Scali Ristorante

07/22/2008 Posted by AnthonyCapretta

My partner and I have traveled extensively across the States--we love finding authentic ethnic restaurants. Being Italian myself, I am no stranger to fine Italian cuisine. After reading several good reviews about this establishment, my partner and I decided to drop in on a busy Saturday Night (July 19, 2008). Although the outside appearance of the building is somewhat drab--we decided to venture in. We were greeted by the owner's wife who was very pleasant and promptly seated at a cozy little wall table. The dining room was busy and the ambiance nice. The male server at our table had the personality of a wet sponge with absolutely no flair at all. With a robotic reading of specials from his notes, the waiter obviously had no formal training at a fine dining establishment. We ordered several items in order to test the waters. The house wine was delicious as was Mama Scali's Southern Italian wedding Zuppa ($3.25). From there it went down hill fast. The homemade bread brought to the table was obviously not baked the same day--and the house salads ordered with crumbled bleu cheese arrived with no bleu cheese and store bought Italian salad dressing. We ordered Ravioli Alla Florentine ($13.95); Breaded Veal Scallopine ($17.95); and Brascioli ($17.75). To begin, the tomatoe sauce was runny and flavorless--the ravioli served numbered only 6! with a crude goopy mozarella and spinach filling. The Veal was tender, but the breading absolutely bland--a far cry from the Southern Italian restaurants in Cleveland, Ohio. And the Brascioli...not bad, but not excellent either. So...there we were $75 later wondering why anyone would rave about this place? Although grandma Scali did make a brief appearance in the dining room, upon leaving, I noticed what appeared to be college students running the kitchen--I guess it's gotten to be too much for Mama Scali--and it shows.

02/14/2008 Posted by JFJohnson1

My wife and I have been going to Scali's now for two years. We eat there once every two weeks. We have taken a dozen friends there for dinner, and no one has been disappointed, ever. The Scali's make you feel at home, even if you have to wait a little bit to get in. (It is worth the wait.) - Make a reservation, or you might not get in at all. They are very popular. The food is incredible. Made fresh to order with every meal. Changes are welcomed, unlike many other places where charges are not worth the added cost, or not allowed at all. The portions are large enough for two people to share with a desert. Hint, hint… My wife and I love the home made bread, meatballs, lasagna, manicotti, and our favorite is the Tiramisu made fresh. (Cannoli is wonderful, but I am bias to the Tiramisu because of Judy). There is normally a daily appetizer special, and a couple entree specials which adds value over they normal menu. The specials are always fantastic, with a touch of extraordinary. No matter what you order, I promise you will not be disappointed. They offer a great accompaniment of wines (the wait staff is well versed to help you make a selection), and for those special occasions, the Chef/Owner Frank can pull a select wine from his private stock that will accompany your meal perfectly. In today’s day and age of restaurant chains and pre-packed meals heated in microwaves, Scali’s stands out for customer service, quality, customer satisfaction, and going the extra mile for taste. Scali's is a dinning experience, not just going out to dinner. Since money is an issue, Scali’s is perfect for any occasion. They have great price points for any budget. I couldn't believe the value in the menu, and neither will you once you tasted the food. I lived by the quote “Cheap food isn’t good, and good food isn’t cheap”. Scali’s has made me change my thinkin The Johnson Family

Pros: The Staff, cost, taste, options, and experience.

Cons: Parking lot is shared and sometimes hard to find paring. Finding it, might be tough, but it is worth looking for.

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