Naples 15 is a Neapolitan Italian restaurant at 15 N Butler St, in downtown Madison’s Capitol Square area, Wisconsin, United States of America. Chef-owner Salvatore Di Scala’s restaurant opened in 2012, bringing southern Italian cooking to a space previously occupied by Cafe Porta Alba and Las Cazuelas. Travelers come for wood-fired pizza, substantial pasta dishes, seafood, and an evening meal close to the Wisconsin State Capitol. Think dinner destination rather than an all-day café.
What to Expect at Naples 15
The imported wood-burning oven anchors the cooking. Pizza is an obvious starting point, but the menu reaches well beyond it: seafood, meat dishes, and pasta make this a restaurant where a shared pizza can precede a longer dinner. Di Scala’s connection to Ischia, the island off Naples, gives the restaurant a more specific southern Italian identity than a general Italian-American menu.
Signature preparations include Paccheri al Ragu Napoletano, with slow-cooked pork and beef, and Paccheri di Gragnano ai Tesori del Mare, combining lobster tail, scallops, prawns, and clams. Gerardo Di Nola pasta features prominently, so don’t assume every pasta is made in-house. The setting offers indoor dining and bar seating, with patio and garden seating in summer; a large outdoor tent accommodates group gatherings. Ask which outdoor areas are operating when reserving.
- Tony Bennett tribute pizza: “The Good Life” is a marinara with San Marzano tomato, garlic, oregano, and olive oil.
- Wood-oven seafood: Sea-salt-crusted red snapper is among the restaurant’s featured preparations.
- Southern Italian dessert: Sfogliatella brings flaky pastry filled with orange ricotta.
- Summer outdoor dining: Patio and garden seating extend the dining space seasonally.
- Celebration meals: Private events can include a custom menu arranged with the chef.
Naples 15 at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 15 N Butler St, Madison, WI 53703. |
| Neighborhood / Area | Downtown Madison, east of Capitol Square. |
| Operating Hours | Monday–Thursday, 5–10 p.m.; Friday–Saturday, 5–11 p.m.; Sunday closed. Confirm early seating by phone. |
| Admission & Ticket Prices | No admission ticket; food and drinks are purchased separately. $$$ dining. See the official website for menus. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1.5–2 hours; longer for celebrations. |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Downtown street parking and paid garages; check the city parking guide before driving. |
| Official Website / Phone | Naples 15; 608-250-6330. |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
For straightforward planning, request a table around 5 p.m. and call ahead for weekend dinners or larger parties. Reservations are handled by telephone; this is not a ticketed attraction. Mention outdoor seating preferences, children, allergies, and any mobility requirements during that conversation. For drivers, downtown street spaces and paid garages are the practical options; allow extra time to park and walk rather than planning to arrive at the restaurant door at your reservation time.
Wheelchair access is listed for the restaurant, but ask staff about the entrance route, restroom arrangement, and space for your particular wheelchair or stroller before booking. Request an indoor table if dependable access matters more than patio seating. Nearby walking pairings include Capitol Square, the Madison Children’s Museum, and Monona Terrace; these make a useful downtown circuit before dinner. Keep outdoor sightseeing before your reservation in winter, when darkness and icy sidewalks can complicate an otherwise short walk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours, and when should I arrive?
Plan on dinner Monday through Saturday, with listed closing times of 10 p.m. Monday–Thursday and 11 p.m. Friday–Saturday. Sunday is closed. A reservation around 5 p.m. leaves room for a leisurely meal; telephone first if seeking an earlier opening.
Do I need tickets or a reservation?
No tickets are needed: you pay for your meal and drinks. Call 608-250-6330 to reserve, especially for a celebration or group. Discuss a custom event menu directly rather than assuming ordinary dinner arrangements apply.
How much time should I budget?
Allow 1.5–2 hours for dinner. Leave additional time for parking, a pre-dinner walk, or several courses. If you have theater tickets or another fixed commitment afterward, tell your server when you sit down.
Is Naples 15 suitable for families and wheelchair users?
Families can dine here, and wheelchair access is listed. Pizza offers a familiar starting point for children. Call about high chairs, stroller storage, accessible seating, and restroom needs so staff can arrange an appropriate table.
Travelers exploring Madison often pair this stop with nearby highlights including Mediterranean Cafe (1.2 km away) and Eno Vino Downtown (0.1 km away).
