Colletti's

09/17/08

Quality Italian cuisine without the Downtown prices

by vegitoboi at Citysearch

To be honest, the first I heard of this place was in grade school (I think). One of my classmates and his family went there one night and couldn't stop raving about it the next day. So I guess the name stuck around all this time. I guess the title of my review is the best way I can describe the place. In my expereince, it's like going to Gale Street Inn for ribs without paying the price you would when going to, let's say, Miller's Pub. It's very good Italian food with a couple non traditional dishes thrown in the mix. They also have a pretty small, but good, wine list. But the place is pretty small and intimate which could be a good thing for dates and family gatherings, but can hurt in terms of waiting for a table. The cuisine itself is pretty simple, mostly things you can find in any common Italian restaurant only better tasting and cheaper in price. My favorite would have to be the Linguine with White Clam Sauce along with the Escargot appitizer (which to my knowledge is the only other restaurant that carries this appitizer since the Berghoff closed...only the Berghoff's was better). I really suggest going off the the beaten path and trying this place out. Don't be seduced by simple Italian cuisine which probably came pre frozen at that national chain. You won't be disapointed.

• Pros: Simple Italian cuisine, close to my house, cheaper than Downtown places
• Cons: may need reservations, somewhat unknown destination