Review: Via Napoli

Since our friends and family know (thanks to the countless Facebook posts, sorry everyone!) we go to Disney a lot, we get asked what our favorite place to eat is.  Without any doubt, my answer is always the same- Via Napoli! Honestly, it’s one of my top five restaurants ever (never mind Disney places).   That list includes Le Cirque, Le Bernadin, A16, Bern’s Steakhouse, Nobu, and now Via Napoli.  For those of you unfortunate souls, who have not had the immense pleasure of dining there, let me fill you in.  It is a sit-down, table-service restaurant in the Italy Pavilion at Epcot.  It is essentially a pizza place.  To just call it that doesn’t do it justice.  We’re not talking about the so-so neighborhood pizza place that you go to because they deliver and have BOGO Pizza Mondays (wait, maybe that’s just me again); no, Via Napoli has the kind of pizza that makes you realize what you’ve been eating along was an imposter.  The story goes, all of the ingredients for the pizza come directly from Italy (including water from Naples to make the pizza dough), and it really tastes totally different than any American pizza I’ve had.  The crust is crunchy but doughy, thin but not cracker-y, and caramelized from the pizza ovens but not burnt.   I’ve had their margarita pizza, which is phenomenal, but my favorite is the prosciutto.  It’s a traditional margarita pizza, topped with the most amazing prosciutto that is sliced so thin you can see through it.  My mouth is literally watering as I’m writing this (might be time for a lunch break!). 

Prosciutto pizza.  This is the small (4-slices).  Note- we don't take that many pictures here because we're usually too busy stuffing our faces

As good as their pizza is, the appetizers are almost as amazing.  Our favorite is the fritto misto platter which is a huge plate of fried vegetables (zucchini, asparagus, mushrooms, and artichoke hearts), fried fresh mozzarella (like the most insanely good mozzarella stick you’ve ever had), fried calamari, and arancini (fried risotto balls filled with cheese and sausage).  Not the most heart-healthy appetizer, but our twisted philosophy is that calories don’t count at the most magical place on Earth.  I’ve actually never had dessert here; which if you know me at all, is very surprising.  The appetizers and pizzas are so out of this world good, you can’t help but complete stuff yourself way past the point of being full, that there is no way to eat dessert afterwards (unless it’s ice cream an hour later after walking off the pizza, but that’s different…haha).  The drinks here are really great too.  The wine, beer, and cocktails are all unique but overpriced ($10 a glass for the same prosecco you can get at the wine store in the Italy Pavilion for only $6).  My favorite is the sangria (although be warned, it tastes so good, you’ll forget there’s any alcohol in it!).  They also have house-made Italian sodas.  I’ve never had one, but they look good.  Now with all this positive, there has to be a little downside right? Well, yes of course, it’s only naturally.  I would say there are two major flaws with Via Napoli- slow service (then again we’re used to “American” style of service where everything is expedited) and the difficulty getting a reservation.  When we plan out our Disney trips, we book Via Napoli almost before anything else.  Even months in advance, you’re lucky if you can get a 3:00 pm lunch reservation or an 8:45 pm dinner (which is fun with a 3-year old).  My tip is to see if you can get a good time for a reservation the day before you go (a lot of people cancel last minute and it opens up more times).  Also, don’t plan on just walking in and waiting, a lot of time they will turn you away because it is so busy.  We have plans to go there in a few weeks, and I cannot wait! I hope you check this place out and enjoy!