Michael’s on Naples to Merge with Zagat-Rated Michael’s Pizzeria

The move introduces wood-fired, Neapolitan-style pizza to the restaurant’s fine-dining menu
Michael's on Naples to Merge with Zagat-Rated Michael's Pizzeria
Photo: Official

Michael’s on Naples, an award-winning fine dining establishment on Naples Island, announced a merger with another concept in its family of Italian restaurants, Michael’s Pizzeria. Serving Napoli-style pizza in a casual environment, Michael’s Pizzeria opened in 2010 and has become one of the top-rated pizza eateries in the country.

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Michael’s on Naples will introduce wood-fired pizzas to its fine dining menu by the end of June, offering a more upscale setting for enjoying the familiar favorite. The former Michael’s Pizzeria storefront, a small annex space next door, will become Michael’s Market, a new concept opening in August that will sell pastas, sauces, oils, gourmet groceries from Italy, and more, inspired by pandemic-related industry shifts.

“With this merger, we can further satisfy our customers and enhance their dining experience with a more diverse selection of dishes for every occasion,” said Michael Dene, owner of Michael’s on Naples and its family of restaurants in a statement. “We are excited to make Neapolitan-style pizza a bigger part of our culinary tradition at Michael’s on Naples, while continuing to deliver the same fine ingredients that were a cornerstone at our award-winning pizzeria.”

Opened in 2008, Michael’s on Naples has set the bar for upscale dining on Long Beach’s Naples Island, using the finest quality ingredients and locally sourced, fresh produce. To ensure its pizzas are created to the highest standard, the restaurant is installing a brand-new, wood-fired brick oven. Using the same ingredients for its house made dough, sauce and cheeses found at Michael’s Pizzeria, the pizzas and pizzettes will have the signature paper-thin crusts and perfectly blistered edges.

“Met with a growing demand for our pizzas, Chef Eric Samaniego and I set out to reimagine our pizzeria experience to bring the incredible textures and flavors to a wider audience,” says General Manager Massimo Aronne. “Merging our two side-by-side restaurant concepts allows us to focus on serving Neapolitan-style pizza alongside Michael’s on Naples signature dishes, all while delivering the ‘Michael’s touch’ — an unforgettable culinary adventure with a relentless focus on quality.”

Situated just a stone’s throw from Long Beach’s picturesque canals, Michael’s on Naples is known for its farm-to-table take on upscale Italian cuisine and an uncompromising approach to quality. Its many offerings include handmade pastas, tasting menus, a sommelier-developed wine list, and a craft cocktail program that includes 10 variations of the iconic negroni. The elegant ambience of the two-story restaurant and its rooftop terrace will elevate the Napoli-style pies from Michael’s Pizzeria, named one of the best pizzas in the country by Zagat in 2013.

“Our authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas will be made with the same attention to detail and quality ingredients that customers know and love,” says Executive Chef Eric Samaniego. “Bringing this culinary staple to a new upscale setting is a dream, and we are excited to introduce Michael’s on Naples guests to this perfect combination of house made dough, sauce, cheeses, locally grown organic veggies.”

Photo: Official
Lisa Hay

Lisa Hay

Lisa is a staff reporter for What Now Media Group. She covers new restaurant, retail, and real estate openings across all of our markets. A true foodie, this Air Force veteran has lived all over the world — from Aviano, Italy to Nairobi, Kenya — but her favorite spot is NOLA for its rich history, architecture, culture, and of course, its good eats.
Lisa Hay

Lisa Hay

Lisa is a staff reporter for What Now Media Group. She covers new restaurant, retail, and real estate openings across all of our markets. A true foodie, this Air Force veteran has lived all over the world — from Aviano, Italy to Nairobi, Kenya — but her favorite spot is NOLA for its rich history, architecture, culture, and of course, its good eats.

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