Napoli Caffè

Napoli Caffè is a small, open-sided Italian café on the Circumferential Road just south of San Juan town, on the stretch towards Maite. Owner Claudia often cooks and serves herself, and the place works as both a breakfast stop and a quiet pasta dinner. There's no pizza and no bar, which surprises some first-timers.

Crêpes are the main draw, with the most reviewer mentions: savoury ones like the parmigiana or mozzarella and vegetable, and sweet ones like banana and Nutella. Breakfast plates with omelettes come out fast. In the evening, go for the pasta, cooked properly al dente: beef ragù, tuna puttanesca, a carbonara made with egg rather than cream, and eggplant parmigiana. Homemade bread comes with mains, and the homemade coffee ice cream or an affogato makes a good finish. The coffee is brewed Neapolitan style in a stovetop pot rather than an espresso machine.

Most plates come in under ₱500. Portions are moderate, and a few diners find some sauces mild. The dining room is open to the air, so bring mosquito repellent after dark. Come for a late breakfast of savoury crêpes and come back another night for the ragù.