Among the most famous and traditional recipes in Naples, pasta e patate (pasta and potatoes) is undoubtedly a standout.
This dish is a symbol of Neapolitan culinary tradition. Much loved by locals, it has very humble origins and dates back to the 17th century, during the Kingdom of Naples. At the time, potatoes and tomatoes were cheap and widely available — the go-to ingredients for housewives preparing simple, hearty meals like pasta e patate.
By combining two carbohydrates, the dish was filling and satisfying, even with low-cost ingredients.
Over time, many variations have emerged, with added or substituted ingredients. But one of the best — and most iconic — versions of pasta e patate in Naples is without a doubt the one served at Nennella.
Who Is Nennella in Naples?
Nennella is where you can eat real Neapolitan food — while the waiters sing and dance.
It’s a historic Neapolitan trattoria, a must-visit spot for anyone who wants to try the dishes that helped shape local food culture.
A joyful and welcoming place that brings Neapolitan identity to the table in all its flavorful glory.
And at the heart of this beautiful culinary story is pasta e patate — creamy, flavorful, made with pancetta and overflowing with melted provola cheese.
Every day, as the ladles stir the steaming pots, Nennella’s pasta, potatoes, and provola becomes a little more legendary.
And to celebrate this rich, unique, and deeply traditional dish, the Nennella MOP was born — MOP stands for Miezz ’o pan (in Neapolitan: “in the middle of bread”).
Nennella MOP: a very special PUOK sandwich
The Nennella MOP is a truly special sandwich from PUOK — yes, it’s a sandwich, but from the very first bite, it brings back all the flavor of Nennella’s pasta, potatoes, and provola.
A sandwich that satisfies, with no overcomplicated extras — and no burger patty — just the pure, honest flavor of food made like it used to be.
With the Nennella MOP, you can taste the flavors that Nennella has served every day for years.
Here’s what’s inside:
● Roasted potatoes, seasoned in the style of traditional pasta e patate, with cherry tomatoes, diced pancetta, white wine, onion, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
● A thick slice of smoked provola cheese — the essential ingredient in Nennella’s pasta e patate.
● And finally, a rich, flavorful pancetta sautéed with cherry tomatoes, onion, white wine, olive oil, and basil — seasoned just like trippa al sugo (tripe in tomato sauce) with Pecorino cheese.
All of these incredible ingredients are wrapped together in a classic Neapolitan rosetta bun.
Where to find It
So, if you want to eat the best pasta e patate in Naples, you can go to Nennella — or you can grab a Nennella MOP at PUOK.
Find it at either of our two locations:
● Via Cilea (Vomero)
● Piazzetta Nilo (Spaccanapoli)
Or order it straight to your door via Glovo, wherever you are.
With every bite, you’ll taste the full flavor of Neapolitan tradition — and of Nennella’s legendary pasta and potatoes.
News
CONDIVIDI SU
