Trattoria di Napoli Opens This Summer!
Excitement is building in historic downtown Perry as we prepare to welcome our newest dining destination, Trattoria di Napoli. This restaurant is slated to open this summer and promises to be one of Georgia's finest.
What is a Trattoria?
A trattoria (pronounced trat-uh-ree-uh) traditionally serves regional food focusing on simple, high-quality ingredients, much like a bistro or café. Owner John Staurulakis envisions Trattoria di Napoli as an homage to classic Italian trattorias, enhanced by modern culinary techniques to ensure an unforgettable dining experience. His philosophy is simple: "Make Good Food Good." As John elaborates, "Good food doesn't have to be complicated. Use the right techniques with the best ingredients, and you create something people will love."
Meet the Visionary
John's passion for food began at a young age, assisting his mother with catering and event planning at just eight years old. By sixteen, he had launched his own catering business. Learning the culinary arts from his mother and grandmothers (a southern belle from Atlanta and a Greek from New York), John developed a profound appreciation for the experience of food. He later honed his skills at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY, where he met Tim Harko, the future executive chef of Trattoria di Napoli.
A Labor of Love
Creating Trattoria di Napoli has been meticulous, with attention to every detail. The decor features hand-selected tiles, custom-made bar shelving by a local craftsman, and stunning glass mosaics from Murano, Italy. The centerpiece is a custom-made Neapolitan pizza oven by Marra Forni, weighing 4,500 pounds and built on-site with bricks from Naples, Italy. With temperatures between 900 and 1,200 degrees, this oven can cook a Neapolitan-style pizza in just two minutes, resulting in a thin, light crust.
Culinary Excellence
At Trattoria di Napoli, everything is crafted by hand, from the pasta and dough to the sauces—everything except the cheese. The open kitchen design allows diners to watch as their meals are prepared. Signature dishes include caccio e pepe, eggplant rollatini, chicken parmesan, and their special watermelon cucumber salad. Vegan and gluten-free options will also be available. Don't miss the unique cannoli, with shells made from their own special—not overly sweet—recipe, perfectly balancing the sweet cannoli cream.
A Team Sport
As proprietor, John oversees both the front and back of the house, viewing hospitality as a team sport where he plays the role of coach. He develops recipes and finds the best roles for his staff, ensuring everyone is set up for success. Training is paramount; The Spotted Trotter will educate the team on salumi, and Grande Cheese will teach the nuances of cheese selection. John embraces mistakes as learning opportunities, exemplified by the accidental creation of their Creamsicle cannoli.
Grand Opening
Trattoria di Napoli will operate from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and it will be closed on Sundays. The restaurant will start with a soft opening by invitation only, followed by reservation-only seating. Once the staff is fully trained and ready to deliver John's high level of service, walk-ins will be welcomed.
Trattoria di Napoli is set to become a vibrant addition to Perry's fine dining scene, attracting visitors from near and far to our historic downtown.
For the latest updates and the official opening date, follow Trattoria di Napoli on Facebook @trattoriadinapoliperryga and Instagram @trattoriadinapoli_perry. Their website will launch on opening day.
