Best Italian Restaurants in Naples: Parmesan Pete's

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Best Italian Restaurants in Naples: Parmesan Pete's

Whether you need to cure mid-week blues or solve a pasta craving, Parmesan Pete's should be at the top your list. This beloved family-run establishment in Naples, Florida has a long history of restauranteurs, starting with Peter's great-grandmother, who opened an Italian eatery in Brooklyn. Peter Della Rocca carries on the family tradition with great success, executing Italian-American favorites in a warm atmosphere. 

Unlike the white tablecloth establishments, Parmesan Pete’s offers a cozy, homey dining experience with hearty Italian dishes. Their chicken parmesan is a signature dish and one of the best chicken parms in Naples, featuring thin, crispy chicken cutlets with a balanced red sauce made from imported tomatoes. Diners also love the eggplant parmesan and Pete's linguini, served with a generous portion of clams in a rich, garlicky sauce.

Between their inviting ambiance and un-fussy, satisfying dishes, it’s no surprise Parmesan Pete’s continues to be a local favorite and ranks among the best Italian restaurants in Naples. The local guide The Naples Florida Review recently ranked it second in their list of Top 5 Italian restaurants in Naples. If you're not convinced yet, check out their glowing review below.

Photo Credit: The Naples Florida Review

Parmesan Pete’s is the kind of place that makes you want to settle in, order a bottle of red, and stay for hours. While the food leans more towards the “Italian-American” category, the vibe is actually closer to hole-in-the-wall places in Tuscany than the glitz of downtown Naples. Plentiful plates are served atop long wooden tables with questionably-comfortable chairs. This is Tuscany-ish. You’ll find yourself packed into a long table (use the bathroom before) and shoulder to shoulder with other guests. If the atmosphere makes you feel like you are at a family dinner, it’s no mistake: Parmesan Pete’s is family-owned and operated, and you can feel the love in every dish. Read the complete review here. 

Originally published on The Naples Florida Review.