Pagliacci’s

We recently revisited the Victoria institution that is Pagliacci’s restaurant after a too long hiatus.  By the time rainy January rolls around, we are jonesing for rib sticking comfort, the kind that can only be sated by hearty, New York style Italian/American cuisine just like mama used to make. Pagliacci’s satisfies our carb cravings admirably. The lively atmosphere and friendly servers never fail to lift our spirits in the dreary winter months.

Many of Pag’s lunch and dinner offerings include your choice of starter salad or homemade soup.  Their foccacia bread is justifiably famous.  I could go for the bread alone, which always arrives at the table slightly warm.  The crumb is moist and tender and the chewy crust is dusted with coarse salt and herbs.  Absolutely to die for!  This is nothing like the dreary slabs of dry foccacia you find at the supermarket. Pagliacci’s has consistently kept their menu items affordable over the years, especially when you consider the size of the portions and the fact that they seem to happy let you share menu items with a companion. With many entrees you may choose between either a half or a full order.  With the bread and starter salad or soup, a half order may be more than enough, particularly if you are saving room for dessert! This is one restaurant where it is impossible to walk away hungry.

By the time rainy January rolls around, we are jonesing for rib sticking comfort, the kind that can only be sated by hearty, New York style Italian/American cuisine just like mama used to make.

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Noteworthy classic dishes include Mama’s meatball sandwich, (for me a lunchtime winter staple) and the Ravioli Paradiso, which consists of plump pillows of ravioli stuffed with spinach and bathed with a walnut and Gorgonzola cream sauce.  Unusual and delicious! Desserts are served in old-fashioned greed satisfying portions. New York deli fans will appreciate the classic cheesecake, smooth creamy and slightly lemony just like you’d get in a real Jewish deli.  I am obsessed with  turtle pie, which contains a healthy amount of chocolate, gooey caramel, and pecans.  This is old school at its best!  One piece of cake at Pag’s could easily serve three.  Share with a pal or two or take leftovers in a doggy bag to enjoy later.

To drink, try a New York egg crème or imbibe one of Pag’s cocktails such as The Virgin Suicide or a Jackie Brown.  Pag’s menu and drink items are all playfully named after iconic movies. There is also a decent selection of wines by the glass.  Locals visit Pag’s time and time again for a bit of old-fashioned gluten gluttony at wallet friendly prices.

EAT THIS:  Ravioli Paradiso, Meet John Doe, Cabin in the Sky

IMBIBE: Gunga Din Gin and Tonic, Red Rooster Cabernet Merlot, New York Egg Crème.

 Click here to visit Pagliacci’s website.