Old Naples continues to evolve as a dining destination with new concepts shaping the city’s culinary identity. Scheduled to open in fall 2025, La Saliere Naples will join the established restaurant scene near Third Street South. The restaurant will replace The Bevy, which previously operated on 12th Avenue South, a location recognized for its central placement among Old Naples’ restaurants, shops, and galleries.
The announcement adds another layer to Stefano Frittella's dining portfolio. A Naples restaurateur already known for Bice, Vergina, and Caffe Milano, his restaurants line Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South, giving him an established presence across the city’s most important dining corridors. La Saliere Naples builds on this foundation with an Italian menu designed to complement his existing brands while offering a fresh concept for locals and visitors.
Background and Ownership
The property’s transition from The Bevy to La Saliere reflects years of planning. In 2020, Frittella began considering a change in the concept of the space, recognizing the potential of 12th Avenue South for Italian dining. Early efforts to rebrand were delayed when immigration restrictions made it difficult to bring in the Italian chef he had selected for the project. That setback put the launch on hold until now, when plans for the restaurant have resumed with a confirmed timeline.
Frittella’s experience in Naples is extensive. Bice, a Fifth Avenue landmark, is known for upscale northern Italian cuisine. Vergina combines Mediterranean dishes with live entertainment, while Caffe Milano delivers a casual yet polished Italian menu. With La Saliere, Frittella extends his influence beyond Fifth Avenue South, expanding the reach of his group of restaurants into Old Naples’ southern district.
Location and Setting
La Saliere Naples will occupy the former site of The Bevy at 360 12th Avenue South, a short walk from the Naples Pier and the shops of Third Street South. The space is known for its open layout, which previously featured a large courtyard bar and multiple dining areas. The redesign will focus on creating an Italian setting that balances indoor and outdoor seating.
The location is significant because 12th Avenue South has long been a gathering point for upscale restaurants and boutique retail. Proximity to Third Street South places La Saliere within one of the city's most historic and walkable parts. Patrons can transition easily between a meal at La Saliere and nearby galleries, shops, or cultural venues.
Concept and Vision
The concept behind La Saliere is grounded in authentic Italian dining with a contemporary presentation. Frittella has emphasized his goal of offering dishes rooted in Italian culinary tradition while creating an atmosphere that supports Naples’ reputation as a resort town. The menu will likely showcase regional specialties, crafted pastas, seafood, and seasonal ingredients sourced for freshness.
In addition to food, design will play a central role. The transition from The Bevy’s modern American style means a complete reconfiguration of interiors and exteriors. The new concept will highlight warm tones, Mediterranean textures, and a layout that encourages extended dining experiences.
Chef and Culinary Team
Securing the right chef was a key factor in the timing of this project. Frittella’s earlier difficulty in bringing an Italian chef to Naples through visa approval delayed the launch in 2020. With the issue resolved, the restaurant can move forward with a culinary team that reflects the authenticity he envisioned.
The chef will curate a menu that represents traditional Italian techniques while adapting to the expectations of Old Naples diners. That balance of heritage and refinement distinguishes La Saliere from more casual Italian options in the region. Details about the exact menu are still forthcoming, but emphasis will be placed on craftsmanship, consistency, and presentation.
Comparison to Old Naples Dining Landscape
Old Naples already supports a strong dining scene anchored by establishments like Campiello, Sea Salt, Truluck’s, and Frittella’s other restaurants. The introduction of La Saliere Naples adds to the mix by extending the Italian dining presence into the southern portion of the district. Unlike Bice, which caters to a Fifth Avenue South audience, La Saliere will attract guests strolling along Third Street South or visiting the Naples Pier.
This distinction allows the restaurant to occupy a unique position in the neighborhood. Old Naples diners are accustomed to refined concepts, and La Saliere will join that landscape with a focus on Italian authenticity in a new setting. The placement helps distribute fine dining across more of the district, making 12th Avenue South a stronger anchor for evening gatherings.
Anticipated Menu and Experience
While the full menu has not yet been released, indications point toward a blend of seafood dishes, handmade pastas, and wood-fired items. Naples’ coastal location offers easy access to fresh seafood, which will likely appear prominently on the menu. Italian wines will also play a role, curated to complement the dishes and reinforce the restaurant’s emphasis on authenticity.
The dining experience will be structured to allow flexibility, supporting both multi-course meals and casual evenings. Outdoor dining in the courtyard will remain part of the plan, but reimagined to fit the Italian theme. Service is expected to follow the standard of Frittella’s other properties, emphasizing professionalism and attention to detail.
Impact on the Restaurant Scene
Adding La Saliere marks an important step in Old Naples’ restaurant development. The opening reinforces the city’s status as a destination for fine dining and introduces a new layer to its Italian offerings. By reclaiming a prominent space and transforming it, Frittella strengthens the southern side of Old Naples as a culinary hub.
Other restaurant owners may see this move as encouragement to continue investing in Old Naples. Provided it succeeds, La Saliere will likely attract more foot traffic to 12th Avenue South, benefiting nearby businesses. As with Bice and Vergina, the restaurant will contribute to the neighborhood's identity as a place where dining is both diverse and high-quality.
Will Your Move to Old Naples Coincide With La Saliera?
With its distinctive location, culinary direction, and ownership, La Saliere will strengthen the presence of Italian dining in Old Naples while creating new reasons to visit the Third Street South district. Its arrival marks an essential step in the continued evolution of Old Naples’ reputation as a premier dining destination.
Old Naples already has phenomenal restaurants, and the city’s dining scene will receive a boost this fall with the grand opening of La Saliera. Prospective buyers can find properties within walking distance of the many restaurants on 5th and 3rd Avenues. If you'd like to explore your real estate options, reach out to Andrew Christopher as your next key step toward homeownership in Old Naples.