Located right in front of Solana at one end of Lucky Street, newly opened Ristorante Di Napoli is ready to welcome you with the elegant, intimate atmosphere of its dining-room and the flavours and tradition of Southern Italian cuisine. Along with tasty pizzas, rich choices of pasta and risotto and all of the classic all-time favourites the menu offers little-known delicacies such as grape-based liqueur grappa, fried savouries crocche’ and zeppoline, or desserts pastiera and babà, among the most beloved products of the ancient tradition of Naples and its surroundings. Mozzarella and several other varieties of cheese, olive oils and vinegars, tomato sauce, and of course pasta are among the numerous ingredients that are imported all the way to Beijing directly from their places of origin in the countryside of Campania, to provide you with an authentic Italian experience of outstanding quality. Besides being used in the preparation of dishes served at Di Napoli, most of the products are also available on sale at the counter. The greatest pride of Di Napoli, though, is its wide selection of wines: stored in the private cellar at the restaurant are classic Italian reds and whites such as Chianti and Barolo, as well as little known treasures of Southern excellence like white Falanghina dei Campi Flegrei, delicious red Piedirosso and naturally sparkling Gragnano, made from grapes that grow on volcanic soil near the Vesuvius. Free sommelier service is provided to suggest you which of the almost 50 varieties of wine available is best suited to accompany your meal.

Casual Italian

Friendly, knowledgeable staff, generous and well presented portions, and a spacious yet intimate environment all make Di Napoli a refreshing, laid back Italian choice. With a menu similar to that of Annie’s or other Beijing Italian eateries, the familiar pizzas, pastas, salads and desserts are nothing new, but the portions and presentation exceed expectations.

The bruschetta miste (¥38) is bursting with flavor. The parmigiana di melenzane (¥35), tiers of eggplant, mozzarella and a tangy tomato sauce, melts in the mouth. The pizza gamberi (¥65) comes loaded with shrimp and cheese, and the grigliata mista de pesce (¥128), mixed grilled fish, is very simply seasoned to allow the fresh seafood flavors to stand out. The famous Italian tiramisu (¥38) and baba (¥38), a sponge cake drowned in copious amounts of rum, are decent dessert choices.

All dishes are served in the center of the table to promote sharing, a nice touch that the mostly Chinese clientele seem to appreciate. The wine selection should suit most palettes, and we were impressed by our waiter’s knowledge and attention to ensuring we selected a bottle that suited our menu choices and budget. The staff watch the tables from afar, meaning that diners feel at ease but can easily get a waiter’s attention.

A relaxed venue, Di Napoli doesn’t astound with its décor, but it’s extremely clean, with tables that are well laid and spaced far enough apart, and an abundance of fresh cut flowers, soft jazz music and candlelight.

Craig Lennox