Aaron S.
Yelp
Our visit to North Italia, nestled in One Paseo, on a Saturday evening at 5 pm left us with mixed impressions. While we had made reservations initially, it seemed unnecessary upon arrival, though the restaurant filled up quickly after we arrived. So, reservations are a good idea. The ambiance had a nice balance between upscale and casual, lending itself to a dining experience that felt both refined and relaxed. Fortunately, parking proved to be a non-issue at One Paseo, adding to the convenience of our evening.
A standout aspect of our experience was the commendable customer service. We were promptly greeted and seated, with Sam, our waiter, proving to be both attentive and helpful throughout the evening, striking the perfect balance between attentiveness and allowing us to savor our meal. The remainder of the staff mirrored this level of friendliness and efficiency.
As for the food, while it was generally enjoyable, there were moments where it fell short of expectations. We started with the Blackened Mediterranean Mussels, a true highlight of the evening. Each mussel was perfectly prepared with a rich flavor profile heightened by the delectable broth. Accompanied by bread, this appetizer could easily stand alone as an entrée.
Moving on to our main courses, the Chicken Pesto, with shrimp substituted for chicken, was a triumph of flavors. The dish had a perfect blend of pesto, pine nuts, capers, basil, and shrimp mixed perfectly with the pasta--and a satisfyingly sized portion. Conversely, the Ricotta Cavatelli failed to impress, both in terms of portion size and flavor. Despite its promise of crab and shrimp, the ricotta pasta lacked depth, with the crab barely discernible amid the plainness of the dish. The entree barely filled the bottom of the bowl it was served in.
Our dinner concluded on a high note with the indulgent tiramisu cup, which provided a delightful finish to our meal.
In summary, while our dining experience at North Italia was pleasant overall, the inconsistency in the execution of dishes, particularly the underwhelming Ricotta Cavatelli, left room for improvement.