Bruno Mars 
In a southern Italian metropolis renowned for its loaded meat and seafood dishes, it may perhaps surprise some persons to know that Naples also is home to an astonishing variety of vegan and vegetarian dining establishments.
People options operate the gamut from juice bars to food stalls, cafes and dining establishments dishing up salads, sandwiches, burgers and pastas. But few give the upscale dining practical experience of Cavoli Nostri.
Situated in the Santa Lucia neighborhood, Cavoli Nostri presents a very carefully sourced, organic menu showcasing vegan and vegetarian interpretations of Neapolitan favorites these kinds of as pasta alla Genovese and experimental fare these types of as baked purple potatoes and friarielli broccoli.
Emphasis is put not only on the use of clean in-season vegetables and fruits, complete grains, seeds, legumes and meat substitutes but also on skillful mixture of the elements into complex dishes offered with artistic flair.
On a new pay a visit to, two pals and I commenced our food with a assortment from Cavoli Nostri’s tapas and starter menus. The Spanish patatas bravas, or spicy potatoes, proved to be deep-fried potato chips served with a creamy rossa dip.
The chips had been heat, evenly salted and abundant. The dip had a mayonnaise-like consistency and flavoring and coloration reminiscent of Thousand Island dressing.
Spiciness enthusiasts would be disappointed, as there was no warmth to the dip, but the appetizer was a group-pleaser at our table.
We also purchased bite-size, deep-fried rice balls, known as arancini in Italian, which arrived sitting down on personal pools of a velvety mushroom sauce and sprinkled with sesame seeds.
The moist and lightly seasoned arancini delivered a excellent foundation for the sauce, which packed a taste punch.
On a further take a look at, I’d be tempted to order just about every appetizer once more but almost certainly would experiment with solutions, these types of as polenta squares with wild mushroom pate.
For our very first training course, we chosen pappardelle with mushrooms, lasagna Neapolitan and the Ceylon sliders, a barbecued jackfruit sandwich.
It was here that Cavoli Nostri enable us down. Even with the lovely serving plates and generous parts, the food stuff was too cold to delight in.
To be fair, we have been there on a Sunday, when Italian family members observe a time-honored tradition and collect for lunch, so it is likely one particular of the busiest and most busy times of the week for places to eat.
It also appeared that there was just a person server for far more than a dozen tables. We for that reason did not convey the faux pas to our harried waiter’s interest, deciding upon alternatively to soldier on.
The lasagna showcased broad noodles, vegan ricotta cheese and sausage and beef meat substitutes. The marinara was abundant and flavorful, but one particular of my close friends observed the meat substitutes unappealing and wished that the restaurant provided a simple cheese-only model.
The pappardelle was correctly cooked with a creamy sauce brimming with mushrooms, but due to the fact the dish arrived virtually cold, the sauce had congealed, earning it inedible.
The jackfruit sandwich was chewy with a flippantly spiced, tangy sauce. While it as well was served lukewarm, a person of my buddies stated she’d purchase it yet again, particularly if the bun have been total-grain. In all, she pronounced it a “delight.”
Cavoli Nostri redeemed by itself with our next class, which featured legume balls with a “revisited” ragu and friarielli. I found myself wishing that I’d purchased this dish initially.
It arrived piping warm. The legume balls have been included in a loaded tomato sauce, when the friarielli was effectively-cooked, its bitterness contrasting nicely with the sweetness of the tomato sauce.
We had been enticed by the vegan tiramisu but eventually resolved to skip dessert since we were being also total right after the appetizers and entrees.
While the chilly food items was a disappointment, the rest of our meal was enjoyable. I’d go back all over again for tapas and a glass of organic wine. 
Cavoli Nostri’s determination to fresh, enjoyment and experimental cuisine can make it a standout and a ought to-consider for vegans and vegetarians on the lookout to scale up their dining knowledge.
Cavoli Nostri
Address: By means of Palepoli, 32, Naples, Italy
Hrs: Monday as a result of Saturday, noon-3:30 p.m. (lunch) 7-11:45 p.m. (meal) Sunday, midday-4:30 p.m. (lunch) 7-11:45 p.m. (supper)
Price ranges: Appetizers and tapas, 5-13 euros pastas, 9-10 euros next classes, 9-14 euros soups and salads, 7-8 euros desserts, 4-6 euros. Organic wine and juices also are obtainable.
Facts: On line: cavolinostriveg.com Phone: +39 081 1948 5739
