A Naples Tradition: Exploring Pescheria Azzurra and the Art of the ‘Cuoppo’

Naples, Italy, is a city renowned for its vibrant street food scene and historic markets. At the heart of this culinary landscape lies the Pescheria Azzurra, a fishmonger established in 1946, and a testament to Neapolitan tradition. Located along Via Portamedina, near the bustling Via Pignasecca market, Pescheria Azzurra has evolved from a traditional fish market to a beloved destination for its innovative “cuoppo” – a paper cone filled with fried seafood.

A Family Legacy in the Fish Market

The story of Pescheria Azzurra is deeply rooted in the Gagliotta family’s history within Naples’ historic fish market. Domenico Gagliotta, the current owner, reflects on his childhood spent amidst the lively atmosphere of the market and the sacrifices of his parents [2]. His children have continued to innovate, bringing recent ideas to the family business.

From Fishmonger to ‘Cuoppo’ Innovators

For decades, Pescheria Azzurra operated as a traditional fishmonger, displaying a wide array of fresh seafood, including octopus, calamari, tuna, swordfish, oysters, and mussels [4]. Approximately ten years ago, the Gagliotta family introduced a side stall offering their daily catch prepared in “cuoppi” – paper cones of deep-fried fish, known as fritto misto. This simple yet delicious offering quickly gained popularity, attracting both locals and tourists alike.

The Viral ‘Cuoppo’ and Expanded Menu

The “cuoppo” at Pescheria Azzurra has since gone viral among food enthusiasts, drawing long queues of customers eager to sample generous portions. The menu has expanded beyond the original fried seafood, now including dishes like spaghetti with clams, baccalà (codfish) in tomato sauce, and even grilled lobster [4].

Pescheria Azzurra Today

Pescheria Azzurra remains a popular destination in Naples, receiving positive reviews online, with over 1,800 unbiased reviews on Tripadvisor [1]. The business maintains an active presence on Facebook [3], keeping customers informed about updates and offerings.