Insalate di Mare
Double Zero Napoletana (Sandy Springs)
5825 Roswell Road
Atlanta, GA 30328
404.991.3666
Located in Sandy Springs, Double Zero Napoletana is a hop, skip and jump from Interstate 285 on Roswell Road. The restaurant offers complimentary valet service and limited self-parking spots near the front.
An out-of-town guest joined me for a midweek meal and we were welcomed by the sight of the pastry display and bar as we made our way through the dining area. The dining room was substantial but divided into three sections by warm, earth toned curtains. The curtains created a much more intimate atmosphere and also helped to dampen the sound of the room.
Once seated, we were greeted by our server who was kind enough to provide us with beverage recommendations and the cocktail of the week. I started my evening with a Barrel Aged Negroni ($15) and my guest had the highlighted cocktail of the week, Moscow Mule ($10). While not a connoisseur of cocktails, I did not leave one drop of the barrel aged cocktail could be found after I was done. Variations of classic cocktails are also offered, such as the Whiskey Old Fashioned ($9). Wine and beer lovers will enjoy the substantial selections, including Double Zero’s 100 plus list of Italian wines and one of the most comprehensive Italian microbrew selections too.
We began with a pair of antipasti dishes, Pork Belly Polenta ($12) and Mozzarella al Forno ($10, $5 more for buffalo mozzarella). The crispy pork belly countered the smooth, creamy texture of the polenta and was a highlight for my guest and me. The tomato sauce of the mozzarella al forno had us coming back with more of the grilled rustic bread for dipping. The mozzarella seemed to get lost in the flavors of the tomato sauce at times, but I would easily order the dish again.
Our next step in our Italian journey started when I ordered the Double Zero Napoletana ($16) as my entrée. The featured pizza and namesake of the restaurant refers to the type of flour, Double Zero, used to make Neapolitan pizza. The highlight of the pizza was the freshness and flavors in its ingredients: arugula, garlic, mozzarella di bufala campana DOP and prosciutto di Parma. Because the portion is large enough to be shared by two, the crust of my last slices became moist due to how long it took me to finish. By the time I was on these last slices, my guest had already finished her Rapini e Salsicce ($16). She confirmed that the egg fettuccine dish was filling and tasty with its assortment of Italian sausage, broccoli rapini and Calabrian chiles.
The memory of the pastry bar as we walked into the restaurant revisited us when our server asked us if we saved room for dessert. As stuffed as we were, we went with the caveat of “When in Rome.” My guest ordered the Pesche ($8) and I went with the light and refreshing Strawberry Balsamic Sorbet ($4 medium, $6 large). The pesche’s presentation was worthy of photography and the poached peaches, chiffon cake and basil gelato were fit for Julius Caesar himself.
Relatively new to Sandy Springs, Double Zero Napoletana’s tastes and flavors brought an experience of what dining in southern Italy could be. The warmth and ambience will keep you coming back, but the food and cocktails will make you feel like you’re on vacation in Italy.
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