Robert M.
Yelp
This 1/2-Italians first experience on The Hill. Loved the very walkable / safe neighborhood with so much character and local, no-chain options!
Probably a good choice that my friends picked a northern Italian spot since I tend to be more critical of southern Italian restaurants since my (wonderful cook) Italian mother was from the Rome area.
Tried the polenta appetizer, Bibb salad and potato gnocchi. All three were excellent! While the gnocchi was good--both well cooked and soft / pillowy--I did find the cheesy sauce to be a bit overwhelming due to the size of the entree. Also I'm used to gnocchi being rolled after it's cut and while it probably didn't change the taste much since the sauce had no problems clinging to it, I just felt like I was missing that step. Probably from all the years watching mom do that when she made hers. The luganiga (pork sausage) in the sauce was delicious!
I also learned of Volpi salami (whose store was closed by the time we got there) from being on the Bibb salad. But from looking at their website apparently I can find their products at select 7-11's, Walgreens, Sprouts, Sam's Clubs, Trader Joe's and Tom Thumbs back in Texas. I'll definitely be tracking that down once I get back!
I would have preferred the crusty Italian bread to the soft white bread that we were provided with, but I understand that may be a northern Italian thing?
Service from Jen and her team was beyond fantastic! When they had what seemed like five+ people bring out our entrées very quickly there was no doubt we were being served freshly made items that didn't sit under heat lamps as one server tried to deliver all six!
Ambiance was perfectly fine. A bit bright, newish and "tan" looking which did not give the feel that "it's been there forever".
Food ordered (sorry no photos, was too busy enjoying the meal to even think about it!):
POLENTA
Creamy herbed polenta with mushrooms, Italian sausage and truffle oil
BIBB SALAD
with Volpi salami, mortadella, parmesan croutons, red onions and sweet vidalia onion dressing
POTATO GNOCCHI
House-made with luganiga and arugula in gorgonzola, fontina and parmesan sauce