10/09/08

Neapolis offers elegant atmosphere, Mediterranean cuisine

by Beckye Randall

Diners who visit the new Neapolis Ristorante, located just to the south of 88th Street near I-5, next door to the Holiday Inn, will find a treat for their eyes as well as their taste buds.

Owner Bill Trapalis, along with partners Paul Ransom and Cary Williams, have created an intimate yet open setting inside the spacious restaurant, featuring custom etched glass dividers, impressive columns and a massive saltwater aquarium. The booths are covered in Italian leather and imported fabrics, walls are finished in Venetian plaster, and the rich mahogany trim adds to the elegant ambience.

The Marysville restaurant is the newest venture for Trapalis, who operates a popular eatery in Lake Stevens as well. The menu features specialty pizzas with handmade crusts, Greek and Italian cuisine and fresh baked bread. Diners will find unique dishes made with pork, lamb and veal, along with steaks and traditional offerings. The price range is moderate, with entrees ranging from $11 to $24.

“Their eggplant parmesan is the best,” raved Mayor Dennis Kendall at the recent ribbon-cutting event. Kendall has been a frequent visitor to the Lake Stevens restaurant, and was excited to see Neapolis open here in town.

The restaurant also features a comfortable lounge with seating for 50. With a full-service bar, the lounge amenities include art glass light fixtures and a “chill” runner along the bar to keep drinks deliciously cold.

The attention to details extends to the bathrooms, finished with travertine-style flooring and wall treatments and topped off with solid granite vessel sinks and an inlaid tile mosaic decorating the floor.

Neapolis opened for business in late September. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., with the lounge open until midnight.