A’ Luggetella trattoria — Restaurant in Naples

What a lovely little place just outside the city. Well worth the visit. I wasn’t feeling particularly hungry when I arrived, but the fun and charismatic waiter had me smiling and somehow convinced me to order a few more dishes than I expected. I’m glad I listened.

The fried cone came loaded with a generous and flavorful variety of golden bites, each one crisp on the outside and soft within. Everything was served piping hot and deeply satisfying. The eggplant parmigiana was rich, silky, and layered with just enough tomato and cheese to enhance rather than smother. The spaghetti with mussels was simple and classic, letting the freshness of the shellfish and a perfectly emulsified sauce do all the work.

The tiramisu was moist, balanced, and big enough to share (not that I did). To top it off, they brought over a complimentary digestivo with a little biscuit at the end of the meal. It was a small gesture that matched the warmth and generosity of the entire experience.

Everything felt homemade, heartfelt, and just right....

Praise the humble onion! And this fabulous little gem of a place, just below the Catacomb of San Gennaro in Naples. We dropped in for an unexpectedly late lunch after a long day walking the historic district, and found genuine, welcoming service, wonderfully quirky decor, and one of - if notmaybe the best - meals we had in among the truly great food city on Earth. I had only heard of Genovese, asked our server about it (well, one of - they do a great job of group working all the tables, which I hope comes someday to the U.S!), got a knowing raised eyebrow, and my GODS. There’s a heartiness to this dish that is underpinned by a sweetness from the onions in the sauce that just absolutely sings. The eggplant app was another beauty, much lighter than anything you’ll ever get in the U.S. and bursting with flavor. Hell, my wife’s spaghetti with traditional Neapolitan ragu was simple perfection, tasting like the tomatoes had been picked practically that day. So to say: GO....

Google gives this place 4.8 stars.

For once, it may be under-rating! I just spent two of the most remarkable hours of my life here.

The Genovese was so flavorful, I told the staff it tasted like it fell out of heaven. You could taste every single minute of its dozen-hours of simmering.

Fried meatballs stuffed with cheese and friarielli. Flavor bombs that put regular meatballs to shame.

House-made tiramisù that was to die for, and an orangecello that made all of the basilcellos and limoncellos I've ever made seem flavorless in comparison.

Lovely, clean dining room. Friendly, remarkable staff.

I cannot say enough good about this experience. While I eat alone frequently, I don't think I've ever enjoyed a meal quite as much.

Don't hesitate. You won't regret...