Dan DiTursi
Senior Reviewer
I realized recently that it had been quite a while since I’d eaten at an Italian restaurant. For someone with a last name like mine, whose family’s biggest treat for itself was dinner at Baiamonte’s, this was definitely something that needed to be remedied. Thus, my wife and I grabbed a friend of ours and headed up to the ’burgh for a late dinner at Lombardi’s North.
Since it bills itself as a family restaurant, I was hit with a bit of sticker shock when I saw the menu: I was expecting a bunch of stuff for $8.95, not $14-20 per entree. Maybe the term “family restaurant” has redefined itself recently.
This, though, was the only seriously negative trait. The building itself is very nice; the interior is largely bare wood, giving it a rustic look enhanced by some wallpaper that more or less screams “Grandma’s Place.” The overall look and feel is quite comfy.
Other than the prices, the menu is very solid—pasta, chicken, veal, and seafood in lots of different combinations. (Not a whole lot of vegetarian fare, though.) Recognizing that Italian restaurants tend towards very large portions and lots of bread for the table, we elected to skip an appetizer and just ordered our entrees.
Lombardi’s has parmesan peppercorn dressing for its salads. This is a huge plus in my book. And then there’s the bread... huge garlic knots! Unfortunately, we were the last patrons of the evening, so they were cool. If served piping hot, they would totally make the restaurant for me.
Our entrees were also quite good, although mine didn’t quite live up to its billing. I ordered veal Tzitzer, which on the menu said was “one of the top 10 entrees in the Capital Region.” It was certainly tasty—I very much like veal, capers, olives, and cream sauces—but I’m pretty sure I can come up with ten better dishes that I’ve had in this area.
My wife was pleased with her baked ziti, and the fettucine alfredo with chicken got an “I really enjoyed it” from our friend, which is high praise indeed. Also, I got the obligatory side dish of pasta, and Lombardi’s marinara impressed me—no mean feat.
Lombardi’s also has space for large gatherings; my wife actually suggested the restaurant after going there with her research group at one point.
In short, Lombardi’s is a solid Italian restaurant—nothing spectacular, but certainly worth a visit.
To get to Lombardi’s North, go north (surprise!) on 15th St. Cross Hoosick St. The road will end in a circle in Frear Park; go left, which brings you immediately to Oakwood Ave. Turn right, and go until you can see the traffic light at the end of the road. Turn your head to the left, and Lombardi’s North will be right there.
Editor’s Note: The Polytechnic wants to hear from you! Please send comments or suggestions for new restaurants to restaurants@poly.rpi.edu.
