First Look: Double Zero Napoletana in Sandy Springs

Double Zero Napoletana hits multiple culinary hot buttons, with the likes of Neapolitan pizza baked in handcrafted brick ovens from Stefano Ferrara, classic and barrel-aged cocktails, carefully curated beer and wine lists, and an au courant lounge aura.

The newest concept from Federico Castellucci III and Stephanie Castellucci of Castellucci Hospitality Group follows the family’s three popular Sugo Italian spots and the more contemporary Spanish-leaning Iberian Pig in Decatur. The Castelluccis describe Double Zero as “an upscale Southern Italian restaurant featuring the cuisine of the Campania region.”

The look: Amanda Milner designed the spare, sprawling 300-seat space, showcasing the twin domed ovens (marked "Double" and "Zero") and the prominent bar area. The main dining room, accented with stacked firewood and oak whiskey barrels, is divided between long communal tables and smaller seating nooks.

The scene: A few nights after the May 10 opening, the bar was crowded and convivial, while the dining room seemed like a vast undiscovered territory. Bartenders dressed in retro garb were keen to describe the details of the menu, as guests enthusiastically explored cocktails and antipasti. Castellucci III worked the room, eagerly asking, "How is it?"

The menu: Italian cured meats and cheeses (3 for $14), salads ($8-$12) and small plates ($7-$13) lead off the offerings. Pizza ($10-$19) ranges from classic Margherita to Uovo with arugula, Fior di Latte mozzarella, asparagus, watermelon radish, roasted red pepper and a farm egg. Fresh housemade pastas ($13-$19) and entrees ($17-$36), including a dry-aged New York strip steak, round out the menu.

The drinks: Many cocktails feature Italian spirits and cordials. The signature Negroni ($15), with Campari and Carpano Antica vermouth, is aged in bourbon barrels for six weeks. The 00 Manhattan ($13) is a heady mix of High West Double Rye and Barolo Chinato. The wine program leans heavily to Southern Italian selections, by the taste ($3-$7.50), glass ($6-$15) or bottle ($23 and up). And there are bottled beers from Italian craft brewers, such as Baladin.

The extras: Pastries and desserts ($3-$8) are displayed in a glass case near what will soon be a cafe serving George Howell's Terroir coffee and breakfast and lunch from 7 a.m. Mondays through Saturdays.