[MMC24]

Regrettably, There are no authentic Italian restaurants in or near TV. No self respecting Italian food aficionado would think that the Olive Garden is one. I will admit that they do have great salad and breadsticks. Following that logic, Burger King sells a Chicken Parm. sandwich, does that make them an Italian Restaurant too?

My wife and I are on a mission to find a good Italian Restaurant. We did find a very respectable one in Clearwater, Fl a couple of years ago but haven't been back in that area in a while.

[Talk Host]

Originally Posted by MMC24

Regrettably, There are no authentic Italian restaurants in or near TV. No self respecting Italian food aficionado would think that the Olive Garden is one. I will admit that they do have great salad and breadsticks. Following that logic, Burger King sells a Chicken Parm. sandwich, does that make them an Italian Restaurant too?

My wife and I are on a mission to find a good Italian Restaurant. We did find a very respectable one in Clearwater, Fl a couple of years ago but haven't been back in that area in a while.

Check out "Antonio's" or "Enzo's on the Lake". Both in Orlando

[MMC24]

Jan:

Thanks for the two suggestions. We will check them out next time we are in the Orlando area.

[ejp52]

http://www.maggianos.com/locations/d...d=001.025.0199
Very good Italian,even better than Naples in Leesburg.

[algi45]

I'll have to try Naples--thanks for the tip. Giovanni's can be good at times, but probably not on a weekend during "season." Ask for your pasta al dente, or else you'll get it overcooked ("scotto"). The Italian-American food down South just isn't as good as it is up North.

[Frank2]

If you're willing to go to Orland try Bucca De Beppo, at the mall. In fact, just viewing the web site makes me hungry.

[MMC24]

Originally Posted by ejp52

http://www.maggianos.com/locations/d...d=001.025.0199
Very good Italian,even better than Naples in Leesburg.

Maggianos is very good BUT their proportions are just too large. A dogie bag is not an option if you are traveling.

[Russ_Boston]

For a chain Italian we like Brio's Tuscan Grille at the Millenia Mall in Orlando.

[woody]

Angelo's in Tavares is very good. I think Little Italy in Inverness is way over-priced

[vitacr]

I'm Italian, and critical about restaurant Italian food. Try the Baked Ziti at Bravo's in Lake Sumter Landing - made with "fresh" sauce and 3 cheeses, served with salad and garlic knots all for $6.95. It's as good as I make. Give it a try - we'll meet you there.

[Skip]

Originally Posted by woody

I think Little Italy in Inverness is way over-priced

It's a show with 7 courses and free wine. You get what you pay for.

Skip

[MMC24]

Dominic's has the absolute best garlic knots anywhere in the free world but the rest of their menu is average.

[chuckinca]

Originally Posted by barb1191

That's for sure and not only I-A but the seafood in New England is the best in the States.

barb1191

Our sea is bigger than your sea; our sea food is good too

[Rokinronda]

Heard Naples was the best. Mom and Dads was good but overpriced. I used to make my own "gravy" italian recipe from Gramma Bastianelli! , then found the best bottled ever. Original CLUB 400 RI recipe!! I order it by the case from RI. Perfect for my veal parm, lasagna, my meatballs, add pork and beef and simmer!!! Found Italian bread at Sweet bay and good pepperoni! YUM just finished my last bottle!! Thanks for the reminder! http://porinos.stores.yahoo.net/ Porinos beef and pork flavor is best. I'm a great cook with 25 years watching some great chefs....need ideas? ex. melt some bleu cheese in brown gravy for a great sauce for steak!! enjoy!

[Rokinronda]

um? Spaghetti? We are having BBQ pulled pork sandwiches mmmmm I love my crock pot for this!!