By Erin Furman
Nestled in a mini shopping complex on the quiet corner of Oak St. and Westbury Boulevard is a family-owned casual Italian pizzeria, Napolini Express. Patrons order from the extensive pizza, pasta, sandwich and appetizer-filled menu at the counter and can either take their food to go or sit and enjoy their meal at one of the small available tables.
With independent pizza shops often a dime a dozen in any densely-populated area, Napolini’s has a few perks that help it stand out from the crowd. Located a block from campus, students can easily walk there or have their food delivered for a $1 delivery charge, less than what Dominoes pizza charges per delivery. In addition, there is a 10 percent University discount, and cheaper lunch portions are available all day.
Despite a diversified menu, some items fall flat on the Richter scale of taste, while others raise the bar. The baked ravioli is smothered in a little too much marinara, which drowns the pasta’s light ricotta cheese filling. The garlic knots are a happy favorite, much more than the mundane garlic bread appetizer. The calzones and rolls balance dough and stuffing easily
A real attraction to Napolini’s-and something that keeps hungry patrons coming back for more-is the pizza. Napolini’s should pride itself on its wide selection of Neopolitan and Sicilian-style pizza, available by the slice and whole pie. Sicilian pies come with a thick, doughy crust smothered in marina sauce, mozzarella cheese and choice toppings. The bottom is a rough golden-brown, and the outer crusts have just the right amount of crisp in each bite. Neopolitans are thinner and rounder but house the same flavorful ingredients and toppings.
If the meat-lovers, marinara- and mozzarella-smothered pizza doesn’t do it for you, there are plenty of tomato- and meat-less pies to choose from. The stuffed vegetable pizza is a vegetarian’s dream-come-true, with spinach and broccoli sandwiched between ricotta and mozzarella cheese and two layers of soft dough.
Those eating on the lighter side can enjoy one of six fresh salads or three homemade paninis, all of which are made to order.
Whether eating in or taking out, the Napolini’s staff is ready to please. They greet guests with a smile and leave them wanting to come back the first chance they get. The staff keeps the small eating area clean, so those wanting to sit down can do so without a problem.
Good food at a good price is what Napolini’s is all about. If you’re looking for a top-notch gourmet meal, you’re not going to find it here, but you will get what you pay for and more. A quick meal at a decent price is what this Italian pizzeria does best.