The Italian Bistro

Roanoke is known as the Dining Capital of Texas. There is a reason for that. I have lived in this area for ten years and I am still finding new places to eat. One of its earliest gems is The Italian Bistro, off Roanoke’s restaurant row on East Byron Nelson Blvd (114 Business). They started as a little hole in the wall restaurant but, quickly gained a growing fan base. After ten years they remodeled and applied for, and received, a liquor license. In the remodel, Italian Bistro added the beautiful bar and wine storage. They also added outside seating for the couple of months that it is pleasant to be outdoors in Texas.
I’ve been house bound from foot surgery and my family wanted to take me out for a night of fun. This was our first time here since they reopened. If it had not been a hundred degrees outside I might have considered sitting outside as I had not had sun on my face in a couple of weeks. Since it was hot, I had to choose between one of their two indoor dining areas. There is even a special dining room that is open for reservations for a party; this would be a beautiful place for an engagement or anniversary party. Italian Bistro also offers catering at a separate location or you can order your food to go so that you can stuff your face until you need your stretchy pants.

I had the Eggplant Parmesan, a lovely vegan repast with a side bowl of spaghetti. An opening salad with house dressing and a complimentary basket of garlic knots really set up the meal. My daughter had the Fettuccini Alfredo, and my husband had the Chicken Primavera. We could not finish the generous helpings of food. Dinner Entrees average $14.00, $7.99 for lunch, and there is a good kids menu. There are subs, calzones and pizzas for the quick meal. But, this truly is a sit and relax kind of place.
Since I’m still in walking cast the staff was so helpful with my special accommodations. Some places make you feel as though you are putting them out with a disability. Not here, they acted as though everyone that came in needed help.

The ambiance was very classy but homey, the napkins are cloth but the prices are reasonable. Walking through the door, you are greeted with the aroma of all the delicious food and then comes the hard part, decide what entrée to order. Best of all they have Cannolli! Not the frozen stuff with gritty filling, but crisp shells with creamy goodness. The cheesecake is heavenly and there is so much more.
I cannot keep eating here if I can’t exercise, or they will have to roll me out the door. A great place to dine on your way to Alliance Airport, in between races Texas Motor Speedway, or if you are shopping at the new Tanger Outlet Mall, stop by and fill your belly at the Italian Bistro!