After a long wait, a new kosher dairy restaurant has opened in the Armon Hotel & Conference on Summer Street in Stamford, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. The cuisine at Napoletana is a mix of Italian and Israeli dishes ranging from pasta and pizza to three different types of shakshuka, crunchy falafel balls with hummus and pita.
Napoletana opened just a few weeks ago in the same spot the restaurant Soosh used to be. The owner, Doron Ginat (who is also one of the chefs), explained how he always wanted to open his own restaurant, and now his dream has become a reality with the help of his wife, Cynthia, and business partner, Nadav Hadad. Ginat moved from Israel to America with his wife and three children, and they have been living in Stamford for two years. When Ginat was around 16 he used to experiment with making different culinary dishes, and has over 20 years of experience in the kitchen.
Napoletana has both an upscale and casual vibe with a range of high-end and “simple, but good dishes.” The staff reported that the sabich pizza, featuring eggplant, tahini, hard-boiled eggs, harissa and coriander sauce, is one of the most popular items on the menu.
When I visited the restaurant, I saw pancakes on the menu, which I love, so I decided to try them. For $11, you can get three big pancakes—crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside—with a side of fruit, yogurt and different syrups. They were so delicious. Ginat also gave me a chocolate soufflé to try. I used to see these mini chocolate soufflés in Israel all the time, especially in the Jerusalem main bus station. I tried it once and it was good, but nothing I would buy twice, so my expectations were not high. However, this soufflé was warm, with luscious chocolate and batter. The best part? A warm chocolate ball in the center that melted in your mouth, but was fudgy when you ate it. This soufflé is honestly a chocolate lover’s dream.
Of all the foods on the menu, I asked Ginat what his favorite is to prepare, and he said the pastas and fish, which I found surprising as I would have guessed any of the Israeli foods.
Napoletana is closed on Shabbat and might have some special offers in the future, but right now it is too early to say. Looking ahead, Ginat and his partner would love to open another restaurant with a different menu, but are focused on this one first.
The restaurant is open Sunday-Thursday, 7 a.m.-8 p.m.; Fridays, 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Make sure to ask for their daily specials that are not on the regular menu. The day I was there they had wild mushroom risotto, tuna tartare and bruschetta.
Follow Napoletana on Instagram at napoletana_stamford, or call them at (203) 276-0688. If you wish to send an email with any questions please contact Cynthia Gordon at [email protected]
Julianne Katz is a Jewish Link staff writer who is preparing to begin her first year of college at the University of Connecticut.
