Favorite Italian Restaurants

[mmblz]

Originally Posted by forgop

I love me some Buca di Beppo as well. Best calimari I've had there, although I must say pricing has gotten quite outrageous.

Just saw this thread, then saw this coupon:
http://www.bucadibeppo.com/free_ziti...intCoupon.aspx

... so thought I would post it.



My favorites in Chicago were probably Mia Francesca and Spacca Napoli. But there are so darn many you just never know for sure

[Blueface]

Originally Posted by mmblz

Just saw this thread, then saw this coupon:
http://www.bucadibeppo.com/free_ziti...intCoupon.aspx

... so thought I would post it.



My favorites in Chicago were probably Mia Francesca and Spacca Napoli. But there are so darn many you just never know for sure

In your area, love Francesco's Hole in the Wall in Skokie.

In my area, Matteo's.

Originally Posted by Superbad

Donatelo's in Tampa.... Hands down best Italian I have ever had. The food is amazing. It is like a time warp into a godfather movie though. The Maitre'D gives all women roses when they come in. They don't make them like this anymore. Better than RAO's or any high end place in NYC thats for sure.

This place sounds great

[rizzle]

Originally Posted by Superbad

Donatelo's in Tampa.... Hands down best Italian I have ever had. The food is amazing. It is like a time warp into a godfather movie though. The Maitre'D gives all women roses when they come in. They don't make them like this anymore. Better than RAO's or any high end place in NYC thats for sure.

Donatello is the deal. Glad to see another out-of-towner singing their praises. Anyone we've ever taken there has absolutely loved it.

[Tio Gato]

My favorite is the Trattoria del Vapore in Cernobbio, Italy. It's on Lake Como along the Swiss border. (Wow that sounds snobby.) My dad did business with the owners son and I was lucky enough to travel with him a few times.

I also like Cassarino's and Angelo's Civita Farnese Restaurant both on Federal Hill in Providence, RI.

[N2 GOLD]

Pizz De Oro in Costa Mesa, Ca. very nice mom & pop spot...
Sundays all you can eat Lasagna

http://www.ocweekly.com/locations/pizza-d-oro-207225/

http://www.eatatpizzadoro.com/

[thebayratt]

I don't care a whole lot for Itallian food... Not enough meat and when I get done eating, I am hungry about 30 minutes later.. I can't stand Olive Garder... But Carrabba's is decent, with meat on the menu.
We have no "hometown" Itallian places in my area, if there ever is, they don't last long.

[replicant_argent]

I have only been to one Italian joint in your town, at the recommendation of a Great BOTL and his ever-enduring wife.
http://francescosholeinthewall.com/
That's the joint... and it didn't suck. At all.
I hope to be able to take someone there one day when I visit your city again.

[Bageland2000]

Originally Posted by ChicagoWhiteSox

This one is easy for me. The Italian Village in Chicago. Classic place to eat. I love the Ossobuco, and the Veal Piccata. When you walk in, you feel like everyone knows you. The staff is great. The wine list is incredible. Good stuff, and if your in Chicago, go there.


Maggiano's is also good. I have eaten only at the one in Oak Brook. It was very good. The Veal Marsala is killer good! I'm pretty sure Maggiano's has a place in every major city.

CWS I've walked by this place a bunch of times, my friends all love it, and I still haven't been here (almost went last Christmas). Now for the best Italian Beef available to human beings, have you tried Johnny's beef in Elmwood Park? To call yourself a true Chicagoan you have to go here and get an Italian Beef and Homemade Italian Lemonade. To Die For.

[Powers]

A little hole in the wall restaurant my friend and I stumbled into in Rome several years ago. Our waiter barely spoke English but the food was AMAZING!

[RevSmoke]

Used to be a place in Elmwood Park called Biancalana's. Is it still there?

[yachties23]

If you are a pasta fan, one place to check out in NYC, especially if going to see a show is becco. They do an absolutely amazing pre fix menu specifically catering to theater goers.

Also Babo (if you can get reservations) is pretty solid. I would seriously avoid little italy (the manhattan version) its overpriced and you get olive garden quality food. Little Italy in the Bronx however is pretty awesome and a great place to spend an afternoon (few good smoke shops, with custom rollers up there)

Rao's is solid, and so is carmines, but those are always packed.

[mosesbotbol]

Originally Posted by yachties23

Little Italy in the Bronx however is pretty awesome and a great place to spend an afternoon (few good smoke shops, with custom rollers up there)

In the little food court/ mall on Arthur Ave? I love the Calabria Pork Store; a must visit!

[yachties23]

Originally Posted by mosesbotbol

In the little food court/ mall on Arthur Ave? I love the Calabria Pork Store; a must visit!

Thats it...

They did move the cigar roller out of the market, last time I was there. I live so close I should go more often, but its always fun to get over there a couple times a year.

[mosesbotbol]

In Boston, Via Matta has all the bases covered for Italian food and is one of the best restaurants in general. Great scene and QPR.

http://www.viamattarestaurant.com

[Retiredguy]

Although I'm in the Houston area now, I grew up in Chicago and have been to Italian Village several times. Great place.
Myy favorite was a place on the Northwest side called El Centros. As indicated, it's at the corner of Elston and Central. Don't know if it's still there or not.
Also, if you get to Jackson, WY, a great little place to try is Anthony's.

[smelly4tay]

hmm, small restaurant overlooking the Medit. Sea, perched high on a cliff in the town of Riomaggiore Italy....part of the Cinque Terra chain.

One huge meatball in the middle of a monstrous plate...with mussels, clams, capellini, and some amazing white sauce. Table red wine had a better taste than 10-30$ bottles here. 2 guys, 11 girls.

Trattoria Lisina - the price is just perfect for the quality of dish they serve.

[billybarue]

Favorite, never disappoints OSTERIA in Palo Alto, CA. I think they have a San Fran Location but never been to that one.

Cunettos on the hill in St Louis used to have a steak Siciliana that was fantastic but last time I was there it has dropped off. I don't know how they do it but it is lightly breaded and than grilled (not baked or pan fried) as far as I can tell. Lay it down in a thick mushroom gravy. Hopefully next time they will be back up to par. If you go to the hill, best Italian market I think is Vivianos.

Santarpios in East Boston for pizza is a hole in the wall but outstanding.