I’ve decided to write about my visit to Masa.
Masa Sushi Napoli
No, not that Masa. That Masa – the New York City Masa – remains my holy grail, assuming the holy grail cost $1,000 and there was a 20% chance the real one would actually be there.
This Masa is Masa Sushi Napoli.
And this review is going to be my love letter to Naples.
I love it. Some people will tell you Naples is grimy. Those peoples are morons. It’s gritty.
Unlike it’s neighbour to the north Rome, Napoli has a soul.
Is the sushi there good? No, of course not. Doesn’t matter. Whether you like Naples is my personal litmus test, right up there with whether you watch Industry.
So I’ll get to Masa – what you need to know, why we visited, what we ordered – shortly. But first, let’s talk about Napoli.
I love Naples. Credit Adobe Stock for a picture I want to hang in my bedroom.
Vedi Napoli e poi Muori.
“See Naples and Die.” That expression defines Naples. It means that once you see Naples, your life will complete. It’s that beautiful. That special.
So just trust me on this
Most people visit Napoli as a waypoint for the legendary Amalfi Coast, the stunning Capri or the severely underrated Ischia. We actually went to Ischia as part of this Napoli trip, stayed at the Hotel Mezzatorre (same group as the famed Pelicano), and had a fantastic time. Go to Ever Green for pizza (no clue why that’s the name), Tenuta C’est La Vie for wine and views, and Cantinando for rabbit. I digress.
The Mezzatorre hotel pool overlooks the Mediterranean. Plenty of youngish couples were there.
Mezzatorre at night facing the iconic watchtower (stay in the more modern rooms though)
Cantinando serves a mean rabbit on Ischia
The view from Tenuta C’est La Vie. Dinner was fine. Vibes were better.
Tenuta C’est La Vie winery
But Napoli is worth dedicated time
Neopolitans are prideful about their city. They’re also, contrary to stupidly popular opinion, very welcoming – if you deserve to be welcomed. If you’re an asshole tourist that views every local as your personal task rabbit, you probably shouldn’t visit there (or really anywhere).
We were there for 36 hours, and I wish it was longer. Most of our time was spent religiously tracing the Neopolitan Novels series because Mrs. TSL is a zealot. In fairness, I dragged her to the Subbuteo store in Torino, so I probably owed her one. And actually, exploring Naples by foot worked well – Caffe Corso, Gusto Marigliano, Piazza del Plebiscito were all highlights.
Naples at night with the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in the middle
We stayed at the Renaissance Naples Hotel Mediterraneo, which was very nice. But if there’s one slight drawback to Naples, it’s that there are very few ultra high-end hotels. Some people think it’s a waste to spend money on hotels.
This blog think those people are dumb.
You’re on vacation. You’re in the room for minimum 8 hours a day. You deserve comfort and pampering. You’ll remeber a great hotel for the rest of your life.
The good news is that Rocco Forte, the hotel version of Ledge Headwear (if you know you know, quiet luxury, etc), is planning to open at the Palazzo Caravita di Sirignano in 2027. I can’t wait for them to sponsor the Naples Sushi Guide.
Rocco Forte (one of my favourite indy hotel chains) is opening in Napoli (one of my favourite cities).
Alright let’s get to Masa Sushi Napoli
I’ve done the hard part of marking up a map. If you go to Napoli, you’ll likely stay close-ish to the water.
Masa Napoli Sushi is found down a staircase straight outta Cinderella. It serves something I call “European Style” sushi. If you’re unfamiliar, it means the ordering is done by computer, there’s sauce everywhere, and 33% of the menu is salmon.
Some of the options are a little, uh, dicey. Like for instance, this nigiri.
The worst thing America ever gave to the world
America’s globalized manifest destiny unleashed the Philadelphia Roll. The Hague has gotten involved for less.
But normal salmon nigiri is better than it has any right to be. It’s certainly better put together than Suzushii in Texas.
And considering that avocado is grown in the south of Italy, this concoction was both impressively fresh. and tasted not bad. 
I know what you’re thinking.
“Sauces. All You Can Eat. Fusion. You hate those sushiya in the New York City”.
You’re not wrong, internet asshole. But, as always, context matters. For New York City? Shut it down. But in Napoli? Beautiful, soulful, passionate Naples, with very limited sushi options? I’d visit every trip.
Recommended.
