🍽️ What to Order

Recommendations based on quality, value, and visitor feedback

Item Price
Pizza Margherita DOP
San Marzano tomatoes, fior di latte, basil — a benchmark Neapolitan pie, wood-fired and blistered.
 $22.95
Pizza Diavola
Spicy salame, fresh mozzarella, chili oil drizzle. Balanced heat with a delicate, airy crust.
 $24.95
Burrata della Casa
Creamy burrata with seasonal accompaniments; a rich starter to share.
 $17.95
Antipasto di Mare
Seafood-forward antipasti in Campania style — bright, citrusy, and impeccably fresh.
 $24.95
Spaghetti alle Vongole
Clams, garlic, white wine, and parsley — clean, briny flavors, perfectly al dente.
 $29.95
Linguine Frutti di Mare
Mixed seafood with a tomato-garlic broth that lets the ocean speak.
 $34.95
Branzino al Limone
Whole or filet Mediterranean seabass with lemon and herbs — simple, elegant.
 $49.95
Bistecca
Premium cut prepared Italian style; ideal for a celebratory splurge.
 $59.95
Tiramisù
Feather-light, espresso-soaked, and not overly sweet — a classic finish.
 $9.95

What Diners Rave About

Signature Pizzas
The wood-fired pies — often named after Italian songs — deliver that leopard-spotted crust and clean San Marzano tomato flavor you expect from Naples.
Seafood Standouts
Clam pastas and branzino lean bright and citrusy, letting quality seafood shine without heavy sauces.
Wine Pairings
The wine list tilts Italian, with bottles that flatter tomato-based pizzas and seafood; ask for a Campania pour with the antipasti di mare.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian choices are strong (Margherita, seasonal vegetable antipasti). Gluten-sensitive guests should ask about cross-contact, as the oven handles wheat flour.
Reservations & Waits
Reservations are recommended, especially Fridays and Saturdays, when the lively dining room fills fast and walk-ins can face waits.
Takeout Savvy
Takeout is available; pizza travels well in vented boxes, but seafood pastas are best enjoyed on-site for texture.
Allergen Notes
Common allergens include dairy, wheat, shellfish, and nuts in select dishes. Let your server know upfront — the team is attentive and can guide you.
Value Strategy
Share a pizza and an antipasto, then split a pasta — a satisfying progression without overspending on mains.

✨ The Experience

🍷
What You'll Feel
Expect an authentically Italian meal where flavors and presentation get center stage. Service is warm, personal, and unhurried — the kind that makes birthdays and anniversaries feel special.
🧭
Getting There
Set just off Capitol Square on North Butler Street, it’s an easy walk from downtown hotels and theaters. Street parking is limited; most diners use nearby public ramps and stroll a few minutes to the door.
📅
Timing & Vibe
Weeknights are relaxed and conversation-friendly; Fridays and Saturdays buzz with groups and business travelers. If you prefer quiet, book earlier seatings or midweek tables away from the bar area.
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How It Flows
This is a savor-each-course kind of place, not a rush-in, rush-out dinner. Plan time to enjoy a bottle, share a pizza, then linger over pasta or seafood and dessert.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation?
Yes — reservations are recommended, especially for weekend dinners and celebrations. Walk-ins are welcome but often wait on Friday and Saturday nights due to the lively crowd.
Is the menu vegetarian- or gluten-friendly?
Vegetarians do well with classic pizzas, salads, and seasonal antipasti. For gluten sensitivity, ask about accommodations; the wood-fired oven and kitchen handle wheat flour, so cross-contact is possible.
Can I order takeout?
Takeout is available for most items, with pizzas and salads holding up best. Seafood and delicate pastas are at their peak when enjoyed in-house.

📖 About Naples 15

Naples 15 was created to bring a true taste of Naples to downtown Madison, with a focus on craft, imported ingredients, and old-world hospitality. Its kitchen leans into simplicity done right — wood-fired pizzas, seafood-forward antipasti, and pastas built on balance.

The restaurant sits just off Capitol Square in a historic downtown corridor, a fitting backdrop for a menu that celebrates tradition. Over time, it has evolved into a go-to destination for lingering dinners and special occasions.

Locals praise the way it anchors a night at the theater or a stroll around the Square. Visitors regularly note that the meal feels personal — from a friendly welcome to thoughtful pacing at the table.

Today, Naples 15 pairs Italian warmth with Madison energy. Expect polished service, a well-curated wine list, and plates that let top-quality Italian ingredients sing.

🛡️ Area Intelligence

Walkability & Crowds

Capitol Square and State Street form one of Madison’s most walkable districts, with pedestrian-priority blocks and steady foot traffic. Expect heavier crowds on weekend evenings and on market days around the Square.

Local Events

Dane County Farmers’ Market runs Saturdays on Capitol Square (typically April–November, morning to early afternoon). Summer highlights include Concerts on the Square (Wednesdays, late June–July) and Taste of Madison over Labor Day weekend — all bring bigger crowds to the area.

Traffic & Timing

Downtown traffic is busiest 5–7 PM on weekdays and before/after evening performances at nearby venues. During major events, garages near the Square fill early; plan an extra 10–20 minutes to park and walk.

Tourism Patterns

Madison (pop. ~269k) sees peak visitors June–August and on university event weekends. Expect restaurants near the Capitol to be 2–3x busier on sunny summer Saturdays.