Tag: Italian

  • Cappy’s Pizza (Riverview, FL) Review

    Cappy’s Pizza (Riverview, FL) Review

    Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

    4.6* (out of 5)

    Food: 5*

    Atmosphere: 4*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 5*

    Would I go back / Recommend?: 5* (Definitely)

    Total check/person: $20

    05/20/2024 Cappy’s Pizza (813) 662-4811

    My Dad was up for pizza for dinner, so we looked around the Riverview area and chose Cappy’s Pizza. The exterior of the building was a clean, modern brick facade with decking on the upper levels giving it a bit of a European / New Orleans feel. The interior was full of classic agricultural and automotive signs from yesteryear and was well-lit.

    To start our meal, we ordered a large Greek Salad (see picture) to share and we were not disappointed – it was delicious! We ordered 3 pizzas to share (see pictures) – 2 NY Customs and a NY Cappy. We enjoy thinner crusts and found all of these options to be very good – wood-fired edges with plenty of sauce and toppings.

    A rock-solid pizza shop that I would recommend and look forward to a return.

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  • Cosi Cucina Italian Grill (Clive, IA) Review

    Cosi Cucina Italian Grill (Clive, IA) Review

    Rating: 5 out of 5.

    4.8* (out of 5)

    Food: 5*

    Atmosphere: 5*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 5*

    Would I go back / Recommend?: 5* (Definitely)

    Total check/person: $40

    04/24/2024 Cosi Cucina (515) 278-8148

    Stopped back with a friend for a drink and dinner – and enjoyed another great experience! It honestly doesn’t look like much from the street (see picture with sign), but once you get around the back of the building to the entrance door (see picture) – it starts to feel more modern and inviting.

    We started with an Italian Margarita (see picture) and a Diana’s Martini (see picture) that we enjoyed with the complimentary Table Bread & Oil (see picture). All of them were very good and although I knew I shouldn’t…I couldn’t resist ordering an extra portion of Table Bread – it was so warm, moist and delicious!

    My friend ordered the Lasagna (see picture) and while I was tempted with the Butternut Squash Risotto, I ended up once again going for the Ziti Cucina with 2 meatballs – the “Pasta Special” (see picture). Luckily my friend, like my wife, likes to share tastes of our food – so we both sampled each other’s and would highly recommend both dishes. While $29 is definitely at the high end of what I prefer to spend for pasta – the taste of the Ziti Cucina was definitely as good as the presentation, and there was plenty to take home for another meal later.

    04/27/2022

    Stopped here based on a strong recommendation from a friend and it lived up to the recommendation in all ways! We had to wait a while for a table, so grabbed a seat at the bar and enjoyed a lemon drop martini and a white wine.

    Our dining table was available within the time promised and we were immediately treated with dinner rolls and olive oil.  My wife started with a side salad (see picture) and we both really enjoyed it…large, light and fresh.

    For dinner, I ordered the Ziti Cocina and my wife ordered the Chicken Picatta.  We shared both orders and both of us really liked both of them – excellent flavors to match the beautiful presentation. The Picatta sauce was plenty salty, but the green beans were fantastic!

    We will definitely be back again and would highly recommend it for a great meal!

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  • The Sicilian Butcher (Chandler, AZ) Review

    The Sicilian Butcher (Chandler, AZ) Review

    Rating: 5 out of 5.

    4.75* (out of 5)

    Food: 5*

    Atmosphere: 5*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 5*

    02/19/2024 Sicilian Butcher (480) 573-8550

    My wife found this place online – looked good, had great ratings and was near our hotel. We were impressed as we walked up to the exterior of the restaurant (see pictures) and that positive feeling only grew as we stepped inside. Everything was so well-lit, modern, open and full of energy – even on a Monday night.

    We didn’t have reservations and had to wait a bit for our table, so took advantage of the opportunity to sit at the bar (see pictures) and have a drink. The craft beers were very good and the prices were reasonable. Shortly after our drinks were served, a table opened up for us to be seated so we transferred to it.

    We soon learned that the restaurant is known for its meatballs – you choose your meatball, sauce and pasta (see menu pictures). Our bartender was great, so we went with his recommendations on the pairings. I went with the Sausage, Arrabiata with Creamy Polenta (see picture) and my wife ordered the Sicilian, Truffle Mushroom with Creste de Gallo (see picture). As we always do, we each tried some of each other’s dish and we both really liked both plates. The meatballs were great, but the polenta was so rich and creamy, yet also light – quite delicious!

    For dessert, my wife and I both love Tiramisu, so we were looking forward to giving it a try. However, since our waiter’s dinner suggestions were so good, we asked him for a dessert recommendation and he suggested the Lobster Roll (see picture). Obviously, it isn’t a savory lobster roll, but rather is given name due to it looking like a lobster tail – and is best described as a close cousin of cannoli (delicious creamy custard inside a light, flaky shell). It was SO good and I highly recommend that you try it!

    And maybe the best part of all (given my strong sweet tooth) was the bakery with gelato and other delicious cookies and desserts that was in another part of the building as we exited. Make sure you stop here and pick up some treats to bring along home or to the office – you’ll make instant friends when you share!

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  • Red Rabbit (Minneapolis, MN) Review

    Red Rabbit (Minneapolis, MN) Review

    Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

    4.5* (out of 5)

    Food: 5*

    Atmosphere: 4*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 5*

    10/28/2023 Red Rabbit Minneapolis (612) 767-8855

    We were in town to visit our son and celebrate his girlfriend passing her bar exam and looking for a place to eat when my wife suggested this place. Unfortunately, they didn’t take reservations, so we drove down and got our place on the seating list. They were quite busy as it was a Saturday night. We were told that it would be almost an hour and we wouldn’t all be able to sit together (there were 7 in our party). However, we ended up getting to sit a little earlier than promised and were all seated at the same table.

    We spent the time waiting for our table at the beautiful bar (see picture). Once we were seated, the Roasted Carrots (see picture) were highly recommended by friends, so we tried them and were not disappointed.

    For our meals, we ordered a number of different options and shared tastes of each other’s dishes so we all got to sample a variety of menu items. There are pictures for each of these mentioned dishes below and believe me, each and every one of them was delicious. The dishes we ordered were: Shrimp Garganelli, Mostacciolli, Lasagna, Chicken Parmesan and Butternut Squash Ravioli. Believe me, you won’t go wrong with any of these dishes.

    If you follow my posts, you know that the favorite part of my dining experience is the desserts. I don’t like a lot, but love at least a few bites to top off a meal. With so many people at our table, it was a great opportunity to order several desserts to share…and that is exactly what we did. We ordered the Beignets (see picture) which were delicious on their own, but even better with the raspberry dipping sauce. The highlight though was the Sticky Toffee Cake (see picture). It was recommended to our son’s girlfriend by another patron who was also waiting to be seated…and it was absolutely fantastic! We ordered it with truffel salt per her recommendation and the salted caramel and candied orange zest was a great complement.

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  • Sopra Bistro (Lake Geneva, WI) Review

    Sopra Bistro (Lake Geneva, WI) Review

    Rating: 5 out of 5.

    4.75* (out of 5)

    Food: 5*

    Atmosphere: 5*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 5*

    07/29/2023 Sopra Bistro

    Our friends made reservations to enjoy this place during our annual trek to visit them near Lake Geneva. Boy, do they know how to pick restaurants to impress us during our visits (we never want to go home…)! From the moment that we were seated until we left (and introducing us to the owner in between), Scot took fantastic care of us! The portions are on the small side and the prices above average…but that worked for us, as it left room for an Ice Cream stop after dinner!

    We started with a round of drinks – my wife going for the Cassandra (see picture) and myself going with the Smoke Break (see picture – a Kentucky beer and a shot of Mezcal). We both tasted each others drinks and both found the Cassandra to be delicious. I ordered the Smoke Break because it came with Mezcal and if you follow my posts or see the recipe on my site – I LOVE Mezcal Palomas in the summertime. I’m not a huge fan of sipping straight alcohol though (like it mixed so I can drink instead) and didn’t find anything special about the beer…so wouldn’t order it again, especially given the price.

    The Table Bread (see picture) was delicious along with the spread. For starters, our friends ordered the Brussels (see picture) and my wife and I shared the Beets Me (see picture). Both of these salads were unique, fresh and delicious – so I’d highly recommend them.

    For our dinners, our friends ordered the Sausage & Peppers (see picture), my wife ordered the Greatest Of All Time (see picture) and I ordered the NOLA (see picture). We all shared tastes of each others dishes and I assure you that there was a lot of “that’s delicious” after each bite! You absolutely won’t go wrong with any of these dishes!

    We had our hearts set on Ice Cream up the street for dessert and Scot even had a good recommendation for a new gelato store just 2 blocks away (the next review…). You will love a stop here for dinner – just make sure that you make reservations…and say ‘Hi’ to Scot!

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  • Anna Dolce Ristorante (West Des Moines, IA) Review

    Anna Dolce Ristorante (West Des Moines, IA) Review

    Rating: 5 out of 5.

    4.75* (out of 5)

    Food: 5*

    Atmosphere: 5*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 5*

    I stopped by before an appointment to check out the menu and prices and decided a return trip was definitely warranted.  I ended up meeting my wife here for Happy Hour food and drinks just a week later and we both really enjoyed the visit.

    We started with the Cosa Nostra wood-fired pizza and Bitter Melon Mojito shared drink – both recommendations from our waitress and both delicious.  I wasn’t familiar with the shared drink concept before this, but think of it like getting a pitcher of the drink along with glasses to share.

    Next, we were still a little hungry so went for the Stuffed Mushrooms (again at our waitress’ suggestion) – and found them to be cheese-covered deliciousness!

    Lastly, and might I say best of all given my sweet tooth, we ordered a piece of Tiramisu to share.  Do NOT leave without trying a piece – smooth, fresh, delicious, light and possibly the best I’ve ever had!

    You won’t go wrong stopping here for a meal…especially if you take advantage of the Happy Hour!

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  • Palace Pizza (Lakeland, Florida) Review

    Palace Pizza (Lakeland, Florida) Review

    Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

    4.25* (out of 5)

    Food: 5*

    Atmosphere: 4*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 4*

    01/13/2023 Palace Pizza

    Excellent pizza and Italian food that we enjoyed courtesy of our son’s recommendation while visiting his worksite in the Lakeland area.

    You order from the counter while looking at the previously prepared menu items, then your selected items are warmed up and delivered to your table (see pictures). It is definitely an area favorite, as the place was buzzing when we stopped by for dinner. Tables were at a premium since it was quite chilly outside, so the outside dining area was not being utilized.

    The Garlic Knots (see picture) are unbelievably good – soft, warm, buttery and with just a slight outer layer crunch. In almost the same category was the Bruschetta (see picture) – crunchy bread, fresh ingredients and tasty seasoning! All of the pizzas that we tried (see pictures) were fantastic – not sure that you can go wrong with any of them.

    Most importantly, make sure you save some room for dessert (see cooler picture) and sample one or two before you leave. We had the Tiramisu and Chocolate Cheesecake – and both were oh, so delicious!

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  • Papa’s Pizzeria (Polk City) Review

    Papa’s Pizzeria (Polk City) Review

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    4.25* (out of 5)

    Food: 5*

    Atmosphere: 4*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 4*

    We stopped here with my parents and 2 of our sons as we enjoyed a previous visit and thought my parents would like the pizza (they did). The group also enjoyed the humorous / edgy decor and signage around the restaurant (pizza signage for the restrooms for example – see pictures).

    Since we were hungry when we arrived, we started with a couple of orders of Garlic Cheese Bread with marinara (see picture) and a beer. The cheese bread was good and just as we finished it up, the pizza arrived. We ordered a large Supper Pappa (thin – see picture) and a large Pepperoni (pan – see picture) and thought both of them were excellent.

    Lastly, I have a hard time leaving this place without having at least one of the Thelma’s ice cream / cookie sandwiches from the cooler. Everyone was already very full, so I talked the kitchen into cutting it into quarters for us so that we could each have a bite for dessert. They have a great selection of flavors, so make sure you try one before you leave.

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  • Christopher’s (Des Moines) Review

    Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

    4.5* (out of 5)

    Food: 4*

    Atmosphere: 4*

    Value: 3* (cc fee)

    Service: 4*

    We hadn’t been over to this part of town, but were looking for Italian and this was one of the very few that was open on a Monday evening so gave it a try.

    Finding the front door was the first challenge from the large parking lot on the north side.  There were several signs about surveillance cameras on the building, but nothing directing you to the front door – and a Pilates studio on the front of the building to further confuse you.  Both outside and inside, there was nothing exceptional that really stood out about the building.  If you’ve read my reviews though, that isn’t my main concern…I’ll take food quality and service over atmosphere any day.

    Craig was our waiter and did a good job of taking care of us.  Once he mentioned Garlic Chicken Linguini as both recommended and spicy, I was sold and ordered it.  It was indeed spicy and had a very unique flavor – maybe best described as olive oil with a pepper burn.  My wife ordered the Pasta Prima Donna (see picture) and both of us really enjoyed it also.

    Lastly, we finished the meal with a shared piece of Tiramisu, as we find it hard to leave any Italian restaurant without trying a piece.  It was very light relative to others we’ve had and tasted good, although it seemed to have come out of the fridge or freezer and still had several cold spots within it.

    Update:
    Stopped again for dinner last night and enjoyed everything except the non-cash fee to use a credit card (as you can tell, I’m not a fan of restaurants that do this).

    Started with the bread and salad (see picture) and both were fresh and delicious.  For my entree, I ordered Penne Diavolo (see picture) and my wife ordered Pasta Fresca with Shrimp (see picture).  The Penne Diavolo was advertised as spicy and was just perfect to my taste (I highly recommend it – a nice ‘kick’ without too much burn).  Compared to it, the Pasta Fresca was bland, but still very tasty.

    Unfortunately, they were out of Tiramisu…so no dessert for us…

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  • Delmonico’s Italian Steakhouse (Syracuse, NY) Review

    Rating: 5 out of 5.

    4.75* (out of 5)

    Food: 5*

    Atmosphere: 5*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 5*

    We stopped here for dinner while on a business trip and thoroughly enjoyed our dinner.  The atmosphere was dated…but intentionally so, as we were in the Frank Sinatra room and we’re surrounded by numerous memorabilia from that era.

    After appetizers, I ordered the Chicken Riggies since it was suggested as a unique dish for the area and found it delicious.  I ordered extra spiciness and thought the spice level was perfect.  Somehow, it is a perfect balance of flavor and creaminess without being heavy and overpowering.

    For dessert, we shared several plates at the table, but the Tiramisu and Pumpkin Cannoli were my favorites.  You won’t be disappointed with a stop here…I highly recommend it!

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  • Giordano’s (West Des Moines, IA) Review

    Giordano’s (West Des Moines, IA) Review

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    3.75* (out of 5)

    Food: 4*

    Atmosphere: 4*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 3*

    06/26/2022 Giordano’s

    We drove by this place numerous times and always wanted to stop, finally getting our chance one evening when we were hungry for pizza. There were several different beers on tap at a separate bar area and ours were served cold.

    For our meal, we ordered The Special as a thin crust (see picture). The toppings seemed fresh, veggies had a little crunch left to them and the crust was very good.

    This was one of the better pizzas we’ve had in the area, so would recommend a stop to try it out for yourself. On our next trip, we will likely try some of the other Italian dishes – which looked very good.

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  • Pagalo’s Pizzeria & Gelato Cafe (Milan, IL) Review

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    4.0* (out of 5)

    Food: 4*

    Atmosphere: 4*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 4*

    Stopped here for lunch while in town based on a recommendation and really enjoyed the lunch.

    The restaurant was very clean and modern with nice decor, the workers were all very friendly and the place was quite lively.

    I ordered the grilled chicken pizza and really liked the seasoning, crust and overall flavor. Unfortunately, I didn’t save room for gelato after the pizza…so will save that for the next visit.

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  • Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano (Maple Grove, MN) Review

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    4.25* (out of 5)

    Food: 4*

    Atmosphere: 5*

    Value: 3*

    Service: 5*

    We met our son here for his Birthday dinner (his venue choice) and like every visit at several different Biaggi’s…we really enjoyed our stop.  The service is always excellent and the cloth napkins are appreciated.

    Being a Friday during Lent, I ordered the Dijon Salmon (see picture) and my wife ordered the Seared Scallop Risotto.  The salmon was a little overcooked, as it was not very juicy but the scallops and risotto were fantastic – they are highly recommended.

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  • Tutto Pasta State St (Madison, WI) Review

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    4.0* (out of 5)

    Google Review

    Food: 4*

    Atmosphere: 4*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 4*

    11/23/2014

    Had reservations for dinner before the UND / UW hockey game.  The oil for the bread was great but didn’t particularly care for the bread that was served with it.  All of the meals that our group of 8 had were fantastic though and we really enjoyed the meal (and the bottles of wine…).

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  • Andy’s Hometown Pizza (Albertville, MN) Review

    Rating: 3.5 out of 5.

    3.25* (out of 5)

    Google Review

    Food: 3*

    Atmosphere: 3*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 3*

    11/5/2014

    Good, basic thin crust pizza.  Liked the nachos the best.  Food quality was ok for a pizza joint, but the plastic utensils and foam plates held me back from rating it any higher…

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  • Two Meatballs in the Kitchen (Fort Myers, FL) Review

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    4.25* (out of 5)

    Google Review

    Food: 4*

    Atmosphere: 4*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 5*

    6/1/2012

    We loved the Garlic Cheese Bread Knots before our meal.  Service was excellent (our hard-to-please 17 year old son said it was the best service he has ever had).  Portions were large (our 4 teenage boys had left-overs to eat later for dinner in the hotel) and pricing was average.  I had the lunch special Tilapia with a Lemon Butter Wine sauce – and that was the best sauce I’ve ever had on fish (nice lemon tang to it, but also with a rich butter taste).  Was a great stop for our family while on family vacation in Florida.

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