{image1}With all the restaurants that serve Italian food, especially pizza, how does one choose a good one?
That's easy. Follow a little Italian woman into one. If it's good for mamma, it's got to be good.
Or, if you can't wait, try one of the restaurants listed below.
In Waukesha County, like in Milwaukee, there are a number of fine restaurants that serve Italian cuisine. Many specialize in homemade pastas. Many serve pizza. And many offer their own sauces.
Here is OMC's sampling of Italian restaurants. You can't go wrong with any of them.
Albanese's Roadhouse
2301 W. Bluemound Road, Waukesha, (262) 785-1930
A family-run business that has proudly served the same recipes in Wisconsin since 1941, Albanese's has been a Waukesha favorite for decades. If you like Milwaukee's Albanese's Restaurant in the Riverwest neighborhood, you'll enjoy this one in the western suburb. A family member will always greet you at the door. Enjoy dining in a casual, friendly atmosphere. Their specialties include homemade pastas, sauces and pizza. It has banquet facilities and offers a Friday fish fry and gift certificates. It is handicap accessible. Albanese's has a non-smoking section as well as private rooms for parties and special occasions. Reservations are accepted. And like most Italian restaurants, it has carry-outs. Dinner prices range from $7.95-$18.75. The restaurant is open Tuesday-Thursday, 4:30-9 p.m. and Friday-Saturday, 4:30-10 p.m.
Armeli's Restaurant and Pizzeria
16201 W. National Ave., New Berlin, (262) 786-6699
Locally owned and operated in New Berlin since 1986, Armeli's is a neighborhood eatery that prides itself on its casual and family dining. Its friendly atmosphere provides the perfect setting for a romantic dinner for two or a relaxing evening with the family. Armeli's unique fireplace in-the-round presents an ambience that is sure to warm you. Enjoy its weekday lunch buffet which includes an entrée, soup and salad bar, pizza, garlic bread and beverage. The menu offers fine Italian entrees to please all tastes. Carry-out and a delivery service are also available. Armeli's lunch menu ranges from $5-$10 while its dinner menu prices are $5-$21. It's open Monday, 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m, Tuesday-Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday, 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m., Saturday, 4-11 p.m. and Sunday 4-9 p.m.
Mama Mia's on Bluemound
18880 W. Bluemound Road, Brookfield, (262) 789-0277
Located in the Galleria Plaza, Mama Mia's sets a high standard for other pizzas. Serving a complementary variety of Italian dishes, it is best known for its garlic bread, lasagna and pizza. Every Tuesday and Wednesday, Mama Mia's offers all you can eat pasta. A big hit. You can dine-in or carry-out. It is open daily from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4-10 p.m. except Mondays when it closes at 9 p.m.
Marty's Pizza
16680 W. Bluemound Road, (262) 782-5830
It earned First Place in the Peoples Choice awards for Waukesha County. Marty's is home of the 5-foot pizza. In Brookfield since 1957, Marty's offers an extensive menu including pizza, pasta, party subs, salads and party trays. Dine-in or carry out. Marty's is open daily at 11 a.m. The dining room closes at 9 p.m. Sunday, 10 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 11 p.m. Friday-Saturday. Carryout is available until 11:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday. Marty's also specializes in delivery for corporate luncheons, special events and home entertaining.
Matteo's Italian Ristorante
1608 E. Sunset Drive, Waukesha, (262) 544-6022
Locally owned and operated, Matteo's has served Waukesha for 17 years, but is still one of the areas best kept secrets. It offers homemade spaghetti sauce, made daily, a Friday fish fry and a variety of dinners in a casual dining atmosphere. Dinner prices range from $6.75-$12.50. Open Sunday-Thursday, 4-11 p.m. and Friday-Saturday, 4 p.m.-midnight. Reservations recommended for parties of 8 or more.
Pepino's Ristorante & Lounge
17065 W. Capitol Drive, Brookfield, (262) 883-4400
Open since 1971, Pepino's has five locations in Waukesha County, including Menomonee Falls (262) 251-6500, Hartland (262) 369-9060, Oconomowoc (262) 567-9323 and Sussex (262) 246-8030. A neighborhood tradition, Pepino's offers hearty portions in a homey setting. Prices range from $6-$14. It specializes in pizza and fine Italian and Sicilian cuisine. Open daily from 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Taste of Italy
N7 W23825 Bluemound Road, Waukesha, (262) 542-1721
Enjoy the finest Italian cuisine in Wisconsin. The ambience of the restaurant and the quality and taste of the food maximize satisfaction of customers. Affordable prices, a romantic setting and live piano music make Taste of Italy a favorite in Waukesha. Reservations are recommended. Open Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. and Saturday, 4-11 p.m.
Venice Club
1905 N. Calhoun Road, Brookfield, (262) 786-8323
Enjoy the special atmosphere, quality service and outstanding food that have made the Venice Club a favorite since 1949. It features over 25 fresh pasta dishes daily. It also has a variety of fresh seafood, baby back ribs and pizza. The Venice Club has a special Cedar Plank cooking method -- one of the oldest techniques for preparing fish by adding a soft, smokey flavor. Lunch prices range from $5-$10 while the dinner entrees are $10-$15. Open Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. for lunch. Evening hours begin at 4 p.m. daily. It closes Monday, 9 p.m., Tuesday-Wednesday and Sunday, 9:30 p.m., Thursday, 10 p.m., Friday-Saturday, 11 p.m.
