Tucked away in the heart of Naples, on Vicolo Santa Maria Cappella Vecchia,
Ruri is the kind of place you don’t expect to find — a sanctuary of elegance, silence, and culinary mastery. Every detail is designed to transport you straight to Tokyo, specifically to the refined district of Ginza, home of Master Hiroshi Yanagi.
If you're searching for a truly authentic Japanese experience in Naples, this is an unmissable destination.
Originally from Tokyo, Chef Hiroshi Yanagi is a guardian of the kaiseki tradition, the highest form of Japanese culinary hospitality, which celebrates seasonality, simplicity, and balance.
With only 12 seats at the counter and two tasting menus (starting from €160 per person, excluding drinks), Ruri offers an intimate, almost sacred dining experience.
Every gesture, every dish, every ingredient tells a story.
Giovanni D’Alessandro, the owner of Ruri, has fulfilled his dream of bringing true Japanese culinary art to Naples. He welcomes every guest himself, introducing the project and sharing fascinating details — especially meaningful if, like me, you’re passionate about Japanese culture.
In the dining room, Danilo Cortimiglia leads the service with thoughtful attention and refined knowledge, guiding you through each course, ingredient, and wine pairing with quiet elegance.
The Meaning of "Ruri" and the Art of Kintsugi
Let’s start with the name. “Ruri” means “deep blue” in Japanese — a symbol of purity, elegance, and introspection. This is also the dominant color in the restaurant’s design, warmed by soft lighting that turns this small space into a true Japanese stage.
Designed by Takeda Katsuya Design, the space features charred wood walls and a copper floor inspired by the art of kintsugi, where imperfections are embraced and made beautiful. At the heart of the room stands a counter carved from a single 400-year-old oak tree, shared with fellow diners.
If you're observant, you might notice that the ancient wood’s grain was even used to craft hand-blown glassware, created by a master glassblower.
Nothing here is left to chance — every detail tells a story of Japanese philosophy, of time, beauty, and imperfection.
Kaiseki: The Japanese Culinary Art of Tradition
At Ruri, the culinary path follows the philosophy of kaiseki, an art form that dates back to the Edo period (1603–1868).
This isn’t sushi as you know it—it’s something deeper. Kaiseki is a philosophy, expressed through a sequence of small, meticulously prepared dishes that celebrate seasonality, purity of ingredients, and flawless presentation.
To understand the level of dedication that Master Hiroshi-san brings to his cuisine, consider this: he has been sourcing his Japanese rice from the same supplier for over forty years. But that’s not all—he also blends rice from different harvests, much like a skilled maître de cave does with champagne, to create a uniquely balanced and personal shari (sushi rice).
The rice is served at body temperature, in keeping with Edo-period tradition, and seasoned with akazu, a prized red rice vinegar. This noble ingredient adds depth of flavor and a subtle amber hue, making it the perfect base for each nigiri.
And the wasabi? Forget the overpowering kind that masks the taste—here, it’s fresh, authentic, grated right in front of you with a sharkskin grater.
The fish is flown in fresh from Japan every week, with the exception of red mullet, one of the Master's favorite nigiri. Before being served, the fish is stored in traditional wooden boxes that help maintain the ideal temperature.
Here, you’ll want to take mental notes—everything is new and captivating. Even the shiso leaves, which might accompany just a single dish, have such a distinctive and refreshing aroma that they leave a lasting impression.
Japanese knives are true stars in this kitchen, used with graceful, deliberate movements. Even a simple squid is transformed into a work of art—its intricate cuts enhance the texture, capturing flavors and intensifying every bite.
The Dishes at Ruri: Seasonal Gifts Served Like Poetry
At Ruri, each course is conceived as a gift, presented with almost ceremonial care, often handed to you directly by Hiroshi’s wife, with quiet devotion.
All ceramic dishes are handmade, a visual prelude to the experience ahead.
From nigiri with blue prawn from New Caledonia, to sweet, buttery Hokkaido scallops, to temaki filled with crispy nori, tuna, and urakeka, every bite is a journey through the pure, elegant flavors of Japan.
Ruri and Japanese Etiquette: A Ritual of Silence and Respect
Ruri isn’t a place you go just to eat. t’s a place to experience something profound.
Punctuality is essential. Everyone is served at the same time, and in silence—just as it’s done in Japan.
Nigiri is traditionally eaten with your hands (a damp towel is always provided), and soup can be sipped directly from the bowl, noisily, as a sign of appreciation.
Unlike any sushi bar or fusion spot, Ruri is not only an authentic Japanese restaurant in Naples, but also a cultural and sensory experience that, in the span of a couple of hours, transports you to the other side of the world.
And if this philosophy intrigues you but you’re looking for something a bit more casual, try Ruri Izakaya, run by the same owner, just across the street.
