Gran Caffè Gambrinus: A Guide to Naples’ Iconic Café

Discover everything you need to know about the Gran Caffè Gambrinus, from its founding, art and culture, to the best time to visit and what to order.

When you are in Naples and you are looking for an espresso there are an almost limitless number of choices. The Neapolitan love for coffee is on display at my favorite bar in Naples, the Gran Caffè Gambrinus!

This historic coffeehouse was established near Piazza del Plebiscito, and it brings you back to an earlier time. The Cafè became renowned all over Europe because of their confections, ice cream and coffee. This led to the approval by the royal family to be the ‘Supplier of the Royal House’, an honor bestowed by the House of Savoy only to the best suppliers of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies.

Gran Caffè Gambrinus History

You might be asking yourself: “Hey, Gambrinus isn’t an Italian name, what gives?”. The origin of the name Gambrinus certainly is not Neapolitan but his spirit is certainly alive and well in the caffè. It isn’t known for sure how the legend of Gambrinus originated.

An early written account identifies Gambrinus as a mythical Germanic king about whom little is known. He is a European cultural legend who is celebrated as an icon of beer, brewing and joviality. He is typically depicted as a fat, bearded royal, holding a tankard or mug, and sometimes with a keg nearby. It doesn’t scream coffee but the legend does sound like a good time.

Gran Caffè Gambrinus And The Sergio Family

These excerpts were taken from their website and slightly edited:

“The café is run by the brothers Arturo and Antonio Sergio and they have turned Gran Caffè Gambrinus into a must-see when coming to Naples. Founded in 1860 and renovated later in 1890, Gran Caffè Gambrinus flourished until 1938 when it was closed because it was considered an antifascist hangout.”

However, in the early seventies Michele Sergio, together with his two sons Arturo and Antonio and his son-in-law Giuseppe Rosati, took over the running of the café with the dream of bringing it back to its past glory.

After years of hard work, long legal battles and sacrifices, the Sergio family has managed to bring Gambrinus to the glories of the past. Today, Gambrinus is enjoying a ‘second renaissance’. A popular stop for various Presidents of the Republic who visit Naples, including Mattarella, Gambrinus is bound to the Italian presidents like a sort of magic.

Gran Caffè Gambrinus And Caffè Sospeso

One of my favorite aspects of getting a coffee in Gran Caffè Gambrinus is the caffè sospeso, which means suspended coffee. A caffè sospeso is a cup of coffee paid for in advance by a patron and is an anonymous act of charity. Someone would come into a cafè and should they desire, pay the price of two coffees but receive and drink only one. As it works in Gambrinus, the receipt for the extra coffee is put into a large metal container near the door and a poor person could grab the receipt, or ask about it, and could be served a coffee for free.

This concept was not invented here at Gambrinus, but it is the only place where it is so proudly on display. While it’s true that some coffee shops might use this concept as a way of Virtue Signaling to try to increase business, I don’t get that feeling when I come here.

The writer Luciano De Crescenzo wrote:

“When someone is happy in Naples, he pays for two coffees: one for himself, and another for someone else. It’s like offering a coffee to the rest of the world “

This concept is so popular that coming out of the economic downturn in 2008, a new tradition was created with the birth of the Day of Suspended Coffee (la Giornata del caffè sospeso) on December 10th. It was established by the Network of Suspended Coffee (Rete del caffè sospeso) with the aim of making this Neapolitan tradition known and promoting it in all Italian bars. 

UNESCO Petition For Italian Food Culture

Cultural heritage is very important in Italy. As of last year, Italy has 58 UNESCO World Heritage sites listed, the most in the world. That’s why is isn’t surprising that Gran Caffè Gambrinus in Naples launched a petition requesting that:

The “Neapolitan coffee ritual” be included in the list of intangible assets protected by UNESCO as a world heritage site because it is a fundamental and characterizing element of Neapolitan and Italian life and culture.

Unfortunately, as of today I still only see 58 on their list. I guess it doesn’t quite meet the standard of Pompei or the Amalfi coast, but I wouldn’t bet against them.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gran Caffè Gambrinus

Here are some frequently asked questions about Gran Caffè Gambrinus that people have asked us:

• Who Founded Gran Caffè Gambrinus And When Was It Established? – This Neapolitan coffeehouse was founded in 1860 by Vincenzo Apuzzo.
• Why Is It Called “Gran Caffè Gambrinus”? What Is The Origin Of The Name “Gambrinus”? – Gambrinus is a mythical Germanic king about whom little is known. He is a European cultural legend who is celebrated as an icon of beer, brewing and joviality.
• What Makes Gran Caffè Gambrinus Historically And Culturally Significant In Naples? – The Café was approved by the royal family to be the ‘Supplier of the Royal House’, an honor bestowed by the House of Savoy.
• Who Runs Gran Caffè Gambrinus Today? – The café is run by the brothers Arturo and Antonio Sergio.
• What Are The Must-Try Items On The Menu At Gran Caffè Gambrinus? – The coffee should be the first thing on the list to try, but the pastries, cakes and other sweets shouldn’t be missed.
• Where Is Gran Caffè Gambrinus Located And What Are Its Opening Hours? – The historic coffeehouse was established next to Piazza del Plebiscito and it is open every morning at 7:00AM.

• Is It Expensive To Have Coffee Or Pastry At Gran Caffè Gambrinus Compared To Other Cafés In Naples? – Even though the café is popular with tourists and locals alike, the prices are reasonable and the service is fantastic.
• What Famous People Have Visited Gran Caffè Gambrinus? – Customers have included: Oscar Wilde, Ernest Hemmingway, Jean-Paul Sartre and famous Italian writers, singers and poets.
• Does Gran Caffè Gambrinus Have Any Special Traditions? – Gran Caffè Gambrinus supports the caffè sospeso, which is when a cup of coffee is paid for in advance by a patron and is an anonymous act of charity.
• What Is The Best Time Of Day Or Season To Visit Gran Caffè Gambrinus To Avoid Crowds Or Long Lines? – Early in the morning is the best time to visit to avoid tourists, as well as the perfect time for an espresso and a pastry.

Gran Caffè Gambrinus Is A Unique Experience