I went to Armondo’s for the first time, an Italian restaurant on Dixie Avenue. When I walked in, the aura was reminiscent of Ohio, which is where my dad’s family is from. Many Italian families immigrated to Ohio between 1880 and 1920, including my great-great grandparents. Several opened their own restaurants; these restaurants are still open today and are some of my families’ favorites to visit. The food is always what I would describe as having a dull authentic taste. The tastes are authentic, but not as rich as a hot dish of pasta in Italy.  

The restaurant as a building was small and comforting. Only a few empty booths and tables, and one server, who was also the host and owner, greeted us. She was exceedingly kind and even though there were several tables and booths full, she took care of us very efficiently.  

We sat down (my mother and I); I ordered the manicotti, and my mother ordered the penne alla vodka with a meatball and Greek salad. Their first three dressings on their menu, and all of their pasta sauces, are freshly made. 

 When the salad came out, we split it. The Greek dressing had a nice flavor but wasn’t over-powering, it was a perfect blend. The rolls were seasoned perfectly and baked with a nice crunch on the outside and fluffy inside.  

The manicotti was baked with red sauce and cheese on top with a delicious filling. It was made fresh we ordered it, so it was warm when we got it, and the flavors were fresh. I love manicotti so I can be picky when it comes to it, but these manicottis were delicious. The noodles were soft and the cheese on top was stringy. It was filled perfectly, not too much or too little, and the red sauce had a great flavor. Overall, the manicotti was wonderful, definitely a 10/10.  

I tried a bite of my mom’s penne alla vodka and it was also delicious. The sauce was perfect, and there was enough of it. The noodles were soft and cooked nicely with no uncomfortable textures. The meatball was amazing. It tasted like my grandpa’s homemade meatballs, and his are really the only ones where I eat multiple. All of the flavors tied in nicely with this dish; I’d give it a 10/10.  

I can tell that this family enjoys what they do. Running a small restaurant is not easy and they’ve done it well. Overall, my experience there was also a 10/10 I will definitely be visiting again!