At last! An Italian restaurant that serves food like my mom did (and that's a big compliment) and has an old-fashioned, family-owned restaurant atmosphere! Lufkin's very own Napoli's did not disappoint us at all last Saturday night when we went for our first visit. We've been to the Nacadoches location and loved the food; but the drive kept us from returning very often. But if you like the food in that location, you won't be disappointed in Lufkin. We were so thrilled with the Mozzarella and Tomato Al Caprese! The flavors were so crispy and the cheese and tomatoes so fresh! Excellent appetizer choice. I had the cheese ravioli dish that was simply mouth watering. The raviolis were plump with cheese and the red sauce was just like the one I grew up on - authentic Italian. My husband enjoyed the chicken cacciatore and I'm definitely going to get that next time around. The chicken was tender and the mix of grilled vegetables in the sauce added just the right Italian flavors to remind me of home.
I was a bit curious about how the restaurant owners would address the dining environment in the previous Manhattan Fine Dining establishment - and they did not disappoint me. It was as elegant and warm and friendly as ever before - a fine Italian restaurant just like back home. The warm wood, the wine racks on the walls, the tasteful pictures, and the white tablecloths made for a perfect night out on the town. But rest assured, if you want to bring the whole family, children to grandparents, this is the perfect place for a family night out as well. The staff is friendly and accommodating - in fact Eden, our waitress was so professional and looked after us so well that she made our evening a joy. The owner came out to greet us to see if we were enjoying ourselves. The music was soft and low and allowed for nice, pleasant conversation. So, yes, bring out the whole family or come out for a romantic evening. You will decide, as we did, that Lufkin's Napoli's is our favorite...
Read moreI’ve eaten here twice now. The second time was takeout and absolutely delicious.
The first time was dine-in. I was an absolute wreck when I arrived because my spouse had just gotten out of the hospital. I imagine the staff could tell something heavy was happening, but they gave us plenty of space to chat while providing excellent service.
We had a miscommunication on our part where we accidentally ordered a supreme that was supposed to just be pepperoni. The staff took care of it, even though objectively it was our mistake.
I recently called to gush about the experience, and he took my feedback incredibly seriously. I have zero doubts that if anyone ever encounters a problem here, it will be dealt with to satisfaction.
The location is also really cool. You go downstairs into this gorgeous dining room. The atmosphere is almost out of time. Definitely worth checking out for the vibe alone, not to mention the absolutely delicious food.
The mozzarella sticks are not sticks. Sticks are small. These are mozzarella barrels. So good.
The pizza… my family is obsessed with pizza. One of our guests the night we went is a pizza master. Worked in countless pizza restaurants, absolutely a master of the craft. This got his golden seal of approval. It’s...
Read moreMy husband and I visited Napoli’s in Lufkin, TX last night, and I can honestly say it was the best Italian food I’ve ever had. Every bite was bursting with authentic flavor—nothing generic or “Americanized,” just truly unique dishes that stood out from anything I’ve ever tasted before.
The owner himself stopped by our table, sharing his story of coming to the States and starting this restaurant. He was warm, genuine, and clearly passionate—not just about the food, but about making sure every guest feels welcomed. That personal touch meant so much.
Our server was outstanding—attentive without hovering, polite, respectful, and spot-on with menu recommendations. It really elevated the whole experience.
The setting is equally special. Tucked into the basement of a downtown building, the atmosphere feels cozy yet luxurious, almost like a 1920s speakeasy with a touch of elegance. The ambiance, the service, and the food all came together perfectly.
We live about three hours away, so sadly we can’t be weekly regulars—but we’ll absolutely be back whenever we’re in town. I truly hope Lufkin embraces Napoli’s, because this place deserves to be a local treasure, and anyone traveling definitely needs to make this a...
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