Mangia Mangia Italian Grill

I was scared to go to this place because they definitely have nuts on the menu, but the waitress was nice and helpful and checked with the chef for me, so I got a vegetable pizza and it was solid, lots of fun veg and no gross veg. They don't have alc, but otherwise I have no complaints. The decor is fun and my family seemed to like it decently well.

Overall
Cost: 5/10
Taste: 7/10

Mama Julianne's

This was a cute little place near my grandparents' house. They had a nice menu with lots of italian classics, and nothing that looked especially nutty. I got a slice of pizza and it was good and filling (thick crust). There was a little salad too, which was cute. My parents enjoyed the hot subs they got as well.

Overall
Cost: 6/10
Taste: 7/10

Joe Bologna's

This is a semi-famous place within Lexington, it seems. The building is an old church/synagogue (it was once both), which is pretty quirky and cool, and you can see the stained glass windows still. The menu is all the typical italian fare (pasta, pizza, sandwiches), and supposedly the breadsticks are awesome but I didn't get one myself. They had a lunch special where you can get a personal pizza, so I did that with mushrooms and green pepper, and it was great and just the right size. Very cool and chill, plus table service so it's relaxing too.

Overall
Cost: 7/10
Taste: 8/10

Bella Notte

And thus marks the beginning of my Lexington, Kentucky dining adventure! (Most likely the only time I'll ever be there, which is devastating, but overall the food was pretty solid!)

This was a nice Italian restaurant, located in kind of strip mall area but the restaurant itself was classy and big. I got Chicken Saltimboca, which was good as usual, and came with very nice risotto. I enjoyed it a lot and had no allergy issues. I didn't eat the bread, though, since I was not informed if it was safe, and I didn't get any alc or coffee because I was anxious for other reasons, but the food was tasty and filling and the place was pretty. And it snowed! Truly a bella notte.

Overall
Cost: 5/10
Taste: 7/10

LUCA

I'd been meaning to check out this place for a long time, since it has great reviews. Was happy that a group of people wanted to go! It was fun, but quite expensive. The waiter has chill about my allergies, which was good (but he was also a tiny bit snarky, which made me lol). The pizzas were really big compared to the pasta dishes, so I am glad I went with a pasta. It was homemade and you could tell; very fresh and tasty, and the tomato sauce was unobtrusive but good. Tasty stuff. Good wine too.

Norcia Pizza: Got this with my boyf's family, assuming it would be less messy than a pasta. And indeed, it was! Also bigger, so some leftovers available. Waitress was good about allergy, and pizza was decent - no red sauce, creamy garlicy white sauce instead. Crispy pancetta, some herbs(?), and mozz. Not amazing but solid. 7/10

Overall
Cost: 3/10 [over 100$ for two]
Taste: 8/10

Olive Garden

Unfortunately, I think I like the idea of Olive Garden a lot more than the reality. Also their new (or once-new) logo is so childish looking. But anyway. I like Italian food and chains, and they even have an allergy menu, and once David took me on my birthday after we went to the DMV (lol). But the actual pasta is mostly not good, a lot of things have surprise nuts, and it's bad for you and your heartburn too. My most recent trip was also not great, it was with my dad's family but "for my birthday" but I didn't pick it, my mom did, but she said I liked it but I wasn't hungry and I just wanted to go home. So I was in a mood. But anyway, the salad and breadsticks are always good. Or rather the salad is good, the breadsticks are way too salty but I like bread so I like that there ARE breadsticks, and that they'll bring more if asked. I also really like the andes mints at the end of the meal! Dad got salmon and hated it with the passion of 100 suns, but dad also hates Italian restos (inexplicably).

Cheese ravioli: This I don't like. I got because it was lower calorie than other noodles, but for ravioli it's bad.

Watermelon Sangria: Good but not very much alc in it, and also pricy.

The lesson I learned is that next time, I should just get a soup. Or maybe ziti and just eat a lil bit. 

Takeout Covid-era Olive Garden was better. They put the salad in a little plastic container, which contains a lot of salad (probably 3 bowls worth). And the croutons ("may contains") were packaged separate, along with the dressing. They also give you 2 breadsticks per meal, which is decent, and I like the breadsticks a lot right now. The meal itself was eh though. 

Chicken Parmesan: I got this with ziti, which was just "eh", and the chicken itself was also "eh" for me -- it had kind of a weird mushroom taste? I've definitely had better chicken parms. Luckily I didn't get too itchy from it, and it's a lot of food (2 breasts). But I'd maybe try eggplant parm next? Or something else?? (Is there anything else?!) Overall takeout experience 7/10, but this meal, maybe 6/10.

Chicken and Dumpling Soup: Yes!! This is it! I found something tasty and soy free at olive garden, and it isn't even super heavy (although it is, unlimited,,,). Very pleasant soup. 7/10

Berry Sangria: Also good, 7/10

Overall
Cost: 5/10
Taste: 6/10

Darlington House

A friend recommended this restaurant, and I was excited because Italian food is safe and I like it. I made a rezzo and showed up and . . . we were the only table in the whole place. On a Saturday at dinnertime. It was super weird. Also super expensive. There was a basement bar (called DIVE) that we went to before dinner and it was great - cool, quiet, and the bartender was nice. But upstairs the restaurant was just super weird. Even though no one was there, the service was slow and not very friendly. I got ravioli, it was OK. The drink I got wasn't strong at all, but the same drink in the basement was. The dessert limoncello was TOO strong. Ultimately disappointing.

Overall
Cost: 3/10
Taste: 6/10

Romano's Macaroni Grill

I probably didn't have a conventional Macaroni Grill experience, because I went to the one in the Chicago airport (ORD) and I was also alone, so I felt a bit awkward and like I was taking up a seat. My only previous experience with the MG was a long, long time ago when I went with my family, and I remember you could draw on the placemat with crayons but I didn't like the food. Child me might be too hasty, though. They have an allergen menu on line, plus it's Italian, so I felt pretty good about going here during my long layover. This place definitely had a smaller menu than the online one, but they still had Corona (8$) and I got the chicken marsala, which I knew was safe. They also put bread on the table but it looked potentially seedy. Anyway, the marsala was good. It was filling for sure, but not a crazy Olive Garden massive portion either. 2 medium size chicken pieces, some angel hair pasta, and mushrooms and garlic wedges(2) in a lightish marsala sauce. Overall tasty. I think if I weren't rushed/weren't alone I would have been pretty into it. Would go back to a real one someday! But even at the airport alone I would go back, I just need to relax more about taking up space. Life lessons.

Overall
Cost: 4/10 [About 40$ for airport me but in general probably average]
Taste: 7/10

Ciro's Italian Bistro

I love pretty much all Italian restaurants, so I'm into this "Ciro's" as well. However, I went here with my boyf's family (like, 11 people) and I had only met half of them before and it was before Christmas and I had a stomachache and was sweaty and anxious. So, the meal I got (Penne alla vodka) didn't sit that well with me, and I didn't really like the taste that much (probably a 5 or 6 of a pasta dish). However they have a ton of other menu items that sound really tasty, including pizza, pasta, chicken, and veal (if you're into that), it's just I had to balance the price and messiness and and and and. Anyway I also got a coffee and that was pretty decent. The environment seems friendly and low-key yet classy, and it's a pretty big place. I would surely go back if invited. They were fine with my allergy request too.

Chicken Marsala: This was much better than the penne thing I had gotten before (although it was still consumed at an awkward event with my boyf's fam, sweat sweat sweat), 7/10.


Overall
Cost: 5/10 (a bit pricy)
Taste: 7/10 (assumedly)

Mutti Double Concentrated Tomato Paste

Being a non-Italian chef, I wasn't sure what to do with this interesting toothpaste-like tube of tomato paste. The packaging is pretty rad, and it keeps for 20 days in the fridge once open, but still, most recipes I found to call for tomato paste only needed a tiny tiny bit. And I didn't want to spend 50$ on a bunch of random recipes just to use this up. So I used it as pizza sauce on a bunch of mini pizzas, because I'm not very creative! Added a little garlic and red pepper flakes and it did the job pretty well, plus was fun to squeeze out of the tube. This really is concentrated, not watery at all, and it did have a certain sweetness to it. I think it would make a cute little garnish on top of some small appetizers or something, though I can't imagine the specific case. But if you DO ever need tomato paste, this is a great choice!

Overall
Cost: 5/10
Taste: 6/10  

Seasons Pizza

Seasons Pizza is the diner of pizza places. I mean they really have everything, and it's at an affordable price. They are also a chain with online ordering/delivery/takeout/eatin, which I appreciate. What I don't appreciate is their total lack of allergy info, and their lack of response to my emails and messages asking for any allergy info. So I've only ordered things that I'm fairly sure won't have any nuts, which is quite limiting. But if you want a cheap, so-so Italian takeout chain, this is the place for you. The interior of mine is pretty chill as well; my friend Marie likened it to a nightclub.

I ordered today a cheeseburger with a side of steamed broccoli (it was a 7.50 lunch combo), and this was adequate. The broc was actually the star, since it was moist and heavily seasoned with salt and garlic and herbs, but still fresh tasting. The burger was OK, standard thicker burger with lettuce and tomato and I loaded on the ketch. I ate it all and didn't vom, so that's a win! 6/10

Overall
Cost: 8/10
Taste: 6/10

Taverna

So, I freakin' love this place. If anyone asks for my favorite restaurant on Main Street in Newark, this is it. The only reason I don't go there often is that it's fairly nice, and so I'd feel weird going alone. To be honest, it's also pretty pricy (but I feel it is worth it). Anyway, I went last night after my dissertation defense (no big deal), and ordered the RICOTTA CAVATELLI which is some little dense noodle tubes with a cream sauce, some pulled pork, some little ricotta chunks, and onions. Kind of a weird mix but it was tasty as always (8/10) and also filling (gave me two meals!). To be fair, I also got the antipasto appetizer, which came with broccoli rabe, prosciutto, and mozzarella, plus some tiny bread toasts. It was tasty as always (8/10) but I mean,  it's meat and cheese. And then they always bring you bread and some tomato oil to dip, which is great as well. What a great place. I wish I had room/social bravery to get dessert!!

calamarata: these are thick noodle tubes with a cream tomato sauce, spinach, and chicken. it's OK (duh) but I don't actually love the sauce. I will try to remember to get something else next time, because it's a little bland. the plus side is that the portion is very large! 6/10

margarita pizza: I split this with my boyf, and he didn't like this! When I saw this, I didn't think I would either - it's mostly sauce, and not much cheese and hardly any basil. However, the thin crust is really good, and the sauce is remarkably unsweet - almost like tomato soup, but if you can push that down, the crust/sauce/cheese is all really nice. Not too exciting but solid good quality cheesey bread. The plating could use some work though, I admit. 7/10

coffee: standard coffee. They bring separate cream and sugar. It's nice. 6/10

Free Range Chicken "Saltimbocca": This is baller -- I think I've had veal saltimbocca before, but chicken is less controversial and they all taste like meat to me! It's a filling and delicious garliccy wet meat with pig and cheese on top. You gotta love it. I also was able to take some home, so it's definitely enough food but it doesn't look like a huge portion like some of the pastas do. I love Taverna! 8/10

mushroom pizza: I split this with a first date, and I don't know if they liked it! (me OR the pizza). I thought it was just OK. Definitely edible, but mostly oily cheese, which is fair enough but not really the pizza vibe I covet. Shoulda just pounded some meats, lol. 6/10

chicken pizza: This certainly looked pretty, but it turns out I still don't love goat cheese, which was very noticable. all the other components were good and it was still solid though. the leftovers at home drunk were even better! :D 7/10

Overall
Cost: 4/10
Taste: 8/10

Lisa's Cafe

This resto is most definitely my favorite in Palmyra, PA. It's been around for like 10 or 15 years now and it's not a chain, so you know it's decent. Whenever family visits we go there because we know there's something for everyone to enjoy -- they have a good variety, and nothing is really bad.

I like the corn nuggets a lot, they are a classic. I also like the stromboli and the chef salad is huge and meaty. I got the garlic pasta recently, and it was tasty and just the right size, and then their pizza slices have a lot of topping options and they put the sauce over the cheese which I like for some reason. Anyway, it's solid! And eating in is usually quiet with good service, even though they are rarely empty. It's a good atmosphere and cute inside.

Chicken Cheese Steak Stromboli: As a teen, I always got this without peppers and onions, and it was really good (duh, it's cheesy bread). My grandma always got the same thing, too! But I decided to try it with all the fixins since I am now an adult. It was still good, but honestly, not as good. I think I'm gonna try a different as-is boli next! 7/10

Meat and Cheese Stromboli: Well, I tried this one next! It had all the right properties: meat, cheese, mustard, no onions. But there was SO MUCH ham, and not enough salami/mustard, maybe? It wasn't quite what I dreamed of, even though it was still good. And a small one is also very filling, which I appreciate. Maybe time to leave the boli fields.... 6/10

Regular Stromboli: This is the same as Meat and Cheese Stromboli, but with mushrooms, peppers and onions, and I asked for no peppers and onions, but they didn't do it (wah). So I picked them off which was annoying, but after so doing, the proportions were much tastier than the meat and cheese one, and I don't think it's all down to the few mushrooms in there, but anyway, it was really good! Nice salami/cheese/mustard/crust distribution. Very oily and made me heartburny, but, delicious. 7/10

Overall
Cost: 6.5/10 (standard, but not bad)
Taste: 8/10

Mediterranean Grille

This is a fairly new resto for Newark's Main Street. And it's mostly nut free! Furthermore, they're very friendly and knowledgable. Noice. I've always enjoyed it; even though the food isn't amazing, it's never BAD either.

Chicken Marsalla: Really good. Big portions, and the linguini is oily as fuck (but in a good way).

Chicken Souvlaki Sandwich: Good sauce, good meat, good veggies. Good side options. I enjoy this food.

Pork Souvlaki: Kebobs! I could take it or leave it, but a healthy option is good, and the side of rice is very nice.

Overall
Cost: 6/10
Taste: 8/10

Pleasure Bar

A nice little bar/resto on Liberty Ave in Bloomfield's Little Italy. The name makes it sound like there might be exotic delights inside, but mainly it was a lot of elderly women drinking soup. Either way, I found pleasure. A cozy, welcoming atmosphere in the dining room; a deadening, uncomfortable one at the bar. (Why are all of PGH's "hip" restos split into a bar room and an eating room? What is this, Pat's Pizza??)

We ordered the 'Italian Egg Rolls (4)' appetizer, which was some fried meats and zucchinis, and was pretty tasty!

I got the chicken marsala, which was good at the time, but then I saved my leftovers and saw the congealed fat in the sauce and it was just an offputting time. Soo I can't give an unbiased account, but I think it was pretty good fresh and pretty awful the next day. Like fried rice but worse!!

Anyway, I really liked this place on the whole and would return.

Overall
Cost: 7/10
Taste: 8/10

Laura says: i didn't expect to like pleasure bar at all? but then i kind of did? it's more of a kitschy italian restaurant than how it looks from the street would suggest. i mean, we only ate in the restaurant part and didn't go to the bar, but the restaurant part was so family-friendly and looked like it had hotel art and nicknacks or something.