Lucky enough to come here for my birthday tonight! I have been meaning to try this place for a seriously long time, even suffering guilt for not doing so sooner since I am italian and love to critique italian cuisine. Putting pizza aside, this has to be my new favorite italian place in Pittsburgh!
The decor was really not like any other italian restaurant I have ever been to. Usually the walls are covered with red or grapevines or something distinctly Italy inspired. The main colors here were blue and white! They had a variety of interesting art on the walls and chandeliers made of wine glasses and bottles. It was perfectly balanced between upscale and casual, pulling off both at the same time, which left me feeling comfortable but also feeling like I was having a fun night out.
We started with a few appetizers. One was a tray of mozzarella stuffed rolls served with marinara, then we had a giant flatbread covered with parmigiana and drizzled with olive oil (it was sooo perfect), and hungarian pickles (random but still really good). I was really impressed with the flavors and how they could have a dish covered in oil while simultaneously not being oily.
My dinner was a surprise dish and it incredible. It was a play off of the tagliatelle featured on the menu but without the cheese and with cauliflower and tomatoes and something that gave it a crunch (like a crouton). I was really impressed and happy they had fun options for vegetarians.
Dessert was the real test, though. My grandmother made the most perfect cannolis and I have never had one that compared. She used real ricotta, which very few people use (surprisingly). But I have to say, tonight's cannoli really impressed me. Filled with house made ricotta and little bits of pistachio and orange, it was a real treat and tasted authentic too.
I will definitely come back and love to try their brunch or lunch menu next!