OUR HISTORY

In the late 1960’s, the Prifitera Family opened the first Naples in Connecticut. After a few site changes, the restaurant found it’s home on the Yale University campus in New Haven, Connecticut.

For some 30 years, anyone and everyone who has been to Yale has eaten at Naples. Even Bill Clinton, during his law school days (and who argued politics with Joe Prifitera….Joe, God rest his soul, was a Republican!), had been a patron at Naples. Many artists such as Mitch Miller, Meryl Streep, Jodie Foster, and Bob Dylan—to name a few–have renewed their artistic spirit on several occasions in there laxed atmosphere at Naples.

Still located at Yale, Naples is a place where no one will rush you out the door. Many individuals have written their books, doctoral theses, and music while eating there.

The name Naples comes from the style of pizza that is served. In Italy, pizza is very different from what most Americans are used to experiencing. Pizza in Italy is regionally distinct. The Naples (Napoli) area serves a Neapolitan style pizza that is the most similar to the American style of pizza.

The restaurant has gone through many changes over the years, withstanding the test of time—from the campus riots of the 60’s,to the student protests of the 90’s, and today, a move to south Texas.