Eugene Lee
Google
We picked this place for a late birthday dinner with friends, driven by a sudden craving for risotto. After searching for a spot with the right vibe, this restaurant felt like the perfect choice. The atmosphere was cozy and classy, not too crowded, and had just the right amount of warmth inside. It was refreshing to have a calm dining experience without the bustle of a packed restaurant.
For appetizers, we shared the Cozze al Vino Bianco, Antipasto Della Casa, and Genovese pizza. For my main, I had the Risotto Con Zucca e Salsiccia, and we ended the meal with a Tiramisu. Everything we tried had a clear sense of quality and attention to detail. The flavors were medium-bodied and rich without feeling heavy or overly bold, which I truly appreciated. They balanced the richness of cheese and oils with finesse, avoiding an overreliance on citrus or herbs to cut through the flavors. This subtle harmony was a bold move, and it worked beautifully.
The Cozze al Vino Bianco was a wonderful starter, with a soup that added great depth and warmth to the dish, setting the tone for the rest of the meal. The antipasto had its own charm, though I still prefer how Ferro serves theirs. The pizza, however, was a standout. Generously topped with pesto and other toppings, I wouldn’t hesitate to order it again. And the risotto, oh, the risotto! It was incredible. The rice was perfectly cooked, and the squash blended seamlessly into the dish. Personally, I felt there was a touch too much sausage, but hey, who says no to more meat? That said, I do wish they offered a mushroom risotto, which was the only thing I found myself missing. I also stole a bite of my brother’s Tagliatelle alla Bolognese, and it was perfectly executed, with the sauce clinging beautifully to the pasta.
The Tiramisu wasn’t originally in the plan, as I was considering dessert elsewhere, but I’m so glad we ordered it. It was smooth and flavorful, reminding me of how proper Tiramisu should taste. It has been far too long since I’ve had one this good.
Now, while the food was stellar, not everything went perfectly. The service left something to be desired. Our server asked if we wanted wine over four times, which was honestly frustrating. After the second time, it should have been clear we weren’t interested. Additionally, if the server was feeling unwell or uncomfortable, wearing a mask would have been a considerate gesture, especially given the number of middle-aged and older clients dining in the restaurant.
One other gripe was the lack of transparency around the sparkling water. It would have been helpful to disclose that it was a branded option and would be charged at $5 per bottle. Many restaurants offer sparkling water on the house, so this led to some confusion. How does a server have the confidence to push wine four times but not the courtesy to mention sparkling water costs? That part was baffling.
Despite these minor frustrations, the food and thoughtfulness behind the dishes completely won me over. I am genuinely shocked and thrilled that a place like this still exists. I can’t wait to come back for another meal, especially for that risotto!