Caffe Napoli; The Feel of Italy and the Food is even Better
Written: Nov 17 '04 (Updated Nov 23 '04)
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Pros: Excellent food!
Cons: none
The Bottom Line: We try to get to other restaurants in Little Italy, but are always drawn back to Caffe Nappoli.
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| popsrocks's Full Review: Cafe Napoli |
My wife and I like to visit Little Italy when time allows. The atmosphere is always festive and the food is divine. Though we like to try different restaurants we have not been able to do so the last four or five times because we cannot perceive the thought of not eating at Caffe Napoli.
Come On In And Give It A Try
Little Italy is now a three or so block area between Canal and Houston Streets running along Mullberry Street. A couple of streets have some restaurants too. One such Street is Hester St. (#191), where Caffe Napoli is located. The fact is over the years the place has extended its business right onto Mulberry Street. They have been in business over thirty years, so they must be doing something right.
The place is actually divided into two sections. The Cantina and the "Caffe" as they spell it. We always go to the smaller cafe side on Mulberry. The other entrance is on the corner of Hester and Mulberry. It seems that the cantina part of the restaurant received its name because years ago the owners brother would be sing and play music. This is where the name Canta "Cantina" came from. Though live music is not played there regularly any longer you may be treated by an occasional street musician who plays the tables looking for a tip.
Outside on Mulberry Street you will probably be met with one of the Italian fellows dressed in a suit beckoning you to their eatery. They have a menu posted outside and the guys are eager to seat you. Don't pass by. This place is excellent! One fellow has been there a number of years. He's a good lookin' Italian that I know charms the gals. My wife always manages to have a conversation with him every time we go there. I believe this blond haired Italian also has a little touch of Swiss blood in him too.
Sitting Inside or Out
As stated we always sit in the cafe part of the restaurant. This paragraph explains what it is like.
The wonderful part about warm weather is that you can sit outside at a table on the sidewalk and people watch as you eat and have relaxing conversation. I have never felt rushed after eating. In the more clement weather the front of the restaurant is all open, no doors or windows. You can still sit inside and have an unobstructed view of the outside.
The feel inside was much like we felt when we were in Italy. The walls are all brick and Italian accents abound. Pictures and memorabilia from Naples and environs embellish the walls. The tables and chairs are small but adequate. A small vase with a few real looking artificial roses grace the tables. We did have to check them out up close to know.
Service
The service is quick and attentive. Water glasses are constantly filled. We do not have bottled water when in NY. The quality of the water in this city is very good.
In this restaurant you are sure to have an Italian take your orders and let you know of the specials of the day. Some restaurants in Little Italy have other ethnic groups taking the orders. I have nothing against others, it's just that I am in Little Italy to get THAT particular ethnic flavour. Those who bus and serve may not be Italian in Caffe Napoli. They were however very friendly, and quick to clear and serve. Our waitstaff was brought over extra bread and olive oil immediately after being asked.
The Menu
Caffe Napoli specializes in Southern Italian cuisine, though they do have some cream sauce entries that are out of this world. My wife goes for these. Besides traditional dishes they also have many fish specials.
My favorite at caffe Napoli is the Calamari. They cook it just right. That's what else is good about this place. Special orders. We happened to take my mom and her friend here a few weeks ago for my moms 75th birthday. She like her sauce Fra Diavolo but really spicy. Her friend likes the same but not as spicy. Both orders came in perfectly and it wasn't just extra crushed red pepper added afterward. It tasted like it was cooked into the sauce. Now my mom's friend is also very particular as to how the pasta is cooked. He asked for el dente and it too came perfectly prepared.
The restaurant uses large pieces of garlic in their sauces. It seems that they must be cooked in someway before being placed into the sauce. The pieces are sweet and never overpowering.
There is nothing special about the presentations. The healthy servings are on plain dishes and served hot right out of the kitchen.
What is very special is the prepared olive oil used for dipping the Tuscan bread. It comes in a sauce server and has many spices already in it. It has a thick consistency which I believe may be held together with some kind of cheese. This stuff is heavenly!
Everything is ala cart with most entrees well under $20. We order the salads, house or Caesar with the diner. We also add a touch of the olive oil served with the bread. It is wonderful with the salad.
Closing Thoughts
After the fine lunch or dinner is complete I would usually talk to you about desert but a can't because we never have had it there. We like to walk around after eating and find something in another of Little Italy's forty plus restaurants or a vendor selling Gelato on the street.
I do know I always see them advertising their specialty, a "tira misu cannoli". Some day I'll have to break tradition and try one.
The great part about this restaurant and many in Little Italy is that they open early, this one posts 9:AM, and close 3:AM. I have never been there that late but it's good to know that you can have some extraordinary cooking at most any time of day at Caffe Napoli.
Little Italy
NYC eats
Tavern on the Green and The Boathouse Cafe Romantic restaurants in Central Park / Stardust Diner Eats and entertainment before a show. Aspiring actors are here / The Manhattan Chili Company good quick eats before a show. / ESPN Zone A sports bar, arcade, and MORE! / TGI Friday's Times Square and Downtown locations. / Pig'n'Whistle, a great Times Square Pub / Ollies, Broadway / Osteria Stella Fine Northern Italian in Times Square / Sylvia's, a southern soul restaurant in Harlem / Fraunce's Tavern Lower Manhattan. GW ate here. / Katz's Deli A NYC landmark
Recommended:
Yes
Kid Friendliness: Yes
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
Notes, Tips or Menu Recommendations Ask for a bit extra of the olive oil bread dip to put on your salad.
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