Original Article By: Sauce Magazine
Author: Alexa Beattie
The Napoli family of restaurants is multiplying again, spreading its Italian deliciousness into yet another neighborhood. In September, Napoli Kirkwood will open in The James, a luxe new apartment building at 416 N. Kirkwood Road, right next door to Alpine Shop. It’s all happening so fast! Just a couple of weeks ago, the Pietoso family opened Napoli Bros. Pizza and Pasta at The District in Chesterfield – its fifth after Cafe Napoli in Clayton, Napoli II in Town & Country; and Napoli III and Napoli Sea in St. Charles. The Kirkwood location brings the total – for now – to six.
Owner Kye Pietoso said certain details have still to be ironed out, but the idea behind the restaurant is to combine, to a certain degree, the concepts of the other Napolis. There will be seafood and prime beef; there will, of course, be pasta and pizza. And Napoli staples – linguine bolognese and chicken parmigiana – will be on the list as well. But, in keeping with current trends, the menu will be on the smaller side. “A lot of restaurants are doing this,” said Pietoso. “Honing in on what they do best.” And we certainly like the sound of “fine dining items in a casual atmosphere,” which is how he describes the new concept. Until a chef is nailed down, chef Jon Berger, who oversees all the restaurants, will steer the ship. On the beverage side, there will be classic cocktails, an extensive wine list and beer offerings from local breweries.
Pietoso seemed especially pleased about the parking situation. “It’s a big thing for Kirkwood people,” he said. “But there’ll be plenty of it just behind the building.” All in all, he seems excited. “Kirkwood is a great town,” he said.
Although plans for decor are still being hatched, Pietoso suggests that the color board will lean green and cream with a little gold thrown in. But, really, decor’s the least of it. For the Napoli family’s particular taste of Italy, September can’t come soon enough. Napoli Kirkwood’s footprint amounts to 4,750 square feet. It has seating for 150 inside and 45 outside.