Italian in FLL

[richw]

I'm looking to have a nice Italian meal somewhere in FLL to celebrate an anniversary. I'd prefer not to have to dress to formally. I've heard quite a bit about Casa D'Angelo and Cafe Vico here and never tried either. I would appreciate any feedback you can share on these two restaurants or others you are fond of.

Thank you,
Rich

[PCC]

Casa D'Angelo is the best Italian retaurant in the city, I think. Dishes are well crafted and executed. Only downsides are that it's in a strip mall (constant irritant to me about Fort Lauderdale restaurants) and I don't think your $30-40 per person will be quite enough. It's also a little cramped. Still the best overall though and the food doesn't disappoint.

[richw]

Thanks. Are you saying pasta and a salad can exceed $40?

Rich

[PCC]

Hmmmm, I was thinking it's more of a meat and fish place.....not really pasta and salad. Not to say there aren't pastas on the menu but that's not exactly what they're about. It's what I call "High Italian" cuisine, if you know what I'm saying.

[richw]

Understood. I just wanted to know if it was the type of place that had the nerve to charge 30 bucks for a pasta course.

Thanks,
rich

[PCC]

Oh, now I understand your question. No...you'd get excellent fish or meat entrees for the money. If you want to be charged $40 for a plate of pasta you'd have to go to Cafe Matorano, which is why I didn't recommend it.

[tpigeon]

I'd hardly say excellent. I personally think their pastas are better than their other dishes at d'angelo but the place is inconsistent so I can't be sure of that.

[gblcsw]

You asked "Vico or Casa D'Angelo. I actually think that Valentino's (in another strip mall, unfortunately) is the best Italian restaurant in town. We also love the pasta at Cibo e Vino.

[gblcsw]

Casa D'Angelo has far better food and is more upscale, including prices.

[richw]

Thanks for your response. are you talking 30-40 bucks per person excluding drinks for Casa D'Angelo?

[tpigeon]

I ate @ d'angelo twice and found it inconsistent and ranging from good to very good. Your price range is about right.

[meb903]

We ate at Casa D'Angelo last month & had a great meal. I hate the papardelle noodles with shrimp, husband & nephew had a veal chop special and niece had the risotto with porcini mushrooms. we shared to appetizers - fried calamari & something with fresh mozarella and we all shared a ricotta cheesecake for dessert. We truly enjoyed the meal. I would definitely recommend it. We have not been to Cafe Vico.