Santo's Pizza and Pasta

From the looks of the outside of Santo's Italian Restaurant in Middleburg Heights, it is just another storefront in the small plaza where it is located. But once you step inside the foyer of this popular west side eatery, you'll know you aren't in just any old Italian restaurant.

From the colorful murals that depict visions of the Italian countryside, to the smell of the freshly-baked Italian bread that's served warm with soft butter at each table, you'll be able to tell that Santo's certainly isn't a run-of-the-mill establishment. It's hard to resist a bite or two of the homemade bread before you even glance at Santos' menu.

The restaurant offers wine tastings throughout the year, as well as wine dinners that focus on accompanying authentic Italian eats with imported reds and whites. My personal favorite is the raspberry zinfandel, a sweet treat that, in my opinion, goes with anything on the menu.

For starters, try the stuffed hot peppers or calamari. Soup also makes a great appetizer, so don't forget to try a cup of their famous Italian wedding-- it's made with homemade meatballs and fresh spinach.

All of the pasta at Santo's is homemade. Try the cavatelli with meatballs or sausage-- it's a treat that kids and adults can both enjoy. The hearty helpings mean that it's likely you will be taking home leftovers for lunch tomorrow-- which is excellent, because Santo's pasta is just as good reheated the next day as it was the night before.

Try the chicken marsala, which combines the sweetness of marsala wine and mushrooms with a lightly floured chicken breast that is so tender it can almost be cut with a fork. Paired with a side of buttered linguine, it's a match made in taste bud heaven.

The veal franciase, which is comprised of tender veal cutlets dipped in a seasoned egg batter and sauteed with butter and lemon, and Chef's surprise, an amalgamation of plump shrimp, broccoli, cavatelli and alfredo sauce, make excellent main-course choices.

Santos' homemade lasagna is also a favorite among locals. Made with whole milk ricotta, parmesan and mozzarella, the homemade noodles really give this treat it's pizazz. The rich, meaty marinara will remind you of what your grandmother used to make.

If you're more in the mood for a sandwich or pizza, Santo's serves up lots of both. From the half-pound angus burger to the eggplant parmesan sandwich, the restaurant puts as much love into their breads as they do their pastas.

Santos' pizzas and strombolis are made with fresh, homemade dough daily. The white pizza is complete with three cheeses and a garlic oil that will have your lips drawn into a smile for days after eating it, and the available toppings include everything from the usual pepperoni, mushroom, sausage and peppers to the unusual artichokes, broccoli and zucchini.

Reservations aren't required, but are usually helpful on busy weekends. Dress is casual, and banquet rooms are available.

 

 

- by LeeAnn Mullen, Cleveland Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

LeeAnn Mullen

LeeAnn Mullen is a freelance journalist from Cleveland, Ohio. She holds a bachelor's degree in journalism is currently furthering her education by studying for an additional degree in information systems management. Mullen has written for several Cleveland-area newspapers, online publications and dozens of private clients. Her topics of specialty include health, technology and travel.