Nestled between Naples and Pompeii, with Mount Vesuvius nearby, is the charming yet well-known eatery, Zimbarella. Locals and tourists both flock to this restaurant, famous for its standout dish: pasta alla puttanesca. With its strong connection to local traditions, Zimbarella stands as more than just a place to eat; it embodies Italian culinary heritage passed down over time.
The driving force behind Zimbarella is its owner, Mrs. Teresa Itzo, who's been sharing her family's cherished recipes for over 40 years. This restaurant's story began nearly a century ago when Teresa's mother first welcomed guests. Today, Teresa continues her mother's legacy by preparing the same beloved pasta alla puttanesca recipe that has pleased diners for years.
The dish features a straightforward blend of tomatoes, olives, capers, anchovies, garlic, and peperoncino, mixed with extra virgin olive oil and a bit of salt. This humble mix delivers a burst of flavors, often credited for the dish's lasting appeal.
Preparing the puttanesca involves patience. Mrs. Teresa carefully tends to the dish, ensuring each component is cooked just right. After waiting for the sauce to meld its flavors, she adds olives toward the end, enhancing the rich taste. Once the pasta is cooked to perfection, the dish is ready to serve, leaving guests frequently marveling at how something so simple can be irresistibly delicious.
Zimbarella offers more than just puttanesca. Its menu features a selection of local culinary treasures, from buffalo mozzarella to a variety of other pasta dishes, pizzas, and fresh fish. However, it is the celebrated puttanesca that continues to draw food lovers to its doors.
For those seeking an authentic taste of Naples' culinary heritage, a visit to Zimbarella is a must. Here, diners not only savor the flavors of southern Italy but also become part of a storied tradition that connects past and present through food.