Via Napoli

Via Napoli Restaurant Review:

Via Napoli is a lively, 300-seat space at the back of Epcot’s Italy pavilion. Pizzas emerge with a crisp, blistered, slightly charred crust from three wood-burning ovens that cleverly represent Italy’s three active volcanoes (Etna, Vesuvius and Stromboli). The mozzarella is flown in from Italy; the water is from a source in the U.S. with a similar alkaline to that in the water in Naples; and the tomatoes are San Marzano---there are no substitutions for a “certified” Vera Pizza Napoletana. Before you dig into the pizzas, start with crispy, creamy arancini (fried risotto balls filled with mozzarella and meaty ragù) or a platter of salami and provolone. Besides pizza, other favorites are the lasagna verde with spinach, Parmesan, béchamel sauce and a generous flourish of nutmeg; and linguine with shrimp, clams, mussels and squid. Dessert is worth an extra lap around World Showcase, including the zeppole (hot ricotta cheese fritters with chocolate sauce and whipped cream). Italian wines, sangría and a refreshing agua fresca (non-alcoholic) fruit drink round out the family-friendly menu.