Naples was scorching! For me to say this is rare. The Arizona desert is a most unforgiving place and yet I was dying. Mind you Arizona is very dry. We don’t know humidity. She’s a foreign entity to us. So when I say Naples was HOT, it’s because I felt like I was breathing in water all while being sticky and sweating profusely.

Now that you have that visual you can understand the dire need to find shade and get away from the other sticky humans that were out and about.

In our search for seclusion from the crowds and sun we found shelter in the cutest hidden alcove. We walked through the bottom of an apartment thinking it was a shortcut alleyway when the neon sign ‘ristorante’ caught our eye. Quiet, secluded, yet shaded, and outside so we could at least attempt to enjoy any measly breeze Naples would provide us.

They had just opened up for lunch and us being nosy americans, we walked right in. The most odd thing I found about this European trip was there seemed to be hardly any host stands wherever we seemed to go. We’ve been indoctrinated, as Americans, our entire lives for someone to guide us to our open table when the staff are good and ready for customers. Yet constantly in our travels on this trip people thought we were so weird to not seat ourselves. Im thinking its a customs thing or maybe just an Italian thing? Either way Un Sorriso Integrale Amico Bio was more than gracious with our lack of how Italian seating etiquette goes and happily sat us on the patio and more importantly in the shade! Seriously bless them.

Europe is my kind of place for the sheer aspect of room temp water. I know this drives other people nuts but the fact that I enjoy my non frigid water makes me feel like Im superior when in Europe. This small win will never not be comical to me. So as we sucked down our copious room temperature water we also ordered a much need glass of white wine. Filed to the brim and cold I might add. Maybe that’s the Italian secret, drink lots of wine so you cant notice how hot it is.

I’m not a wine connoisseur like Gav is. I can tell you if I like something or not after a taste but I’m a simple girl who will happily let others order for me, which is exactly what Gav did. This wine was semi sparkling and refreshing. That’s literally the only description I have for you. Moving on!

Now when in Naples everyone gushes and fawns over pizza. Listen people, I was hot, crabby, and poor Gavin was the one having to deal with me. So in his attempt to appease my lack of reasoning in my distressed state we simply found the first place that wasn’t full of other dumb tourists, like ourselves, and just took a seat. God bless a chill Pisces man! We had no idea this was a vegetarian restaurant. Would that have changed our mind? Probably not. Was the food still absolutely delicious? Yes!

We opted for the vegetarian medley—a delightful sampling of everything on the menu served on one hearty plate, accompanied by fresh bread. The menu changes daily based on what’s ripe in the growing season, sourced fresh from their farm each morning. It’s a concept I love—innovative, sustainable, and no food goes to waste.

Each dish was a culinary adventure, from creamy risotto to tangy carrot slices. Despite being cooked veggies, they were surprisingly filling—fresh food does wonders! And the seasoning? Impeccable. It was evident that every dish was crafted with care and expertise.

After our meal our waiter asked if we wanted another round of drinks and to my giddy surprise Gav suggested limoncello. Our waiter had other plans for us and suggested we also try the meloncello.

Now I will not slader limoncello, my italian heritage prohibits me. However, if I had to choose between limoncello and meloncello, I might have to turn in my Italian card, because dear god was it absolutely delicious. Definitely knocked limoncello out of first place for an after dinner sipper. I have tried to find something similar in the states and I’m afraid this tiny Italian vegetarian restaurant will now have to hold my number one spot for after dinner liquors. A true tragedy!

Anywho this place was a vegetarian oasis in a sea of pizza. I would absolutely recommend if you’re feeling funky in Naples and looking for something a little more unexpected and off the beaten path. Please be mindful the Italians love a long lunch and will not rush to give you a check. Also that your dishes are truly made with love and come straight from a farm.