Italian restaurants in Detroit are quite numerous and there is a nice range in quality between different places. Here are 8 of the more popular or interesting ones in the area and what their strengths and weaknesses are:
1. Carabba’s Italian Grill, Canton MI-
This is a good in-between place in terms of quality and atmosphere. Everything here has the homemade taste to it that will tantalize your taste buds. The bread with olive oil is a great way to start things off and the salads are large and flavorful. The Pasta Weezie is one of the favorite dishes here. Meals are usually in the 9-15 dollar range and the atmosphere is dimly-lit and romantic.
2. Marvaso’s Italian Grill, Westland MI-
Fairly similar in style and quality to Carabba’s and other smaller chain-style places. This location features comedy shows and the cherry chicken farfalle is one of the most popular menu items. Average prices are around 12 bucks a meal. Overall, a solid place.
3. Angelo Bros., Westland MI-
Another family-owned place, this one has very good pizza for takeout or dine-in. The pasta is not quite as good but is still solid overall. All-you-can-eat pasta nights for around 7-10 bucks are a great deal, however.
4. Mario’s Restaurant, Detroit, MI-
An area classic with an older style to it, this place serves up some tasty brunch buffets and good pasta and pizza. It is very popular for shuttles to local pro team sporting events such as the Lions and Tigers. The price range is in the 20 dollar area but the food is quite good and the menu is varied.
5. Buddy’s, Detroit, MI-
Known mostly for its square deep-dish pizza but the pasta here is also a customer favorite. This place uses some high-quality ingredients and is always packed with customers ordering either pasta or pizza. Even the breadsticks are top-of-the-line here with their soft, warm interior.
6. Compari’s on the Park, Plymouth, MI-
Another place with excellent olive oil and bread as an appetizer, the atmosphere here is also excellent. It’s a cafe-style setting in quaint and beautiful downtown Plymouth. Pan-seared chicken dia valo is one of the most popular dishes here and the other chicken dishes on the menu are also very good. The price range is a little higher than some other restaurants but not too bad, in the 15-25 dollar range. Overall, a quality place for a casual date in the summer.
7. Andiamo, Detroit, Dearborn, Novi, etc., MI-
An upscale Italian chain with a diverse menu and a very flavorful, rich, dark tomato sauce that brings out the great taste in every dish. A little pricier than some other chains but well worth it in the long run. The chicken marsala here is very flavorful and one of the most popular dishes and even their spaghetti is way better than most other places I’ve had, especially with the layer of cheese baked on top. It’s $4 for that but worth it in terms of taste. Menu items are in the 15-25 dollar range.
8. DeLuca’s Restaurant, Westland, MI-
A nice place for seafood, pasta, and hand-tossed pizza. The pasta list doesn’t have the variety of most places but the prices are reasonable. The homemade ravioli and spaghetti are both pretty flavorful here and this place won’t set you back a lot either. The wine list is also very nice for a place of its price range. Most dishes are between $10-15 and the ambiance is dimly-lit and cozy here.
