A Taste of Italy: Naples Ristorante e Pizzeria e Bar

Upon entering Naples Ristorante e Pizzeria e Bar, guests might imagine themselves in a sunny piazza in Naples — especially with the restaurant’s 19-foot double high cathedral ceilings and Tuscan Carrara marble flooring!

A sculpture on the wall created by Italian artist Nick Fasciano that models Italian hand gestures and three large ovens named after active Italian volcanoes can be found against the wall.  You’ll fill yourself with Gorgonzola and Parmesan cheese and an assortment of Italian meats, bread sticks. and Prosecco… and then everyone will start to look over the tempting menu!

With over 30 years of culinary experience in Italy and the US, Chef Riccardo Simeone has an approach to Italian cuisine that is more than just a style of cooking; it’s is a way of life.  He hopes to bring that vision and passion to the DC area with Naples Ristorante e Pizzeria e Bar.

Here’s how we suggest you map your Italian eats experience: Start with an excellent Italian Sangria to get in the mood.  It’ll pair perfectly with a fresh antipasta filled with prosciutto, artichokes, mushrooms, dates, and topped with red wine vinaigrette.  For your second course, don’t pass up an assortment of fried zucchini blossoms and calamari paired with spicy tomato sauce.  But don’t eat too much — you’ll want to taste Simeone’s half-half pizza comprised of Margherita and Bianca pizza… crafted to capture a unique flavor of sweet and savory with the additions of thin slices of melon.

And now you’re ready to tuck in!  May we suggest the spaghetti (with heavy and hearty noodles) topped with just the perfect amount of cheese?  Or maybe an elegantly seared swordfish with a side of eggplant? And save room for at least a generous bite of creamy gelato topped with amaretto cherries, cookies, and chocolate… or maybe those Ricotta Fritters with a delicious dessert wine.

Buon Appetito!