Restaraunt Review of Siciliano's: A Taste of Italy in Garland, Texas

Siciliano's: A Taste of Italy, located at 2210 W. Buckingham Rd. Garland, Texas 75042, is one of the best Italian food restaurants in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. This restaurant, opened in 1981, has a loyal following that continue to return for the always wonderful food and bring in more and more customers. I have been going here since I was born, most literally, and have yet to find anywhere that comes close in comparison.

My parents used to live right down the street from the original Garland location, where they tossed homemade pizza dough out in the main dining room for everyone to see. Although the restaurant has undergone many changes - the opening of multiple locations, those closing, and ultimately, moving in to the new, beautiful building that they are in now - my parents swear that the food has never changed and has always been amazing. As I was not there when the place first opened but visit many, many times a year now, I figure their word is as good as golden. Because, well, from the minute you step through the front doors, you are immersed in Italy from the surroundings, smells, sights, and tastes.

The current building offers a very romantic, but laid back atmosphere. You can go here to eat in jeans and a t-shirt, or you will not feel out of place if you want to start out a dressed-up night on the town here. There is one large dining area surrounded by Italian pillars, dark woods, and wall-paintings of Italy. There is also a rich, warm bar that will make anyone feel welcome. And, they offer two banquet rooms (which can be turned in to one large room) and an outside patio, complete with a soothing fountain. No matter how big (or small) your dining party is, you will definitely feel comfortable here.

Everyone that I have taken here talks about one thing - the garlic rolls that are served almost as soon as you reach your table. They are soft, warm, and covered in melted garlic butter. My family is part Italian, and I have to say, no matter how much home cooked Italian food I've had, or how many other countless Italian restaurants I have been to, Siciliano's has the most amazing garlic rolls known to man.

Albeit as tempting as it is to fill up on them, do not give in to temptation! If you are eating dinner here, all dinner meals come with homemade soup and salad. The prices may be higher than your typical chain Italian restaurant, but remember that your dinner price does include rolls, soup, and salad. (Meals start at $9.99 and increase from there.) They also have homemade pizzas that they serve tableside, which are made of fresh crust and ingredients. (They are to die for, and you will never be satisfied with a chain pizza store, again!)

But, if you opt for a meal that includes soup and salad, I suggest ordering the minestrone soup. It is an Italian vegetable soup that will tempt your palette with just the right amount of spices. And, make sure that you dip one of those warm, garlic rolls in the broth. (This is a must-do for any of my family and friends!) The salad included with the meal is a typical dinner salad, but you can opt for (no extra charge) green or black olives; which, if you want to stick with the true Italian form, order both! The house (Italian) dressing is definitely the way to go, too.

As for the entrees, you really can not go wrong. I have had the majority of the menu over the years, and have not found anything that I did not enjoy. Their cheese ravioli is fresh and covered in a rich tomato sauce; their eggplant parm is always fried perfectly and served with a generous portion of spaghetti and tomato sauce. Some of my other favorites are the lasagna, baked ziti, and manicotti. If this is your first time here, I would highly recommend trying one of the meals that include several varieties of food - the combination plate or the pasta plate. Personally, the pasta plate is on the top of my list for any visit. There is enough to fill you up, and if you take it (along with a bag of leftover rolls), you'll have enough for a delightful leftover meal the next day. But, really, everything is fresh and made to order; I have never had any type of meat (chicken, beef, etc.) here that was tough or not cooked correctly.

The bar offers various types of wines and mixed drinks; ask your waiter to pair a wine with your meal selection. They will be more than happy to help you! And, you can not skip dessert here. Beware though, the portions are huge and you will probably not be able to finish one off by yourself after the large main courses. My two favorites are the Reese's Peanut Butter Cake and the Italian Crèam Cake; they are both very rich and will satisfy anyone's sweet tooth!

I would recommend this restaurant to anyone - families, date nights, business functions, etc. Once you eat there, you will be hooked! They also offer a lunch menu with smaller portions, and an extensive child's menu that will be sure to satisfy any young ones in your group. You can not go wrong with Siciliano's: A Taste of Italy! Check their website for specials that they offer every weeknight, and a sneak peek at the menu: sicilianosgarland.com/index.html