IL LOCALINO

A close friend of mine raved about this restaurant about a year ago, so I just HAD to try it out for myself.  On a rare night with no plans, my husband and I braved Atlanta traffic and headed to Virginia Highlands to visit:

IL LOCALINO

467 N Highland Ave NE 

Atlanta, Georgia 30307 

(404) 222-0650

When you enter Il Localino you are immediately struck by the decor - think kitschy cheesy Italian decor: paper lanterns adorn the ceilings, Frank Sinatra playing, not a space that isn't taken.

We were greeted warmly and quickly and escorted to our seats with menus.  We were in the mood for wine and found this gem on the menu - SO good:

 Next we chose an appetizer, and we were glad we chose the one we did -
Reggiano Parmigiano, Pesto & Olives

They bring this appetizer on a cart to the table and the server carefully slices fresh Parmesan for your table.  That is served with a bowl of great olives and pesto sauce.  Not sure about the pesto though?  It was good, but it was sort of an odd accompaniment to me.  But they bring you fabulous bread, so I slathered some bread with it, and it was delicious.  Lovely way to start the evening.

Wall decor:

 We then split a salad going with:
ORGANIC MIXED GREEN SALAD
The salad fit the bill - nicely coated with a vinaigrette. Very tasty without being too filling.

 After the salad course the server brought out some lemon sorbet as a palate cleanser - nice touch.

 Entree time!

My husband chose the Lasagne - absolutely fabulous!!!

 I went with the veal parmigiana (which I haven't had in years), and it was fantastic.  Absolutely loved it.  We were both fighting over which meal was tastier!

 And we begged off dessert, but we were surprised by bring brought a sampler of items as a gift.  Well who are we to NOT sample free dessert?  Chocolates, raspberry schmear and cheesecake. Very yummy.

All in all it was a very fun night!  If you can get past the crazy decor, the food at Il Localino is very good.  The service was also very very good - they treat you well and don't let you want for anything. If you're in the mood for some comfort food Italian, Il Localino is the place to go!

MENU FROM THEIR WEBSITE:

• $15.00

Reggiano Parmigiano, Pesto & Olives

• $11.95

Zuppa di Mussels

• $15.00

Italy's Finest Imported Cold Cuts

• $14.95

Domestic Fried Calamari with Marinara

• $14.95

Maine Lobster Bisque

• $15.00

Prosciutto Melon

• $9.50

Organic Mixed Green Salad

• $11.00

Classical Caesar Salad

• $11.95

Mozzarella Caprese

• $15.50

Organic Farm to Table Arugula Salad with the Finest Burrata

• $21.95

Pappardelle Sinatra

• $21.95

Spaghetti and Meatballs

• $21.95

Fettuccine Alfredo

• $21.95

Gnocchi alla Vodka

• $21.95

Cheese Ravioli Marinara alla Donna Carmela

• $21.95

Rigatoni Bolognese

• $21.95

Linguine Alla Don Michaele with Fresh Chopped Tomatoes, Basil, Garlic & EVOO

• $23.95

Linguine with White Clam Sauce

• $22.95

Eggplant Parmigiana

• $24.95

Boneless Breast of Chicken in Madeira Sauce with Mushrooms

• $24.95

Chicken Parmigiana

• $26.95

Jumbo Shrimp Marinara or Fra Diavolo

• $29.95

Wild Filet of Sole Piccata with White Wine, Lemon & Capers

• $29.95

Veal Parmigiana

• $34.95

Sliced Medallions of Filet Mignon in Vecchia Romagna Brandy with Mushrooms

• $39.95

World Famous Cioppino Seafood Feast

• $39.95

Lamb Osso Bucco

• $75.00

Alaskan King Crab sautéed in Olive Oil, Garlic, Butter, White Wine & Fresh Herbs

• $22.95

Arugula Salad with Poached Salmon, Finocchio and Dill Vinaigrette

• $34.95

Scallopini of Veal in Champagne Sauce with Mushrooms Dolce Latte

• $8.50

Spinach Monachina Sautéed in Olive Oil & Garlic

• $8.50

Broccoli Sautéed in Olive Oil & Garlic

• $9.50

Asparagus Gratinati

• $8.50

Grilled Shrimp

• $8.50

Grilled Chicken

• $8.50

Meatballs

• $8.50

Pasta Marinara