a stylish indoor dining room where you can sample super-light, highly hydrated crusts. Try the Margherita 3.0 for a delicious twist on the classic.
5. 50 Kalò (Piazza Sannazaro & Piazza della Repubblica)
📍 Distance from event: ~5-to-8-minute walk
✨ Vibe: Iconic, spacious, and bustling
Master baker Ciro Salvo is famous for dough so melt-in-your-mouth light that it feels effortless to eat. To handle the race-day crowds, you have two nearby options in the area: the original flagship location at Piazza Sannazaro near Mergellina harbor, and a second location closer to the central waterfront at Piazza della Repubblica. Both offer generous sit-down dining areas perfect for taking a break after watching the boats.
6. Pizzeria Umberto (Via Alabardieri / Chiaia)
📍 Distance from event: ~5-minute walk
✨ Vibe: Historic, warm, and classic Neapolitan
Operating in the elegant Chiaia district since 1916, Umberto is a beloved historic restaurant and pizzeria with comfortable, table-service dining. In addition to exceptionally light traditional pizzas, they serve classic Neapolitan pasta dishes, gluten-free options, and fresh seafood, making it an ideal choice if someone in your group wants a sit-down meal beyond pizza.
Race-Week Dining Tips
Timing is Everything: Neapolitans typically eat lunch between 1:30 PM and 2:30 PM. To avoid peak waiting times, target an early lunch at 12:00–12:30 PM right when pizzerias open.
Book Ahead: Places like 10 Diego Vitagliano, Salvo, and Umberto accept online reservations. Lock in a tablein advance if you know your race schedule!
Stay Hydrated: Watching races in the sun takes it out of you—pair your pizza with a cold local beer or glass of wine..
Are you heading to Naples for the America's Cup? Which pizzeria is top of your list?
