Napoli offers Eugene residents a comfortable venue for Italian cuisine. Easily accessible from the University bus station and campus, the quaint restaurant delivers a wide array of Italian dishes at flexible prices.
The restaurant provides a casual dining atmosphere, whether out with friends or with that special someone. Large, comfortable booths cater to group outings and tables for two accommodate a more intimate setting. In the evening, lights surround the restaurant’s attractive garden by its entrance and classical music plays at a comfortable volume level.
After my friends and I were hospitably greeted by the hostess, we began our Napoli experience with an order of Italian sodas. Though the sodas were not as sweet as expected, the beverages held us over until side dishes arrived.
Those of us who ordered entrees received soups, salads and bread. The salads were a simple mix of greens, cucumbers and croutons, and were smaller than expected. The soups differ from day to day, but the potato and white bean soups served that evening were wholesome and warming. The dinner servings of bread included slices of Italian bread and focaccia with butter.
The spaghetti marinara ($8.95) and penne Ai Quattro Formaggi with chicken ($12.90) arrived first. The chefs presented these dishes with a generous serving of oregano and parmesan atop each dish. The spaghetti had a firm texture and was accompanied by a rich, hearty marinara sauce. The penne was bland when eaten without the chicken. Our server brought out the manicotti ($11.95) next. Served right out of the oven in a baking dish, the manicotti was a delightful mixture of cheeses and pasta. Following the manicotti was our 20-inch Michelangelo’s Pizza ($25.95). The pizza carried a generous amount of sausage, meatballs, red onion, roasted garlic and red peppers. Each whopping slice was delicious to the last bite.
We had no room for dessert, so we went straight to the bill. Between five people, we owed about $80.00 without tip. Though it may seem steep between five friends after the tip, the flavors, portions and atmosphere were worth the time and money.
Though the number of available dishes may seem intimidating, the prices are fair. Customers with smaller budgets may want to look at the lunch specials, which start at $6.95, and are served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The choices include the spaghetti marinara, manicotti and penne dishes. These lunch specials include a choice of the house soup or salad and focaccia bread.
If pasta seems unappetizing, five different types of calzones are available, ranging from $7.25 to $7.95. These varieties include spinach and ricotta, and meatball and mushroom.
Napoli’s chefs, when manning the pizza oven, produce custom pies including the “Margheritta,” a pesto and cheese pizza, and the “Classic Combination,” a mix of pepperoni, bell peppers and olives, beginning at $6.75 for an 8-inch pizza. Patrons can customize their pizzas, starting at $9.95 for a 12-inch and $1 per additional topping. The Antipasti section of the menu has four appetizers for the indecisive, including fresh bruschetta and hot artichoke dip.
Customers with larger budgets may want to look into Napoli’s dinner entrees. Similar to its lunch specials, Napoli’s dinner entrees are served with either soup or salad, but come with a heartier serving of focaccia bread.
House specials are available after 4 p.m. and include pork and chicken served with a side of spaghetti starting at $13.95. Generous friends can purchase larger pizza sizes, such as the 20-inch house pizzas, at $24.95 each. A wide array of Italian coffees, espresso, beers, wines and sodas are available if the budget permits. If there is still room for more food, the tiramisu is a popular choice. Napoli’s version of the Italian dessert is “the best tiramisu on the planet,” according to the Eugene Weekly. Many “low carb” versions of appetizers and entrees are available on the menu.
Napoli serves delicious and filling meals. Whether you come for a quick lunch, a group celebration or a nice date, Napoli has the food and casual atmosphere to make a comfortable and affordable Italian dining experience.
Located at 686 E. 13th Ave., Napoli is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Saturday.