Ruffino’s isn’t shy about what it does best. The specialty here is brick oven pizza, and a whole lot of it. The restaurant serves Napolitano (thin crust), Sicilian (deep dish) and stuffed (where the ingredients are between two layers of dough). And it’s all cooked in an actual brick oven visible from the dining room. (Just drag your eyes away from the desserts on display and you’ll see it.) If pizza’s not your thing, there’s also a lengthy menu full of pasta, chicken and veal entrees, as well as calzones and other sandwiches. Plus, you can’t help but enjoy the atmosphere—very “Italian village” with service like you’d find in the classiest places. It’s a great date spot, especially on weekends when they’ve got live entertainment. (Open M-Th 10a-10p; F-Sa: 11a-11p; Su noon-10p.)

If you're venturing downtown Hamilton Boulevard, consider Pasta Alla Rosa for an Italian lunch. The menu consists of typical lunch items, like wraps and salads, but also various chicken, fish, or shrimp entrées.  Dishes are served with pasta (with a choice of five sauces) or vegetables. Despite the crowds of lunchtime downtown employees, the place maintains a minimalist elegance, with framed Italian museum posters and checkered curtains. It's not necessary to make an exclusive trip here, but if you're in the area and craving Italian, it's worth the stop. (Open M-F 9a-4p.)

There’s a reason Parma Pizza is called Parma Pizza and not something a little more extravagant or inclusive. It’s true that the restaurant’s atmosphere leaves much to be desired. And while the menu has a decent number of options—ranging from traditional Italian favorites like pasta, calzones, strombolis, subs and steaks, as well as salads—few (if any) are as good as the pizza. The pizza, though, gets high marks. There’s a wide variety of toppings and specialty pizzas including taco or eggplant parmesan. Its wallet-friendly prices, close proximity to Muhlenberg (within walking distance for the car-less), and quick delivery make it convenient for students. In addition, the management is often happy to cooperate with on-campus organizations and programs. While not the choice for sit-down Italian fare, Parma Pizza is a reliable place to turn during any pizza craving. (Open Su-Th 9a-9:30p; F-Sa 9a-10p.) 

Hidden in a plaza with chain giants like Subway, Friendly’s and Carrabba’s, this small Italian eatery is quite a find. The crackling brick-oven fire and warm orange walls create a welcoming feeling, and small tables and smiling waitstaff add to the cozy atmosphere. The menu ranges from strombolis to large stuffed pizzas to Mario’s specialty, hot panini sandwiches. Best bargains at Mario's are the pasta dishes, served with a salad and basket of garlic bread, each costing 10 bucks or less. We also suggest trying the strombolis, but be forewarned-the medium can feed a small army. Whether you’re taking out or eating in, Mario’s is a great alternative to another evening meal at GQ. (Open M-Th 10a-10p; F-Sa 10a-11p; Su 11a-9:30p.)   


Think Melt when your taste buds are longing for a trendy twist on traditional Italian cuisine.  Dining on one of Melt’s three floors, you’ll have your pick of creatively prepared salads, pizzas, pasta and grilled entrees.  Be prepared, though, to spend some cash (entrees are pricey) and possibly leave hungry (portions are small).  But hey, where else can you find a restaurant with stunning décor reminiscent of coastal Europe just a few doors down from Old Navy and LL Bean?  (Open M-Th 11a-11p; F-Sa 11a-midnight; Su 11a-10p.)

Imagine the scene from the Disney classic Lady and the Tramp—two hound dogs sharing a strand of spaghetti with soft Italian music in the background—and you’ve got a perfect picture of the atmosphere at Louie’s. Established by the Belletieri family in 1958, under the moniker of Gino’s, Louie’s is the quintessential Italian family restaurant. Recently moved to Allentown’s South Side from its longtime 12th and Chew location, Louie’s has had a face-lift. Black and white family photos still stare down at long tables covered with checkered tablecloths. The main attraction, by far, is the cuisine: The Belletieri’s traditional home-style sauces set Louie’s apart from all of its old country imitators. The sauces are so good that they sell them under the Belletieri product line. The desserts are frightfully tasty. The Italian rum cake, chocolate moose and chocolate peanut butter pie, in particular, should be illegal. (Open M-F 11a-10p; Sa 4p-10p; Su 4p-9p.)

If you're heading downtown, make sure to pay a visit to this family-owned local favorite. Though the romantic music and table candles clash with the pizzeria-style open kitchen, Lo Baido’s redeems itself with its friendly service and delectable Italian cuisine. Although it’s BYO, expect to get a complimentary glass of their homemade wine. The food is freshly prepared with homemade sauces and salad dressings. Most entrees are served with a house salad—a mishmash of basic lettuce, ziti and raisins—and an intermezzo of homemade sorbet. The baked manicotti ($13) and the chicken marsala ($16) are especially good, as is the penne ala vodka con gamberi ($19). You won’t have room, but loosen your belt and try some of the inexpensive-yet-fabulous ice cream, made fresh on site. Lo Baido’s makes you feel like you’re in Little Italy, thanks to its fresh, homemade ingredients and superb staff. (Open M 11a-8p; Tu-Th 11a-9p; F 11a-10p; Sa noon-10p.) 

As any good Sicilian knows, a meal is better when it’s made with a family recipe, lots of garlic and a touch of love. Carrabba’s founders used just that philosophy when they first set up shop in Houston. They’re regularly packing ’em into the Allentown outlet, a low-lit, comfortable space with Frank Sinatra singing in the background. Appetizers like the crab cakes, seared in a cast iron skillet and served with a roasted bell pepper sauce will leave you begging for more. You'll need a healthy appetite to finish one of the main courses, but irresistible choices like the lobster ravioli served in a white wine cream sauce or the pollo rosa maria chicken, stuffed with fontina cheese and prosciutto are worth the "need to nap in the car before driving home" feeling of fullness and satisfaction. (Open M-Th 4p-10p; F 4p-11p; Sa 3p-11p; Su 2p-9:30p.)

Here’s good Italian food without pretension.  Café Buon Gusto is half pizzeria and half dining room, so feel free to call ahead and order from the take-out menu, or enjoy a sit-down dinner.  Either way, you won’t be disappointed.  Their entrees (around $17) include pasta, veal, chicken, seafood, and steak dishes, and are served with bread, salad, and a choice of pasta.  The pollo parmigiana is tasty, though we found the pollo francese a little too lemony.  Prepare for large servings and save trunk space for lefteovers. And don’t forget to bring your own bottle of vino. (Open M-Sa 11a-10p; Su 4p-10p.)

With its gaudy, gold-framed photographs, its large, color-bulbed Christmas lights and oversized plastic cakes on the walls, this deliciously kitschy Italian restaurant is so tacky it’s fun. There is a Pope Room, complete with a bust of the pontiff in the middle of a round table, and music playing overhead from great Italian-American singers like Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. The bathrooms take the experience to the next level: You’ll find pictures of naked people, and hear the opposite sex speaking Italian over the stereo system. For dates? Not so much. But Buca is perfect for large groups, because the dishes are served to be shared, family-style, right down to the desserts. When you’re being seated, you’re led through the kitchen and greeted by everyone—even the chef. Check your diet at the door, as the food here is high-calorie and high-carb, but every bite is worth it. You can’t screw up your order, but the macaroni rosa and chicken parmigiana are favorites. If, by some miracle, you have room, the bella festa is a cake-and-ice-cream masterpiece. (Open M-Th 11a-10p; F-Sa 11a-11p; Su 11a-9p.)

The Brass Rail has put the “f” in family reastuant since 1917, when it opened as a hotdog and hamburger stand in downtown Allentwon. Technically an Italian restaurant, the Rail serves something for everyone:  pasta dishes, fish, steak, burgers, pizza, famous cheese steaks (hailed as the best in the city) and drinks (check out the specials). Though very diner-esque, with the large menu, low prices, and cash register up front, it has a far more homey feel: a fireplace with fake logs burning, paper holiday decorations—the exact ones you swear your Mom puts up at home—and a waiting room full of small children and old ladies with walkers. We certainly endorse the Brass’s motto (proudly displayed on a variety of merchandise): “Get off your brass and come to the rail!” Oh, and don’t be surprised if you hear the place break into a rousing rendition of “Happy Birthday to Grandma!”—trust us, it’s bound to happen. (Open M-Th 7a-midnight; F-Sa 7a-1a; Su 8a-10p.)

$$$ Italian

MIN 1243 Tilghman St.
610-770-7717

On one of the busiest streets in Allentown lies a quaint garden courtyard, filled with Roman statues and fountains. At Bellisimo, you reward your senses long before the food’s brought out. (Inside, too: The dimly lit, tiled dining room is a long way from the chaos of Seeger’s.) Each meal begins with Italian rolls dipped in hot garlic and oil. Don’t skip the appetizers here: The hot antipasto, with Italian meats, cheeses and fish, is particularly good. The entrees are generously portioned, and rarely disappointing. Tuscan wine, elegant music, the soft gurgle of a fountain: It’s easy to forget—and depressing to remember—that you’re a few car lots away from campus. (Open Tu-Su 11a-10p.)

After you’re seated deep within the bricked grotto, you’ll forgive Bacio for its office park setting.  Shadow-boxed candles line sections of the wall, while music from crooners like Frank Sinatra and Andrea Bocelli plays in the background. Obsess over the menu while enjoying a complimentary serving of bruschetta and fresh mozzarella with tomatoes. Bacio’s entrées range from traditional dishes like gnocchi to less conventional fare, like the incrostato filleto di manzo (grilled beef tenderloin with gorgonzola topping and chianti-pecorino sauce, $24).  Popular pasta choices include the ravioli di manzo (ravioli with meat, $14), and the ravioli dolce creama (ravioli stuffed with shrimp, crabmeat, spinach and ricotta).  Serving sizes are generous (you can always opt for a half portion at half price) but leave room for dessert – the tiramisu or triple layer chocolate and peanut butter cake are too tempting to pass up.  Our only advice:  wear an adjustable belt. (Open M-Th 11a-10p; F 11a-11p; Sa 5p-10p.)

Abruzzi on Main might be hard to find since it’s located in one of the houses in the sleepy town of Coopersburg.  That look and feel holds inside, too —eating here is like dining in the living room of your home. We found ourselves paralyzed by the news. For appetizers, you can’t go wrong with the bruschetta, calamari, or pear salad (all $8).  Our top picks for entrees:  the filet mignon with a side of pancetta mashed potatoes ($28) and the shrimp with creamy risotto ($24).  And be sure to save room for crème brulee for dessert. Abruzzi on Main is serious about wine—they’ve got an extensive wine list and even offer wine tasting courses on Wednesday nights. Their motto—now our motto—is drink what you like. (Open Tu-F 11:30a-3p, 5p-9:30p; Sa 5p-9:30p.)