Thursday night we spent the evening in one of our favorite places in Chiaia, Antica Latteria 1950. A small trattoria tucked along one of Chiaia’s narrow cobble stoned alleys, we have been frequenting Antica Latteria since we first moved down here from Posillipo. We probably eat dinner here at least once a week and it is my go to place to take friends and visitors.
Bustling and cheerful with a cozy and relaxed atmosphere it is like eating dinner in the family kitchen. The food is excellent, the service superb and the owners and staff are always friendly and accommodating.
But last night Antica Latteria outdid themselves. Owners Francesco Palermo and Michele Silvestri teamed up with Dario Pennino from Campania’s Mastroberardino Winery to host a wine tasting dinner that left us hungry for more.
By the time we finished our apéritif, Mastroberardino’s Lacrimarosa Campania IGT, Antica Latteria was in full swing and there wasn’t an empty seat in the house.
A lively crowd, we shared a table with Dario and his fidanzata Brandy a California girl and sommelier and gastronomy journalist Giuseppe De Girolamo. As we savored the food and wine, Dario made his way around to each table to share with them the finer points of the Mastroberardino Wines.
Over the next three hours we sampled four fabulous courses prepared by Antica Latteria’s Chef Francesco and served by the always lovely Valentina while we sipped some of Mastroberardino’s finest wines (okay, maybe more than sipped). As three huge antipasti plates made their way out of the kitchen our glasses were filled with Mastroberardino’s NovaSerra Greco di Tufo DOCG.
It proved to be the perfect accompaniment to Antica Latteria’s antipasti that started with a plate of Bocconcini di Mozzarella e Fior di Latte, bite size mozzarella balls on a bed of arugula that were gobbled up before I even got to snap a pic …
And followed by a platter of Insalata di Mare, Alici Fritte and Frittella di Baccala…
And a beautiful plate of Parmigiana Melanzane, Involtino di Zucchine, Provola ai Ferri, Involtino Melanzane, Frittella di Alghe, and my personal favorite, Filetto di Maiale ai Ferri con Bacon, a piece of pork wrapped in bacon that was so tender it melted in my mouth…
And of course, the antipasti wouldn’t be complete without a huge plate of their fried specialties including Arancini di Riso, Orocche di Patate, Mozzarella in Carrozza and Polpettini di Carne.
For the main courses we were treated to a beautiful Risotto alla Pescatora, the perfect blend of shrimp, squid, octopus, and mussels…
And a Pasta al Ragù made with boar’s meat and Pomodorini del piennolo del Vesuvio that was to die for. A fantastic dish, it was accompanied by one of my very favorite wines, Mastroberardino’s Radici Taurasi DOCG 2006.
For dessert we had strawberries two ways – an apple cream topped with strawberries and a cheesecake with strawberries and nuts topped with a cream of goat’s cheese. This was served with Mastroberardino’s Melizie Irpinia Fiano Passito DOC.
The meal ended as all meals like this should, with a nice digestif. This evening’s offering was Mastroberardino’s NovaSerra Grappa di Greco di Tufo. While I’m usually a limoncello drinker myself, I was pleasantly surprised with how much I liked this very smooth Grappa.
Antica Latteria’s fabulous food and Mastroberardino’s fine wine selection – the perfect pairing!
Bonnie,
Thanks for sharing Antica Latteria which is now high on my list of places to eat when we visit Napoli in October.
Hi Gail – great to hear! October is a great time to visit Napoli – the weather is usually beautiful, warm but without the intense heat of the summer. Hope you enjoy your visit here and let us know if you need any info 🙂
Those antipasti are making me drool… Thanks for the chipped tooth (tried biting the laptop).
I love Mastroberardino, and I agree: their wines are a perfect match for the delightful local cuisine.
When I lived in Napoli 10 years ago Antica Latteria didn’t exist in its present incarnation. It was called Da Umbertino then, I think, and located… around the corner from my apartment!! Now I’m very curious to try it out!
Hi Eleonora – I didn’t realize you lived in Napoli – and in Chiaia no less. My apartment is just a few short Chiaia blocks from Antica Latteria so I eat there quite a bit. Had lunch there yesterday as a matter of fact! I will have to ask them about Da Umbertino which is interesting since Ristorante Umberto is right across the street.
Mastroberardino Taurasi has become my new favorite wine lately and I’ve found myself drinking it much more than I should LOL. What really surprised me though was the Grappa. I’m not a fan as I find it way too strong, but this was very smooth. Interestingly, I found it to be very much like Cretan Raki, which I do like.
Anyway – you will have to let me know next time you are in Napoli town 🙂
I do not live in Naples but visit every 2-3 years and look to have a restaurant list.
Would you say that at Vadinchenia (http://www.vadinchenia.it/) I would experience the same quality experience that I would have at Antica Latteria 1950?
Hi Roger, I haven’t tried Vadinchenia, so I’ll have to check it out and let you know.
I move home (from Posillipo to California) next week, but I’ll definitely be eating at Antica Latteria before I go. Thanks for the great information!
Hi Kelli – You will definitely enjoy it! I hope you enjoyed your time in Napoli and will come back very soon!
E che bbuon e’ chiest’ post! I am an ex-pat and have lived in Napoli for the past 11 years. I recently moved up to Venice. Another amazing Italian treasure but not Naples. I miss the food and drink as much as the sun, sea and islands! I travel back at least once a month for family, friends and of course, la fidanzata! I can’t wait to stop by Antica Latteria 1950 and indulge in some of the finer qualities of life! Ci vediamo! Ciao ciao…
Hi Jake – great to hear from you. I imagine Venice is amazing but there is just nothing like Bella Napoli 🙂 You should let us know next time you are in Napoli and we’ll take a caffe!