Ristorante Napoli- A Taste of Italy with Dutch Charm

Inside Ristorante Napoli- Haarlem

If there's one restaurant we keep coming back to, it Ristorante Napoli. We've dined here four times now, and each visit only confirms why it's one of our absolute favorites. From the exceptional food to the warm, attentive service, this place has perfected the art of Italian dining with a local twist.

Whether you're a local or a traveler, make a reservation, especially during tourism season--they fill up fast, and for a good reason.

The Experience:

What sets Ristorante Napoli apart isn't just the quality of the food (which is phenomenal), but the entire dining experience. This isn't your quick in-and-out dinner spot. Meals here are designed to be enjoyed, savored, and shared at a leisurely pace. Expect to be at your table around three hours, with comfortable pauses between courses to let the flavors settle and conversations flow.

It's a refreshing change from the fast-paced dining culture many of us know in the U.S. Plus tax and tip are included in your bill, so there's no mental math at the end of your meal. One thing to note: if you want tap water, you'll need to ask for it specifically--otherwise, they'll bring you bottled still or sparkling water.

What We Ordered:

On our latest visit, we tried some incredible dishes that truly showed off the kitchen's skill and flair:

Steamed Mussels (Antipasto)- perfectly steamed--a light and flavorful start to the meal. Served with bread to soak up every drop of the tomato based broth

Pasta alla Gerardo (Primo)- This was the highlight. The pasta was prepared tableside in a flambeed cheese wheel, creating a creamy, smoky, indulgent sauce. It is delicious and worth the order.

Creamy Limoncello (Dolce)- We both ordered the creamy limoncello, also prepared tableside. It was the right amount of smooth, citrusy, and a little boozy. It was the perfect ending to a rich Italian meal.

Price and Value:

They offer specialty menus where you can order >three courses for about 30 euro per person- a fantastic value considering the quality and portion sizes. I've also ordered a la carte on other visits, and whether you go prix fixe or pick and choose, you won't be disappointed.

Ristorante Napoli feels like a mini-vacation to southern Italy, right in the heart of the Netherlands. It's become our go to spot for a romantic dinner, or a night out just because we're craving something truly special. The ambiance, the care in the cooking, the pace--everything invites you to slow down and enjoy.

Tips for Visitors:

>Book in advance, especially in the summer or on weekends

>Plan for a relaxed, 3 hour meal

>Ask for tap water, if preferred over bottle

>Try something from the specialty menus for a full experience at a great value.

>Don't miss the cheese wheel pasta or other tableside prepared courses

Flambeed cheese wheel pasta