Tomatoes from elsewhere cannot compare to those grown in the lava-rich soil under that sun, with Mediterranean breezes recycling the rainfall. Simply scrumptious. I buy tomatoes canned in Italy whenever possible. And the lemons — big as grapefruits! My eyes bugged out when I first saw them. The artichokes, the sunflower seeds, the fungi, the beans, the rice and the risottos, the clams as small as your fingernail... sigh.
The tomatoes there are one of a kind. My Nonno had lemon trees in his yard and plenty of artichokes on his farm. We had plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables and nuts.
Clams.....we were told in no uncertain terms not to touch any local shellfish, especially mussels, due to the danger of hepatitis. Local produce had to be dipped in water with a little Clorox added. So I never got to try spaghetti alle vongole.
Until Dad got quarters we stayed at the Albergo della Terme Agnano, not far from Solfatara. The dishes on the menu under “Il Chef Raccomanda” always included pasta pomodoro & bistecca alla griglia, always reliably good.