At the top of several steep steps, a single lantern marks the vine-covered entrance to this tiny restaurant. Knock at the door, and you’ll be welcomed with open arms by Marcellino Amato, a former insurance broker who in retirement made it his aim to establish one of the city’s best Italian restaurants. Alongside young chef Marco di Martino, he has succeeded at Taverna dell’Arte.

Taverna dell’Arte has always been an institution for intellectuals, artists and academics from the nearby universities. However, in 2014, when owner Alfonso Gallotti died, the restaurant fell apart. Fortunately, former patron Marcellino Amato packed in his job as an insurance broker last year to restore the place to its former glory.

La Taverna dell’Arte is an upscale restaurant located on a small street near the University of Naples Federico II. This welcoming trattoria is only open during dinner time and boasts an exciting menu that features fresh and modern interpretations of Neapolitan staples, such as frittura and salami for appetizers, fish and meat grilled over wood for mains and quaresimali and babas for desserts. They also put a lot of emphasis on sourcing the best raw materials and ingredients. No matter what you order at La Taverna dell’Arte, you will surely have a pleasant dining experience.

Tucked inside a palazzo just a few blocks from Spaccanapoli, La Taverna dell’Arte is one of those places that doesn’t announce itself but wins you over quietly. The grilled octopus with chickpea purée was cooked just right, tender with a hint of char, while the tagliatelle with wild boar ragù felt deeply autumnal, even in the spring. Their focus on Slow Food, local ingredients comes through without the need for explanation.

Three welcoming home-style restaurants around the city are Osteria Napulion (Via Giovanni Nicotera, 42), Taverna dell’Arte (Rampe S. Giovanni Maggiore, 1), and Osteria Mattozzi (Piazzetta Scacchi Arcangelo, 9/19). They all have simple and traditional menus that include the dishes in the list above, done well.

Marcellino Amato, who is a former insurance broker, had a dream of opening one of the best Italian restaurants in Naples, and he did it. Taverna dell’Arte is an Italian bistro that serves delicious food with even better company.

Rampe S. Giovanni Maggiore, 1, 80134 Napoli NA, ItalyPhone: +39 081 552 7558 Visit Website. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Ristorante storico di Napoli (@taverna_dellarte)