This was a revisit to Lisiano’s Restaurant, located at 514 Boston Post Rd. Orange. Each time our experience gets better than the time before.{{more}}
On this particular Sunday we were joined by two associates who had never eaten at Lisiano’s. We were greeted by Dan, who was our waiter.
The restaurant is plain with comfortable tables and chairs in settings of two, four, and six. You know it’s Italian when you enter because of the many wonderful aromas that fill the area, from freshly baked bread to the aroma of fresh herbs that are being used while preparing their many delicious entrees.
Chef Chris, who is also part owner of Lisiano’s, is responsible for the vast array of appealing authentic Italian food.
The restaurant has been pleasing Orange residents for more than 25 years. After being seated, we were told about the daily specials that are always listed for viewing on the wall outside of the open kitchen.
The descriptions from the menu was especially desirable starting with appetizers such as hot antipasto, broccoli rabe and panna cotta which is escarole and beans on crusty bread served with Italian sharp cheese andfried home grown squash stuffed with ricotta.
They also serve five daily Italian soups including minestrone, minestra and beans, pasta fagiole, and our favorite chicken tortellini. Their pasta listed more than 18 wonderful variations such as cappelini Lisiano, with capers, olives and artichoke hearts, gnocchi Romano, penne Capri with peas, onions, mushrooms and fresh tomatoes, and of course spaghetti with meatballs.
There were also more than 11 baked dishes. One unusual to us was eggplant Lisiano which is rolled with ricotta cheese, crab meat and mozzarella.
Our appetizer order was the squash flowers, stuffed with ricotta cheese and served with sauce. This was more than enough for four to share and incredible in taste.
Robert and I ordered linguini with oil and garlic. The linguini was cooked to perfection, the sweetness of garlic and oil brings much flavor and warmth to this dish. We really enjoyed the taste. One of our guests ordered penne Capri, with peas, onions, mushrooms and fresh tomatoes. He commented to us with every flavorful bite. Our other guest ordered the spinach ravioli Romano, which is stuffed ravioli with spinach and vodka sauce. Not only did he enjoy this dish but we had to ask for more bread so he could soak up the gravy.
Our meals were truly enjoyed and each of our selections were generous. The meals came with a wonderful fresh salad, served with their special house dressing on the side and crusty warm bread.
By the way, they serve expresso, the real deal. Our ending dessert was their tartuffe which is a rich chocolate ball filled with vanilla ice cream and cherries. We will certainly return again to this traditional and innovative restaurant.
Two Guy’s are Vincent Farricelli and Robert Modena. Both reside in Orange and have agreed to share their restaurant adventures.