This adorable little place is just two or three doors down from our lodging. It has a modest outdoor space and an indoor seating area that many of the Italian restaurants back home in Rhode Island (a state known for its many - and excellent - southern Italian spots) emulate.
The menu is all in Italian, with a QR code on the back for an English translation. They were the only restaurant I found in Naples that offered a few vegetable second courses or sides (not just vegetables in a pasta or an insalata mista of just lettuce), and meatballs as an appetizer. Second courses include pasta, beefsteak, and chicken dishes; there is an extensive pizza menu, beer, and wine at many price points - all affordable.
Our server spoke no English, but was still helpful and patient with us as we fumbled to order (we were pretty wiped out from catching a very early flight). Food came promptly - and was unexpectedly wonderful. I had delicious broccoli rabe prepared simply (sautéed in olive oil and we'll salted, and probably the best meatballs I have ever tasted. My husband had a marina pizza that puts that famous RI grilled pizza to shame! The crust was beautifully charred, the sauce was flavorful and delicate (and different from what came under my meatballs. The fresh herbs and basil leaves and few halves of fresh garlic were all this pizza needed. This was the best pizza we ate during our stay in the city that invented pizza! Service was good, but very European in that we had to ask for our check as waiters here don't hurry customer out even when, as happened here, there are lines of customers waiting for tables.
We came back for a second dinner a few days later! read more