Ristorante Zì Teresa

Borgo Marinaro, 1
Napoli 80132
Tel.: +39 (0) 817642565

Tuesday 19th March 2002

Zi Teresa was founded in 1916 in one of the small shops of the Borgo Marinaro and named after the energetic woman who prepared tasty meals for the local fishermen and workers. Zì Teresa is now one of the most famous places to eat in Naples frequented by celebrities from all fields: show business, politics, business.

We walk across from the hotel, to be accosted yet again by the man trying to sell us roses.

When we enter Zi Teresa, the place is buzzing. There are families, groups of men, couples. The waiters are elegantly uniformed, but my first impression of our waiter was that he had a rather dour expression.

By the time I’d had a chance to look at the menu, and made an order for some water and wine, the outlook changed. Our waiters were efficient, friendly, expert, patient – you should have seen them dealing with the toddlers running around their feet – they were every bit as good as the ones we’d encountered at Ciro’s. This was starting to feel good!

Marg, for a change, ordered a starter: Bruschetta. I opted for the chef’s special frittata.

Marg’s bruschetta was every bit as good as the best we’ve ever had, and my selection of battered sea-food and vegetables, spring rolls and somaosa was exquisite.

A bottle of Chianti V. Calcinaia was a perfect accompaniment, even for my fish dish.

Marg had Penne Arrabiata, and I ordered Orate Acquaspazza – Gilt-head Bream roasted with cherry tomatoes and new potatoes.

Both dishes were excellent. One might think that a dish like Penne would be too simple to be interesting, but when the flavours of olive oil, tomatoes and chillies are complemented by pasta done perfectly al dente, all bets are off! My Orate was sublime, and all the time, the waiters were impressing us with their expertise.

It has often been said that the job of waiter in the UK is seen as, erm, insubstantial. Something anyone can do for pin-money, whereas on the continent, it is more akin to a profession. I found our experiences in Naples to confirm the difference.

Having seen the fruit platter delivered to the table next to us, we couldn’t resist – I ordered just one: the waiter delivered it complete with two plates and two sets of cutlery!

The atmosphere was, to my mind, enthralling. Well-dressed couples, casually dressed families, toddlers running around. The food was faultless, the waiters superb.

This was the most expensive meal we’d had on our Neapolitan holiday – but to put it into perspective, the €73.03 bill equated to £47 !!

Another most enjoyable experience which we both heartily recommend.

Sandro and Marg