Italiano

While Baton Rouge doesn’t have a Little Italy like Chicago, New York, or other larger cities, we do have our fair share of fine Italian eateries.  Here is my take on the many places in town where you can find your favorite Italian foods.

First let’s start with pizza.  Of course we all know the big names, and we all have picked up the phone to order Domino’s, Pizza Hut, or Papa John’s.  But when possible, do yourself a favor and check out the many great alternatives in our area.  California Pizza Kitchen and Kona Grill in Perkins Rowe are great places with good pizza.  They feature a variety of the more modern twists on traditional pizza offerings, like pear and gorgonzola pizza, barbecued chicken pizza, and mango tandoori chicken pizza. If you tastes for pizza are more standard, there’s the Mellow Mushroom near LSU, Rotolo’s in several locations, Buck’s Pizza, Johnny DeAngelo’s, and others.  All of which have good pizza and depending on whom you ask, one of them bests the others.  For me, and many others there is no question that the best pizza around is at Fleur de Lis.  The pink building, square pizza and no credit card policy may turn you off initially, but taste the pizza and you won’t care.  They have been making this great pizza since 1946 when the place opened as a cocktail lounge.

For casual Italian dining, places like Macaroni Grill, Portobella’s, and DeAngelo’s are nice.  There’s also some of the newer Italian chains like Carrabba’s Italian Grill and Bravo Cucina Italiana, which are okay, but for me I prefer to stick with the local establishments.  Ruffino’s on Highland is one of my favorites, because in addition to some great Italian dishes, you can get a good steak, or delicious seafood dish.  Gino’s, just off College on Bennington is probably the most authentic Italian cuisine in the city and very nice, a great place for a special occasion.

Of course there are other places not mentioned here, but these are my recommendations, and I would love to hear yours as well.  One final thought, next time you venture out for a nice evening of Italian dining, skip the chain restaurants for once and give a local spot a visit.