Errol S. wrote: > Does anyone have any experience they can share about Davios or Palio >Resturant in Beechview? > Thanks > As a matter of fact, we had dinner there (Palio's) last night. They are sister restaurants, but have different menus. I have not eaten at Davios, so can't comment on them. Palios has a bar (Davios doesn't so you can BYOB) and Davios only takes cash. Ok, for a review of the food at Palios. I am biased because a good friend of mine just became head chef there, but I will describe what we had. They serve wonderful bread, baked on premises with olive oil, parmesan cheese, and a cheese dip made with blue cheese, assorted chopped olives, garlic, peppers(?). There were 5 of us, and with our meals we were served two antipasto courses; one was fresh buffalo mozzarella with sliced red and yellow tomatoes, and the other was fresh homeade (not by them) sausage served with huge red and yellow peppers, porcini mushrooms, and olives. Both were very good. The mushrooms were so good that we ordered a side of them to have with dinner. Next came a family sized salad which had endive, radicchio, and romaine with chick peas, feta cheese and homeade balsamic vinaigrette. By this time, we were too full for dinner! But we ate it anyway. Two of the people in our party are unadventurous eaters, and they had pasta with marinara sauce. Another requested eggplant parmesan which is not on the menu, but was made for her anyway. I had the pasta special which was linguetti (the smaller version of linguini noodles) tossed with olive oil, garlic, toasted pine nuts, red and yellow bell peppers, and 6 of the biggest scallops I have ever seen. It was VERY good, and I have half of it for lunch today. The last entree at our table was sauteed chicken topped with fresh spinach and jumbo lump crabmeat. This dish in my opinion was the winner at the table. For dessert we all shared two huge pieces of homemade tiramisu. By this time, we had to be rolled to the car. The service was great and so was the food. Sorry this is so long. Terri
Pittsburgh, PA
Palio and Davio
Errol S. wrote: > Does anyone have any experience they can share about Davios or Palio > Resturant in Beechview? > Thanks Errol, There is a mixed opinion in this group about those restaurants. One side (not mine) says that they are slow, not very good, seat you outside without warning you, and push reservations at Palio, which has a liquor license. Some folks in this newsgroup were very unhappy about dinner there (2 letters to this effect, from different folks) Some folks in this newsgroup tend to stick with the East End for eating out, so there is not a lot of other commentary about the place. Personally, I think it is one of the best places in Pittsburgh! (so does my boss and his lawyer spouse, and several other people I know who have gone there, mostly "foodie" types) I have eaten at Davio 4 times, and been thrilled with the food and service every time. Thier "gratis" items (white bean & escarole dip, biscotti with a coffee order, etc.) are delicious, the bread is great (a variety served warm) and their rustic Italian menu has a wide range covering vegetables, pasta, seafood, and "red" and "white" meats. They do serve huge portions, so if you want a more dainty, nouvelle sized serving, forget it. The owner/chef David Ayn has been active in Pittsburgh for at least 25 years, and is familiar with the "doggie bag for tomorrow's lunch" crowd. This does not mean the quality suffers, it just means it's expensive, but you definitely get everything you pay for. Also, Antonini's at 2700 Jane St. (S. Side) is partly owned by David Ayn, Or was last year! They serve coastal Italian cuisine. Love the rice balls served on the antipasto! Davio's is tops in my list of favorites, just wish I could afford it more! Christine
Hi Errol. I have been to Davio's since it first opened, and have always had an incredible meal. It's basically "peasant Italian", and they make their own bread and desserts. Their portions are large, their presentation is wonderful, and the food is always delicious!! They don't have a liquor license, but you can certainly bring your own, which we always do. Palio's is okay, but in my opinion, is not up to the standard that Davio's is, even though they are owned by the same person. They do have a liquor license. Wherever you go, make sure you make reservations. Ellen
Errol S. wrote: > > Does anyone have any experience they can share about Davios or Palio > Resturant in Beechview? > Thanks Never been to Palio. Only once at Davio. The food was truly delicious. I was not at all happy, however, about being seated at 9:00 for a 7:30 reservation. The staff acted like it was no big deal. One waitress did remark that such a wait, while not unusual for a Saturday, was kind of a surprise on a Wednesday, the night we were there. The prices on the regular menu were pretty normal for an upscale Italian restaurant, but watch out for the orally presented "specials." We each ordered one without asking the price, which turned out to be $39 each!! Granted they were fabulous, but I would expect the price differential to be poointed out by the wait staff,especially in a cash only place where the average entree is $17. We had to scrounge together the cash to pay the bill. I would certainly give it another chance, but not a third if there is another 1 1/2 hour wait with a confirmed reservation. No place is worth it. M. L. Grimes e-mail: [email removed] 220 Glasgow Rd. fax: (412)371-5316 Pittsburgh, PA 15221