What is the best Italian Restaurant in Peoria?
I tend to change my opinion on my favorite Italian restaurant, usually depending on the last one I visited.
Basta! Delicious! Yea, that’s my favorite.
Ponte Vecchio! Mmmm. Absolutely my favorite Italian restaurant in Peoria!
Well, the pendulum has swung back to Rizzi’s.
Went to the Sheridan Rd location last night for dinner (didn’t have a lot of time, so takeout was in order). So my wife and I walked in and headed to the bar to get a drink and place our order. It was getting late, so there were only a few customers eating, but the bar was packed. If you’ve been there, a packed bar means about six people. Immediately, we sensed that we were back at a neighborhood restaurant in New York run by the mafioso. Sitting next to us were two middle-aged Italian guys with slightly receding hairlines drinking wine, who immediately started chatting it up with us, (though obviously wanting to talk to my wife more than me!) and giving the bartender instructions on how to “properly� make our martinis. They introduced us to the owner sitting a few chairs down- a jolly, slightly plump older gentleman who emphatically stated with a heavy accent and a grin “I don’t drink everynight�. We had another drink, and in too short a time our food was ready and we said goodbye.
As we ate our dinner I thought, now that is the best Italian restaurant in Peoria!
Of course, the food was delicious, and I have many leftovers, but sometimes what makes a great dining experience is not just how good the food is.
February 1st, 2006 at 4:34 pm
My husband and I were both servers at Rizzi’s from about the time they opened. We still consider most of the staff good friends as well as many of the customers. It’s truly a neighborhood restaurant with excellent food, service and atmosphere. Dave (the owner)has always done a great job making the small place feel cozy and warm instead of crammed and stuffy. Glad you enjoyed. Todd and Ward are the two bartenders just so you know their names next time:)