Hey all! As we reported, Monday was Via Napoli‘s first day open to walk-in guests, and — lucky us — we got some pics from some wonderful DFB readers! Check out these fantastic photos:
First, a few external shots. You can see that Via Napoli has a completely different “look and feel” from the rest of the Italy pavilion. It’s much more “movie-set” than what you see to the right and left.
How Via Napoli Fits In With The Rest of Italy
A Close Up Shot of the Exterior
Lots of Folks In and Out of Italy Today
Heading inside, you’re greeted by a large lobby and a massive check-in desk. You can see the whole restaurant through the windows of the lobby, and the decor and themeing are colorful as well as light and “airy.” It feels somewhat more like “farmhouse” Italy with a contemporary twist; the brightness of the restaurants, high ceilings, and accent colors remind me a lot of Naples in Disneyland, a sister restaurant to Via Napoli run by the same company — The Patina Group.
Check In Area
Lobby Chandelier
Lobby Tile
Lobby Tile Close Up
Servers
From here, you enter into the expanse of the restaurant proper. To your right, you’ll find a room covered in an “aged” fresco depicting nature scenes, trees, grasses, and blue sky. In the center of this part of the restaurant, you’ll find acqua fresca containers holding strawberry, lemon, and blood orange flavors. Outside some double doors is an outdoor seating area.
Acqua Fresca Area and Fresco
Fresco
Seating Area, Fresco, and Outdoor Seating Area Doors
To your left, you’ll find the three massive wood-fired ovens, Stromboli, Vesuvio, and Etna, named after three active volcanoes in Italy!
Chefs and Show Kitchen
Dining Rooms and Acqua Fresca Containers
Ovens
Ovens
Ovens and Show Kitchen
Right down the center of the restaurant you’ll find a looooooooooong light wood table flanked by chairs on either side. This table will be used for large parties or potentially solo diners who would like to mix and mingle with one another.
The Long Table
Throughout the restaurant you’ll find soaring archways, dramatic light fixtures, and clean architecture. The furniture woods are slightly mismatched, furthering the contemporary rustic feeling of the restaurant.
Ceiling Detail
Action Shot at Via Napoli
And, of course, we do have a couple of food shots for you! I hear that this pizza is almost as good as the one they tried in Naples, Italy! “The pizza was delicious: crust perfectly crispy, tomato sauce light & flavorful, cheese creamy & just a bit salty.” (from @PlazaAndMainStreet) This is the pizza margherita. You can see the full Via Napoli menu here.
Bread and Olive Oil
Pizza Margherita
Thumbs Up
Thanks to Deanna Simmons, Tricia Keegan, Gloria Blankenship, and @PlazaAndMainStreet for these incredible photos! I’m much obliged to you all!
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Thanks for the “first look” – I can’t wait to try our their menu on our next trip!!
Thanks for the preview! We go in October and will definitely be adding this eatery to our to-do list!
Here’s some more photos and a meal review from the folks at wdwmagic.com: http://www.wdwmagic.com/Dining/Via-Napoli/News/02Aug2010-Via-Napoli-opening-day-report-and-photos.htm
Can you imagine being that solo diner who is the first person to sit at that looooong table, waiting for other solos to come over and join you? That will take some courage.
WOW this place looks awesome!! I can’t believe we missed this “soft opening” by 1 day! Man that stinks! But will try to get reservations for Nov. Yeah!
Great Pictures by the way. Thanks for sharing.
This looks so great. I really cant believe how much like the concept art the outside of teh buidling looks, which is excellent. I also wasnt sure how it’d fit in with Italy, as that area back there seemed small (width wise), but it looks great… Cant wait to try at end of the month!
Holly — Yay! I can’t either. It’s days like this that I wish I lived in Orlando!
Allen — I think it’ll be a “must-do” for a while! If our experience at Naples in Disneyland is any indication, Via Napoli will be wonderful. Thanks for the WDWMagic link! Great photos!!
Gray — No kidding! I think I’d still grab a table of my own!
Dana — That’s so sad! I’m sorry you missed it! I’m going to be on the horn getting ressies as soon as they open on Friday!
Cody — Looking forward to your review at the end of the month (hint hint) 😉
I’m heading there with a huge group in October as well as in January…I’ll make sure to give you a full report 🙂
Great pictures! It looks cute and the pizza looks pretty good as well. I’ll have to fit this one in when I am there in November!
Will the online ADRs open before the WDW Dine phones? If everyone is calling I better get on the website.
Do you think it’ll be tough to get in with walkins before they allow ADRs? I’m debating whether to go on the first day of our trip (Sept 8, before ADRs are available) or later in the trip (a few days after they allow ADRs.)
Wow. This is great. Having spent quite a bit of time in Italy, I can say that Via Napoli looks WAY nicer than just about any pizzeria you’d find in Italy, but the Pizza Margherita looks spot on – EXACTLY like real Italian pizza. Can’t wait to try it!
I am a total pizza addict, and this is the first place on property that might really deliver the goods. Excellent pictures. I am so anxious to explore it myself that I almost ran out last night, in spite of the fact that it was pouring down rain.
These are some really great pictures. I happened to already see one of the ovens though. I like how they are shaped like heads and the nod towards the active volcanoes.
This looks like a very nice restaraunt, but the menu could use a bit of a spruce up in terms of food.
That idea of the long table is a great idea for individuals, but I think that I would stick with getting my own table. (preferably one near the long table though so I could view those sorts)
Heather, I would suggest making an ADR for a little while after they open as then you will be guaranteed a table. They open up on Friday, so jump on it! 😀
We were there in September, 2010. My husband born and raised in Napoli, Italy and being a “Pizza Man” in Jersey was impressed with the pizza and food here. The Zeppolis were just like my nonna’s. Great place for the family!