One of Indianapolis’ most recently opened pizzerias is the artisanal-style pizza joint Napolese, which is owned and operated by the same, brilliant minds that brought you Café Patachou.
Having heard great reviews and word-of-mouth, it seemed like the obvious first stop on my long and delicious pizzeria journey throughout the Circle City.
The restaurant, located on 49th and Pennsylvania street, is a nicer, Americanized version of the classic Roman Trattoria, with an atmosphere that is fun, lively and bustling with conversation. Decorated with only a few, dark hues and complete with a brick-oven as the centerpiece of the eatery, Napolese is a comfortable spot that is not the least bit pretentious.
Water served in chilled, glass bottles by a very friendly and knowledgeable waitstaff adds to the comfort.
The menu, not too big and not too small, includes classic Italian and Neapolitan favorites like bruschetta, arugula-laden salads, three different Neapolitan sandwiches, hand-formed artisanal pizzas, entrees with quail eggs, a nice variety of Italian cheeses and desserts like gelato topped with espresso. By combining only a few, fresh and seasonal ingredients for each item, Napolese greatly succeeds in creating wonderful cuisine that is not too complex or over done.
Upon fully exploring the menu, we started with a glass of the Capestrano, Montepulciano red wine and the Ricotta, Pancetta, Sea Salt and Cracked Pepper “Spread”, and both were very nice. Although the spread was very tasty with the accompanying baked bread, we ran out of the latter very soon, however, our waitress advised us to save it for the crust of our pizza. Needless, to say, it was a great suggestion.
Next up was the much-hyped pizza. We ordered the PFG (pancetta, roasted fingerling potatoes and gorgonzola) and the Casanova’s Delight (prosciutto and taleggio). While both were very good, my personal favorite was the PFG, as that taste and combination of ingredients is hard to find locally.
To end the meal, I ordered the pistachio gelato topped with espresso, and I must say, it was one of my favorite parts of the meal.
Overall, I thought my experience at Napolese was fantastic. The food was delicious, the pizza was different and everyone there seemed to be full of energy and enjoying themselves.
My advice: grab a starter, split a salad and a pizza, and most definitely do not forget the gelato.
With moderate prices and a nice wine menu, Napolese is one pizzeria that shouldn’t be overlooked.
For more info: Napolese, an Artisanal Pizzeria by Patachou
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114 East 49th Street, Indianapolis Phone: 317.925.0765
- Napolese is located on the corner, just East of the intersection of 49th and Pennsylvania (next door to Café Patachou) one block east of Meridian Street. Hours: Monday-Thursday 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm; Friday and Saturday 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm; Sunday 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm.
Comments
The product was disappointing and was inauthentic based on what I've had in Naples and Neapolitan-style restaurants in New York. The dough was too bready and bland (seemed to lack an extended fermentation) and was blond-colored and lacking wood-fired char on the upskirt (a term created by foodies and pizza connoisseurs). The toppings were just okay. I did not find it to be a good value for price.
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