Table.

Pizzeria Pepe in Grani

€€€

Franco Pepe — the most awarded pizzaiolo on Earth — works out of an 18th-c. stone palazzo. Margherita Sbagliata is the dish; the tasting menu is the experience. Book a month ahead.

Sorbillo or Da Michele — Naples

€

The two legendary Naples pizzerias. Da Michele is the strict purist (margherita or marinara only). Sorbillo is modernized but still elite. Pick your queue.

Trattorias inside Sant'Agata

€€

Half a dozen small trattorie in the centro storico that feed the families above the cliff. The reliable ones rotate — ask at Mustilli, L'Ape Regina, or at the morning bar. Antica Trattoria del Borgo on Via Roma is the safe local pick.

Caiazzo trattorie — buffalo ricotta ravioli

€€

Caiazzo's small trattorie do ricotta ravioli with buffalo milk ricotta that's miles ahead of cow's. Try La Via Real; ask for the daily handmade pasta. Skip lunch to leave room.

L'Ape Regina agriturismo

€€

Where local families go for the long Sunday lunch. Long tables, antipasti that won't stop, handmade pasta, their own Aglianico. Three hours minimum. Yard for the kids.

Aglianico del Taburno cellars

€€

Several producers welcome tastings by appointment: Cantina del Taburno (cooperative, well-priced), Fontanavecchia (small, attentive), La Rivolta (organic). Half a day with lunch.

Falanghina at Guardia Sanframondi

€€

La Guardiense is the big cooperative (easy visit, well-priced); the small family producers around it are where the real wine is. Combine with the medieval centro storico.

Strega distillery — Benevento

€

The yellow Italian after-dinner. The Alberti family has been making Strega since 1860; tours of the historic distillery smell incredible and end with a tasting. Pair with a half-day in Benevento.

Caseificio Il Casolare — Alvignano

€

Half the drive of famous Vannulo, the same serious mozzarella. Before noon for the freshest product and the casari at the window. Pair with Paestum on the same day if going south.

The Matese cheese counters

€

Up in the Matese plateau, small shepherds sell aged sheep and goat cheese from roadside counters — strong, salty, peasant cooking. Pair with the Matese picnic day.

L'Ape Regina honey — on site

€

The Mustilli family's bees, the Mustilli family's honey, the Mustilli family's lunch. Buy a jar after Sunday lunch — acacia, chestnut, wildflower depending on the season.