The Parmigiana
Mezza Luna

Mezza Luna

1669 Spring Rd SE, Smyrna I-30080-3779, United States

Pizza • Vegan • Italian • Vegetarian


"Don 't expect much, my friend warned me when telling me about this place. She was referring to the exterior of the restaurant, which is completely unassuming and shares a complex with a rundown liquor and package store. As we walked indoors, we saw that things were cozy but scantly decorated. But truly, we couldn 't care one whit about any of this. Because as we followed our waitress to our table, we were catching whiffs of fresh bread and pasta sauce. Focaccia is likely what we were smelling, and it 's one of the first things they bring out to the table, along with a small dish of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. It 's served warm, with a crusty and toasted exterior, which made it nearly impossible to ration them for sopping up sauce later (note: you always have the option of getting extra bread for a small upcharge . We started with the calamari fritti, which are a thing of beauty. They look as though they 've been painstakingly hand breaded, because they 're so well coated yet extremely light. They 're also hardly salted, which might compel some to think they 're unseasoned. But I found them to taste just right with the accompanying sauce and a heavy spritz of lemon. We whizzed our way through our plate, which turned out to be a good thing because the pastas arrived way faster than we expected. I ordered the pappardelle alla bolognese, and my husband ordered the fettucine alla pescatora. Both were unmistakably made with fresh pasta, and we slurped happily from our respective bowls. My favorite thing about these entrees were the serving sizes. These weren 't fancy plates with a tiny swirl of pasta on a big plate; instead, they felt like the generous, Italian mama spooned pasta bowls that are ready to fill up the most cavernous of stomach spaces. While there were no downsides to our meal, we had a bit of a scare when we were taking bites from my husband 's dish and we both ended up nearly chipping our teeth on some loose mussel or clamshell pieces that we hadn 't noticed in the sauce. So word to the wise if you order it (though I hope that doesn 't scare you away it was delicious! . The service in this family owned restaurant is fast, friendly, and warm. I was touched that a server chased us halfway into the parking lot because we 'd forgotten our leftovers at our table."

Mv

Mv

1 Mill St, Bernardsville, United States Of America, 07924, BERNARDSVILLE

Full • Wine • Pasta • Italian


"The restaurant spans two floors, which can feel a bit cramped at times. The food was excellent, but the service did not meet our expectations. Our server didn’t check on us throughout the meal; we were in need of drink refills, and dirty plates lingered on the table. To our dismay, the server didn’t even smile. However, the owner more than compensated for this with his warm demeanor and humor. We started with the Vongole Oreganata, which featured baked Little Neck Clams with seasoned crumbs — I only wished there had been more, as it was outstanding! We also enjoyed the Insalate Mista, a fresh salad with seasonal mixed greens, tomato, peppers, cucumbers, dressed with olive oil and red wine vinegar. For our main courses, we had the Sogliola Alla Oreganata, a fresh filet of sole with lemon, garlic, and herbs that was light and delicious (and I usually don’t enjoy fish), as well as the Vitello La Marsala, featuring veal scaloppine in a Sicilian Marsala sauce with mushrooms and prosciutto — it was simply fantastic, with the veal being incredibly tender. For dessert, we ordered an unforgettable amaretto cake (I can't recall the name, but it was wonderful!) and their tiramisu, both of which were perfect endings to our meal. We also enjoyed a couple of Old Fashioneds (average) and some prosecco. In terms of pricing, it is on the higher side, but absolutely worth it. Overall, I would rate this experience 4.5 stars, if only the service had been better. Enjoy!"

Capriccio

Capriccio

2424 N. University Drive, Pembroke Pines, United States Of America

Wine • Full • Italian • Bar-lounge


"The experience was probably the worst that I have had at a restaurant in the last 15 years. We made a reservation to celebrate my birthday dinner at the location on Wednesday. The check in and greeting on entry were fine. When we were initially seated, is where the problems started. The server brought the menus and silverware small plates and bread. Both sets of silverware had dried food on both forks and 1 of the two knives. We asked for new silverware and butter for the bread (the comes with a marinara based sauce). When the butter was brought to the table, there are there spheres of it in a small cup shaped dish. When we removed the first sphere, there was black/green specs on the bottom layer of the butter. It’s clear to me at this point that there is a quality/health issue with the dishwashing services at the facility. I ordered an appetizer and a lobster bisque soup. I made it to my 3rd or 4th spoonful and felt something very sharp in my mouth. Only to discover that the “lobster” in the soup was actually a ball of steel wool. I have cuts on the roof of my mouth as well as a small split on my lip from the contact it made while ingesting the soup. I showed the steel wool to Both the waitress and the manager. The managers initial response was not “I’m so sorry”, his response was “ oh, thats what we use to clean the pots”. I’m thoroughly disgusted by the temperament and conditions here. This place needs to be reevaluated."

Gioia E Pastificio

Gioia E Pastificio

1133 W Randolph St, 60607, Chicago, United States

Pasta • Coffee • Cheese • Italian


"A Gastronomic Delight at Gioia Chicago – A Harmonious Fusion of FlavorsRecently, I had the distinct pleasure of dining at Gioia, an unassuming culinary gem nestled in the heart of Chicago. From the inviting ambiance to the impeccable service, Gioia provided an extraordinary dining experience that left an enduring impression on my gastronomic journey.Commencing with the culinary focal point – the food, Gioia's menu encompasses a tantalizing array of Italian dishes, meticulously crafted with precision and care. Livio's, an entrancing seafood dish, served as a prelude to the evening, highlighting the establishment's unwavering commitment to ingredient freshness and culinary finesse. The Carciofi, an artful artichoke creation, and the impeccably crispy Fritto further exemplified Gioia's dedication to culinary excellence.The Polenta at Gioia transcended expectations, offering a luxuriously textured and rich palate that flawlessly complemented the robust flavors. The Cacio e Pepe, a seemingly simple yet sophisticated dish, captured the quintessence of classic Italian cuisine. The Milanese, boasting a perfectly breaded and fried exterior, was a manifestation of Gioia's culinary prowess.Transitioning to the realm of desserts, the Crème brûlée and Tiramisu emerged as sublime delicacies, each spoonful unveiling layers of decadence and sweetness. These desserts are unequivocally a requisite for those with an affinity for the saccharine.To accompany the epicurean journey, Gioia offers an artfully curated selection of beverages designed to harmonize with the flavors of the dishes. The 520 Insoglio del Cinghiale, a red wine boasting robust and velvety notes, heightened the dining experience. The Monte Negroni and Black Magic cocktails, meticulously crafted for a harmonious balance of flavors, provided a delightful accompaniment. For aficionados of caffeinated indulgence, the Espresso Martini and Jungle Cat served as a fitting denouement to the culinary symphony.The solicitous and erudite staff at Gioia contributed to the overall enchantment of the evening. Their insightful recommendations and gracious hospitality cultivated an ambiance that was simultaneously welcoming and refined.In summation, Gioia Chicago stands as a gastronomic sanctuary that captivates the senses. From the tantalizing Livio's to the celestial Tiramisu, each dish narrates a tale of culinary ardor and proficiency. The thoughtfully curated beverage selection serves as an apt complement, rendering the dining experience memorable. For those seeking an authentic slice of Italy amidst the urban bustle of Chicago, Gioia emerges as the epitome of culinary excellence."