Valenti's Restaurant

I stopped by here recently before going to Six Flags New England for some pizza which I anticipated would be better than the overpriced, frozen crap they serve in amusement parks.

It was indeed better than amusement park pizza!

I had a small pizza with mushrooms, which was thin crust and tasty.  I wasn't expecting anything glamourous or gourmet, but it hit the spot after an afternoon of driving.  It was not overly greasy and the crust was slightly chargrilled, which are always two things I look for in a pizza.  

I didn't spend a significant amount of time in there, because I got pizza to go, but the restaurant has a strange smell throughout, and I don't think I would want to sit in there for an extended period of time.  

After I placed my order, I was walking towards the door to get something from my car.  I was flattered to overhear the guy behind the pizza counter say he would love to tap my @ss, but, no thanks, I'm not interested in pepperoni.  

The wait for the pizza was short at about 15 min. and it was reasonably priced at about $9.

Valenti's Restaurant is a small family owned business that drums up a heck of a business. It's too bad they aren't open on the weekends because more than once I've been craving a calzone or spaghetti and meatballs from here on a Saturday night. The restaurant itself is very small and has limited seating and parking. In front of the restaurant they do have some spaces, but I find it easier to park in the gravel lot located a few feet away.

I grew up just down the street from Valenti's and have had the chance to sample a wide variety of fare from their menu. They have all the standard pizzas, grinders (or subs, hoagies, et al depending where you grew up) and a variety of classic italian pasta dishes. I haven't had a bad pick from here, but the pizza crust is a bit thin and slightly crispy for my tastes.

If you're looking for a starter, the home made soups are a highlight. They constantly change - from minestrone and pasta fagioli, you name it they've made it. I also like the deep fried cheese ravioli with marinara as I love cheese and deep frying it only makes it better.

For a meal, I really love their calzones. The classic three cheese version is jam packed with ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese with a little bowl of marinara for dipping on the side. If I'm feeling something different, I get a BBQ Chicken calzone instead which, in addition to cheese, has red onion and BBQ sauced chicken. You'll probably want to share with someone because it's easy to get full off one!

My dad loves their baked lasagna, a special made on Tuesdays, and my mom usually opts for a slice of pepperoni or penne with chicken gorgonzola. I've sampled both of these dishes many times and they've always been solid choices.

If you're in the mood for a grinder I recommend the meatball which comes with red sauce and provolone as well as the cheeseburger (get it with bacon!) and of course the italian cold cut with oil and vinegar dressing. Make sure you let them know if you want a cold grinder, especially when ordering any cold cut style options, because by default they are oven toasted.

During Lent, I would frequent Valenti's with my grandma for their fish & chips dinner. You can only get it Wednesday through Friday to ensure the fish stays fresh and you get a good size piece of fish and basket of fries along with coleslaw for around ten bucks.

Valenti's does have desserts, but they vary by day and are individually wrapped to take home with you. They have cookies and brownies most every day but they make a great italian anisette cookie so grab those if you see them! Drinks are a la carte from the cooler and you grab cans or bottles of soft drinks as you need them. They provide you with a plastic cup if you prefer not to drink out of the cans too.

If you're in town and looking for an inexpensive lunch, you can get it all for between $10 - $15 (inclusive of tip and tax) and you won't be disappointed about the portions or quality! A great choice and a crowd pleaser.