In Quarto, a suburb of Naples, an unassuming former trattoria is now home to Ristorante SUD. Run by head chef Marianna Vitale and her husband and sommelier, Pino Esposito, Ristorante SUD has quickly become an established favourite of the region. Awarded its Michelin star in 2012 along with a variety of other European honours, the restaurant's reputation has continued to grow since its inception in 2009.

By not being in the centre of Naples, the restaurant itself is slightly off the main tourist track, but this only adds to its unique charm. The town of Quarto is just northwest of Naples, and the area is renowned for its agriculture, due to the fertile landscape which results from the wetlands surrounding it. The abundance of fresh produce in the locality is the perfect match for chef Marianna, a native of the Napole region herself, as she prides herself on showcasing the best local ingredients in all her dishes.

If the restaurant location is slightly unexpected, then the decór inside will also surprise and delight diners who make the journey there. The entrance is guarded by a plant-filled garden, and the chic tones of white and grey, which are befitting a fine dining restaurant, are contrasted with toys and memorabilia from Marianna’s childhood. Colourful Lego heads sit on shelves, a push-along trike sits against a wall, and plastic toys line the window ledge that looks into the kitchen. Through here, guests are reminded of the excellent standard of food that is being prepared for them, and Marianna’s passion for cooking is further exemplified by the many cookbooks piled high on the walls and the floor.

With an impressive menu and wine list available, one of the favourite choices by diners is the five-course tasting menu, chosen specifically by the chef. This allows a full insight into the wonderful array of dishes available, many of which make the most of seasonal ingredients and fresh seafood from the nearby coast. One such example is her popular dish Impepata, which recently won an award for Best Italian Dish of 2015. A traditional Neapolitan recipe revisited by Marianna, Impepata is a delicate mix of mussels, pepper and lemon with a cream sauce. Campania wines feature heavily on the wine list, again adding to the full culinary experience that the region has to offer.

This sophisticated restaurant is surely destined for further accolades as Marianna further develops her unique style.