Caffe Italia

I've been back to Cafe Italia a half dozen times or so since my initial review. I am still a fan. The service has been off at times but not terrible by any means. However, I have never had a bad meal here. I've since had the salmon, Genoa tuna paninni, arancinni, and a few other dishes. All of it has been very good. Based on other reviews, some people have had dissapointing experiences here, but I have always been pleased.

They must've convinced their buddies to write the other reviews -- because my party's food was overwhelmingly mediocre. The sugo tasted like canned tomatoes (not the authentic long-simmered sauce we'd expected from the other reviews), the pizza crust was oddly spongey (frozen dough rounds!) and the gelati tasted chalky.  

The decor was nice and the bathrooms clean, but I don't believe any authenticity claims written here -- my server couldn't even pronounce "gianduja".

Owned by two transplants from Italy/Sicily by way of Brooklyn, NY, the menu has a Northern Italian and Sicilian flair but you can also get Southern staples as well. Pretty much can't miss here on anything but definitely try some of their homemade lemoncello after dinner with some Hazelnut/Pistachio gelato for dessert. Lunch paninis are solid choices and filling as are any of the pasta dishes or soups of the day. Decor and dress are semi-casual. Staff is friendly and attentive. Good place for a night out with family/friends or a romantic dinner with a significant other. The also have a room for private parties.