It’s time to visit the newly refurbished Naples Ristorante in Disneyland Resort’s Downtown Disney. This popular table service restaurant is run by Patina Group, the same folks who run Via Napoli in Walt Disney World. And you know how we feel about that!
Naples Ristorante is lookin’ sharp, y’all! The lovely new floors and bright interior is classic and simple — sort of.
When you look up, it’s there you see the statement piece of the dining room: absolutely stunning light fixtures.
Seriously, our Disneyland correspondent Heather (buongiorno, @DiningInDisney!) couldn’t get enough — and we agree. There’s something playful and fun about them which mirrors the tone of the restaurant itself.
Table settings are simple with clean lines and smart, comfortable seating.
Despite the obvious changes to the dining room, Naples Ristorante has stayed true to its roots with a menu that still contains crowd-pleasing Italian dishes and tasty drinks. The beverage menu includes mocktails, cocktails, wine (of course!), and more.
Diners find specialty drinks advertised on table-top menus. We like the sound of these!
The menu is divided into traditional Italian categories: Piccoli Piatti (small plates), Zuppa (soup), Insalate (salad), Paste (pasta), Secondi (Entrees), several Pizze.
The meal starts with bread and olive oil (with a drop of balsamic). This is a classic combo, and it’s done well here.
Pizza, of course, is considered the star here. And the menu, with its many pizza options (half the menu!), showcases plenty of variety. The Neapolitan Pizza — 10″ individual — is Naples’ delicious tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella cheese, and dough made with flour from Naples. It’s everything you want in a simple pie…and very reminiscent of Via Napoli in Epcot.
The Individual Pepperoni is likewise delicious. There’s actually a decent amount of small pepperonis on the pizza, meaning you do get a bit in every bite.
Secondi include several entree options, include Salmone — Pan-seared Salmon, Roasted Tomato, and Green Beans. The bright colors and flavorful salmon are a terrific, healthy option that have a little Italian flare.
The Gnocchetti are lovely pillows of Handmade Potato Dumpling with Fresh Tomatoes, Garlic, Basil, and Parmesan Cheese. So classic, so flavorful. If you love a gnocchi, you’ll love this.
If you’re looking for something with a cheesy sauce, order the Garganelli. Garganelli features quill shaped Pasta (so cool!), Chicken, Broccoli, Cream, Chili flakes, and Parmesan. This is a tasty combination that’ll satisfy those who don’t care for tomato sauce but also like a little spice.
Spaghetti is fantastic — with plenty of little meatballs that are packed with flavor. The lightly dressed pasta carries a lot of tomato flavor. You can’t go wrong with this one.
If you’re not into the meatballs, get the pasta Spaghetti anyway! It’s delicious on its own, too!
Looking for another classic that’ll keep you fueled for plenty of park fun? Naples’ Lasagna is massive, covered in cheese, and full of meat sauce and beschamel.
But here’s Heather’s tip: ask them to make you a dish with ‘pink sauce’, like this Penne con Pollo. Pink sauce is essentially a creamy tomato sauce — and it’s awesome. We’ve loved it ever since our first visit almost a decade ago. Still terrific.
Ooh, that’s us leaving on a high note. 😉 Naples Ristorante has freshened up the dining space and maintained the same great quality of food — and it’s worth a visit the next time you’re in Disneyland’s Downtown Disney!
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Heather Sievers is DisneyFoodBlog’s Dining in Disneyland columnist! Check out more of her adventures at @DininginDisney on Instagram!
What’s your go-to dish as Naples Ristorante or her east coast cousin Via Napoli? Let us know in the comments!
Michael Harbuck says
So you would do naples over wine country trattoria
DFB Sarah says
Michael, AJ says Naples, yes. 🙂
Michael Harbuck says
Thanks