Michael's on Naples Ristorante

Michael's on Naples Ristorante Restaurant Review:

About the restaurant: Along the romantic canals of the picturesque Naples neighborhood of Long Beach, you can ride in a gondola serenaded by real Italian gondoliers. Michael's on Naples Ristorante offers an authentic Italian culinary experience to match the environs. This is a busy restaurant with plenty of hustle and bustle. The elegant two-story venue's downstairs is awash in whites and golds, sensuous Murano glass lamps, and crisp linens. There's also a bar, a "Chef's Gallery" room decorated with art that's for sale, and a table near the kitchen known as the "Chef's Table." Upstairs, a rooftop terrace with a dining area and bar beneath a retractable roof and an open-air lounge with fire pits hosts a well-heeled local crowd that knows how to enjoy wine and lively conversation. Owner Michael Dene warmly greets his guests tableside.

Food & Drinks: Farm-fresh ingredients are sourced for the kitchen. Start with the spinach salad with pancetta dressing, poached duck egg, pickled red onions and Pecorino, then continue with house-made pastas like orecchiette with pork sausage, rapini and garlic. Secondi may range from Mediterranean sea bass with fagiolini and kumquats to roasted half chicken, potatoes and baby zucchini. Italian donuts with orange glaze are a standout among the desserts. Five-course pasta or chef's tasting menus are also available, with the option of wine pairings. The wine list features a great selection of Italian wines, including Super Tuscans, as well as Champagnes and a decent range of California wines. If it's earlier in the day --- or you're just in the mood for pizza --- stop by the casual sister spot Michael's Pizzeria two doors down.