The Eating Man

                              IT'S ITALIAN!

Italian. Arguably, the most universally loved food. Pizza. Pasta. Sauces. Lasagna. Ossobuco. Calzones. Tiramisu. Gelato. Food brimming with flavor and full of comfort. Only Asian might give it a run. Certainly, American, Mexican and Greek are noteworthy as well. But all are second fiddle to Italian. In last place...Irish / English food...unless you like boiled meat. So, where to go for Italian food in Greenville? (note: I have not been to EVERY Italian restaurant around these parts. Just most). The listings below are for Italian restaurants. Not pizza places (see a previous blog for my pizza rankings), though the ones below all have good pizza as well. Here you go:

1. Bocca - In my opinion, the best we have. Great atmosphere. Great sauces. Large portions. Fair prices. Great Pasta and Eggplant Parm. It feels like an old Italian restaurant somewhere on Long Island or in Jersey

2. Sciortinos - Great food. Great prices. Great atmosphere. Nice people. A close second to Bocca

3. Trio - Still one of my favorites. Great food and the best downtown location. Reasonably priced

4. Portofinos - The best limitless salad and rolls around. Great Italian dressing. Large quantities for the money. Nice atmosphere

5. Jianna - New to the scene, but getting rave reviews. Very "big city"feel.  Great homemade pasta and their Ossobuco was excellent

A few others...Ristorante Bergamo and Trattoria Giorgio, the two high end Italian restaurants downtown, have the most impressive atmospheres, but I believe lack the quality needed to match their prices. Giovannis is excellent but pricey and the management is not too friendly. Limoncello is new and the jury is still out, though I don't hold much hope since it is a Larkin's concept

A shout out to one chain. Carabbas is the best of the chain bunch, but all above are still a ravioli ahead

 CHAIO BELLA!

TEM