Frequent visitors share insider tips on finding the magic and majesty of Naples

DIRECT CONNECTION
American Airlines is offering the first-ever direct flights from Philadelphia to Naples between June 5 and Oct. 25 this year. Find flights at www.aa.com

Old-world character spills out of this colorful street scene.

Over our lifetime together we have visited Naples with our children, Luca’s parents, family and friends and we are delighted to share some of our favorite spots in Naples, Italy, with you.

From ancient ruins to memorable culinary delights, Naples offers variety of experiences that will capture your heart and ignite your imagination. Wander the winding cobblestone streets of Naples, taste the true flavors of Italy, and discover the magic of a city steeped in history and alive with passion.

Stay, rest and play along the waterfront of Naples. We’ve enjoyed these properties for our various visits over the years.

Philadelphia hotelier and restaurateur Luca Sena revisits his childhood home in Materdei, Naples.

HOTELS

Easy-to-make reservations direct or through Booking.Com. All hotels have English-speaking staff.

Grand Hotel Santa Lucia, Via Partenope, 46 Napoli, Italy 80121. Modern meets luxury. We stayed here with friends and our college-age daughters – lovely boutique vibe!

Hotel Excelsior, Via Partenope, 48 Napoli, Italy 80121. Old world, classic elegance. The location and Juliet balconies are everything here! This hotel sits on the
corner of the bay and the views are spectacular,
service is fit for royalty. We stayed here in early December and the temperature was mild and most enjoyable. It was hard to leave.

Grand Hotel Vesuvio, Via Partenope 45, Napoli, Italy 80121. Elegant and celebrity favorite haunt. Dawn: My first visit here I was eager to practice my Italian, so while my then-fiancé was in the shower I decided to call down to see what time breakfast was being served. In my best attempt to speak Italian and with earnest conviction I gave it a go, only to have the gentleman on the other end to respond in perfect English, “Signore Sena, we serve breakfast from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. for your convenience.”

Grand Hotel Parker’s, C.so Vittorio Emanuele 135, Napoli Italy 80121. Old-world grandeur. A favorite of ours, with an incredible history and breathtaking view of the bay of Naples, Mount Vesuvio and, on a clear day, you can note the island of Capri from afar. This hotel holds many special memories for us and the rooftop dining is magical.

DINING

Now that we have a place to rest, let’s eat or manigiamo! One of the really cool things about staying along the seafront area of Naples is the restaurant scene along Via Partenope. When the sun goes down the streets come alive year-round and the energy is electric!

Our top-three pizzerias are an absolute must-try:

Sorbillo’s Pizzerie, Via Partenope, 1 Napoli Italy, 80121. Tried and true, will not disappoint.  Owned by Gino Sorbillo, this location (one of many in the family chain) is walking distance from any of the mentioned hotels along Via Partenope. A favorite menu item we LOVE is the Fresella. The taste to this day still lingers in our memories begging for our taste buds to return!

L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele, Via Cesare Sersale 1, Napoli Italy 80139. One of Naples’ oldest and best pizzerias, founded in 1870. A Michelin guide favorite. You wait in line for greatness here! Francesco Zimone’s use of natural ingredients is the secret to their longevity. Located in the neighborhood of Forcella, locals mix among well-informed travelers to vie for a spot in line to taste this historic gem. Our pretty woman Julia Roberts gives her seal of endorsement too when in Naples as her go to stop.

Starita, Via Materdei 27/28 Napoli Italy, 80136. Luca’s favorite childhood memories were made here. Luca is one of six children raised living in the neighborhood of Materdei where Starita is located. Just talking about this place has conjured up fond memories and stories from his youth. When he shares these stories, you can see and feel his passion for Naples.

Our favorite lunch spot is Ristorante Reginella, Via Posillipo, Napoli, 45a 80123. A short drive or lift atop the coastline where the view is heaven on earth. Ask for a table along the water and take in the entire Bay of Naples while the fresh sea air soothes your soul. Order anything seafood here, and you can’t go wrong! (We don’t recommend for dinner, not the same experience at night, packed with families, parties, etc.)

Now into the night, dinner is served:

We love to dress to impress and so do the Italians. When the sun sets the magic of Naples takes hold and the city vibe is epic. Keep in mind, Italians on holiday generally have a larger meal around noon to 2 p.m. and a lighter meal, pizza, 7 to 9 p.m., then walk, stroll for a gelato to end their night. Lots of walking!

Our favorites:

Ristorante Zi Teresa , Via Borgo Marinara 1, Naples. Luca’s father was the head chef and legend here. Located in the chic neighborhood of San Ferdinando, this waterfront restaurant is extra special to our family and is a must! It dates back to 1861 and we’ve shared this spot with generations of Senas over the years. Nowadays it’s been coined as a “hip” Italian place to see and be seen. Think of a modern-day Rat Pack hangout. The seafood menu is everything, practically caught as your being seated to your table.

George Restaurant, located in the Grand Parker’s Hotel. Elegant, culinary and a view for the ages! So romantic on a summer night, you feel like you can touch the stars.

LaCantinella, Via Cuma , Via Nazario Sauro 42 Napoli, Italy 80132. We can’t say enough about this restaurant. The elegance, service, attention to detail and pure Italian hospitality speaks volumes to our repeated visits here. Choosing hospitality as our occupational love back in the states, when we dine at LaCantinella, we feel like royalty.

Truth be told, most locals eat at home, so look up your distant, long-forgotten relatives and let them know you’re in town. With their loving hospitality and your willingness to “come as you are” you may get a seat at the table, priceless and as real as it gets. We are lucky as Luca’s sister still lives in Naples and we always have a place at her table, she is an incredible cook and I worship every meal that’s prepared.

Luca and Dawn Sena are the owners of Penn’s View Hotel and Panorama Wine Bar in Old City, Philadelphia. Luca was born and raised in Materdei in Naples, Italy. He and Dawn make yearly trips back to Naples to visit family.