Napi’s

By John S. Kelemen

This review will take us back to a Saturday evening in mid June when I was joined by four friends from New Jersey for dinner at what has been one of my favorite restaurants for twenty six years, Napi’s.

This two story restaurant was artfully crafted from salvaged materials including wood, brick, and stained glass garnered from several older buildings. Along with the antiques and artwork that have been used in the interior décor this has provided Provincetown with one of its most unique interiors and a worthwhile experience separate from merely dining. One town resident recently expressed the opinion that Napi’s has become primarily the destination of the blue haired tourist bus crowd. As far as I’m concerned more power to them. We’re all getting there anyway and Napi’s is still around for us in January and February when 99% of the Commercial Street restaurants are sealed up tight as a drum.

Among the many starters available from the menu we chose the always reliable Clam Chowder, Caesar’s Salad, Pear & Pecan Salad, and the Crisp Chinese Dumplings. All received thumps up from the group. Service of the first course was prompt but then the wait for entrées became somewhat excessive. Luckily a second basket of the excellent homemade bread kept our mouths too busy to do much complaining.

My favorite entrée has always been the Brazilian Shrimp and it did not disappoint this time either. The other entrees around the table included a special Lobster with Clam Stuffing, Chicken Stir Fry, Cod Provencal, and the vegetarianFelafel Plate. All of the entrees met with some approval with the Felafel Plate garnering the least favorable review.

Dinner was followed by coffee and three desserts shared by the group which included Tiramisu, Double Fudge Madness, and a special Raspberry Bread Pudding. The desserts were all excellent. Prices were generally in keeping with other restaurants in town.

In summation: the food was good: service okay; presentation good, prices reasonable; and the atmosphere, as always, nonpareil. It was not our best meal ever at Napi’s but still rates three and one half Provincetown Monuments out of a possible five. (III ½ )

Napi’s
7 Freeman St.
(800) 571-6274