Suggestions on dinner of course, during the week is fine.  Also, please feel free to suggest any other places to stop in and check out, whether art galleries or whatever.  Any suggestions on where to park?

 

Thanks

*cracking knuckles*

 

DINNER: ETNA -- most authenic Italian food in the neighborhood. owner/head chef Pepe Pilumeli is an great person and interesting character.  Recommended -- anything seafood!

 

DESSERT: Presti's Bakery

 

DRINKS: Mia Bella -- just opened up, coolest bar in the neighborhood.  Or, just sit outside at a table on the street anywhere (Angelo's Nido Italia, Maxi's, La Dolce Vita, Mia Bella....etc)

 

GALLERIES:  If you can get there early enough, the old converted Murray Hill elementry school has some very cool places.  Most of the galleries on are Murray Hill Rd: http://www.littleitalycleveland.com/gallery.html

 

OTHER IDEAS:

- pop into the authentic Smoke Shop on Mayfield RD.

- Bocci Ball courts at the Alta House (you can contact them to play)

- Tony Brush Park

- Algebra Tea House (if you want something different and off the beaten path ...Palestinian- Mediterrian)

- Angelo's Nido Italia generally has live music inside most weekends

- July 17: Branch-out with HEART at Tony Brush Park -- FREE community event

 

PARKING:

- Random Rd generally has spots

- Valet is $5

awesome, exactly what I was looking for, thank you!

I agree with most of Murray Hill's suggestions, but I think that Trattoria is a better option for dinner. I reccomend getting the gnocchi al burro.

I would avoid Trattoria if I were you.  The food is really second-rate, and you're likely to get a better meal at Maggiano's or Olive Garden. 

 

Etna is pretty good, as is Michaelangelo's on Murray Hill (although it is fairly pricey). 

^ But the atmosphere is nice.. I like some of the kitschy looks.... But yes, the food was rather average. Anyone try the new one yet?

 

Murray Hill did make some great suggestions.. Let's go!  :-D

 

I still like Corbo's T. Misu.

 

If you are coming from afar and need to park...  I always find places up the hill and walk down, but I should not endorse them as legit...as some may be reserved for residents...but I noticed no signage.

Most street parking is reserved for the valets during the evening, I believe.  You can usually find parking on the side streets a short walk from Mayfield.  One hour parking during the day for non-residents, and after 7 or 8 pm, no restrictions.  I THINK.

I would avoid Trattoria if I were you. The food is really second-rate, and you're likely to get a better meal at Maggiano's or Olive Garden.

 

Etna is pretty good, as is Michaelangelo's on Murray Hill (although it is fairly pricey).

The gnocchi at Trattoria is amazing and makes up for any of Trattoria's downfalls.

I ate at Trattoria last night with two friends. We all had good meals.

Nothing wrong with Trattoria at all, although I would personally choose a few other places before it.  For me, I would only order pasta if I was eating dinner there, where other places I would generally get veal, seafood, etc.

 

I'm just saying that Enta is considered the most authentic Italian restaurant on the street...and if you like seafood, it has some of the best on the eastside.

 

I still like Corbo's T. Misu.

 

 

I second that...Corbo's Tiramisu is amazing as well as their Cleveland-famous Sicialian Cassata Cake http://www.foodgoat.com/2007/10/who-else-like-corbos-cassata-cake.html

 

And you'll find restaurants using Presti's bread as far away as La Strada on E.4th.  (Their spinach break is AMAZING btw)

C'mon getting a better meal at Olive Garden? Trattoria has some really good food. In fact we had some really great food there on several occasions. Especially an antipasto appetizer that was one of the best I have seen anywhere. It also has some good ambience that they can really improve on down the road hopefully. We went there several times and just had some vino and appetizers and it was a blast.

I think Trattoria's food is horrible, ala chef boyardee and am not afraid to say so.  Everyone has their own tastes for food, but in my opinion it's a fairly widely held view that Trattoria is pretty low end.  Now, that's not a comment on the ambience or the wine, but IMO it's really about as good as the olive garden.  That being said, the OG has a 2 hour wait most weekends, so SOMEONE likes it, and obviously some people like Trattoria too, or they wouldn't be open.

I think Trattoria's food is horrible, ala chef boyardee and am not afraid to say so. Everyone has their own tastes for food, but in my opinion it's a fairly widely held view that Trattoria is pretty low end. Now, that's not a comment on the ambience or the wine, but IMO it's really about as good as the olive garden. That being said, the OG has a 2 hour wait most weekends, so SOMEONE likes it, and obviously some people like Trattoria too, or they wouldn't be open.

 

No, no, Chef Boyardee's restaurant was on East 9th St. ;)

I'm not a fan of Trattoria but it's definitely better than Olive Garden (which isn't saying much).

 

I agree with Murray Hill.  You can't go wrong with Pepe at Etna.  He's Valerio's brother-in-law (Valerio's restaurant, called Valerio's, is also a very good restaurant; they recently moved up the hill a little and Etna opened in its place) and used to make the pizzas at La Gelateria when they first built the brick oven.

Anniversary this Saturday for the wife and I.  Had my reservation revoked by Zinc (they are on my sh!t list now!.... is this the same guy who owns L'Albatross? the same thing happened to me there a few months ago). 

 

Anyways, I'm thinking about taking her down to LI for a night out.  For dinner, and considering the occasion, what does everybody recommend for a good combo of food and atomosphere?  MichaelAngelo's?  Never been inside Etna... what is it like as far as setting?  I'm thinking a crawl of Murray Hill might be on the menu either before or after the meal.

^No they are not the same owners.  What ever could have been the reason to "revoke" a reservation?

Both instances, they said they had overbooked.  With L'albatross, it was not that much of an issue because I tried to get a reservation for 8 that morning and they called me back a few hours later and said they had made a mistake.  With Zinc though, I had made my reservation earlier this week.  They called me last night to say that they could not accommodate our table of two on Saturday and wanted to switch me to another day.  I said it was our anniversary on Saturday and they said "sorry"...

go to table 45  ask for the UrbanOhio table

With Zinc though, I had made my reservation earlier this week. They called me last night to say that they could not accommodate our table of two on Saturday and wanted to switch me to another day. I said it was our anniversary on Saturday and they said "sorry"...

 

OMG that is just BAD BAD BAD.  Why don't you go to Chinato? AWESOME Italian, just not in Little Italy.

Yeah.... I thought about that, but we go to 4th Street a lot and I wanted to do something different.  We, as a couple, have never really spent an evening in LI.  I biked through LI (down mayfield, accross MH, and up Cedar) last week and the activity down there was off the charts.

Where ever you end up eating in Little Italy, you may want to skip the dessert/coffee there so that you have room for an additional stop at Presti's - (or Corbo's.)

I liked Gusto.  We ate there for our anniversary last summer.  It's nice yet has a fairly casual feel to it.  You won't feel out of place dressed nicely though.  I haven't been in Etna's, but it was a cozy place when it was Valerio's (that's where we got engaged).  Small, a fireplace on one side, bar close by but separated a little.  Nice feel.  I'd assume Etna's is similar.  I haven't been to Michaelangelo's, but a coworker of mine really likes the food, but I don't know what he thought of the atmosphere.  It's a little further down Murray Hill Rd., so that may be a plus or minus for you based on whether you want to be in the heart of all the eateries.  Also, there's a place that's supposed to be nice right at the corner of Edgehill and Murray Hill.  I don't even remember the name off the top of my head and I don't feel like looking it up right now.  I've heard some good things about it, but haven't been there myself.

 

For dessert, I'd recommend Presti's.  I haven't been very happy with some of the items I've had at Corbo's since they moved into their new space.  it seems a little more hit and miss now.

Recap/review.

 

So we dropped the little one off around 5 and started to make our way down to LI shortly thereafter.  It was pretty hot on Saturday, but not unbearable.  We parked in the lot on the east side of Mayfield just south of the red line.  $3 for the whole night.

 

Took someone's suggestion on here and went to La Dolce Vita for drinks and apps.  Sat at the bar.  Food was great of course, but this is not the best place to be on a balmy summer night.  No A/C, but the multiple ceiling fans give some relief.

 

I chose Michael Angelo's for dinner because of the atmosphere and the opportunity to incorporate a minor stroll into the evening.  So we walked down Murray Hill Rd and had dinner there.  A little pricey, but the food was great and the service was great as well.

 

Then it was in and out of a few shops and a brief stop at Murray Hill and Mayfield to hear the live music (piano player) from the balcony above the patio behind La Dolce Vita (although I don't think that is LDV's patio, correct?).  Finished the night at Presti's as recommended.

 

Good times.  I must say that LI was bustling.  Either the activity in that neighborhood has picked up this summer or I am just starting to take more notice of it.

Great report, sounds like a very nice night.  I've heard good things about Michaelangelo's too so I'm glad you enjoyed it.

Then it was in and out of a few shops and a brief stop at Murray Hill and Mayfield to hear the live music (piano player) from the balcony above the patio behind La Dolce Vita (although I don't think that is LDV's patio, correct?).

 

I believe it is the patio for Angelo's Nida Italia.

 

Good times. I must say that LI was bustling. Either the activity in that neighborhood has picked up this summer or I am just starting to take more notice of it.

 

I think it's the latter.  Little Italy has seemed to be bustling whenever I have been down there in the last 10 years.

Nice report. Little Italy will really be hoppin' in a couple of weeks. The Holy Rosary's 112th Feast of The Assumption is August 12-15. Mayfield is closed to traffic for lots of street vendors and the crowds are huge. You will not be able to park nearby. Take the Healthline to the East 115th station or the Red Line to the East 120th-Euclid station and double back on East 120th to Mayfield. Or be a poop-head and drive -- park in one of the hospital decks on Mayfield west of the Red Line.

Or.... if you are going to be a "poop-head" like I was last year, you can park up on Mayfield Road near Coventry and walk down the hill.  Good part about that plan is you won't feel as guilty pigging out because you'll have to tackle the hill on the way home and you can burn off some of the calories you just consumed.  I think I am going with option C this year and riding my bike.

Yes, sorry I forgot about the bike option!

You won't feel out of place dressed nicely though.

 

That quote is a classic, regarding "Gusto"..... I have to laugh at this because it really sounds like a joke toward a testament of downward spiral when it comes making a bit of effort in personal presentation when planning to go out to eat/on the town!

You won't feel out of place dressed nicely though. 

 

That quote is a classic, regarding "Gusto"..... I have to laugh at this because it really sounds like a joke toward a testament of downward spiral when it comes making a bit of effort in personal presentation when planning to go out to eat/on the town!

 

I meant it that way.  It really does seem like you're out of place (even at many expensive restaurants) anymore if you're "dressed up" when you go out.

Ha... we debated what would be appropriate attire for a "nice" night out in LI.  The Mrs. looked great (as usual) in a dress that could pass muster in just about any setting.  Although I thought I might feel under-dressed at the place we had reservations (michaelangelo's), I wore jeans and a collared shirt.  I didn't feel out of place at all, but I wouldn't have felt over-dressed in suit slacks either.   

You won't feel out of place dressed nicely though. 

That quote is a classic, regarding "Gusto"..... I have to laugh at this because it really sounds like a joke toward a testament of downward spiral when it comes making a bit of effort in personal presentation when planning to go out to eat/on the town!

 

I meant it that way.  It really does seem like you're out of place (even at many expensive restaurants) anymore if you're "dressed up" when you go out.

 

 

 

I know. I was afraid you were serious!  :-)

 

In my opinion its a pathetic scenario. It is one thing if one happens to be dining on the go and en route to somewhere and just wanted a quick bite or something like that and goes to a "come-as-you-are" type thing......But to know a head of time what one is doing...and have a night planned to go out, etc...and take a lazy way out and make no effort is simply careless. When and if I go out to a place that has some class, atmosphere and charm, I will always make an effort and show some respect for the institution of the place.

 

Don't get me wrong, I am not saying to go out and wear tuxedo every time one decides to swallow a bite, but to know you're going out a head of time....well, then some nice pants, shoes and shirt exudes a bit of pride. If one finds the right clothing, one discovers that dress clothing does not have to feel uncomfortable or stuffy.

 

This laziness plague, as I see it, is just not something I aspire to be a part of, never will, never have---And, I will not lower my standard to "fit-in" just because everyone decides to take the easy road, and then label it with the catch words like "hip", or "trendy". No, just trashy.

 

We've seemed to have broadened the definition of those words to include sloppiness, somewhat like morbidly obese woman have done to words like "rubanesque"(Sp?) "shapely", "curvy", and "full figured" to include being obviously FAT!......(then it becomes "cool") when in reality these words historically never described such a type. Jane Russel was all those words...but never morbidly FAT!

Must we turn every thread into a lecture on apparel?

I took MH's suggestion upthread and we ate at Etna last night.  I'll second that recommendation.  Gotta love a restaraunt where the Chef comes around (with his Italian accent, of course) to make sure everyone enjoyed his cooking.

^Actually I often find that very annoying.  Like he is fishing for compliments.  I do want to try Etna.

Bumping an old thread instead of making a new one. Looking for a good pasta place in Little Italy. Did Etna early in the fall (it was good) want to try something new. Not a big fish person, looking to take the girlfriend and get a bottle of wine and get a good lasanga/pasta dish. Probably planning on going on a slow night (Sun, Mon or Tues).

^ FYI, much of Little Italy is closed monday ( it's the neighbrhood day of rest for business owners)

 

For Pasta places:

 

Mia Bella http://www.miabellacleveland.com/menu.html

Angelo's Nido Italia (although they do not have lasagna on the menu--known for big portions)  http://www.nidoitalia.com/pasta.htm

 

Michaelangelo's has handmade pasta, but it is a little more expensive:

 

http://www.mangelos.com/fine_italian_cuisine.html

 

I know I probably sound like a broken record, but I still don't think you can beat Guarino's for traditional red sauce pasta dishes.

Had a great time Friday down in LI.  Etna is a great restaurant.  I love how the chef always makes rounds (at least he did the two times that I have ate there).  Table of 7 1/2 can still be very comfortable in that little space.  When we went to Presti's, there were two girls out on the street in that area singing songs from la boheme for tips.  Very well trained, I might add.  Is that a regular thing?  It added nicely to the feel.

 

We took the kids over to the playground afterwards.  That whole public space should be used as a model to attract families to the City.

 

I also walked by Washington Place and Club Isabella, both of which seemed to be doing very well. 

 

LI is on fire right now.  I love how it is able to maintain such a perfect balance of vibrant and relaxed.

^ Club Isabella did a great job.  We live on that street, and it was a disgusting little shack and they turned it into a beautiful, sleek place. I want Herman Park on the west side in the DS neighborhood to emulate Brush Park in little Italy.  Dont know where to start...

Had a great time Friday down in LI.  Etna is a great restaurant.  I love how the chef always makes rounds (at least he did the two times that I have ate there).  Table of 7 1/2 can still be very comfortable in that little space.  When we went to Presti's, there were two girls out on the street in that area singing songs from la boheme for tips.  Very well trained, I might add.  Is that a regular thing?  It added nicely to the feel.

 

We took the kids over to the playground afterwards.  That whole public space should be used as a model to attract families to the City.

 

I also walked by Washington Place and Club Isabella, both of which seemed to be doing very well. 

 

LI is on fire right now.  I love how it is able to maintain such a perfect balance of vibrant and relaxed.

 

Thanks for the recap!  IMO, Murray Hill Market has been the nicest addition in the past 6 months...everything else has just been a plus.  Decent neighborhood too... ;)

So.... are those street performers a regular thing?  I had never seen them before.

Summertime they seem to come out...mostly weekends.  Opera was big two years ago.

Was down in Little Italy Sat night also.  Drove past Club Isabella's, they were packed.  Must be doing something right, every car parked there was a Jag, BMW, Lexus, Mercedes, etc