Naples, or Ralph Brennans?

[CelticBelle]

Im trying to choose a location for our rehearsal dinner. i was originally looking at steakhouse 55, but its a little too pricey. I want something in the DTD area, but definitely not RFC.

Has anyone been to these restaurants. ive only been to ralph brennans. Any insights?

 

[FlameGirl]

Haha, let the Naples bashing begin!

We've been to both, and really enjoy both (despite popular opinion on these boards with regard to Naples). RBJK is a bit more upscale, so it depends on your personal preferences and expectations.

 

[Kayla's Mom]

Haha, let the Naples bashing begin!

I have been to Naples twice and I am one of those people that don't like it. It wasn't horrible - just not very good IMO. I have heard really good things about Ralph Brennan's, but we have only eaten at the Express Kitchen or whatever it's called.

 

[SaraK]

I'm not sure why people bash Naples on here; our experience was fine. We shared a BBQ chicken pizza and caesar salad. They weren't outstanding but they were good. DS had a kids meal of chicken, potatoes and corn and he liked it. The service was good and the price was reasonable.

 

[nutshell]

Jazz Kitchen all the way. Better food...better service...better atmosphere...

 

[Sherry E]

I'm not sure why people bash Naples on here; our experience was fine. We shared a BBQ chicken pizza and caesar salad. They weren't outstanding but they were good. DS had a kids meal of chicken, potatoes and corn and he liked it. The service was good and the price was reasonable.

That's how I feel too! FlameGirl and I have discussed this controversial Naples subject on the DIS before, and I think we are among the few who enjoy Naples! Naples seems to be a very love-it-or-hate-it kind of thing. I wouldn't say it was outstanding either, and I don't need to eat there on every single DLR trip, but it was perfectly adequate when I have been there in the past and I would gladly eat there again. I didn't find the price to be outrageous for what I ordered - I got the smallest size pizza they had, and that one was big enough for 2 or 3 people, so it seemed reasonable. Our service was great. The pizza has a different taste/flavor to it than most well-known, popular chain pizza restaurants, but it was fine to me. My friend said she enjoyed her food too (she ordered a chicken dish on one occasion and a meatball sandwich another time), and she would definitely complain to me if she didn't like it.

In any case, I think it's great that we don't all like the same stuff because can you imagine how hard it would be to get a table at various restaurants if we all liked the same ones? Yikes!

 

[FlameGirl]

I was waiting for you to chime in, Sherry.

 

[Sherry E]

I was waiting for you to chime in, Sherry.

I was expecting the usual bashing too, so I figured I had better throw a pro-Naples post in the mix, just to break it up a bit!!

And there are others of us out there - I know a few other DIS-ers like Naples too. You all know who you are!!

Funny thing is - and this applies to any restaurant that gets a lot of pro or anti commentary - when I expect the 'anti' comments to come in, they don't materialize in that thread. And when I think that the folks who like a place will chime in with the 'pro' reviews, they don't materialize either!! So I never know how a thread is going to go and which way it will slant because it never goes like I expect it to go!

 

[CelticBelle]

haha I didnt realize naples was such a hot subject around here.

I have a feeling well end up going with RBJK. I have never been to naples, and was just wondering. I originally thought of using RBJK, just wanted to explore options. Oh and were going for a bit more upscale and it just sounds that naples is more casual.

Thanks for the responses from everyone. I know i should form my own opinions and all that, but i feel that you guys helped me just go with my gut. lol

 

[BlueBayou]

I have been to Naples before and it was fine. But I had something odd for dinner, like a spinach and Gorgonzola salad - not something I would judge a Italian restaurant by. Whatever my husband had was fine (and he is 1/2 Italian and loves food). My oldest DD was a toddler and the staff was super nice with her. They made me feel very comfortable with dinning out with a young child.

But flash forward until two Octobers ago - my now family at 4 ate at RBJK because it had the shortest wait of all the places. It was 25 minutes but ended up being about 10. I don't know if we were just in the right mood or what - but that ended up being one of the best meals we have ever had anywhere. That food was SO GOOD.

I am torn about going there our next trip - because I don't want to wreck with perfection. I just can't believe it would be that good again.

 

[rentayenta]

I like Naples too. We have been twice and both times were good.

 

[mommy2allyandaveri]

We went to Naples in August last year. It was OK food, nothing special and really pricey for pizza IMO. What I didn't care for was the service we received. It was SUPER hot in the restaurant and we were told that they didn't have air conditioning - in August that's crazy! We were literally dripping with sweat.

 

[JoshDek]

I've been to the Jazz Kitchen twice and Naples once. Both times at the Jazz Kitchen were great. Naples was just ok. I thought the food and service was better at the Jazz Kitchen.