33-02 35th Avenue Astoria + 718-472-1146 145-16 14th Avenue Whitestone + 718-357-6747
Napoli Pizza & Pasta Offers Diners The Real Thing
N apoli Pizza & Pasta is as real as it gets, and for the past 10 years, those in the know have been coming to

enjoy the crispest, tastiest

pizza and simple pasta dishes for much less than a value meal at any fast food restaurant. At Napoli Pizza & Pasta, owner Antonio Petito makes his sauce every day from scratch, according to his family's recipe. The sauce adorns Neapolitan pizza and pasta that are lovingly made by hand in truly authentic style that brings the crowds in, either to stay and eat in a real family environment or to take a genuine taste of Italy home with them. This neighborhood family restaurant evoked nostalgic memories of my childhood home in Brooklyn, where something delicious was always cooking in the kitchen, and family gathered in the spacious basement for a delicious meal made with love.

Jenny, the amiable manager, described some of the more popular dishes while we sampled some of the best pizza in town. Appetizers include platters of crisp

calamari

rings that are tender and delicious, as well as house made fried zucchini sticks. Napoli's garlic bread, topped with a sprinkling of fresh parsley and served straight from the oven, is irresistible. The antipasto salad and house salad are full of fresh vegetables and offer plenty to share.

Napoli's fabulous pizzas are priced from just $1.50 per slice and $10 for a large pie and can be topped with ricotta, eggplant and mozzarella. The pizza verdura is loaded with peppers, onions, olives, mushrooms, carrots and zucchini. It's no wonder the Napoli deliveryman gets no rest as he brings fresh hot pizza all over the neighborhood.

A pair of police officers on their dinner break came to Napoli Pizza & Pasta to enjoy big, white bowls full of spaghetti Bolognese topped with a rich, meaty sauce made with fine ingredients and love ($5.75). My dinner companion enjoyed the same savory sauce over toothsome tortellini, a featured special of the night. My plate of spaghetti was topped with fresh broccoli sautéed in extra virgin olive oil and garlic

for a

healthful,

satisfying

meal.

A few sprinkles

of grated

cheese made this

dish extra tasty,

and it will only set you

back $5.50. Classic fettuccine

alfredo is creamy

and decadent, while the carbonara sauce gets extra flavor from smoky pancetta ($5.75). One of the house favorites is pasta alla Napoli, tossed with chunks of tender chicken breast, thinly sliced mushrooms, plum tomatoes, basil, wine, garlic and parsley, all for the incredible price of just $7. You can even choose your favorite pasta from linguini, spaghetti, bow ties, ziti, penne, tricolore, fusilli twists or rigatoni. Enjoy a glass of the house red or white wine to complement your meal.

The evening's special entrees included handfilled manicotti, ravioli, salmon fillet with mustard sauce and chicken scarpariello. A Friday night feast of linguine frutta di mare combines a mélange of fresh seafood with al dente pasta at a bargain price.

Chicken and veal dishes include classic chicken or veal parmigiana, done with a special flair, chicken Francese or Marsala style with sliced mushrooms and a splash of sweet Marsala wine ($6.95). Fresh shrimp scampi with garlic and butter sauce go well over angel hair pasta.

A delicious cup of espresso or cappuccino and a cool tartufo ice cream treat or homemade Italian cheesecake made with fluffy ricotta provide a truly satisfying end to one of Napoli's outstanding meals. Fresh, hot zeppole sprinkled with powdered sugar are sold by the dozen and keep the crowd coming back for more.

Napoli Pizza & Pasta recently opened a second location on Parsons Boulevard and 14th Avenue in Whitestone, so you never have to travel far to enjoy an authentic Neapolitan meal made from scratch. They also prepare their famous dishes in small or large catering trays to accommodate a hungry crowd of any size. Leave the cooking to Napoli and enjoy your party.

Napoli Pizza & Pasta is open seven days a week for lunch or dinner. The restaurant is popular at lunch time for fabulous pizza, calzones, rolls and juicy hamburgers. The dinner menu offers inexpensive, delicious food for the whole family. The food is home style, the atmosphere is casual and the service is friendly and efficient. Visit either of Napoli Pizza & Pasta's locations for a nostalgic taste of authentic Neapolitan cooking. Salute!