Ambience and Experience: We were looking for a good Italian place and it had good reviews on Google so we decided to give this place a shot. You order at the bar and then wait in that area until you are seated at a table in the dining room. While we waited, we decided to try a couple of their fall cocktails. Not great, the drinks were very weak and you could tell were made with the cheapest booze available. Presentation was neat but the first sip quickly disintegrated the hype. Food: I have a nagging suspicion that most of what we ordered was not made fresh in-house. Everyone at our table ordered pasta except for one kid's meal and when glancing around at the tables around us, everyone had ordered just pizza. I think that is what this place is know for because their pasta ain't it. My wife and I tried the gnocchi and ravioli. You could tell they were not made in-house, especially the gnocchi (gummy, chewy texture is a dead giveaway. True homemade gnocchi will melt in your mouth). The sauces lacked spunk and everything just tasted canned and frozen to me. Portion sizes were also on the smaller side yet prices were expensive. $18 for frozen/packaged ravioli in a maybe homemade sauce (didn't taste like it)? Yeah right. Every chef knows that pasta is an easy dish to make good money on because pasta is cheap and easy to make, $18 for pasta with no protein additions is absurd. I will say the kid's pizza was probably the best dish on the table. You could tell that was made fresh and with real ingredients. Not sure why that did not translate to the pastas. So weird. Verdict: Staff were friendly and service was prompt but the food and drinks were lackluster at best. Not worth the price for a sit down meal, more along the line of quick service. Not sure if something was just off the night we went since this place is fairly well liked in the area, not sure. read more

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I keep going back and forth on my review. One thing to note, the fried ravioli appetizer is spicy, like jalapeño flavor. I wish the menu stated this or the server told us. Too spicy for me. I ordered the daily special. Pasta, chicken, asparagus, tomatoes, sun dried tomatoes, shaved Parmesan cheese with a garlic olive oil sauce. It was boring. No flavor, hardly any parm cheese and no sun dried tomatoes. My hubby got the stuffed shells and it was really good! He ordered a side of meatball and sausage but there was no sauce. Just odd. He had to ask for extra sauce. The cheesy garlic bread and minestrone soup are yummy. Some delicious meals and some meals eh. I will be back. I just need to stick with the baked penne and meatball. Always good service. read more

Luigi's Italian Restaurant - Baked penne and meatball. Delicious! - Pizza Near Me - Manitowoc, Wisconsin

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While I find having to order at the bar to be a bit annoying, it is worth it for the food. I usually get the Sicilian penne, and it is full of artichokes, olives, mushrooms with a light sauce that doesn't overpower. And the servings are huge. I've taken a number of people there, and everyone is impressed with the food. I drive up from Sheboygan (about 30 minutes) for their food. read more

Food was alright. Nothing overly special. Had the fried fish. Standard flavor factory made not fresh. Serving size 2 pieces.

There is a requirement at this restaurant that you have to order at the bar. While this is no doubt good for Luigi's bottom line, not everyone likes being obligated to sit at a bar . (Some families may not feel comfortable in a liquor dispensary...and people do not need the mandatory detour through a 'tavern' setting when they are just interested in dinner) Food: Bruschetta is excellent. Soups are good. It must be mentioned that for some reason the cheese they use on the pizza is 'stringy / sinewy'... and a little hard to manage. While all pizza cheese usually stretches and then gives, this cheese is a little hard to get through...very hard for some. read more

Great Service, Great Food! Also the only restaurant that will deliver to my house in Newton

I was in town for a couple of weeks and this spot was suggested to me by the homeowners. I ventured over and it was clearly marked to go to the bar first - whether choosing to eat at the bar or a table. You always order at the bar, and it will be delivered to your table if you choose to sit in the dining room. I sat at the bar by my lonesome and loved chatting with the friendly servers. We talked about local spots I should check out to what podcasts we liked. I ordered an espresso martini and it was perfect (the bartender had a tattoo of it on her arm!) All the entrees come with a cup of soup or a salad with a piece of garlic bread. I started with an order of cheesy garlic bread (come on, one piece without cheese wasn't going to cut it). That was delicious! I chose the minestrone and the Nico pasta entree. This was a perfectly al dente penne pasta in white wine, cream, and marinara sauce. It included Italian sausage and I added some peas to it as well. I brought some home - very generous portions! The kicker? I was in Manitowoc for ten days and came back to Luigi's three times. I got the same thing each time (switched up the soups) - it was THAT good. read more

Luigi's Italian Restaurant - Espresso Martini - Pizza Near Me - Manitowoc, Wisconsin

Great food at affordable prices. Always fresh and plentiful foods to enjoy. Might be a bit of a wait on a weekend but well worth the wait! Pizzas are fantastic and every pasta dish is great. read more

Had dinner here this last Saturday with my close friend Larry, as both of us were staying just down the street while in the area to cover the MotoAmerica races at Road America. WOW! What a neat and lively place with an excellent and delicious menu of options, excellent portions (one meal definitely enough for two meals!), and service out of this world. You folks knocked it out of the park, as we both were super happy with everything and look forward to getting back when we are in the area again for the races. Thanks so much, and HIGHLY recommended! read more

Years ago this was my mother's favorite restaurant. It has been 14 years since I was here. I realy wanted to like this place, as the memories were fond. I love me a good calzone, the wonderful one I got at Mike's in Baraboo was still with me when I ordered one at Luigi's. Still weird that you order at the bar. You are assigned a table after you order. All the diners were packed into about a third of the dining room. It would have been nice to be spread out a bit. Like I said, I ordered a calzone and my wife ordered a Stephano salad. Food took a while to come out. Luckily we had a Pet Skull beer to keep us busy. My calzone came out way before my wife's salad. It looked like a football on my plate. I hate to make assumptions but the crust was rock hard and the filling was undercooked and barely warm. Looked like a microwave job. While the flavor was okay, I have never had to eat a calzone with a steak knife before. My wife's salad was chopped into small pieces. It could have been eaten with a spoon. Wife said the feta was overwhelming and couldn't finish it. I ate half my meal and got a togo container; and left it there. The young lady who waited on us was attentive and very pleasant. We would not go back and order the same. May go back to try their Chicago style pizza, which I really like. The food was so so. Nothing to rave about. I guess if I want an excellent calzone I'll have to go back to Baraboo read more

Our pizza was very good Service was very good Ambiance was very good My perfect manhattans (up) were terrible. Went to Luigi's after 3 years and was surprised to have received perfect manhattans that were pretty bad. Before leaving, I had to tell the bar tender how to make perfect manhattans. Regardless, we would go back just for the food anytime. read more

I LOVE this place. My dad used to take us here when I was a child. I am now 40 and in Manitowoc for a conference. I had to stop here for the memories! I am not disappointed, in fact I am blown away by the delicious food, great drinks and atmosphere as well as the friendly service/staff! I wish I lived closer so I could enjoy this place more often! Keep doing what you are doing. I can't wait to be in this neck of the woods again! I ordered a Bloody Mary, the spicy sausage and pepper soup and the Luigi's special pizza with traditional crust! read more

Great pizza and apps for a great price. Always a solid choice to get if you don't know where to order out from.

We have been ordering Luigi's for 5 consistent years following the scenic shore 150 leukemia/lymphoma bike ride, where people ride over 75 MILES a DAY to raise money. 5 YEARS. This evening we continued with our tradition and ordered Luigi's, a big order too! We were told the order would arrive in an hour and we were SO excited! The food arrived and our dilemma immediately started. Missing multiple items right off the bat before the delivery driver even left. We made do. Then we opened the cheese bread.... DOG HAIR ALL OVER. I couldn't exaggerate if I tried. It was over the WHOLE cheese bread, like they dropped it on the floor and put it back in the box. To make matters worse we called to fix the order and the manager wouldn't have it. Almost $100 worth of food and it didn't matter. This is a complete slap in the face and I wouldn't recommend to anyone. read more

Luigi's Italian Restaurant - Pizza Near Me - Manitowoc, Wisconsin

Wanted to try a local Italian place that offered gluten free instead of going to a chain. Was in town for my boyfriends birthday and enjoyed all the local restaurants we tried over the weekend, but Luigi's was by far the most disappointing. First off, the ambiance and decor is quite nice. Quite cozy and was nearing the end of their Sunday lunch rush, so lots of families were enjoying lunch. Maybe pastas here are what they are known for? I wish I could rate higher... they offer gluten free pasta but at a much higher price (honestly, is rice pasta this expensive for restaurants because it isn't at the stores...) and 10" gluten free specialty pizza runs at almost $20. But to start off the with the GOOD: my boyfriends regular cheese pizza was tasty and he said reminded him of Shakey's- so what you expect of a classic pizza! His arnold palmer was as he ordered it and all the staff (young waitresses) were sweet and attentive. The first shock for me was when I tried to order sparkling water and was presented with a wine list. I've never been to an italian place that didn't have any type of sparkling water option! Considering they do feel more upscale casual, it would be a great way for them to make more money and give a better experience for people expecting a true italian style experience! Being celiac now for many years, it's tough to find gluten free options. 9 times out of10, if I get a gluten free pizza they would at least be satifactory. Luigi's GLUTEN FREE pizza is quite STRANGE and the first time I found my pizza quite gross actually. I was starving when arrived and we had a long road trip ahead so I did eat a few slices of my gross pizza. I assume they use a tapioca flour mixture since it was very sweet- but the consistency was like pudding on the inside (think tapioca pudding) but an elusive crisp on the outside. I got the margherita which had nice pieces of artichoke, but tiniest globs of mozzarella I've seen (and very small amount of basil). The toppings and massive amount of red pepper flakes I put on the pizza- I was hoping would offset the weird flavor- but it didn't. Honestly, if they used this dough but with a better consistency- it would make for a pretty decent desert pizza with just nutella on it!!! But, I just want to advise to anyone gluten free they probably want to steer away from the pizza here if they are expecting a pizza to taste like well, pizza.... Sadly, left hungry and unsatisfied- and was a $45 meal. I also ordered a glass of sparkling wine- and mid eating my meal a server asked if I wanted water and I asked for just some club soda. I was pretty surprised that I was charged for the club soda at $1.40 (also maybe had 3 sips). More so I Have worked in restaurants for 14 years and club soda isn't charged except at some bars. Club soda doesn't even cost the restaurant 1 cent to make a cup. Was pretty disappointed when I asked about it. It wasn't like I didn't get a drink- and would have gladly spent up to $6 on some sparkling water!! If Luigi's is trying to rip people off then they should invest in a few bottles of italian sparkling water!!!! That can make them a lot more profit than some club soda!! :) read more

I'm updating my review because the food is excellent and the chef cares about my special requests. The bartenders could not be nicer and more sweet. Still eat at the bar though! read more

Not impressed Had to sit at the bar to place your order. We decided to try the Italian nachos, no basil. When we eventually were sat at a table the nachos arrived, with basil. Decided to just keep them instead of a remake. I was on my second bite and our soups and salad arrived. We asked the waitress to hold off on our food for a few minutes so we could eat what we had while it was hot. I ordered the Cecilia rigatoni. The cream sauce sat at the bottom of the bowl like a broth more than a creamy sauce. So basically my pasta wouldn't stay coated with sauce so I pretty much had plain pasta with very bland sausage and red peppers. My husband had lasagna and a meatball. He said it was "meh, not a whole lot of flavor". Waitress was very nice and good at her job, hence the two stars vs. one. read more

My favorite! My husband and I love the Fettuccine Alfredo, the Cheese Raviolis, the Lasagna, the garlic bread and cheese garlic bread; well, we love it all. (My favorites are the pizza and the cheeseburgers.) And you can't forget the homemade soups and salad. Check out their menu, and commence salivating. read more

Service was very good but the food was not. I had the Lasagna with meatball. The meatball was decent but the Lasagna was nothing more than a lump of melted cheese and terribly salty marinara sauce. My friend had the stuffed shells that contained dry ricotta cheese and covered in terribly salty marinara sauce. My wife's penne pasta was a 6 out of ten. read more

Very rude poor services I ordered a taco pizza I think they put the lettuce on it before cooking because when it got to me the lettuce was soggy see thru and mashed to the pizza it was gross read more

Very clean. Staff was super friendly and very attentive to our wants. And the food..... unreal. Totally authentic high quality huge portions and incredible taste all very reasonably priced. read more

Pizza is very good and I like to get it to go. If I am eating there I can't pass up the meatball marinara. Wow! 3 huge well prepared meatballs with cheese and sauce. Pasta on the side. What a great meal! read more

Food was great. Fresh hot and authentic! Service was awesome. Cora was amazing as always.

I have gone there a few times now, and I will still rate 5 stars. I have gotten the Stefano every time and while they haven't quite lived up to the first one I got, the calamari is still excellent. I've gotten their pizza to-go and I personally recommend getting extra cheese, it was really really good! My only complaint is that it doesn't seem like their delivery drivers have it together. Our last pizza took almost 2 hours to show up but it seemed like the fault was on the team altogether rather than the driver that gave it to us. read more

Great American and Italian food. Nice place to get a pizza and a couple pitchers of soda for the kids. Food is fresh, ingredients delivered 3-4 times a week. The public relations lady seems nice. The cook does not have a mustache. read more

Ordered for delivery at a hotel. Specifically asked for utensils as I didn't have any, they said of course. When delivery driver showed up with no utensils she blamed me. Food mostly sucked, cold and without the means to properly eat it. Hate trying to support local business and being treated badly. read more

Live close by and have been there Many times and always had great service and wonderful food. The best pizza in Manitowoc as far as I am concerned . read more

We stopped in here to eat and no one was there to greet us. There was a sign that said order at the bar. We didn't want to go to the bar. A waitress walked by and I tried to get her attention, she looked right at me and walked on by. Very rude. We left and went somewhere else. read more

Quality food and quality people for an all around great family dinner spot! Ordered the Quattro fomaggi and was pleasantly surprised! Would definitely recommend this location to others especially of your are a fan of quality Italian food! read more

I've been there twice. The first time I went was dreadful. Everyone else at my table was at least halfway through their meal when I first got my pizza. The owner of the restaurant was there, but didn't offer to so much as buy me a drink for my wait. I ordered the taco pizza and it was about C- quality, not appetizing at all. I visited town again and some good friends convinced me to try it again, because they liked it, so we did. This time, it was only slightly better. My food was on time, but my dish was very average. If you want Italian in Manitowoc, go to Tony's. read more

My husband and I were hungry for Italian food the night we stayed in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. We saw the advertisement at the motel and were told that it was more "authentic" than another restaurant in town. We followed directions (which seemed farther away than it should have been) and found the restaurant. We parked in back of the restaurant and as we walked around the front door smelled something awful. We looked to our right and saw a huge pile of aging manure. Oh well, we thought -- we are in Wisconsin, after all. I don't really remember the decor of the place -- although it reminded me of most Wisconsin restaurants I've been in, down to the paper place mats. I was afraid to put my purse on the floor because the floor looked so filthy. I ordered a glass of chianti and my husband ordered a beer. The Chianti was warm (not good warm, but bad warm) and sweet. For dinner my husband ordered a calzone and I ordered pasta puttanesca. I thought the calzone was fine -- although my husband didn't like the dough and said the spaghetti sauce was very sweet. My pasta puttanesca was inedible. Instead of using Kalamata olives and capers they put, what looked like, a jar of chopped up Spanish olives, including brine, in with the sickly sweet spaghetti sauce. The pasta itself was overcooked. The only thing I didn't hate about the meal was the Caprese salad -- but even the balsamic vinegar was sickly sweet and the tomatoes were not as flavorful as they should have been in early September. It is possible I just ordered the wrong thing, but I really didn't see anything on the menu that appealed to me except the pasta I ordered. Given the glowing reviews, I guess I don't "get" authentic family owned Italian restaurants in Wisconsin. read more

Nice casual dining, relaxing atmosphere, friendly staff, whining down with couple of excellent drinks, no pressure to order, ordered at the newly remodeled bar. Waitress very pleasant informed me my table was ready, salad was waiting for us at our table, food was served hot and delicious. Will be going there again. I would give it 6 stars if I could. food was better quality than other places. read more

Good service.... burgers don't have much taste. Fries cooked just right. Delicious garlic bread. The restaurant is a bit outdated but is clean. read more

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On our visit, we tried the pizza for a change. Was very good. If a pizza fan I recommend it. Going forward I will stay with the dinner menu. You order your dinner at the bar and when they have room in dinning room and you food is almost ready, they seat you. read more

Luigi's on Manitowoc is wonderful. The service is good, except the waitresses tend to get side tracked with other employees or freeding themselves after they take their payments and it takes a long time to get your credit card back. Other than that I really love going here. It has nice atmosphere with the decor and the strands of led lights all around. Its has a small outdoor seating area with table umbrellas. They have a bar you have drinks at while you wait for your food if you choose. The pizza is fantastic, a cheese lovers dream! All in all I would recommend to everyone. read more

I ordered spaghetti and meatball to be delivered. Food came fast and was hot. The meatball was like cat pate and the sauce was way to sweet. Ratio off spaghetti to sauce was off( not enough sauce). Garlic bread was just two pieces of white buns with butter and very little garlic taste and was soft not toasted. Would not recommend. read more

This place was really good. It was a little weird to us that we have to go to the bar grab a drink and place our order, then wait to be called to the table where your food is waiting. Although it was weird it was a great experience and the food was great too. I strongly recommend the chicken noodle soup and bruschetta, they are both really tasty. read more

Great Italian fare with good prices. Excellent staff, always nice and provide great service. Great pork chops and wonderful spaghetti and pizza! read more

Great service from the time we called in our order to the time it was delivered to our home. Good communication, friendly people, and two AWESOME pizzas... A definite go-to for pizza and pasta! read more

Great experience. Table for 20 and we called ahead 3 hours in advance in Saturday. They accommodated our group very well. Excellent food, healthy serving sizes, and great professional wait staff. Two meals were missed but they made it up quickly read more