I'm told that the best Thank You notes are not written the next day. That's what this feels like, for we had an amazing experience for our 29th (!!) wedding anniversary. We knew a bit about the restaurant beforehand (I stopped in over the summer to buy a gift certificate), but this was our first time dining. We've had family style dinner before and, honestly, we're very open-minded eaters. We didn't even read a menu and let the staff take care of us. It turns out that we were in very good hands. The service is very attentive and friendly. We joked with our server as we learned about the menu and asked questions. It was a perfect mix of information and 'let us show you more.' The restaurant itself is sizeable with a few areas perfect for larger groups. We were seated at a high top, which felt a bit like the cat-bird seat. We were able to see everything and people watch without being rude or obtrusive. Seeing how others reacted to the food - and getting a preview before ours arrived - was fun and informative at the same time. The tricky part of this recap is the fact that the menu is very fluid. I can tell you how amazing the antipasto was - the memory of the caper berries still makes my mouth water - but your plate may arrive with completely different items. The adventure is trying things that either you've never had before or not in this preparation. Simply put, I recommend the prix fixe family dinner. Let yourself be guided by the food and try everything in front of you. That said, we learned that the kitchen makes their favorites on Saturday nights, so you might have a chance to enjoy the silky gnocchi or the sublime orecchiette. Since Strega Nonna offers kitchen courses, I am keeping an eye on the schedule in hopes of recreating something that we enjoyed or learning something completely new to me. The music was very enjoyable and did not impede conversation. It was the perfect backdrop for our food adventure, allowing us to chat about the restaurant and food or simply enjoy the tastes while listening. Thank you to everyone at Strega Nonna that made our anniversary so special. We're thrilled to have you in Negaunee and look forward to taking more 'tours' with your food and fun! read more

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This place is a joke! Went there to enjoy a birthday celebration and it left us disappointed in wishing we had spent our $250 elsewhere!!! Don't bother complaining about your meal because the owner will just take it into the kitchen eat it and come back and tell you she thought it tasted fine , really? Who does that? I like to spend my money locally, but this is not a place I will ever return to !!! read more

Perfect on every level. We got the tasting experience with the wine pairings -- everything was fresh, thoughtful, and complex, particularly when paired with their wine selections. Their outdoor seating was simple but chic and they had live music! We got treated excellently and personally on a Friday night at 7:30 -- which is more than I could have asked for during my first dining experience here. Thank you Rachel and staff!!!! read more

Strega Nonna - Antipasto platter - Italian Near Me - Negaunee, Michigan

The courses were interesting, flavorful and diverse. The main entree was disappointing, however. Guests at our table either had a chicken leg or a thigh. I had the same last summer when I ate there, but we actually had more food then. But, again, a small serving of chicken. Lots of vegetables though! The pasta had oil, herbs and some cheese sprinkled on top. Service is great though!! But we won't be going back. Not worth the price- $180 for 2. read more

Absolutely loved this restaurant! Adorable vibe and wonderful live music. The tasting experience with wine pairings was exceptional, showing off the chef's considerable talent. If there was one thing.. maybe the courses were too busy - simplifying could have made it spectacular. Still, it's a special spot tucked away in the UP and definitely worth a visit! read more

Absolutely the worst value restaurant in the area. At best an OK restaurant and considering the price it gets 1 star- The food was veggie focused, cause they must not be willing to afford a quality piece of steak or fish. The only meat or fish in the main course - a single meatball per person (not big either) with more pasta. Oh correction there was also a single bite of octopus in the first course. One person in our party didn't eat red meat - so one course everyone else missed the "fabulous" meat sauces instead of something special one person everyone got a substitute. For the non- red meat eater did they have an alternate for the meatball- a fish nope the same pasta as the second course with a few more veggies. The entire meal food cost for the restaurant for two might have been $15 and the price for two with tip was $180. Did I mention that didn't include dessert which was an extra $15 per person- we passed. The server was untrained - explained he was from Negaunee. When he delivered the wine needed assistance to open the bottle and poured a full glass as opposed to a taste. Not his fault - clearly no training. Save your money for the price there are many other great places in the area to go. No one ever asked how things were or we would have told them and given a chance to make it right. read more

Went there for there special night, when they had Indian Cuisine. The food was delicious. The front of the house was great, too. They also organized an event so people could optionally celebrate Holi by throwing non-toxic, non-staining colored powders on one another outside. This was an event to remember. People were laughing and having a good time along with some of the staff that participated to welcome in the Spring. read more

The food and cocktails are incredible The eclectic decor and family style plating makes the whole meal feel like a big dinner party with friends The food is elevated but unpretentious Mostly everything seems like it's made in house from scratch, and it shows read more

While I am from out of town, my relatives live in the area and suggested Strega Nonna for dinner. We were seated early by a very friendly lady (might have been the owner's mother). They offer a family style dinner which sounded good to us. Speaking of sound, they had a blues band on the patio and if that's your thing that is probably all you will hear - the band was very loud. So we were happy as a vongole seated inside. Four courses, starting with excellant bread. First was a creative antipasti featuring a quail egg and grilled octopus, plus various vegetables. Everything was cooked perfectly but I felt the plate organization was kind of haphazard. It would be much more of a visual punch with a bit of organization, featuring the proteins, and maybe a little more on the vegetables. But I appreciated that it was not "normal" antipasti which tends to be a bit oily. Second course - two pastas. The first - tagliatelle with fresh tomato and garlic. Question: was it supposed to be served cold? The flavors were there, but the temperature kept them from coming forth. Second pasta was orrchiete with a tomato based sauce. Perfectly cooked, good temperature and very satisfying. It was the clear victor in the pasta duel. After a long wait (having to ask about it) the main course arrived - oxtail stew for 2 of us and whitefish for the other 2. Both were excellant - the fish drew rave reviews from our table. I love oxtail and I really enjoyed this preparation - I think they said "Roman" style, but I wouldn't know, so let's just go with that. We polished off with our own dessert in the car - cookies from the bakery up the street. Suggestions for what seemed a gem in the rough: Server consistency - we have at least five or six people handling our table. There was a lack of consistency and, frankly, awareness of where we were in our meal. No one checked in after the second course or cleared our plates for the main course. Also, I walked up to pay as I wasn't sure if they bring the check or not. Not a big deal, but a few words (like - please pay up front) would do it, yes? Food temperature: Was the first pasta supposed to be cold? Just wondering... Plates: I learned this from a food service expert - no chipped plates - they can harbor bacteria. Ditch the chips - you're better than that. These suggestions only go to what might be efforts to get this friendly place solidly in place for all of you who will enjoy it. We'll be back. read more

Delicious experience and food was awesome Good for adventurous diners who ll try new unexpected dishes. Four course family style dinner. Two of us enjoyed everything we tried and three others enjoyed the few things they did try. Lots of delicious leftovers for two of us. Definitely a long leisurely meal and well worth the price and time. Drinks and bread were great also read more

Treat yourself. Unbelievable food from a true Italian chef specializing in different Italian regions. Phenomenal food, exceptional experience and service, a true one of a kind endeavor like nothing I have ever experienced. 5 stars isn't enough. You will want to come back again and again. read more

Delicious fresh food with great service. The prix fixe experience is well worth the price.