We stopped at Roma Italian Bistro for lunch while visiting Jacksonville, and it ended up being one of the best meals of our East Texas vacation. The lunch menu offered a great variety of options, and every meal included a fresh house salad and warm rolls. We ordered the spaghetti with meatballs, a Stromboli, and grilled chicken with grilled vegetables. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and generously portioned. The kids shared a large cheese pizza, and it was outstanding. The crust was perfectly cooked with great flavor, and the pizza was easily large enough for them to share. In fact, every portion was so generous that we asked for to-go boxes as soon as our meals arrived because we knew there was no way we'd finish everything! The service was friendly, the food arrived promptly, and the quality exceeded our expectations. If you're looking for authentic Italian food with generous portions and excellent value, Roma Italian Bistro is an easy recommendation. We'll definitely return the next time we're in Jacksonville. read more

So here we are, dropped into a tiny Texas town that feels like I accidentally wandered onto the set of a gritty late-night indie film... or maybe a toned-down Charlaine Harris novels situation--minus the fangs, but with just enough "what is happening here?" energy to keep things interesting. We have zero sense of direction, everything feels vaguely ominous, and we didn't exactly come for a leisurely getaway--we rushed down to Texas because my dad is dealing with a serious medical situation. So the mission is clear: get to my parents' house and help my mom. That's it. Survival mode, but make it family-focused. Then--plot twist--my sister and nephew call. They want to see us and casually mention they'll bring pizza. Now listen... in any other circumstance, I might pause. Ask questions. Do research. Vet the pizza situation like a responsible adult. But in this moment? Free food is free food, and emotionally exhausted people do not ask follow-up questions. So we say yes. And yet, there's hesitation. Because we are in this town. This mysterious, slightly cinematic, possibly haunted-feeling Texas town. And I don't know what a "local pizza place" means here. Are we talking hidden gem? Or regret wrapped in melted cheese? They arrive. Boxes in hand. No turning back now. We open them... and immediately--plot twist #2. It's actually really good. Like, not "oh this will do" good. Not "we're hungry so we'll pretend it's fine" good. No--this is legitimately solid pizza. Fresh, hot, clearly made with real ingredients and actual effort. Cheese, a fully-loaded "works" situation, and one mystery pizza that I didn't fully identify but enthusiastically ate anyway. And I didn't just have a polite slice. I went back. Multiple times. For all of them. They tell us it's a local chain and one of the best in the area, and honestly? I believe them. Whatever low expectations I walked in with were completely unnecessary. End result: pleasantly surprised, slightly humbled, and very well-fed. Would absolutely eat it again--especially under less emotionally chaotic circumstances, but honestly... it held up even under those. That's saying something. read more

Stopped in for lunch today and were very impressed by the flavor and freshness of the food. The pasta was amazing and the sauces were made in house. Will definitely be back. Hidden gem. read more

Wonderful food Calamari fried cheese Salads Chicken parm veal parm Service was great Ambiance was great Italian We would definitely come back read more

The food was amazing! Lobster ravioli and the sauce is so delicious and flavorful. Bread tastes yummy in the sauce too. Adult drinks are good and strong. Cost is fair. Restroom was clean and the hand soap smell yummy. Service was friendly and welcoming and an at home feel. Would definitely recommend and return. read more

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The place is lively. Kinda on the small side, but amazing. The food was some of the best Italian food we've had, and we travel all over the USA and eat out a lot. The service was amazing. We sat at the bar, it was a Friday night about 815 when we got there and we watched the game and ate and left by 910. We will definitely go back and I highly recommend this place read more

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Sweet Courtney greeted me as I came in; she was my waitress as well. Very sweet & attentive. She helped me with my choices as this was the first time I've been here. Music is playing and has a great atmosphere. The grilled chicken had a really strange odd taste to it. If I came back, I definitely wouldn't order it again. It was brought to the manager's attention. He offered more chicken & I declined. He did lower the price on it, which I appreciated. read more

Roma Italian Bistro - Italian Near Me - Jacksonville, Texas

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Roma Italian Bistro: A Little Slice of Italy in Jacksonville If you've spent any time in Jacksonville, Texas, you've probably heard folks talk about that vodka sauce at Roma Italian Bistro. And if you haven't, well, bless your heart--you've been missing out. Roma has been serving up classic Italian comfort food since they opened, and let me tell you, they've got it down to an art. Let's start with the pasta, because that vodka sauce deserves its own standing ovation. Creamy, rich, and just the right amount of tangy, it clings to the noodles like it knows it's the star of the show. Whether you're twirling it around a fork with shrimp, chicken, or just on its own, it's the kind of sauce that makes you wonder if you can get away with licking the plate. (For the record, you probably can--this is East Texas, not a Michelin-starred joint.) Now, the pizza. You can taste the difference when a place uses fresh ingredients, and Roma doesn't cut corners. Their pizzas come out of a big ol' oven with a crust that's the perfect balance of crispy and chewy. It's got that just-right char on the bottom, the kind that lets you know this is the real deal and not some frozen afterthought. The atmosphere? Warm and inviting, with TVs on the wall if you want to sneak a glance at the game, but they won't disrupt your conversation. And the full bar means you can sip on something strong while you wait for your meal--always a plus in my book. But what really makes Roma special is the people. The manager and his wife are as welcoming as a Sunday potluck, and the staff is just as friendly. They treat you like family, and not in that "arguing over Thanksgiving dinner" kind of way--more like "we saved you the best seat and the last piece of bread." Roma Italian Bistro isn't just a restaurant; it's a Jacksonville institution. They've racked up awards for good reason, and if they keep doing what they're doing, they'll keep winning more. So if you haven't been yet, go ahead and fix that. And if you have been, well, you already know--you'll be back. read more

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Ordered the larger of their two pizza sizes at $21. We opted for the Meat Lover which should be named Meat Liker. Sparse amount of all meats on top which implies the build-your-own at $2 per topping would not be worth it. Should be priced $2-$3 less than current. Toppings should be $1.25, $1.50 at most unless they are more generous with them. Crust is thin. Tasted good. Was ready on time. read more

We have been here a few times. Really good food especially the pizza. The service is pretty good. The environment mis clean and well maintained. Definitely a go to place in Jacksonville. read more

The service and food are always five star! Very friendly and welcoming environment. Fresh warm bread as soon as you sit down! I love everything on the menu. read more

This place is lovely! The servers are friendly and engaging The food is surprisingly delicious! I was not expecting such great Italian quality but .... YUMMMMM! Being I travel quite a bit into this area - I will definitely be back again. read more

We just bought a home in Jacksonville and our Realtor said Roma was her favorite Italian Restaurant in this part of Texas, (including Tyler). We went the night we got the keys, 4 days later and again with our daughter and grandkids last night! That's 3 times in 6 days...loved the food, service, staff and ambiance. Will definitely be our local hangout! Thanks Roma... read more

Wonderful place for the best Italian food hands down!! Always very prompt when we eat in and order is correct when ordering to go! Fantastic all around! read more

Food and Service was awesome! Italian margaritas are so....good! Always bring my friends when we come to the lake.

Best place to eat in Jacksonville! Great family atmosphere and quick turn around time on food.

I visit here about once a week & get the greek salad with chicken. It's a very large portion & very good. Also enjoy the bread. Service is a little slow but it's well worth the wait. read more

Delicious, dining in or takeout! This is our favorite little spot when visiting family in Jacksonville. The staff is so friendly, and food is delicious! The grilled chicken and veggies is my favorite, and lasagna is so delicious! read more

On every occasion that my wife and I have dined here, the service has been exceptional. The rolls are delicious, and everything we've tried on the menu has been mouthwatering! This establishment stands out as the premier Italian restaurant in the vicinity. read more

2nd time eating there tonight. Both times with kids and this time with family from out of town. Definitely worth the short drive from Bullard. Two of us had the chicken carciofi which was excellent! Kids enjoyed the pizza and everyone else loved their dishes also. Nice, clean atmosphere. read more

Great food & friendly service. I loved this place. A rarity in Jacksonville . A very warm & comfortable atmosphere.

They have Good food. They have Great service and also they have Generous portions @at a decent price. read more

Food was great. I had spaghetti and meatballs. Service was great. Atmosphere was great. Loved that I had leftovers for another meal.

Outstanding food and service. Full bar too! I took my mother to lunch after an appt in Jacksonville. I'm so happy we found Roma's! It will be our go-to in Jacksonville every time. My mom is hard to please. She was very much in love with the food and service. The meatballs were flavorful and tender. Adi the manager was very welcoming. Laura, our server, was friendly and attentive. We will be back every time we visit Jacksonville. read more

We enjoyed a wonderful evening at Roma's. The guys started with a smoked Old Fashioned. Superb! Our party of 4 shared Calamari and Roma's complimentary warm garlic rolls. Delicious! My friend's side salad was huge: fresh romaine, tomatoes, croutons. She enjoyed Chicken Picatta with angel hair pasta. Perfect. Her husband had the Chef's Seafood Special and he loved it. My husband enjoyed Lobster Ravioli with shrimp. I devoured my Shrimp Scampi on Linguine. Perfect seasoning and delicious shrimp. Wine, on point. Then, we each shared tiramisu. OMG it was perfectly prepared and delicious. We live up in Bullard, but the 16 mile drive is worth it to dine at Roma's. Mary, our server, was awesome, attentive and conversive without interrupting. We will return to Roma's in Jacksonville for more really good Italian food. read more

Hands down absolutely great food and amazing atmosphere! Highly recommended awesome owners so polite and awesome guys! The food is delicious definitely going to be one of mine and my husbands new favorite places! read more

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Great food but they have never managed to get one of my to go orders correct. I live 30 minutes away from this restaurant so when I get home and it's not correct I can't get it fixed. It's not my job to get the order right. I should be able to walk in, pick up my order and leave. I should not have to take everything out of the bag and make sure it's all there. Super disappointed. This trip I ended up one whole entree short. read more

Best Italian food ever I would eat there every day of my life the service is wonderful read more

Great food and gem of a place for any occasion. Family friendly. Casual and clean. Portions is Texas size

Came here with my Mom while visiting from Silicon Valley because her friend recommended it. We started with the stuffed mushrooms which come in a creamy tomato sauce that is divine. The shrimp pieces were a delightful bonus. I was impressed with the wine list, which included a Super Tuscan. The cannelloni were amazing. And our server Andrea was very attentive. We went back a few days later and I had the lobster ravioli which comes in the same delicious sauce as the stuffed mushrooms. Samantha took great care of us. I had the Malbec, which the bartender Aria said is rarely ordered, but really it should be. Jacksonville, I hope you appreciate the treasure that you have in your midst. I'm sad that I may not be back in the area for a while, this place has it going on. read more

Food was amazing, drinks great, and wonderful service. Will be back for sure. Plenty off food to take home.

We ordered takeout on a cold, rainy day. Food was ready when we arrived and plenty hot. I had tour of Italy. Husband had Italian sausage and pasta. Everything was delicious. Salads, bread, entrees. We will definitely be back. read more

A return trip with hubby for the June 10th Jacksonville Tomato Festival. First time was on May 3 at lunch to celebrate a girlfriend's birthday. On that date, the food and ambiance were fabulous, but both were outshone by the service by waiter Anario(spelling?). Although the place was packed (the lunch menu is a GREAT value), Anario was very attentive with the 3 of us on our first visit. Several of us have food intolerances and he was so diligent in questioning the chef about food ingredients so that we could safely order and enjoy our meals. He kept our water glasses filled, the bread basket replenished, and brought the birthday girl her favorite and complimentary dessert. Lastly, because the portions were so huge, we needed "doggie" bags, but it was a hot day and we had no cooler to keep our leftovers which would spoil before we got home. Anario improvised by filling several containers with ice and placing our food bags on top. They stayed fresh and cool until we returned home 4 hours later. That day, 2 of us ordered the fettuccine Alfredo with chicken and the third entree was the house lasagne. Because of the lunch menu, all entrees came with a largish, fresh salad with choice of dressing...with the complimentary bread, it was quite a delicious and filling meal. The two desserts, tiramisu and cannoli were pricey, but so worth it! On Saturday, June 10, there was no lunch menu, so a salad was a la carte. Because of the festival, the restaurant was not so crowded initially, but became packed after 1:30pm. This time I ordered the eggplant parmigiana and hubby had the cannelloni. Again, both were generous portions yummy to the last bite as were the tiramisu and cannoli desserts. No doggie bags needed for us this time! Whenever we are in Jacksonville, we will always make plans to indulge at Roma's Italian Bistro! read more

The food was phenomenal! Definitely recommend the vodka sauce to dip the rolls in! Ordered the Tortellini Alla Panna which was fantastic! Ask for Madison to be your server!! She was was amazing! Best customer service I have ever experienced! 10/10 read more

The food is delicious and the service is always great. Great addition to our small town

I definitely do recommend this restaurant. We went on a Tuesday and by the time we finished our meal, the place was filling up. Word to wise, come early. We ordered the Veal Picatta and the Gluten Free pasta with the Chicken Piccata and they were both amazing. There are several Gluten-free options available on the menu. The pasta was excellent. Their fresh baked bread was very good. The house Merlot was excellent. The waitstaff were excellent. Wednesdays they have half price wine. Need I say more? read more

I'm reluctant to recommend, only because it's already hard to get in! Everything is absolutely GREAT. The wine list is full an array of nice wines and interesting as well delicious cocktails. We have ordered quite a number of dishes from the menu on our visits. All were a positive experience but the caprese salad is the best I've had! The service is very fast, friendly and efficient, the deserts are fabulous. Expect to see a manage/owner come by your table to greet you and make sure you leave happy. read more

The food was great, bread , salad and main entrees. Did not have room for desert so we can't comment on that. Service was good and quick. Would definitely come back. read more

Great food. Great bar. Great service. Definitely the best restaurant in Jacksonville. They do seem to struggle at peak hours.

Just had dinner here! The seafood dish was amazing! The service was great! Highly recommend this place!! A must try!!!!