"Let me start by saying every person has bad days. This extends to every restaurant as well. Although my experience was less than ideal, yours may not be the same.I have mixed feelings at best with my dining experience here.Based on the mostly stellar reviews I had high hopes which were quickly brought to earth.The place was totally empty of customers on a Wednesday at lunchtime in February, but even popular spots have off hours. I didn’t worry too much about it.The waitress greeted us at the door, not with much enthusiasm, but a greeting. Maybe I should have known when we asked to eat al fresco and she was like, “Sure, I guess I can follow you outside.” that there might be some issues.Later, when we expressed concerns over the quality of the food she didn’t seem to really care and never brought it to anyone’s attention, or if she did, they never came out to the table.On to the main course…I find that if a place has good sides and sandwiches, the rest of the food is usually good as well.So, I ordered the Fried Zucchini and the Arancini. My companion got the Cheesesteak with Fries. When it arrived at the table it all looked very appetizing. If only it had all tasted that way.The Arancini with Tomato Sauce was the highlight for me. I have zero complaints with that dish. The stuffed rice balls were done to perfection and the tomato dipping “sauce” was rich and nicely seasoned. I could see that being served by itself as Zuppa di Pomodoro with some of their freshly baked bread.However, the Zucchini Fries were so salty I couldn’t finish them and I am often told I oversalt my food. They looked freshly made in-house and tasted like it. The consistency and texture of the breading was a little thick but not to the point it overwhelmed the vegetable.That salt tho !Also, on the menu it says Fried Zucchini, but they are Zucchini FRIES. They are not the same thing. Are fried potatoes French Fries? Proper descriptions are important on a menu. Anyway…Speaking of fries, both the regular French Fries and the Zucchini version tasted like fish. Due to mixed frying or old oil, I don’t know, but my friend didn’t eat her fries because of the taste. This is a basic rookie kitchen mistake you expect from a greasy spoon, not from fine dining.Besides the fries, the Cheesesteak was a mixed bag. The meat and cheese and bread part were delicious. The au jus soaked into the bread created an amazing doughy and savory sensation.The greens were green but had seen better days. I personally would not have plated or served them. The tomatoes didn’t seem fresh either and had no flavor to speak of.The outside patio area was very nicely done. Fans mounted above for use on warmer days and lights strung up for the evenings. Hedges have been planted around the area and were full of birds singing. In a few more years, they will probably block most of the noise and view from Mayberry Loop and North 20th street. There is even a grape arbor with a Scuppernong vine and another Argentinian variety.One final issue came up when paying the bill. The waitress had added an extra 10 dollar drink to the ticket. Whether mistake or mischief, I don’t know, but totally unacceptable. Keep in mind, we are the ONLY customers here at the time. You can’t keep one ticket straight?So that’s it. I truly had high hopes here and got more of a dog’s breakfast instead.I might go back again someday and get just the Cheesesteak WITHOUT fries or veggies, but I can’t honestly recommend A Taste of Napoli to anyone else at this time.2.5 of 5 stars.Sadly Signing Off. Still in search of my new favorite foodie fantasy."
