The Best Italian Restaurants in Erie, PA
The best Italian restaurants located in Erie, PA are family owned and operated and the cuisine is made with traditional family recipes. Whether you prefer your sauce on the sweet and thick or spicy and thin side, you will be sure to find a restaurant that caters to your tastes.
Serafini’s Restaurant
Serafini’s Restaurant features a pleasant dining area with lots of greenery and space between the tables. It is one of Erie’s oldest restaurants as it was founded in 1938. Popular items include the wedding soup and the hand rolled meatballs are meaty with not a lot of breadcrumbs. You might try a dish of one of the four homemade pasta offerings. The ravioli – and you can get a mix of both cheese and meat – is delicately made and fresh.
The real treat at Serafini’s was the two bottles of oil and vinegar on the table for dipping the homemade bread. The virgin olive oil was a delectable, herby mixture of seasonings: full of basil, oregano and other spices. The balsamic vinegar had a deep, rich flavor. Even if you just go there for the bread, it’s worth the trip.
The eatery also features American fare such as veal dishes, steaks, seafood and prime rib. This place is open for lunches Monday through Friday and dinner daily. The deli attached to the restaurant offers take out of all menu items. Many enjoy Serafini’s for the selection. The restaurant has a full lunch menu and a dinner menu with everything from manicotti to gnocchi to subs. A big place, with a full bar and a large dining room, Serafini’s offers lots of space for families to gather for a meal.
This is a very affordable dining experience. The sandwiches are priced from $2.75 to $5.50, homemade pasta runs around $5.50, salads including antipasto are in the $6 range, and side orders such as meatballs and sausage are under a dollar.
The restaurant is located at 2642 West 12th Street.
Hector’s Restaurant
Longtime residents tend to equate Italian food in Erie with Hector’s Restaurant, 802 W. 18th St. the walls are lined with photos of Pennsylvania politicians posing with the current owner, Mayor Rick Filippi, and the former owner, the late Hector DiTullio.
Many feel it’s a nice place in an old Italian neighborhood. It’s one of the institutions of Erie. For spaghetti, many locals favor this restaurant. This restaurant is located at 802 West 18th Street.
Carmen’s Restaurant
The Pacinelli – Gloria, Jackie and Marlene – sisters will be happy to show you the pleasures of Italian dining. Like the family kitchen, Carmen’s is cozy, cheerful and welcoming. The cooking is generous and authentic. After all, the Pacinelli sisters have been stirring the sauce pot at the family-owned eastside landmark sincethey were little girls. While the ownership extends back two generations, the recipes date back to grandma. The appetizers include fried zucchini and mozzarella sticks. Wine and drinks are available from the intimate cozy bar. Especially notable are the homemade spaghetti, the lasagna and a faultlessly prepared eggplant parmigiana. Salads and Italian bread complement your meal.
This restaurant is located at 2427 Buffalo Road and there is plenty of parking adjoining the restaurant.
Arnone’s Restaurant
Arnone’s Bakery & Deli, a longtime Little Italy landmark, opened (just across the street) a new eatery called Arnone’s Italian Restaurant. The restaurant features wonderfully delicious homemade pasta and sauces. As you enter this peaceful, comfortable environment, you’re captivated by classic Italian music. Authentic Old World Italian dishes may be coupled with a fine assortment of wines and spirits. Begin your meal with the bruschetta, steamed mussels, or calamari. Some of the entrÃ?©es available are veal dishes, spaghetti and ravioli and the daily specials are truly superb.
Dessert is a must as Arnone’s bakery is well-known for its desserts such as tiramisu, cannoli, and gelato. The Arnone family and staff welcome to come in and enjoy a great dining experience.
The restaurant is located at 607 West 18 Street in Erie. Dinner is served Monday through Saturday and lunches are available Monday through Friday.
The Italian restaurants in Erie, PA are cozy and comfortable and serve a generous portion for a reasonable price. Traditional family recipes are served in the family owned and operated eateries. Due to its large Italian population, Erie boasts a remarkable number of highly rated Italian restaurants.
