I have a friend who is very particular about her Italian food, because she comes from a good Italian family. So when we went to Montesano's, it wasn't enough to taste the food. She had to meet the family running the restaurant and quiz them about their background.
Steve Montesano came out and told us they come from Naples, by way of New York. He says his family is still very much involved in the day-to-day running of the business. So you'll likely find a Montesano in the kitchen or in the dining room. And if not, you can catch up on their family tree by checking out the old family photos on the back wall of the restaurant.
Although the service was quite friendly, it was also very slow. I was with friends so I didn't mind having a lunch stretch over two hours. But if I had been really hungry, I probably would have been irritated. So I do want to warn people about that.
I thought the food was delicious, and the portions good for the price. I had the homemade ravioli, and tried the baked pasta with sausage. We also had some of the garlic knots and for dessert, a plate of the zeppole.
If I lived closer, I would definitely go back. I do feel like a return trip would be worth it to check out the pizza.