If you love tiramisu, you need to visit Napoli restaurant and bakery, which has the best in town. Its rich, chocolatey cake drenched in sweet rum syrup, smothered with a creamy, whipped frosting and topped with chocolate shavings is truly out of this world. Beyond its decadent dessert menu, the Southern Italian eatery, located a few blocks from the University at 686 E. 13 Ave., at Hilyard Street, hosts a relaxed yet elegant café-like ambiance. And, unlike more heavily frequented Italian dining venues, Napoli maintains a quieter, off-the-beaten-path charm.
Enjoy the classical background music with your food between 11 a.m. and 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Seat yourself inside the restaurant, where red- and white-tiled floors and apricot-colored walls with stenciled grapes provide a cozy, idyllic space. Or consider dining outside under oversized shade umbrellas on the restaurant’s lovely patio.
While you decide what to order for lunch or dinner – the generously proportioned entrées include traditional Italian favorites such as manicotti and low-carb options like spinach and ricotta al forno – sip on an Italian soda, luscious strawberry lemonade, or a glass of wine. Full entrées come with fresh, warm bread in several varieties, including focaccia, and a cup of soup or tossed green salad with gorgonzola or vinaigrette dressing. Napoli’s menu also features calzones and pizzas. Make sure to save room, though: After the main dish, ordering dessert is a must.
University junior Lindsay McInerny frequents Napoli because of its reasonable lunch prices. She has lost track of how many times she has eaten in the restaurant since she moved to Eugene.
“It’s easy to do because they feed you well and it’s not expensive,” McInerny said. “It’s smaller and they have a cute atmosphere.”
I ordered the baked ziti and chicken during my last visit to Napoli. Tender and seasoned to perfection, the chicken blended perfectly with the vegetables, pasta and ricotta cream sauce with fresh sage. My dining companion enjoyed the lasagna di giorno, devouring every last bite of the large dish with rich marinara sauce. After sharing an order of the divine tiramisu, we considered ordering a second dessert, eyeing the restaurant’s other mouthwatering choices displayed near the entrance. Napoli also serves panna cotta, Italian custard; cannoli, sweet ricotta cheese mixed with orange and chocolate chunks in a crispy shell; and specialty tarts.
Stop by Napoli during the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials for casual but delicious Italian dining perfect for all ages. Meals average $15, appetizers under $10 and desserts under $5.