Alfano&#x27;s Restaurant

"The chicken Alfredo is too good" - my 10yo son…read more Authentic, fresh food with the service to match!

Very Disappointing Experience -- Poor Planning and Communication…read more We booked Cesare At The Beach Italian Restaurant in Clearwater for a wedding dinner on May 2, 2026, for a party of 20. We worked with manager/part-owner Ryan Pattie in advance to coordinate the dinner, including special printed menus featuring the specific dishes and wines we selected for our guests. Unfortunately, when we arrived, the restaurant staff was not aware of our reservation for 20 people. We were also informed that Ryan was not there. We tried calling Ryan on the cell phone number he had personally provided to us for any questions or issues related to the event, but he did not answer. While the staff was trying to figure out what had happened and attempting to reach Ryan, some of our guests went ahead and ordered bottles of wine. The staff did their best under the circumstances to accommodate our group and make the evening work. To their credit, they were helpful and made an effort to turn an awkward situation into a pleasant dinner. The food itself was good. What is most disappointing, however, is what happened afterward. We have made numerous attempts over the past nearly four months to contact Ryan Pattie, both by calling and texting his cell phone and by contacting the restaurant, simply to give him an opportunity to explain what happened or offer an apology. He has not returned our calls or messages. Mistakes happen, especially with large events, but failing to properly communicate with a wedding party that made arrangements in advance--and then completely ignoring repeated attempts to resolve the issue afterward--is unacceptable. The restaurant staff and kitchen deserve credit for doing their best that evening, but the lack of preparation, the failure to have the reservation properly communicated to the staff, and especially the complete lack of follow-up from Ryan Pattie left us extremely disappointed. Based on our experience, we would have a very difficult time recommending César's Italian Restaurant for an important event or special occasion where reliable planning and communication are essential.

Quaint little waiting area

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Cristino's Coal Oven Pizza

4.6(1.4k reviews)

1.4 mi

It has it all Food, Service, and Atmosphere! I would…read morerecommended for anyone in, out, or near Clearwater, Fl.

We stumbled upon this restaurant coming back from the beach. It was an authentic Italian bistro. It…read moredid not feel touristy at all and was in a nice neighborhood. The food was great. We got a coal fired pizza & it was one of the best pizza's we have had. We also got gelato afterwards which we really enjoyed. It would be a perfect date night spot or a place to bring your family. Would love to stop here again on our next trip.

Inside the restaurant

Margherita Di Lusso

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Linguine with Clams

Soul Sicilian Fusion

4.3(115 reviews)

2.2 mi

I was actually searching the Sicilian foods restaurant. My finding of Soul Sicilian Fusion was much…read morebeyond of expectations! They showed me the new Chef book, which will be released next week. The foods quality is awesome! Tiramisu is top notch. The service level is really high; treatment is like home cooking for the family. Cannot recommend this place enough!

Top notch food, amazing service, great wine and lovely ambiance. What more can you ask for? Soul…read moreSicilian is a beautiful piece of Italy tucked into the middle of downtown Clearwater. Definitely worth the visit. Don't just take my word for it. Try it yourself!

Tessa recommended!

Shrimp fettuccine Alfredo

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View looking toward the front

Gondolier Italian Restaurant and Pizza

4.0(654 reviews)

2.8 mi•Clearwater Beach

It is a standard for us after Mass on Sunday in Safety Harbor to build up an appetite and drive…read moreover to Clearwater Beach about 40 minutes west. The two servers are always professional, but down to earth and friendly. If I drop my pizza on the floor- YES I did. She laughed and replaced it at no charge. She even told an anecdote about a table of seven who once had the same thing happen to them. Their pizza somehow slid the length of the table and before anyone could catch it, it was on the floor. The server can tell if you are a patron who shares your grandchildren's activities or you are just there to enjoy a good Italian/Greek or American meal. If you are there early in the day on a Sunday morning six or eight older men are often enjoying breakfast and speaking the language of their fathers. It is a joy to hear them freely speaking their language. Oh, by the way, the Stromboli, eggplant parm, and waffles are delicious and the Tiramisu is to die for. The food here is always delicious. The menu is extensive and the prices are very reasonable. The time between placing your order and getting your meal is reasonable. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner anytime is good. The restaurant is always picked up and the tables are clean.

Had a nice quiet lunch mid-week with our family. The service was very friendly and quick. The…read morespanikopita appetizer was amazing and highly recommend it. I ordered the manicotti but I didn't like the flavor. Wish I had ordered a pizza or more spanikopita instead but overall we enjoyed ourselves and want to try other food there.

Chocolate mice dessert

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Bavaro's Pizza Napoletana and Pastaria

4.2(124 reviews)

3.7 mi•Clearwater Beach

My favorite pizza on the beach. Neopolitan type pizza. The crust is extra doughy and it's a little…read morechewy not the best but I do like to bring it home and drizzle olive oil on it and shreds of Parmesan toasted in the oven and it becomes a really good crispy breadstick just because the crust is super doughy. I like to get the garlic cheese bread. It is fully loaded with raw roasted garlic and it's so delicious. You will stink like garlic all day long. It's just so fabulous. I love that feeling lol. The place is always packed to the max. There's never been a time and I've been there where there's one open table. It is packed to the max at all hours. There is no parking since it's on the beach side.

It's pretty unique and cosy place. There is a pizza oven and…read morevery thin dough pizzas that I like. Service was quick. In the beginning he brought us veeeery warm water but when we said he change it in the minute and he apologized. It was nice! Pizza was good.

The oven

Garlic cheese bread with Bolognese sauce

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Tomato Basil Soup Cup

Forlini's Restaurant

3.4(184 reviews)

3.7 mi•Clearwater Beach

Forlini's is always a great experience! Excellent true Italian cuisine! New Year's Eve dinner was…read morefantastic! The Lamb was so tender and perfectly prepared. We had a table of 12 and all of us had excellent food. Drinks were delicious and perfectly made. Love the Espresso martini! This is a family owned restaurant and it shows in the personalized service, excellent food, and an atmosphere that makes you feel at home! Perfect for a romantic evening out or to gather with friends, Forlini's is the place to be! Definitely a place to return to again and again! What an excellent way to bring in the New Year, any special occasion or just a nice evening out!

Looking for a great Italian restaurant, good food, good service, casual relaxing atmosphere, this…read moreis the spot. Wasn't crowded but it was a Wednesday evening. Server said on weekends make a reservation. We are visiting from California, walked from our hotel. Quick service, and fresh ingredients. I had the sausage and peppers. Very good. Wife had a seafood pasta also very good. Extensive wine list. Nice bar area. All locals were there we could tell, yet we were treated as if we were locals. Not ignored. Fresh baked bread was delicious. Music was soft, place is clean. Great spot for a family or a romantic dinner.

PICT of inside, great atmosphere, perfect for a family or a romantic date night.

Chicken parm

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Al & Stella

3.6(168 reviews)

2.4 mi

We eat here when we are at Sand Key, I like the atmosphere. This time was different, there was ONE…read moreperson working. The white pizza was good, the pepperoni pizza was not... the sauce seemed sour along with the sour sangria. We did enjoy the white wine, mozzarella sticks, (no dipping sauce) cheese bread and penne fettuccine. We were the only ones in the restaurant, until we were leaving and there was another couple. The place was clean!

Outside seating is a must do! Beautiful sunset views, and the best tiramisu I've ever had.read more

4 Cheese Ravioli and grilled chicken

Spinach Ravioli

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Seaguini - Opal Sands

4.4(816 reviews)

3.2 mi•Clearwater Beach

I have eaten here 10-12 times over several years and each time is better than the last. I've had…read morethe lobster bisque, the linguini, the steak tartare, salads, scallops, shrimp, etc. Not to mention the ice creams and desserts which are to die for. The restaurant is always filled with a lively and polished crowd, and the best part of SeaGuini is watching the gorgeous sunset after your meal. SeaGuini never disappoints.

Our first time at Seaguini was a great experience. Brian was a great server that was very…read moreknowledgeable and professional. The four of us enjoyed all of our dishes. From the grouper with pineapple salsa to the shrimp dishes. Everything was à la cart and you have to pay extra to add protein to your dish as well as the salad but it was still a great experience.

Entrance of Sea-Guini inside of Opal Sands Resort

Penne alla vodka with scallops

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Sunset at the pool outside the restaurant

Downtown Pizza Sports Bar And Grill

4.2(129 reviews)

2.2 mi

I'm in town for medical treatment. i came in to get some protein and to avoid grains tonight…read more(Friday night). I didn't want to spend too much. I got the 6 meatballs and cheese. Counter person (I asked for just 3 pieces of lettuce to replace the bread)....gave me a small casorolle bowl of lettuce and oil and vinegar. Helpful to avoid my addiction to bread. Thank you. Slept tonight well for the first ime in 17 years.

Great place and vibe with plenty of TVs to watch a game with a friendly staff…read more Large bar areas with a nice touch pizzeria in the front.

Spacious restaurant and bar

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Menu

Amici Italian Eatery

4.0(207 reviews)

1.4 mi

Tasty gnocchi with a choice of many different sauces. I enjoyed my choice of homemade marinara…read moresauce but I'm glad i paid $2 extra to add a small cup of grated parm. Was equally delicious when reheated the following day. Came with bread and a side salad. My husband ate those so i cant comment on them but he probably liked them or i would have heard otherwise.

This has to be the best authentic Italian cuisine in the United States. I'm serious. It's a…read morefantastic place with a visible kitchen and the best flavors I have encountered in the area. The brothers that opened this restaurant before Y2K were passionate about their own craft and it shows that they're serious about making you part of their family. They will feed you the best until you can barely walk out of the front door!

Things to do in Clearwater

Pepata di Cozze

Tiramisu

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Pasta Pescatore

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11 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Bob K.

0

2

1

2 years ago

Alfano's Italian Restaurant is a charming and cozy restaurant located here in Clearwater that maintains an old-style Italian-American atmosphere. The waitstaff, dressed in black-and-white uniforms, are knowledgeable about the menu and regular customers. Their menu includes a range of dishes, such as pasta, fresh seafood, and elevated treats like Scallops Rockefeller, Escargot, Cannelloni Florentine, and my favorite, Lamb Chops Scottadito! During my recent visit with a party of ten, we were seated at a large round table in the dining room, under a large garden umbrella that had a "Tuscan Garden" vibe to it. The atmosphere was comfortable and charming, with beautiful, interesting Italian touches throughout. The service was exceptional, and we did not feel rushed at all, allowing us to enjoy our dining experience at a leisurely pace. The food was fresh, and delicious, and arrived at our table hot and on time. The appetizer of Scallops Rockefeller was delightful. The lamb chops were perfectly seasoned and cooked. Their wine list is extensive, with many great choices, and they even have a wine cellar that has a table you can book for a private party. The General Manager, James Jerichow, an affable young man, was kind enough to show us around and share the history of Alfano's, along with interesting stories of some of their previous diners, such as Margaret Thatcher (yes, the Iron Lady herself has enjoyed dining at Alfano's). Overall, we had a great time, and the restaurant truly exceeded our expectations. Alfano's Italian is my go-to restaurant when friends and family are visiting, as it never disappoints! I highly recommend Alfano's to anyone who enjoys great Italian food, desserts, and friendly service. Go and enjoy! Trust me, you won't be disappointed, and you can thank me later! read more

Loretta Marie C.

0

4

0

10 years ago

I thought I tried this place cause everyone in my entire family says its so good. Well I tried it with a group of friends last week. Although the meal was so so, The price was 25.00 pp. Not a great meal but never the less it was ok, How much can they do to bowl of pasta? Well, that was the first thing. My friend ordered a Canoli, she said it was ok, a bit dry inside was not filled. Whats wrong with you people? I heard from others that the food is so exceptional? Where is it?? Also I asked for my Spoumoni Ice Cream and he I guess the owner who is a nasty rude old man who says You must be a paying customer to get that. I paid my $25.00, he bought me last years cake. IT was chocolate glaze with chocolate inside like a brownie more dense, not so good, tasteless. I said to the man I guess he was the owner, Why did you post on our menu's about the icecream and not give it to us? He just walked away, did not answer me. Whats wrong with him? I doubt it if our group of ladies will come in again. We were burnt once then next time I will go to the media, maybe they will get me my ice cream. The other table of women who were drinking a lot of wine said to us, I guess you all do not count. We just got our Spoumoni Icecream cause we are special. What the..... I guess if you do not complain, you get nothing. I called out this to his attention. He said You eat Cake, What Am I a famous person now? Never be back again unless he states what he puts on his menus counts, if not then he will lose a lot of people. read more

Lyn H.

0

6

1

9 years ago

JUST AMAZING! Food & presentation! Owners Linda and her husband. Reception. Ambiance. Best Italian restaurant in Clearwater. My husband and I with his sister, brother and sister-in-law, celebrated post-valentines dinner and celebrate my husband's 80th birthday on Feb 17. My sister in law and I had the lobster tail. My husband had the veal marzala. I forgot what my brother in law had. They were all superb!!! The restaurant was full. But there is ample parking. And I think the acoustics in the restaurant and the way the restaurant is arranged allows for people to have wonderful conversation. Thank you Linda, and hubby and staff for another wonderful evening at Alfano's. Lyn, hubby and family. read more

Carol M.

1

12

0

12 years ago

We have dined her for several years as a couple and with friends & family. The atmosphere in the Venetian room is like being in an Italian Villa. The food is delicious, very tasty. We drive from Dunedin to dine at Alfano's the servers are very knowledgeable about the menu and provide impeccable service. I love the fact that this is a family owned restaurant rather than the usual Italian chain dining. The piano is a wonderful touch. I suggest the Eggplant parmigiana. Delicious.The salad which comes with the meal is like a mini antipasto salad. They do an excellent job with banquets and large parties. read more

Vegas T.

0

6

0

4 years ago

Terrible food and WAY over priced the service was absolutely terrible. He served the wrong food and when our food came out it was disgusting! read more

Tyrone B.

0

2

1

2 years ago

The food wasn't the best. I got heartburn from it, but they were open after the storm, which was good, and the menu item are also limited.

Bob L.

1

11

0

4 years ago

Sometimes good sometimes not so good, I wouldn't be upset if I never went there again, that is allI have.

Ryan M.

325

23

8

8 years ago

Food was great and staff was friendly. Go see Keith at the bar he's the best. I'll be back again!

Jaclyn K.

156

31

10

5 years ago

I don't know which was better the atmosphere of the food. Such a cool place! Seriously go!

K G.

0

5

0

15 years ago

Great food and service. Nice for a romantic outing. Not the best neighborhood

Laura C.

0

2

0

6 years ago

I love the beef carpaccio, hands down the best I've ever had! Love Matt!

Alfano's Restaurant - italian - Updated September 2026

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First time dining at Sages West Bay Bistro and it was very nice!! Originally ordered food to go,…read morebut we decided to dine in because they had availability on Valentine's Day. Our server, Tracy, was pleasant to host us!! Service was great, food and drinks had great flavor and served efficiently!! Inside is very quaint with nice lighting. Definitely recommend trying this place out!! Great date night spot!! Glad we chose a mom and pop restaurant for Valentine's Day dinner!!!

This is a very cute little hidden place with tasty food! I wanted the eggplant parm, but they were…read moreout of it for the night so I went with the butternut squash ravioli special and it was really good! It's not the biggest portion of food, but the prices are low so it matches up. Meals come with a side salad and bread which is a nice touch. Our server was very sweet and helpful and the food came out quickly! I'll definitely be back and hopefully will get to try the eggplant next time!

Villa Gallace

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This was our first time visiting Indian Rocks Beach, and we didn't have reservations on a very busy…read morespring break day. Even so, the owner warmly welcomed us and went out of their way to find us a place to sit. Our waiter also made us feel right at home. Everything we ordered was outstanding -- even though they were busy, the food never disappointed. I'm a big fan of Italian food. I won't claim to be an expert, but I've tried many fine Italian restaurants wherever I travel, and I can honestly say: if you're in town, this place is a must-try. Highly recommend.

I had high hopes for this place and it wasn't too bad honestly. They do valet parking (free) and…read morethey got us in pretty quickly (we sat outside)- the patio was off kilter and a little weird but you have a view of some water. The service wasn't super great honestly and it took forever for our food to come out (we sat there for about 20 minutes without bread or salads) The food was a step higher than maybe Olive Garden.. each entree has a salad and side of pasta (not my fav) The best meal was the gnocchi and the salad. For a quick little impromptu date night this would be okay if you have no plans after and aren't in a hurry.

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Delicious Italian Night…read more Had such a wonderful meal at Tuscan Italian Restaurant! The seafood trio was absolutely delicious, and the calamari was cooked perfectly. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared. Of course, I had to finish with the tiramisu and a glass of Prosecco, and both were the perfect ending to an amazing meal. Everything was delicious from start to finish. Definitely a place I'd recommend for a great Italian dining experience!

Food is soooo good, the restaurant was very nice but we got take out. I will definitely be going…read moreback soon.

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The food is amazing and so delicious. Service was also great and Friendly. Definitely recommend 100%read more

Great experience! Our server V was so nice. The Alfredo and Chicken Parm were delicious (they even…read moremade mine with grilled chicken just how I wanted). Complimentary bread and oil were amazing, and they even gave us a cannoli on the house. Super clean restaurant, fancy vibe, and great service--we'll be back!

Cesare's At The Beach

4.3

(549 reviews)

"The chicken Alfredo is too good" - my 10yo son…read more Authentic, fresh food with the service to match!

Very Disappointing Experience -- Poor Planning and Communication…read more We booked Cesare At The Beach Italian Restaurant in Clearwater for a wedding dinner on May 2, 2026, for a party of 20. We worked with manager/part-owner Ryan Pattie in advance to coordinate the dinner, including special printed menus featuring the specific dishes and wines we selected for our guests. Unfortunately, when we arrived, the restaurant staff was not aware of our reservation for 20 people. We were also informed that Ryan was not there. We tried calling Ryan on the cell phone number he had personally provided to us for any questions or issues related to the event, but he did not answer. While the staff was trying to figure out what had happened and attempting to reach Ryan, some of our guests went ahead and ordered bottles of wine. The staff did their best under the circumstances to accommodate our group and make the evening work. To their credit, they were helpful and made an effort to turn an awkward situation into a pleasant dinner. The food itself was good. What is most disappointing, however, is what happened afterward. We have made numerous attempts over the past nearly four months to contact Ryan Pattie, both by calling and texting his cell phone and by contacting the restaurant, simply to give him an opportunity to explain what happened or offer an apology. He has not returned our calls or messages. Mistakes happen, especially with large events, but failing to properly communicate with a wedding party that made arrangements in advance--and then completely ignoring repeated attempts to resolve the issue afterward--is unacceptable. The restaurant staff and kitchen deserve credit for doing their best that evening, but the lack of preparation, the failure to have the reservation properly communicated to the staff, and especially the complete lack of follow-up from Ryan Pattie left us extremely disappointed. Based on our experience, we would have a very difficult time recommending César's Italian Restaurant for an important event or special occasion where reliable planning and communication are essential.

Cheese Wheel Pasta & Pizza

4.7

(46 reviews)

We had such a great experience here! We started with the ricotta toast, which was delicious, and I…read moregot the cheese wheel pasta -- creamy, flavorful, and so fun to watch being made right in the wheel. Another person in our group had the spaghetti and meatballs, one had the salmon, and another ordered the evening special. Everyone loved their meal. The service was impeccable too. Everyone was so kind, welcoming, and genuinely made us feel taken care of. It's also BYOB, which we loved. Between the food, service, and relaxed atmosphere, this is definitely going to become one of our new go-to spots to meet up with our friend group. We'll absolutely be back!

We've driven past this spot countless times, so my wife and I finally decided to stop in--and I'm…read moreglad we did. It's tucked away in a small plaza on the right if you're heading west toward Clearwater Beach, and the moment you walk in, the quiet, cozy atmosphere sets the tone for a great Italian meal. They make their pasta fresh in-house, and there's even a pasta showcase where you can see it being made from scratch. Our server--possibly the owner or manager--was incredibly friendly. We didn't catch his name, but he greeted us warmly and ended up chatting with us about pasta making after we mentioned our own (disastrous but funny) attempt at home. We talked flour, water ratios, and pasta machines. That conversation alone made the whole experience feel personal and memorable. Now, the food. We started with warm house-made bread and olive oil, plus a Caesar salad that was easily big enough for two. My wife ordered the cheese wheel fettuccine, where they mix the pasta right inside the wheel--super fun to watch. I went with a classic: spaghetti and meatballs. The cheese wheel pasta was perfectly al dente with a creamy, rich sauce. My wife said it was the best pasta she's ever had. My spaghetti was just as impressive--the red sauce tasted incredibly fresh, not overly tomato-heavy, just balanced and delicious. We were both more than satisfied. To finish, we grabbed a tiramisu to go, made fresh to order. They offer other desserts, but tiramisu is our all-time favorite, so that was a must. I'm really glad we finally stopped in. We'll definitely be back. I've had plenty of Italian food, but this place truly stands out. If you're in the area, make sure to stop in.

Café Massé Ristoranté Italiano

4.7

(58 reviews)

I usually don't go out for Italian food. My rule of thumb is if the pasta isn't handmade, I'd…read morerather skip it. That's exactly why Café Masse surprised me in the best way. They make their pasta fresh and you can really taste the difference. The gnocchi were so good that after a night out with a friend, I brought the leftovers home for my husband. He took one bite and immediately said we had to go back the next day so he could have a fresh plate. We did, and it was just as amazing. From the outside, it's pretty unassuming, especially being in a strip mall, but the inside is beautiful. The atmosphere is warm and intimate and honestly feels like you've stepped into a small romantic restaurant. This place is a hidden gem and I will absolutely be back.

This was our second visit to Café Masse. As with our first visit, Chef Masse visited us at the…read moretable when we arrived. We talked about what we had last time, what we liked, what we might be in the mood for. One of the things that makes this place unique and definitely a draw for a return visit, are these visits with the chef. Also, his willingness to go outside of the confines of the printed menu. We liked the idea of the Braised Beef in the 8-hour ragu listed under the Ravioli section, but we did not want ravioli. He suggested that he could put he Braised Beef on Rigatoni instead of Ravioli. When I expressed an interest in a mushroom app, he suggested mushrooms aglio e olio with a sprinkling of parsley and a dash of red pepper flakes. This was not listed in the menu. Also, not listed on the menu was his recommendation of bread stuffed with mozzarella served warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. Both were fantastic! The bread was warm and moist and it was filled with a lot of soft and gooey mozzarella. The mushrooms seemed slightly seared. They were well dressed in a very balanced mix of olive oil and garlic. A hint of red pepper flakes added a pleasant occasional surprise bite to the dish The Braised Beef in the 8-hour ragu was tender and had a great depth of flavor. The rigatoni, as well as the linguine on my main dish of Alfredo with Shrimp, was done perfectly for my taste, just slightly beyond al dente. The Beef dish was topped with a heaping spoonful of ricotta. Mixing a little of the ricotta into the sauce as we ate was a fun thing to do. The Alfredo, topped with some shaved parm, had a slight hint of saffron which added some complexity and a little different take on the Alfredo that was very interesting. A very generous count of perfectly done tail-on shrimp made the dish complete. A glass of Tempranillo paired very well with the beef. A glass of a Puglian Teanum Pinot Grigio "Favugne" was excellent with the Alfredo dish. For dessert, a very good Tiramisu with an optional drizzle of Bailey's. A double espresso and a glass of Serre Dolci Rosso, a chilled dessert wine, finished off the meal nicely. Our server, Shelby, was very good. The ambiance was intimate with great lighting and a very good mix of Italian and jazz music in the background. The food is so good, I wanted to just keep eating until each plate was clean. While this approach has never ended well for me in the past (I always feel uncomfortably stuffed), an alternative that required a little bit of restraint and some to-go boxes extended the great food here for a nice day-after lunch at home.

Pizza Shack Italian Grille

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