A temporary art-and-food project has opened in Naples' Quartieri Spagnoli, near the Maradona mural. Called the Ritrattoria, it offers visitors a portrait of themselves made on an edible surface — presented as the day's dish, to eat or to keep.
The project was conceived by Neapolitan artist-chef and portraitist Nicola Vincenzo Piscopo. According to Il Mattino, Piscopo creates each guest's portrait live during the experience, working with edible colours on edible paper or a wafer-like edible support.
How it works
Instead of ordering from a menu, the guest becomes the dish. Each visitor is portrayed by Piscopo, and the resulting portrait is served as their plate.
The work can be eaten on the spot. It can also be preserved or framed, for guests who prefer to keep the portrait rather than consume it.
Il Mattino reports prices of €10–20 for the edible portrait. A €0 option called the "piatto vacante" is also reported: a plate with a hole.
An ironic commentary on consumption
Il Mattino describes the Ritrattoria as both a restaurant and a performance, with a critical dimension. The concept addresses consumerism, narcissism, tourism-oriented development and stereotyped representations of Naples.
The title plays on the Italian words "ritratto," meaning portrait, and "trattoria." The English-language event listing renders the idea as "art you can eat." Il Mattino frames it more sharply as a form of artistic self-cannibalism: the visitor consumes their own image.
In that sense, the small format is part of the point. With only two tables, the encounter is direct and personal: one artist, a few guests at a time, and a portrait made in front of the person it depicts.
Where and when
The reported address is Via Emanuele de Deo 65, Naples, opposite the Maradona mural.
The reported opening period is 4–29 November. Il Mattino reports Tuesday–Sunday hours of 12:00–22:00. The venue has two tables and is intended for very small groups; the Eventbrite listing describes capacity of approximately 6–8 people at a time.
Good to know before going
The available sources do not establish whether the temporary project will be extended beyond the reported dates. No complete booking procedure, payment policy or live availability is provided in the sources reviewed.
Check dates and access in advance. The sources describe a temporary store with limited capacity, so confirm whether a reservation is needed and what times are available on the day you plan to visit.
The sources also do not provide a full ingredient, allergen or dietary-suitability statement for the edible paper and colours. If you have allergies, intolerances or dietary requirements, ask directly before tasting the portrait.
