NEAPOLI

What should one expect from a restaurant called NEAPOLI? One with such a name is in the north of Slovakia, right in the town centre of Žilina. Upon entering, there is an immediate sense of being transported right to Italy. The bustle, the chatter, the scent of pizza – everything comes together to create the right Italian note. The interior is not a strict imitation of classic Italian style but rather a contemporary, clean setting. Soft, muted lighting combined with a kitchen positioned right at the centre of the restaurant creates a seriously inviting layout. The menu consists predominantly of Neapolitan pizza in its many variations, which is the restaurant’s speciality. Puffy, crisp-edged bases and high-quality ingredients define the experience. The starter we sampled, caprese di burrata, was a bit disappointing. Priced at nearly 13 EUR, one expects either exceptional quality or a memorable twist. Yet this was simply a lightly creative take on the classic caprese dish. The Caesar salad showed more inventiveness, but again it lacked an element that would elevate it to the next level. A stronger emphasis on seasoning and bold flavours is something this modern Italian restaurant would benefit from focusing on, as it is a genuinely pleasant place with clear potential.