Locals and visitors both know that one of the best things about Atlanta is the food! This is true from the busy streets of Buckhead to the pocket neighborhoods all around the city and even out into the suburbs. Whether you are craving some down home Southern soul food or the traditional tastes of any foreign country you can think of, Atlanta is likely to have not just one, but many fantastic options for foodies and novice palates alike.
Recently one of our marketing team members and his family got to enjoy a night out at one of the best Italian restaurants in the metro Atlanta area, Sapori di Napoli, located just off the square in downtown Decatur. Sapori di Napoli translates into English as “Taste of Naples,” and is a family-owned restaurant, specializing in true Neapolitan pizza. Founded by Daniele and Ambrogio Florio, brothers who were born in Naples, Sapori di Napoli doesn’t only bring the flavors of Naples to Decatur, but also the simple atmosphere of the family meals they grew up enjoying along the Amalfi Coast.
But this particular visit wasn’t just an average everyday night out. Sapori di Napoli is a family friendly favorite for Decatur pizza fans, and one of the ways they reach out to their youngest diners is through a monthly art contest. Kids grab some paper and crayons, and while they wait for their food, they can put their creative skills to the test. Anyone 12 and under is invited to write their name and phone number on the back of their masterpiece, and hang it by the patio door. At the end of each month, staff members evaluate all of the artwork and pick one winner to come in for a special treat.
The winner for the month of June was 10-year old Abby Randhawa, daughter of our own Gogi Randhawa. For her talents, Abby earned the monthly prize – the opportunity to learn the art of pizza making, with a chef-guided lesson in the kitchen of Sapori di Napoli. We arrived on a Tuesday afternoon, just before the dinner rush, with a table set up for Abby and her family. Soon a staff member arrived to escort Abby “back stage” for her lesson, and even extended the offer to Abby’s brother CJ, in case he wanted to tag along for the experience. Ever the opportunist, CJ happily followed his sister back to the pizza oven.
While the kids focused on creating the world’s best pizzas, the grownups enjoyed an appetizer of Italian-style charcuterie. Before long the kids reappeared to steal a few olives and slices of meat for themselves, while their pizzas were placed safely into the oven by more experienced hands. In addition to the lesson, the other part of the prize is that the winner’s family gets to dine on the gourmet creations. The pizzas of course turned out fantastic!
This was definitely a fun experience for Abby and CJ, and for their parents who got to watch them learn about forming the dough and the perfect way to spread the sauce. It was also fun to watch as they designed their own preferred topping combinations. The kids had a great time, and may just be back looking for part time jobs in a few years.
The pizza at Sapori di Napoli is definitely the showstopper, but they also serve up traditional pastas, salads and authentic Italian desserts such as tiramisu, panna cotta and several flavors of gelato. The dining room is cozy and inviting, but there is also ample space on their covered patio. Check them out the next time you’re in Decatur, or make a special trip if you live on the other side of town. It’s worth it!
Sapori di Napoli – 314 Church St, Decatur GA 30030