[Skip2MySue]

We're planning a 90 year birthday celebration and the birthday boy loves Italian food. Need recommendations for a top notch Italian eatery from Ocala to The Villages.
Thanks Skip 2

[circletrack]

I love Mom and Dad's in Lady Lake. The food is great and it's always busy. I will report, though, that some on here have given the place some bad reviews. I've yet to have a bad meal there, but hey, I guess if they don't go, it's less crowded for the rest of us that love it!

ALSO: Although it is a chain, everyone always has great things to say about Carrabbas.

[mulligan]

Based on several visits with small and large groups, I've got to go with Little Joey's.

[jnieman]

Although it is a chain, I still love Carraba's. The pasta weezie is my favorite.

[alicehelen]

Sorry-there is none! I am a retired Italian Chef-nothing here is authentic nor good! The places do not realize "Less is more" & put so much junk & garlic in the food (which they do NOT do in Italy!) that most of it is barely edible! My husband will not even go out for Italian here - he only eats it at home. The best homemade ravioli are at Mom & Dad's in Lady Lake. The second best are at Bellview Pizza (cash only place) in Bellview - as is their thin crust pizza. Other than those couple of items, you need to go all the way to Naples Florida (Campiello) or a really large city!

[DougB]

I'm a retired Italian food eater and I disagree that nothing here is good.

[rubicon]

Originally Posted by alicehelen

Sorry-there is none! I am a retired Italian Chef-nothing here is authentic nor good! The places do not realize "Less is more" & put so much junk & garlic in the food (which they do NOT do in Italy!) that most of it is barely edible! My husband will not even go out for Italian here - he only eats it at home. The best homemade ravioli are at Mom & Dad's in Lady Lake. The second best are at Bellview Pizza (cash only place) in Bellview - as is their thin crust pizza. Other than those couple of items, you need to go all the way to Naples Florida (Campiello) or a really large city!

alicehelen: Acosta me. I agree somewhat. Giovanni's the owner orignated from Naples isn't bad. But frakly I stay away from Italian restaurants around here because I always walk away wanting.

The problem is too many people view Italian cooking as simply using Italian ingredients. What they don't understand is that Italian cooking is more about attitude. You are correct when you say less is more. I was very fortunate to have an Italian mother and father both of whom could cook up a storm from scratch.


Ciao, Ciao, Ciao

[gatherer47]

Before anyone mentions the Olive Garden my good Italian friend Pasquale Pizzaferrato says "a true Italian wouldn't be caught dead at the Olive Garden." I do like the salad and breadsticks there though.

[bonrich]

We have tried Angelo's on 441, south of Leesburg, and have been satisfied with their Italian dishes.

[jblum315]

We also liked Angelo's. Food is good, not great, service is good and the restaurant is lovely

[Skip2MySue]

Thanks gang for all your input. We've narrowed it down between Angelo's and a PM I got for Mesa de Notte in Ocala.
Skip 2

[Skip]

Originally Posted by Skip2MySue

Thanks gang for all your input. We've narrowed it down between Angelo's and a PM I got for Mesa de Notte in Ocala.
Skip 2

Yup, Mesa de Notte is very good. Been there many times.

Skip1

[will1546]

I eat Italian food only at home
All the restaurants here are lacking

[zcaveman]

I like Olive Garden. Never been disappointed with the food.

I have tried Little Joey, Carraba, Mom and Dads and still like Olive Garden.

Augustines was the best but they left the Villages many years ago.

Z

[TomOB]

Try Ocala!