Campari's Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria Brings Good Things to Southwick, Massachusetts

My senior mother, on a fixed budget and always worried about outliving her savings, is constantly on the look-out for great values. She enjoys eating out, and when she discovered the combination of good food and great prices at the new Campari's Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria she was ecstatic, especially since the restaurant was practically in her front yard. She shared her new treasure with me this past weekend.

Campari's is located at 784 College Highway (Rt 10/202) in Southwick, Ma. It's unassuming yet neat exterior matches the understated interior. Nothing flashy, nothing extraordinary, but well kept and clean. Seating is comfortable with the tables set far enough apart to afford privacy and elbow room. We sat near a window to enjoy the natural light of a beautiful early fall afternoon.

We were seated quickly and our waitress made her appearance soon after we sat down. She was happy to describe the day's specials and then took our drink order. She returned shortly thereafter and took our meal order, including my mother's special requests. In no time, it seemed, she was back with plates filled with mouthwatering meals.

I ordered a Patty Melt with onion rings substituting for their crinkle cut french fries. The burger patty was hand-formed, cooked through and juicy. While there was more bread than burger, I put that down to the large size of the bread slices as I had a nice sized patty. The onions were sweet and sauteed perfectly. The onion rings were cooked a few seconds too long for my taste but still very flavorful. My mother's cheeseburger, with four choices of cheese, was just as she ordered. Generous portions and, by her satisfied look, very tasty. Our bill for the two meals with no beverages (we both had water) was $13.00. I could easily spend that much at a fast food restaurant and not receive as much value for my dollar.

My mother, already a fan, is thrilled that Campari's offers an extensive lunch menu 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.Monday through Friday (closed Tuesday). Menu prices are $5.45 - $5.95, and the twenty-three entree offerings range from Deep Fried Fillet of Fish served with french fries, salad and roll, to Chicken Parmigiana over Spaghetti with salad and roll, to a Buffalo Chicken Sandwich served with fries. Each for under $6.00 - amazing! Even better, take-out is available for for an extra $1.00 so a diner can have lunch and take home a dinner as well for roughly $13.00. The restaurant offers delivery Thursday through Sunday after 5 p.m. in the Southwick area, with a $15.00 minimum.

Campari's in conveniently located for senior citizens living at the American Inn and well worth the drive for anyone living in Southwick or nearby towns who is looking for a good meal at a reasonable price. Call 413-569-0877 for information and take-out ordering.