Can’t fit in a trip to Naples anytime soon? Well, Thame’s latest café / restaurant opening might not have the Mediterranean weather, but it’s certainly nailed the food and atmosphere.

The latest passion project of Biagio Patalano (yes, of Biagio the Jeweller, no less), Gloria’s is inspired by his family heritage from Ischia — an island in the Bay of Naples. No surprise then, that the menu features a high standard of authentic Neapolitan food, and that the decor is glamorous enough that it could hold its own in the celeb-studded setting of Capri. Think: plush chairs, statement chandeliers, and decorative plants trailing from the ceiling. A decidedly ‘more is more’ styling which gives it a fun, dressed-up feel.

The menu is by-the-book classics: pizzas made with proper mozzarella, fresh salads drizzled with aged balsamic vinegar, homemade pastas, and piled sharing boards. At lunchtime, Gloria’s offers straight-up gourmet paninis — forget what you think you know about the oft-maligned panini, this is the real deal: the perfect marriage of good ciabatta and a hot grill. For afters, Gloria’s has a selection of classic Italian desserts as well as crepes, but it surely has to be a scoop of excellent gelato that you go for. Can’t beat it, as far as we’re concerned.

Though the MO here is authentic Italian, ingredients are for the most part locally-sourced. All breads, for example, come from the Abingdon-based sourdough bakery Degustibus, and desserts from the Bucks-based Italian Pasticceria.

Coffee snob? Come in, sit down, you’re in good company: Gloria’s only serves Illy coffee, expertly handled. The house also stocks a range of Italian wines and beers (and, really, not having a glass of something feels downright criminal), which are perfectly accompanied by the aperitivo – a selection of small bites to accompany your drink at the end of the day. Any chance to snaffle some dainty pastries and good olives is a welcome one, as far as we’re concerned.

Business owner? Gloria’s also offers high-quality business catering. See more here.