In Naples, everyone has a favorite pastry at Chalet Ciro, the most famous and loved chalet along the little port of Mergellina. Some swear by the caprese, a chocolate and almond tort sold by the slice or in whole powdered-sugar-covered cakes. Others praise the sfogliatelle and baba’, a Neapolitan mainstay filled with ricotta and soaked in rum, respectively. I was lucky enough to visit Da Ciro during Carnival, when seasonal specials fill the display cases: zeppole, giant puff-pastries overflowing with cream; monachine, pastry filled with chocolate sauce and chocolate chips; chiacchiere, crispy fried strips of dough covered with powdered sugar; savoiardi con sanguinaccio, lady fingers with chocolate sauce. Don’t be alarmed by the fact that sanguinaccio translates literally to “bad blood”.  It is now illegal to used the pig’s blood that once dominated the chocolatey syrup so feel free to enjoy without anxiety!

Via Caracciolo, Mergellina
Open 7am-2am
Closed Wed

Categories: Food & Wine, Naples & Campania