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ITALIAN 220 MERRILL To say that 220 sizzles is an understatement; it’s been one of Oakland County’s hottest spots for more than a quarter century, editing its winning theme only occasionally, and then, only enough to keep things interesting. Success breeds success, as thousands of loyal customers attest. Abundant atmosphere, legendary service and a menu that is a testament to the glories of classic, compulsively edible Italian fare: veal Marsala, chicken Tosca and grilled swordfish. The folks who used to come to this former Edison Building to exchange light bulbs now come here to exchange DNA. A midday favorite for business lunches, a cocktail hour must for see-and-be-seen mingling and the reliable kitchen tether it firmly to Birmingham’s reputation, both as a trendy rendezvous point and a traditional concern. ANDIAMO RESTAURANT GROUP Trattoria Andiamo Grosse Pointe Woods
Andiamo Lakefront Bistro St. Clair
Shores Andiamo Italia West Andiamo Osteria Rochester Andiamo Osteria Royal Oak Andiamo Italian Bistro Sterling Heights
Andiamo Dearborn Andiamo Riverfront Detroit Andiamo Novi The local powerhouse of Italian eateries, the Andiamo Restaurant Group got its kick-off in January 1990 when Joe Vicari bought Lido on the Lake in St. Clair Shores. Then as now, Vicari was a man on a mission: to provide top quality Italian fare to as wide a Detroit audience as possible. As such, he’s spent the last seventeen years snowballing his group into an empire. “Credit where it’s due,” claims Vicari, quick to compliment Chef Aldo Ottaviani, who at 85 continues to oversee quality operations at each Andiamo, taste-testing sauces (among them marinara, tomato basil, alfredo and palmina that he himself developed from heirloom family recipes he gathered during the years he worked in Umbria). Ottaviani owned a number of Detroit-area tratorrias and pizzerias after arriving here in 1948. He signed on with Andiamo in 1989, intending to remain two weeks. And seventeen years later, Vicari insists, Chef Aldo still hasn’t overstayed his welcome. Great food, service and atmosphere—what more could you ask for? ANTONIO’S CUCINA 26356 Ford Rd., Dearborn Heights 37646 W. 12 Mile Rd., Farmington
Hills Antonio’s is the popular favorite. Since 1964 the Rugiero family have been plying fans with fresh authentic pastas, pizzas and plates of veal, chicken and seafood at reasonable prices. Soups and salad follow the famous bread, which means the entrée really has to perform. And perform it will, with a selection of homemade pastas including the thick lasagna, traditional spaghetti and our pick for best of show, the Linguine Delmar—fresh noodles with shrimp, scallops and whitefish in a zesty sauce. Don’t despair, carb counters, there’s also the hefty Provimi veal chop marinated in herbs or fork tender veal ossobuco. Needless to say, you will probably need a carry out box, especially if you want some of the tiramisu. BACCO RISTORANTE Gleaming cherry wood bar, quarry tiles, splashy Barney Judge murals, gracious service, wonderful wine and innovative cuisine. What more doth destination digs demand? Luciano and Monica Del Signore have renovated the tired-out Ristorante di Modesta with crisp, cool, coordinated appointments and a sprawling, ever-evolving menu featuring such dishes as Strozzapreti Norcina (palamino sauce with Italian sausage, black truffles and wine) made with amoré. The wine list runs the gamut from simple rustic vino to the big Italian reds of an oenophile’s dreams. BUCCI RESTAURANT Despite the recent expansion, you can still sit at the counter and watch Yugoslavian Chef Mamuslari Bujar handcraft your plate. It’s entertaining, educational and it keeps his prices down. Even if you don’t sit at the counter, Bujar will probably come over and make sure you’re smiling. CAFÉ CORTINA Fireside dining, intimate atmosphere, handmade pasta and lamb rack worth living for—Cortina is metro Detroit’s fine-focus answer to the question, “Where should we go for Italian?” There’s an adjacent garden crammed with rapini, arugula and radicchio from which Chef Hoffa prepares an array of classic, innovative plates that have shored the place up in the hearts and minds of those in search of real cucina. It’s not just the superiority of the food, it is the ethereal warmth which the food projects—Cortina has a soul. CAFÉ NINI This great little spot is a scaled down version of Da Edoardo. While smaller, cozier and more casual, there is nothing scaled down quality-wise. Fine Italian ingredients are used in the menu preparations—the soups, salads, pastas and espresso drinks excel. It is also owned and operated by the Barbieri family (named, in fact, after the granddaughter of the Da Edoardo empire's founder). CIAO RISTORANTE White-linen Italian dining in blue-collar Dearborn. A neat little grappa lounge highlights this creative, casual, but special-occasion quality gem, which features a menu studded with delectables like double-cut lamb rack and chargrilled veal chops. COMO’S It’s the atmosphere—this landmark restaurant has an energy that transcends all others; you just won’t find a more lively place for food and fun. The menu is traditional Italian, well represented with familiar dishes ending in marsala, fettuccini, cacciatore, parmagiana and so on. They’ve been doing it since 1961 and are now a familiar landmark. There’s much more than pastas and pizzas; steaks and filets are well known, served with the popular zip sauce. Fresh seafood and daily specials are always right-on, and if you are a garlic lover, you will be pleased by the number of times the bulb makes an appearance (insiders swear by the garlic chicken). Great pizza is no secret, everyone loves it. Como’s is great for group dining, which may explain the throngs. (They do have banquet capabilities as well.) You can dine or play on the patio, which has a true party vibe, especially on the weekends when there are DJs or a band. THE COOK’S SHOP Cobblestone walls and classical music pump up the elegance. From black angus tenderloin to pasta with wild mushrooms and escargot, the food here is always outstanding, even if you can’t see it by candlelight. Vampires beware, they don’t skimp on the garlic, but even so, it’s a killer date place (not just for the oozing romantic ambience but for the hysterically low prices). DA EDOARDO RISTORANTE DA EDOARDO FOXTOWN GRILLE The American dream illustrated. Over 50 years ago, Edoardo Barbieri brought his recipes from Italy and cooked his way to the top, opening his own restaurants in the ‘50s. In 1978, Edoardo pulled out the stops, opening the elegant Grosse Pointe signature spot and began a new tradition of fine dining that is carried on today by three generations of the Barbieri family in three locations. Fireside dining highlights the Grosse Pointe flagship, a romantic and luxurious room awash in rich woods and leather. The reputation was earned in the kitchen and the popularity of the GP landmark led to expansion. When many restaurants were abandoning downtown, the Barbieris opened the airy Foxtown Grille, an upscale casual version that quickly became a lunching favorite and a must stop for sporting and theatre events. Across from Comerica Park, floor to ceiling glass provides great people watching and the wood-fired oven provides authentic pizza. The Grand Blanc location is a more contemporary spin, overlooking a small lake—the private deck is picture perfect for al fresco dining. All restaurants feature the solid Northern Italian cuisine that made Da Edoardo famous, a combination of hearty and delicate pastas, top notch veal and seafood as well as chop house worthy steaks. Saltimbocca, a Barbieri signature, available with veal or chicken, is resplendent in rich, creamy white wine sauce, with prosciutto, mushrooms and cheese creating a cavalcade of flavor that exceeds expectations. D’AMATO’S Built in the space that first-time Survivor chef Keith Famie didn’t survive at. Of the three upscale Italian eateries in Royal Oak, D’Amato’s seemed to have the vox pop sewn up, then went native. The kitchen’s been experimenting, and now kicking out highly styley foods. They’re branching out, with influences from all over the world, but the roots and the heart remain firmly planted in Italia. It’s plugged into a great martini/cigar bar next door, Goodnight Gracie. EL BARZON Strozzapreti, Cavatelli, Pennete alla Vodka...not exactly what you expect to find at most Italian restaurants, much less at Michigan Ave. and Junction. The small brick restaurant may have vinyl tablecloths, but there is a white linen refinement in the recipes. Norberto Garcia, the owner/chef spent 8 years in the kitchen of the four diamond Il Posto, cooking with former owner Gianni Belisto. All that knowledge has not gone to waste, so rather than just serve the amazing cuisine of his Puebla Mexican hometown, he has added a page devoted to authentic Italian. Hand rolled pasta, fresh basil, truffles, arugula, proscuitto and pancetta—it’s quality homemade cuisine at extremely reasonable prices (most entrées hover in a friendly $10 range). His Mexican dishes rate among the best in Detroit, and you can top it off with a light flan, tiramisu or panatoni. FONTE D’AMORE DEL SIGNORE Old-scuola Livonia landmark whose progeny went on to create the wildly popular Bacco. One of the original real things, they do veal more ways than you’ll have time to read. Pasta runs the gamut from ultra-light marinaras to rich carbonaras. Dining here takes you back to an era when going out to eat was an occasion, although now, you’ll want the occasion to be hunger. GIOVANNI’S RISTORANTE When you have an out of town guest, perhaps one of Italian heritage, and you really want to impress the heck out of them, take them here. A favorite of such four-star paesans as Tony Bennett, Lee Iacocca and the late great Frank Sinatra, Giovanni’s is an edible palate of history. Expect piles of traditional heirloom Italian—hand rolled pasta, veal, and fresh seafood. For starters we recommend (as would most of the regulars) the gentlest calamari you will ever taste, it goes beyond fork tender and is served with a capered buerre blanc. This brand of Italian cooking is cucina della nonna—grandma cooking—and many feel this is the best of all the old-scula downtown Italian restaurants. There was a fire here a few years back, but they have recovered completely. In fact, Giovanni’s is better than ever and Mama Morri is still in the kitchen, despite being over 80 years young. Getting there is half the fun. Drive down Fort Street, over the Rouge River bridge, and where the street turns to Oakwood and there is only one block of Detroit city limits left, you will have reached your destination; or Mapquest it and take the boring old freeway. GIULIO’S CUCINA ITALIA You’ve tasted every region of Italy? How about Sardinian? Didn’t think so. The Mediterranean flavors of the island of Sardinia (whose Emerald Coast has been a longtime favorite of crowned heads, movie stars and the very, very rich) can be found at Giulio’s along with classic Italian dishes. This kitchen is fresh, in terms of both food quality and ideas, and is kicking out amazing stuff. Giulio’s has the cozy rustic feel of a familiar neighborhood standby, yet the food goes beyond your typical expectations. A wood-burning stone oven turns out fantastic breads and pizzas. Entrées are wonderful, both simplistic and labor intensive; there is house-made sausage and veal roasts, seafood and stuffed chops and a plethora of classic Italian dishes as well. Backed up with an incredible wine list of affordable table wines and a reserve list of heavy-hitters, Giulio’s is destined to become an institution. IL POSTO By combining authentically prepared Italian recipes with fine, fresh ingredients, Il Posto distinguishes itself as one of metro Detroit's best Italian restaurants. Fresh Mozzarella di bufala in insalata caprese, heady funghi porcini in risotto and pasta dishes, and delicate sea fishes are just a few of the enticing selections found on Il Posto's expansive menu, overseen by Executive Chef Matteo Guiffrida. Attentive service and a cozy ambience further compliment the outstanding food to make Il Posto an extraordinary dining experience. LA BISTECCA ITALIAN GRILLE Located east of town on a strip of road between nothing and nothing, this Italian steakhouse is so hard to find it had to become a destination in itself, which it is. It's one of the first restaurants in the country to serve Piedmontese beef; you could call it a heart-smart steakhouse. They have pollo, pesce and pasta, but it is the meat that moves the menu, because in Italian, La Bistecca probably means “really good.” LA DOLCE VITA There are few evenings as lovely as one spent at La Dolce Vita. One of Detroit’s premiere romantic spots, it’s hard not to fall in love, especially in the summer, when you can sit outside on the ivy-covered patio. Unambiguously Italian, LDV’s service is always prompt and the offerings are authentic and renowned. LITTLE ITALY Just off the main drag in Northville, wrapped inside a comfy Victorian farmhouse, you’ll find sensational Mediterranean dining. The menu is a well-balanced page of upscale and authentic meat, fish and pasta dishes. The crack wait staff adds to a high-quality experience. LUIGI’S DOWNTOWN Ciao! Owner Mario will welcome you to an evening of Italian-American bistro style dining, elegant old world charm and gracious hospitality. The menu features Northern Italian cuisine with special sauces and tempting glazes including classic dishes such as homemade lasagna, juicy prime rib, perch, pasta, delectable antipasto, award-winning lamb chops, unique crust selection pizza, Chateaubriand and succulent crab legs. Complete your lively dining experience with authentic tiramisu accompanied by an espresso or cappuccino. Luigi’s Downtown has treasured numerous appearances on the Fox 2 News Morning Cooking Show and received the award-winning vote of “Best Ribs in Macomb County.” Tantalizing drinks include an assortment of wines and a large variety of beer and liquor selections from ports to martinis. From pizza to perch and linguini to lamb chops, Luigi’s Downtown has the cuisine and sociable atmosphere to make any day a celebration. Come and enjoy the alluring European ambiance of Luigi’s Downtown, including sidewalk patio dining in summer. MARIO’S A celebrated Detroit institution over 50 years strong, during which time not much has changed except the city surrounding it. Even though they opened a second location in Troy, the original still sticks it out in the city. You’ll find everything you expect from a first-class traditional Detroit-style Italian chophouse—zipped filets, fish and pastas all served with the parade of soups, salads and side plates that makes for a fulfilling evening. MARIA’S BY ARTI OLIVERIO This schoolhouse rocks. We loved this place when it was an undiscovered masterpiece in underdeveloped God’s Country; still love it now that it’s a well-known destination restaurant in overdeveloped West Bloomfield. It’s just harder to get a seat. MEZZALUNA Don't think of Mezzaluna as a restaurant but as a brief voyage to serene Tuscany. This romantic and sophisticated white linen restaurant serves some of the best Italian in Macomb, or for that matter, anywhere in the area. Authentic selections not always seen in a neighborhood ristorante: rabbit, for example, frequently appears, presented country-style, and the osso buco was so juicy, tender and flavorful we almost ate the bone. The steaks are certified Piedmontese, the veal is Provimi, the seafood fresh and the pasta comes fresh or dry—they specialize in a unique purse shaped pasta they fill with cheese. The lasagna is also made in-house and in additon to the more traditional meat sauce, it comes with besciamella (an Italian version of béchamel). The Hollywood-beautiful owners, Zharko and Dena Palushaj, are sticklers for service and you would be hard pressed to find better than the formally dressed servers who tend to your table. Factor in the opulence of the room and the extensive wine list and you will see why Zagat considers it one of America’s top Italian restaurants. PALAZZO DI BOCCE With a thunder not unlike what may have awoken Rip Van Winkle from his sleep, the Palazzo is louder than the most boisterous of Italian eateries. That’s because its 32,000 square feet house one of the largest, if not the largest, indoor bocce courts in North America. Food and sport go together, not unlike the grill at the local bowling alley, and Palazzo offers family friendly dining in a loud and festive atmosphere. With a menu that aspires toward top end and a friendly staff, it’s a fun place for better-than-average Italian fare. And nowhere else can you have the fun of watching the bocce bowlers and delight to the laughter and squeals of children while you dine. PASQUALE’S One of the biggest Italian restaurants around in terms of size and popularity. The parking lot is huge and you still might have a hard time finding a space. That’s because it’s one of the most accepted places around. Why? Pasquale’s serves the type of Italian food Americans grew up on, the traditional red-sauced noodle dishes everybody knows. Best of all, they will smother it in cheese and bake it for you. ROMA CAFÉ Tuxedoed waiters whose tenure would be considered historical aren’t the only reason Roma is legend in this town. Despite a location just east of Eastern Market that could be considered clandestine at best, Roma’s packs them in for lunch and dinner. It’s where the late Chairman dined when he came to Detroit. And, when it comes to food, babes and booze, if it was good enough for Mr. Sinatra, it’s good enough for us. ROMAN VILLAGE Roman Village, purchased decades ago, was built from the sweat equity of the Rugiero family, a classic immigrant success story. Tony and Rita Rugiero had exceptional skills at preparing Italian cuisine, and as the family grew, so did the operation. They put their boys to work and soon had a thriving restaurant, with all recipes made “fatta in casa”or homemade. Today, the family also operates the successful Antonio’s, nonetheless the tradition started at the original Roman Village, with award winning food and a beautiful ambience where you can break bread with la familia. SALVATORE SCALLOPINI 1650 E. 12 Mile Rd., Madison Heights 22611 Gratiot Ave., Eastpointe 13499 Dix Toledo Rd., Southgate Voted the best Italian restaurant in the entire area by Detroit Newsreaders. It’s a casual atmosphere, featuring all of the foods you love—entrées straight from the Italian Cooking Hall of Fame. Their fresh-made pasta stands out, but the entire menu gets thumbs up and it’s all available for carry-out. SPOSITA’S Classic Italian fine dining, just like the old-school Italian eateries downtown. A super-friendly family (coincidentally named Sposita) runs it and it seems like a restaurant that has been around forever. The walls are adorned with the celebs that have celebrated here, from sports figures (current and past Red Wings), bands (like Linkin Park) and even Richard Simmons. They (and we) highly recommend the filet— it’s like buttah—and in what must be the best zip sauce on the planet. If you order it as a dinner, you’ll get the soup (superb minestrone), salad (great Italian), antipasto (with shrimp) and a plate of pasta—in other words you won’t be hungry for a long, long time. TIRAMI SÚ It is hard to keep up with all the incarnations of Tirami Sú, but you will find the main man, Guiseppe (Joe) D’anna in the new Shelby Twp. location. His loyal diners would follow him anywhere, probably even back to his Sicilian birthplace, for just one bite of his fabulous Shrimp Cremosi. Joe’s recipes—often made from scratch—and his reasonable prices, have made Tirami Sú a stand-out. There are 16 individual pizzas, baked in a stone wood-fired oven, and with prices hovering around $5 are quite the deal. The menu is a mixture of Italian favorites (but Joe’s Fettuccine Alfredo is arguably better than others) as well as the more authentic in-house specialties, and there seems to be an abundance of seafood. Try the Veal Michelangelo which marries shrimp and scallop in a rich tomato cream laced with crab and brandy. There is a reason Tirami Sú is on both the menu and the sign. Rich yet light as a cloud, it’s as good a version of the classic dessert as can be found anywhere. TOM’S OYSTER BAR Tom’s traditional New England accent is now tinged with Italian, thanks to the addition of Il Posto’s former executive chef Daniele Dell’Acqua, who along with Il Posto’s famously friendly Rito Lisi have relocated to the new Rochester Hills location. Located in the upscale Papa Joe’s complex, there is an Italian spin on the menu, turning tavern to trattoria. Italy is almost surrounded by sea, a fact you will be reminded of when you try Dell’Acqua’s delectable salmoriglio sauce on your hand-cut fish. VIA NOVE You may remember Il Centro, the way cool Italian spot behind the Fisher Building (now Cuisine). The great news is Chef Joe is back in what is one of the hippest-looking Italian restaurants in these parts. A multi-leveled masterpiece with enough ambience for ten restaurants, and that’s without including the patio. The food is southern and central Italian, astute plates that are very contemporary and very authentic and, above all, extremely delicious. VINCE’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT Mama Maria Perfili and her late husband Vincenzio opened their first restaurant when this little corner ofDetroit was filled with a new wave of Italian immigrants. The pasta and sauces are still handmade on the spot and have ensured the restaurant’s cult-like following. © 2008 Guide to Detroit, LLC |