contact: info@bownsbest.com
contact: info@bownsbest.com
The San Francesco al Monte is a discreet and comfortable hotel high up on the corso Vittoria Emanuele in Naples (see separate article). From its vantage point, the views over the city are remarkable. But there is another reason to visit this ancient building: its excellent restaurant. It is called the Terrazza dei Barbanti, because the original monastery was built by the Order of Friars Conventual, who were known by the slang word for fathers - barbanti.
The atmosphere over dinner I found entirely to my taste. The panorama of twinkling lights was spread out beyond the white damask of the table. I sat in a comfortable chair upholstered in pink velvet. And I smiled as the pianist’s melodies drifted across the terrace. The maitre d’ Enzo and the waiter Antonio provided service which was both properly formal and pleasantly friendly. And chef Vincenzo Stingone sent forth from his kitchen dishes which were intelligently conceived and precisely executed.
Tail of Canadian lobster cooked at low temperature had its subtle flavour enhanced by a sauce of yoghurt and lime and its yielding texture emphasized by couscous with green olives. This was followed by super pasta. Fusilli, with pesto, burrata and candied cherry tomatoes was a highly effective confection. My meat course was rack of lamb: tasty, tender meat partnered with green peppers and (a new partnership to me) grilled corn. Splendid. These three dishes were of generous size, so all I could manage for my pudding was some delicious ice cream. Somehow I find I can always manage a dish of ice cream.
The wine list is short, Italian (apart from the champagne) and to the point. Vintages are not given, but alcohol levels are. I took Enzo’s advice and enjoyed with my lamb an Aglianico of soft tannins and ripe black fruit - a lovely bottle for only 30€ (Kleos, Luigi Maffini, 2020).
A fine view aids digestion. And you will find few views finer than that from the Terrazza dei Barbanti. Combine that with good food, courteous service and quaffable wine and you have the recipe for an enjoyable evening. And that is what I had at the restaurant of the Hotel San Francesco al Monte.
corso Vittorio Emanuele 328, 80135 Naples, Italy.
Telephone +39 081 423 9111
Fax +39 081 423 9471
Email: info@sanfrancescoalmonte.it