Naples Ristorante E Bar review

“Pizza at Naples” by HarshLight licensed under CC BY 2.0

If you are looking for a chic Italian meal near Disneyland, Naples Ristorante E Bar is a great option. With classic menu selections for soup, salad, small plates, pastas and pizzas, there is something for everybody in your party. Plus, 21+ Guests will enjoy the array of wines, craft beers and signature cocktails.

This eatery is located in Downtown Disney District. It’s just past World of Disney and across from Starbucks, Sunglass Icon and Curl Surf. You’ll look for the sleek and modern garden patio with the glass bar to find the entrance. You may also smell a hint of tomato and basil to indicate you’ve reached your destination!

A Taste of Italy in a Classy Setting

Chic decor and modern architecture render Naples Ristorante E Bar a great place for those seeking a classy atmosphere without needing to dress to the nines. The eatery has both indoor and outdoor seating with a balcony area on the second level open seasonally. Plus, there is a grand outdoor bar in the patio seating area with plentiful availability.

Starting from the exterior, there are planters with fresh-smelling bushes and flowers. They give the patio a refreshing, bright look and a sensation of being in a garden while you dine. Plus, the hedges help to cut down on the noise of a bustling Downtown Disney.

The tables on the patio are fairly standard, complete with umbrellas to shade Guests from the intense California sun. At night, there are lots of lanterns and lights to brighten the region as if mimicking twilight. From personal experience, the setting is comfortable and casual amidst the elegance of the glass-pane architecture.

Naples’ interior looks like a converted ballroom with a stylized checkered floor and soft lighting from fan-like chandeliers above. There are two stories, and the second floor has more of a twinkle-light sensation than the softly lit downstairs.

The walls of the indoor bar are wood-paneled in a deep cherry with windows showcasing the wide variety of alcohol available. The wine selection, in particular, is quite spectacular even just looking at it!

The outdoor bar, on the other hand, is a uniquely modern take on patio bars. Mixing glass, wood and light, the bar presents itself brightly in the night. Glass shelves are stacked with delightful beverages, particularly those for cocktails, in a colorful arrangement. The wood awning provides shade during the day and offers a sleek look, adding to the classy setting. Plus, the bar lights up in the evening to brighten the bar area and near-by patio, making it multi-functional (and easy to find). Seating is available at the bar, but be sure to check in with the host.

At Naples, you will feel that you are part of a fine dining experience no matter what you wear. Although it is in the heart of one of the world’s best outdoor malls, it feels like a large cafe. It’s definitely an experience worth having.

The Best of Modern Italian Cuisine

Brought to the Disney Parks by restaurateur Nick Valenti and the Patina Restaurant Group, Naples Ristorante features cuisine from south Italy. Master Chef Joachim Splichal is the genius behind the flavors showcased at this eatery.

Of note, the restaurant is open for lunch and dinner with seating from about 11 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The bar, however, is open until about 10 p.m. nightly. Guests can be seen dining this late, too, but the kitchen does close prior to the restaurant closing.

Menu Features

First and foremost, be prepared to learn a little Italian during your visit! From piccoli piatti (small plates) to paste (pastas) to secondi (main dishes) and contorni (sides), you’ll not only enjoy delicious flavors but be able to speak enough Italian to order.

There are slight differences between the lunch offerings and dinner menu. The biggest difference is the number of items available on the former menu is slightly fewer. Nonetheless, you can plan on getting the same great flavor overall between the two seatings, including a great selection of wood-fired pizzas.

Traditional Meal Options

Appetizers like Calamari Fritti and Bruschetta
Chopped antipasto salads for one or to share
Caesar salad options
Minestrone soup
Pasta from Spaghetti Marinara to Lasagna Bolognese
Panini sandwiches (including vegetarian options)

Unique Pizza Options

Pizzas are available in 10” (individual), 20” (shareable) and ½ Meter “Family” (for the table) sizes. They are made with homemade dough in a traditional Napoletana style.

Classic toppings for Neapolitan, Margherita and Pepperoni
Elevated toppings including shrimp, artichoke, sundried tomato, Porchetta ham, asparagus and Black Truffle oil or sauce
California-inspired topping like BBQ chicken
Modern Italian flavors like Prosciutto e Melone (prosciutto and cantaloupe with mozzarella, provolone and arugula)

Drinks

From non-alcoholic specialties to adult beverage selections, the bar at Naples has something for everyone at the table.

Fruit smoothies
Italian sodas (sparkling water with flavored syrup and cream)
Fruit juices
Coffees and Lattes (iced and hot)
Sangrias
Italian-inspired cocktails
Wines from Italy and California
Beers from around the world

Kids’ Options

Whether your little one likes pizza or pasta, there are plenty of options for kids to enjoy a delicious Italian meal. More unique options include roasted chicken breast with potatoes and vegetables or an Italian risotto featuring sweet peas.

The best part for everyone, including specific kid-size servings, however, is the dessert option!

To-Die-For Dessert Options

From traditional tiramisù to savory New York Cheesecake to assorted gelato, sorbet and custards, Naples offers a wide selection of sweets. Be sure to ask your server for seasonal offerings.

Put in Comparison

The biggest takeaway from the menu selection is that everything is delicious! Whether you are craving an Italian staple, your favorite pizza or an adventurous and daring new flavor, you will be satisfied with the bold flavors at Naples Ristorante E Bar.

In the Downtown Disney District, there really are no other Italian restaurants. With a brewery, taqueria, elevated burger joint and sweet shops, this establishment is unique in the area. Luckily, the food is a delight.

If you are headed into the parks, however, the closest comparisons for flavor are in the Grand Californian and Disney California Adventure. Keep in mind, however, that these options may have limited availability or be subject to closures.

For a comparable price, you may want to consider Wine Country Trattoria in DCA. Located along the waterfront where World of Color is shown, this patio-based eatery offers Tuscan flavors and some adult beverage offerings. Compared to Naples, the menu here is significantly smaller. However, the flavors are as delicious and prepared by Disney chefs. The biggest perk to eating at the Trattoria is that it is already in the park for those with tickets.

For some similar flavors and an elevated palate, Napa Rose in Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel may be a good comparison. Napa Rose and its lounge present a nice array of meal options that draw from Italian and French cuisines. They also offer more seasonal specials that align with available produce and herbs in California.

The Mediterranean tastes may be similar to those at Naples; however, for a steeper price point, you can guarantee specials like perfect wine pairings from a certified sommelier. This experience makes Napa Rose a more specialized experience than what you are likely to have with Naples. Again, though, the price point is a lot steeper ($25/person average versus $60/person average).

In the end, Naples Ristorante E Bar offers amazing flavors and meals for every party. If you want Italian while in Anaheim, this establishment comes highly recommended.

Adult Beverages Galore

“Bar” is literally a part of this dining establishment’s name. Plus, it has two bar areas within the confines of the restaurant. As such, the adult beverage selection is plentiful.

For wine drinkers, choose from sparkling, white or red collections. In each category, you can find French, Italian, Spanish and Californian options from the new millennium. Although most listings do not date past three years in age, the array is impressive. Be sure to ask your server (or the host if calling ahead) what specialties may be available during your visit.

For those who prefer beer, several drafts are available in glass and pitcher accommodations. The spread includes blonde, IPA and red drafts. There are also premium drafts available for a slightly higher price. If you prefer specific brand options, many are available as bottles. This array is a bit broader including classics like Stella Artois, Budweiser and Guinness.

Cocktails and other mixed drinks are also available. Of particular note are the sangria options. Sangria, a mix of wine, fruit and liquor, has become a staple in Italian restaurants as a signature drink, and Naples is no different. Their house blend uses merlot, brandy, triple sec and ginger ale and is available as a single glass for one or a pitcher for the table.

If you are looking to taste several beverages in one sitting, be sure to consider Naples’ flights. Whether you are interested in beer and wine tastings or hard liquor blends, the sets of three are available in several varieties.

For Guests who prefer non-alcoholic beverages, there are plenty of options, still! From mocktails to Italian Soda and soft drinks to tea and coffee, guests of every age and palate are able to indulge in delightful beverages. For the most current beverage selection, see the Naples menu.

Premier Location within Downtown Disney

As was said earlier, Naples is located kitty-corner to the World of Disney emporium store and across from the big Starbucks closest to the park entrance. Guests who are visiting the parks have the quickest access to the front door; however, it is still central for anyone looking to simply tour the Downtown District.

From the esplanade between Disneyland and California Adventure, you will head toward the trams to find Naples. From the actual Downtown entrance and parking lots, you will head toward the parks and walk most of the length of the mall to the restaurant. Either way, you are within about 10 minutes of the eatery from either end of Downtown Disney.

Parking for Downtown Guests is available and can be validated for a free spot! If you are interested in only visiting this dining establishment (and maybe walking around the shops for about an hour), you will head past the Mickey and Friends parking structure to Magic Way (a right from Disneyland Drive if heading south or a right from South Walnut Street if heading north). You’ll then turn onto Downtown Drive and follow signs to Downtown Disney District parking.

In these lots, you can have up to three hours of free same-day parking with validation from Naples. There is a rule about the validation being for a $20-minimum purchase, but that should not be a problem if you are enjoying a full meal at the restaurant. Plus, with three hours, you should be able to enjoy a complete lunch or dinner and still have some time to peruse the shops!

A pick-up/drop-off area is also available for those intending to use ride share programs. For more about Disneyland Parking, read the park’s information.

Reservations Highly Recommended

Because of the nature of its location and the type (and quality) of food served at Naples Ristorante, it is a very busy establishment. As such, reservations are highly recommended in order to avoid long waits.

Luckily, you can make reservations through DLR itself!

To book reservations, head to the Naples Disneyland webpage to select the date, time, and party size for your reservation. These elements can be located in the “Check Availability” (blue) box. If you are booking during your visit, using the Disneyland App is a quick alternative with the same process. Lastly, you are always welcome to call the Disneyland reservations hotline: 714-781-DINE (714-781-3463).

Reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance. Note that credit card information is typically required, and a deposit may be held if do not cancel 24 hours ahead of time. Don’t forget to read the fine print!

For Guests of a Disneyland Resort hotel, Preferred Reservation Access is also available. Check with your concierge or Disneyland travel representative for more details.

All reservations and bookings within the park and its restaurants are subject to availability.

An alternative option to booking your reservation to get just a taste of the great food at Naples (sans ambiance, unfortunately) is visiting Napolini Pizzeria. The quick-service cafe next to the big restaurant offers many of the same delectable pizzas Naples offers plus a few additional options. Salads and sandwiches are also available for customers looking to “grab ‘n’ go.” Classic desserts, including tiramisu and cheesecake, are also available.

Napolini diners have some indoor seating available as well as tables just outside the entrance. There is also seating along most of the planters throughout the mall.

Nonetheless, if you are able to indulge in a sit-down table service-style meal, visiting Naples Ristorante E Bar will be well worth your time!

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