Casual and Family Friendly Italian Options
The aroma of simmering tomato sauce, the comforting warmth of freshly baked bread, the melodic sounds of Italian being spoken in the kitchen – these are the things that instantly transport you to a little corner of Italy. And you don’t need a plane ticket to experience it. Here in Riverside, CA, a vibrant city known for its rich history and diverse culture, you can find a surprising number of restaurants serving up authentic and delicious Italian cuisine. Whether you’re craving a casual pizza night with the family or a romantic fine-dining experience, Riverside offers a taste of Italy to satisfy any palate. This guide will navigate you through the best Italian dining options in Riverside, helping you discover your next favorite spot.
Sometimes, all you need is a relaxed atmosphere, hearty portions, and flavors that appeal to everyone at the table. For those evenings when you’re seeking a comfortable and welcoming Italian meal, Riverside has several excellent options that cater to families and those looking for a casual dining experience.
Luigi’s Italian Restaurant
First up is Luigi’s Italian Restaurant (Located on Magnolia Ave). Luigi’s is a Riverside institution, known for its generous portions and classic Italian American dishes. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, perfect for a family gathering or a relaxed dinner with friends. Their specialty is undoubtedly their lasagna, a towering masterpiece of layered pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and a perfectly browned mozzarella topping. Luigi’s also offers a wide selection of pizzas, pastas, and other Italian favorites, all at reasonable prices (around $$). What makes Luigi’s particularly family-friendly is their kids’ menu, featuring smaller portions of classic dishes that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. The friendly service and comfortable setting make it a reliable choice for a satisfying and stress-free Italian meal.
Pasta Palazzo
Another gem in Riverside’s casual Italian scene is Pasta Palazzo (Found on University Ave). This spot is less about the grand gestures and more about consistent quality and delicious flavors. Pasta Palazzo focuses on freshly made pasta, and you can taste the difference. Their menu features a variety of pasta shapes and sauces, allowing you to create your perfect dish. While they offer pizzas, their pasta is the star of the show. Their pesto gnocchi is a particular standout, with light and fluffy gnocchi coated in a vibrant and flavorful pesto sauce. The portions are generous, and the prices are affordable (around $$). The atmosphere is casual and relaxed, making it a great option for a quick lunch or a casual dinner. It’s a popular spot with students from nearby UC Riverside, a testament to its quality and value.
Tony’s Italian Kitchen
Finally, for a fun and lively experience, consider Tony’s Italian Kitchen (Located Downtown on Main Street). Tony’s offers a more modern take on Italian American cuisine, with a focus on fresh ingredients and creative flavor combinations. They have a wide variety of appetizers, pastas, pizzas, and entrees, all made with care and attention to detail. Their signature dish is their wood-fired pizza, which is cooked in a traditional wood-burning oven, giving it a smoky flavor and a crispy crust. They use high quality flour, and the sauce is homemade with Italian tomatoes. The atmosphere at Tony’s is lively and energetic, with a bustling bar area and a spacious dining room. The prices are moderate (around $$), making it a good option for a special occasion or a fun night out with friends. Tony’s is also a great place to watch a game, as they have several large TVs throughout the restaurant.
Authentic and Regional Italian Cuisine
For those seeking a more authentic Italian experience, Riverside offers a few restaurants that specialize in regional cuisine and traditional cooking methods. These establishments often feature family recipes passed down through generations, and they use imported ingredients to ensure the most authentic flavors possible.
Bella Italia
Bella Italia (Situated on Canyon Crest Drive), is a restaurant that truly embodies the spirit of Italy. Stepping inside feels like stepping into a charming trattoria in the Tuscan countryside. This is a small restaurant owned and run by a family. They focus on the cuisine of the Tuscan region. They import many ingredients. Their menu features dishes like osso buco (braised veal shanks), ribollita (a hearty bread and vegetable soup), and pappa al pomodoro (a thick tomato and bread soup). Bella Italia’s wine list is extensive, featuring a wide selection of Italian wines to complement your meal. The prices are a bit higher (around $$$), but the authentic flavors and elegant atmosphere make it worth the splurge. The ambiance is romantic and intimate, making it a perfect choice for a special occasion.
Sicilia Mia
Then there’s Sicilia Mia (Found Near the Galleria at Tyler). This restaurant transports you to the sun-kissed shores of Sicily with its vibrant flavors and fresh seafood. They pride themselves on using the freshest ingredients, many of which are sourced directly from Italy. The menu features dishes like pasta alla Norma (pasta with eggplant, tomato sauce, and ricotta cheese), pesce spada alla ghiotta (swordfish with capers, olives, and tomatoes), and cannoli (crispy pastry shells filled with sweet ricotta cheese). Sicilia Mia’s atmosphere is lively and festive, with colorful decor and traditional Sicilian music. The prices are moderate (around $$), making it a great option for a taste of Sicily without breaking the bank. The portions are hearty.
Pizza Powerhouses in Riverside
No discussion of Italian food would be complete without mentioning pizza. Riverside has several outstanding pizzerias, each offering its own unique style and flavor. Whether you prefer Neapolitan-style pizza with a thin, crispy crust or New York-style pizza with a foldable slice, you’re sure to find a pizza that satisfies your cravings.
Pizzeria Napoletana
First up is Pizzeria Napoletana (Located in the Wood Streets Neighborhood). This pizzeria specializes in authentic Neapolitan-style pizza, which is cooked in a wood-fired oven at extremely high temperatures. This results in a pizza with a thin, crispy crust and a slightly charred flavor. Their pizzas are made with simple, high-quality ingredients, such as San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, and extra virgin olive oil. Pizzeria Napoletana offers a variety of classic Neapolitan pizzas, such as Margherita (tomato sauce, mozzarella, and basil), Marinara (tomato sauce, garlic, and oregano), and Diavola (tomato sauce, mozzarella, and spicy salami). The atmosphere is casual and relaxed, making it a great place to grab a quick and delicious pizza. Prices are around $$. Their dough is carefully fermented.
New York Slice
Then there is New York Slice (Found on Arlington Ave). As the name suggests, this pizzeria specializes in New York-style pizza, which is characterized by its large, foldable slices and its thin, slightly greasy crust. New York Slice offers a variety of classic New York-style pizzas, such as cheese, pepperoni, sausage, and mushroom. They also offer a variety of specialty pizzas, such as white pizza (ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and garlic) and veggie pizza (mushrooms, peppers, onions, and olives). The prices are very affordable (around $), making it a great option for a quick and cheap lunch or dinner. They offer both dine in and take out. It’s a local favorite for its classic pizza taste.
Fine Dining Italian Experiences
For those seeking a more sophisticated and elegant Italian dining experience, Riverside offers a few restaurants that specialize in fine dining and gourmet cuisine. These establishments often feature tasting menus, extensive wine lists, and impeccable service.
Ristorante Roma
Ristorante Roma (Located near the Mission Inn) is a culinary gem that elevates Italian dining to an art form. This restaurant exudes elegance and sophistication, with its dim lighting, crisp linens, and impeccable service. The menu features a variety of gourmet dishes, such as handmade pasta, fresh seafood, and prime cuts of meat. Ristorante Roma’s tasting menu is a particular highlight, offering a curated selection of the chef’s best dishes. The wine list is extensive, featuring a wide selection of Italian and international wines. The prices are high (around $$$$), but the exceptional food and impeccable service make it a truly memorable experience. This is the perfect place for a special occasion or a romantic dinner. Reservations are recommended.
Vino e Cucina
Lastly, there is Vino e Cucina (Located on Market Street). This restaurant focuses on the Italian culinary tradition of wine and food pairings. Their menu is seasonal and ingredient-driven, with dishes that are designed to complement their extensive wine list. Vino e Cucina offers a variety of gourmet dishes, such as risotto, gnocchi, and polenta, all made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. The atmosphere is sophisticated and elegant, with a warm and inviting ambiance. The prices are high (around $$$), but the exceptional food, carefully selected wines, and impeccable service make it a worthwhile experience. The sommelier can help you with your wine selection.
Conclusion
From casual pizzerias to upscale ristorantes, Riverside’s Italian food scene has something for everyone. Whether you’re craving a classic lasagna, an authentic Neapolitan pizza, or a gourmet tasting menu, you’re sure to find a restaurant that satisfies your cravings. So, explore the diverse culinary landscape of Riverside and discover your own favorite Italian spots. The city offers a delectable journey through Italy’s rich flavors and culinary traditions. With so many choices, you’re sure to find a taste of Italy that you’ll love. And be sure to let us know what you think, or even suggest other Italian restaurants in Riverside that we missed. We’re always looking for our next Italian food fix in Riverside, CA!
