Giuseppe’s Ritrovo
Giuseppe’s Ritrovo is a fantastic Italian Restaurant located in Bexley Ohio. This is not your traditional Italian. This is more of a northern Italy menu. While there are traditional Italian dishes such as spaghetti and lasagna these are more for the kiddies or the uninformed.
There is a great little patio in front and while it sits on the corner of Main and Drexel it is just far enough from the intersection where you don’t notice the noise but close enough for some great people watching.
We came in for a late lunch and found the restaurant slow but ready for business. There were a few people at the bar and a couple tables taken by pre-dinner diners. I took the picture of the bar after they had closed for the day.
Since we were in for a late lunch we decided to start with some of Giuseppe’s salads. We start with the Caprese salad (left). Fresh Mozzarella topped with roma tomatoes, fresh basil and olive oil. The Prosciutto Crudo (right) has to be asked for by name but is worth every bite. Field greens, artichoke hearts, kalamata olives, roasted red peppers and roma tomatoes topped with about 4 ounces if shaved Parma prosciutto. This is a salad to enjoy on the patio with a bottle of wine. And finally the Mediterranean (bottom) with Romaine tossed with feta and kalamata olives in a balsamic vinaigrette.
For lunch I tried the Italian Panini. This is a nice sandwich stacked with genoa salami, prosciutto, Italian ham and three cheeses grilled till hot and melted. Comes with a side of Italian pasta salad.
We also had the Penne Pollo Fiorentino. This is a bed of penne pasta (we substituted angel hair) smothered with chicken, pignoli nuts, roma tomatoes and spinach in a white wine sauce.
I have been to Giuseppe’s Ritrovo before but never for lunch. While it is a bit pricy for a daily occurrence it is a great place to go have an ‘Old Country’ style lunch. The restaurant is family owned which adds to the charm. With fantastic food I recommend any meal of the day to be eaten here or just stop by for a cocktail and appetizer because the conversation will keep you.
Giuseppe's Ritrovo 2268 East Main Street Bexley, Ohio 43209 614 235 4300
http://www.giuseppesritrovo.com.com
