I've been here maybe 6 times in the past year or so and I have really enjoyed it every time I've been. Everything I've ordered has been delicious, I haven't eaten anything from here that I didn't like. The lemon drop martini is WONDERFUL, and the spinach artichoke dip is one of my favorites also. The dip comes warm with a little cheese on top and is served with some really nice bread for dipping. All of the employees I've encountered have been very nice and make you feel good about eating there. I've read some of the negative reviews from other yelpers from almost a year ago and currently those statements are false. This is one of my favorite restaurants and I really can't think of anything negative to say about them. They did change the menus a few months back and still make an old menu item for my friend when we go, very accommodating and wiling to make customers happy. I plan to bring family and friends here when they visit from out of town. Very good food, reasonable prices and a nice quiet atmosphere. UPDATE: 7/31/15 Went back a few days ago with some friends for lunch and decided to sit at the bar. Doyle, the bartender, is WONDERFUL! He's really good at what he does and made our visit!
(5)
Rebecca W.
"Came for pizza and left with full bellies". It was a nice, intimate restaurant but also great for family gatherings. After a long drive from Houston back to Baton Rouge, we needed to stop for dinner before the final stretch of our drive. We were craving pizza! So, we ordered the large combination-style pizza. The pizza was made to order, so it did take a hot minute for it to come out. In addition to pizza, I was craving something with a vinegar base, so I ordered a caprese side salad. Once our food came, we dove right in to the pizza! This was some of the best pizza I have had in a very long time! Romacelli's is situated in a lovely plaza area across from The Lab Coffee Shop... one of my favorites! If you are in the Lafayette area looking for a scrumptious pizza place with a lovely ambiance, this restaurant is aimed to please!
(4)
Baker C.
The food changes every time we go there and it is usually very good. Yet this time the food HORRIBLE! I will not be planning to go back again.
(1)
Monica C.
The food it great but it is the Bartendar, Doyle and the rest of the staff that makes you feel so welcomed.
(5)
Brian M.
Overall just ok. The pizzas are basically pieces of card board with ketchup on them. The other dishes are mushy and bland. Like a few others stated a lot of the food is super salty. The sandwiches are the only thing that is really great. The staff at the RR location are top notch, very friendly and helpful. They seem to be adding a frat house singer outside singing tunes, it's always been more annoying than cool. It's usually just loud enough to make having conversation difficult. Though they occasionally have a girl playing light piano and that is much better and fits the atmosphere. Overall a decent place, nothing earth shattering.
(2)
John T.
Ordered a Turkish Flatbread and got a Burnt Turkish Flatbread after that got one with Raw meat on top so I'm not happy at all!
(1)
Ann M.
Food was excellent. Service was pathetic. Hummus with fresh bread, Roma bread both delicious appetizers. Pizza and sandwiches good. They can do bread. Full bar. Service not experienced or attentive. Had to bus a table after after waiting 10 minutes to be seated. Ask for water. Missed one of party order. Spilled half of salad with no apologies.
(3)
Carolyn B.
I used to really enjoy visiting Romacelli with friends and having the hummus and pita appetizer and a bottle of wine. I also would bring family in town to Romacelli because it's close to where I live and in a nice location with a good view of the neighborhood. The food is a bit salty and flavorless however. The pizza is too salty and the salad I ordered on a different occasion was a bowl full of lettuce with one, tomato, one olive, and a piece of tuna that tasted old. I wish Romacelli served better food--we would be there all the time. For now, I enjoy it as a place to enjoy a glass of wine outside.
(2)
Kelly G.
I went to the River Ranch location today for lunch with a group of ladies. After 45 minutes, our entrees were served and my flatbread was burnt. The bottom and about an inch all around the perimeter of the flatbread were charcoal black. I attempted to cut it and had to saw through it. I called the server over and showed her that it was burnt. She said she would go and tell the manager. She started to walk off and I asked her to take the plate, which she placed on the table behind ours. The manager came, inspected the plate, and asked me what was the problem (as though it was not apparent). I told him the food was burnt and he went back to the plate and dismissively smirked. He said he would comp the plate and asked if I wanted to oder something else. There was NOTHING to comp. I ate NOTHING in that restaurant and drank tap water which I would have gladly paid for. When the checks were given to my colleagues, the server announced again that my meal was comped. AGAIN, there was nothing to comp but water. Several of the ladies grabbed the comment cards provided with their checks and wrote about my burnt flatbread. This will be my last visit to that place! An apology would have been nice. There are too many great restaurants in Lafayette to waste time on Romacelli's!!
My husband and I tried Romacelli's the other night, as the menu looked varied and interesting. We both ordered tilapia, prepared differently. The parmesan crusted tilapia was fresh and decent, although it wasn't worthy of ordering again. The tilapia my husband got, tilapia florentine, in a sauce, was awful!! We could barely eat it. The caesar salad was edible, but it should be, shouldn't it? The one dish that was tasty was my side of couscous with vegetables. We asked for bread, and were brought a pan of crust with a dipping sauce that was terrible, AND they charged us $4.50 for it!!!! Don't you think when we asked for bread our waitress could have mentioned there was an extra charge? Ugh, not a recommended restaurant.
(1)
Ginger D.
On nights when I just don't feel like cooking, this has become our go-to spot. The sandwiches and pizzas are great! Their bread/crust is delicious, and my husband and I absolutely love the Feta Cheese Rolls as an appetizer. I've only had a couple of the pastas but was pleased with those as well. Try the meatball sandwich or the Roma Special. I'm also a fan of the eggplant and hummus sandwich as well as the eggplant pizza. My husband always builds his own pizza, usually with all pork products and no veggies. That's how he rolls. They have prompt, friendly service, and sitting outside is definitely the way to go on nice days.
(4)
Benjamin O.
Horrible service!!! Waited over 40 minutes for togo order of two pastas to have it only brought to us for here and the kicker... They were the wrong dishes!!! Then they have the audacity to charge me for my tea that I ordered while I waited... Are you _____ kidding me!!! This place is a joke and this wasn't my first bad experience. They need better management. - Local restaurant manager.
(1)
Eric B.
Took my girlfriend's cousin here for her 7th birthday for lunch last week while we were in town. The house Mediterranean salad & the Pizza (we had pepperoni, artichoke, and spinach) were delicious, the service was outstanding. They made the 7 year old feel special and they lady that took care of us really catered to her. I will definitely stop by here again when I am in town.
(5)
Yvette H.
What a cute little place! Very homey and nicely decorated inside. Came here with a friend for dinner, where there are outdoor and indoor seating options. We sat inside because it was too humid out (what else is new). Chose to share the Cajun Chicken Pasta and the Combo Pizza. The Cajun Chicken Pasta was VERY delicious!!! I give it 5 stars. Quality reminded me of pasta from the Cheesecake Factory, of which they have none here in Lafayette. Sad face. The Combo Pizza was your average meat lover's pizza and it had excellent cheese! I didn't notice until I packed the remaining slices for lunch the next day and after heating it, the cheese was still able to melt and become very stringy. I enjoy mozzarella cheese you can bite into and have it string out to a good distance. He he. All in all, I would come here again.
(4)
Tracie Y.
We placed a group order for a working lunch function last week and the food was great! We were able to call it in the night before, pick it up on time as scheduled, and they even broke up the bill into individual sales. (We had a group order of about 13). The staff was very friendly and accommodating. I will definitely be back!
(4)
Keitha G.
The pizza here was really good, once it finally arrived. After we had waited 20 minutes, the waiter came and told us they had cooked the wrong pizza and were re-making it. We had 1/2 crawfish and 1/2 'supreme' type pizza. There was plenty for the two of us, and we took some of it home as well.
(4)
Brandon L.
A good hidden Italian restaurant. One of the better eateries located in River Ranch. The prices are reasonable and the portions are good. The crust here is the bready type and there aren't any options for thin or pan. The sandwiches and pasta are all very good. I've had one incident with a bad waiter, but that was over 2 years ago and hasn't happened since.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Street, Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
Pizza
Pizza is a famous Italian dish savored around the world. The entire credit for the popularity of Pizza in the United States goes to the chain of pizzerias all over the country. While the base and the texture of Pizza remains same across the globe, it's the toppings that differs from country to country. In the United States, you will find the top pizzerias serving pizzas with the toppings of mainly beef, bacon, chicken, ham, and sausage for the non-vegetarians. Other than these famous meat options, Pizzas with veg toppings such as mushrooms, pepperonis, garlic, tomatoes, spinach, etc. are also famous in most restaurants in the United States.
Irrespective of your locality, you will find a variety of different restaurants in your cities offering pizzas of all different types. Pizza is hot favorite among people of all ages in the United States. A large size pizza is enough to feed a family of 3 or 4 at large. Pizza is also the most preferred food whenever a group of friends is hanging out together. Pizza gained popularity in the United States after the American soldiers stationed in Italy returned from World War II.
Over the years, different pizzerias in the United States have developed their own respective regional variations. Pizza gained popularity as the iconic dish in the United States in the second half of the 20th century. Whether you prefer thin or thick crust pizza, you can find a pizza of your preference at the best pizza restaurants in your city.
Kelsey M.
I've been here maybe 6 times in the past year or so and I have really enjoyed it every time I've been. Everything I've ordered has been delicious, I haven't eaten anything from here that I didn't like. The lemon drop martini is WONDERFUL, and the spinach artichoke dip is one of my favorites also. The dip comes warm with a little cheese on top and is served with some really nice bread for dipping. All of the employees I've encountered have been very nice and make you feel good about eating there. I've read some of the negative reviews from other yelpers from almost a year ago and currently those statements are false. This is one of my favorite restaurants and I really can't think of anything negative to say about them. They did change the menus a few months back and still make an old menu item for my friend when we go, very accommodating and wiling to make customers happy. I plan to bring family and friends here when they visit from out of town. Very good food, reasonable prices and a nice quiet atmosphere. UPDATE: 7/31/15 Went back a few days ago with some friends for lunch and decided to sit at the bar. Doyle, the bartender, is WONDERFUL! He's really good at what he does and made our visit!
(5)Rebecca W.
"Came for pizza and left with full bellies". It was a nice, intimate restaurant but also great for family gatherings. After a long drive from Houston back to Baton Rouge, we needed to stop for dinner before the final stretch of our drive. We were craving pizza! So, we ordered the large combination-style pizza. The pizza was made to order, so it did take a hot minute for it to come out. In addition to pizza, I was craving something with a vinegar base, so I ordered a caprese side salad. Once our food came, we dove right in to the pizza! This was some of the best pizza I have had in a very long time! Romacelli's is situated in a lovely plaza area across from The Lab Coffee Shop... one of my favorites! If you are in the Lafayette area looking for a scrumptious pizza place with a lovely ambiance, this restaurant is aimed to please!
(4)Baker C.
The food changes every time we go there and it is usually very good. Yet this time the food HORRIBLE! I will not be planning to go back again.
(1)Monica C.
The food it great but it is the Bartendar, Doyle and the rest of the staff that makes you feel so welcomed.
(5)Brian M.
Overall just ok. The pizzas are basically pieces of card board with ketchup on them. The other dishes are mushy and bland. Like a few others stated a lot of the food is super salty. The sandwiches are the only thing that is really great. The staff at the RR location are top notch, very friendly and helpful. They seem to be adding a frat house singer outside singing tunes, it's always been more annoying than cool. It's usually just loud enough to make having conversation difficult. Though they occasionally have a girl playing light piano and that is much better and fits the atmosphere. Overall a decent place, nothing earth shattering.
(2)John T.
Ordered a Turkish Flatbread and got a Burnt Turkish Flatbread after that got one with Raw meat on top so I'm not happy at all!
(1)Ann M.
Food was excellent. Service was pathetic. Hummus with fresh bread, Roma bread both delicious appetizers. Pizza and sandwiches good. They can do bread. Full bar. Service not experienced or attentive. Had to bus a table after after waiting 10 minutes to be seated. Ask for water. Missed one of party order. Spilled half of salad with no apologies.
(3)Carolyn B.
I used to really enjoy visiting Romacelli with friends and having the hummus and pita appetizer and a bottle of wine. I also would bring family in town to Romacelli because it's close to where I live and in a nice location with a good view of the neighborhood. The food is a bit salty and flavorless however. The pizza is too salty and the salad I ordered on a different occasion was a bowl full of lettuce with one, tomato, one olive, and a piece of tuna that tasted old. I wish Romacelli served better food--we would be there all the time. For now, I enjoy it as a place to enjoy a glass of wine outside.
(2)Kelly G.
I went to the River Ranch location today for lunch with a group of ladies. After 45 minutes, our entrees were served and my flatbread was burnt. The bottom and about an inch all around the perimeter of the flatbread were charcoal black. I attempted to cut it and had to saw through it. I called the server over and showed her that it was burnt. She said she would go and tell the manager. She started to walk off and I asked her to take the plate, which she placed on the table behind ours. The manager came, inspected the plate, and asked me what was the problem (as though it was not apparent). I told him the food was burnt and he went back to the plate and dismissively smirked. He said he would comp the plate and asked if I wanted to oder something else. There was NOTHING to comp. I ate NOTHING in that restaurant and drank tap water which I would have gladly paid for. When the checks were given to my colleagues, the server announced again that my meal was comped. AGAIN, there was nothing to comp but water. Several of the ladies grabbed the comment cards provided with their checks and wrote about my burnt flatbread. This will be my last visit to that place! An apology would have been nice. There are too many great restaurants in Lafayette to waste time on Romacelli's!!
(1)Debbie R.
Food is always good and fresh.
(4)Mark R.
OK, the tilapia was fresh. But, this is Lafayette. It should be fresh everywhere. The décor is boring, the service is perfunctory, the food is boring and perfunctory. The staff is friendly. We both had tilapia, two different ways. The fish was good, the preparation was completely uninspired and bland. It's an Italian place, so I asked for bread. We got basically a pizza crust that they charged $4.45 for. They should have paid us to eat it. Prices for the entrees are very reasonable and with good reason.
(2)Beverly R.
My husband and I tried Romacelli's the other night, as the menu looked varied and interesting. We both ordered tilapia, prepared differently. The parmesan crusted tilapia was fresh and decent, although it wasn't worthy of ordering again. The tilapia my husband got, tilapia florentine, in a sauce, was awful!! We could barely eat it. The caesar salad was edible, but it should be, shouldn't it? The one dish that was tasty was my side of couscous with vegetables. We asked for bread, and were brought a pan of crust with a dipping sauce that was terrible, AND they charged us $4.50 for it!!!! Don't you think when we asked for bread our waitress could have mentioned there was an extra charge? Ugh, not a recommended restaurant.
(1)Ginger D.
On nights when I just don't feel like cooking, this has become our go-to spot. The sandwiches and pizzas are great! Their bread/crust is delicious, and my husband and I absolutely love the Feta Cheese Rolls as an appetizer. I've only had a couple of the pastas but was pleased with those as well. Try the meatball sandwich or the Roma Special. I'm also a fan of the eggplant and hummus sandwich as well as the eggplant pizza. My husband always builds his own pizza, usually with all pork products and no veggies. That's how he rolls. They have prompt, friendly service, and sitting outside is definitely the way to go on nice days.
(4)Benjamin O.
Horrible service!!! Waited over 40 minutes for togo order of two pastas to have it only brought to us for here and the kicker... They were the wrong dishes!!! Then they have the audacity to charge me for my tea that I ordered while I waited... Are you _____ kidding me!!! This place is a joke and this wasn't my first bad experience. They need better management. - Local restaurant manager.
(1)Eric B.
Took my girlfriend's cousin here for her 7th birthday for lunch last week while we were in town. The house Mediterranean salad & the Pizza (we had pepperoni, artichoke, and spinach) were delicious, the service was outstanding. They made the 7 year old feel special and they lady that took care of us really catered to her. I will definitely stop by here again when I am in town.
(5)Yvette H.
What a cute little place! Very homey and nicely decorated inside. Came here with a friend for dinner, where there are outdoor and indoor seating options. We sat inside because it was too humid out (what else is new). Chose to share the Cajun Chicken Pasta and the Combo Pizza. The Cajun Chicken Pasta was VERY delicious!!! I give it 5 stars. Quality reminded me of pasta from the Cheesecake Factory, of which they have none here in Lafayette. Sad face. The Combo Pizza was your average meat lover's pizza and it had excellent cheese! I didn't notice until I packed the remaining slices for lunch the next day and after heating it, the cheese was still able to melt and become very stringy. I enjoy mozzarella cheese you can bite into and have it string out to a good distance. He he. All in all, I would come here again.
(4)Tracie Y.
We placed a group order for a working lunch function last week and the food was great! We were able to call it in the night before, pick it up on time as scheduled, and they even broke up the bill into individual sales. (We had a group order of about 13). The staff was very friendly and accommodating. I will definitely be back!
(4)Keitha G.
The pizza here was really good, once it finally arrived. After we had waited 20 minutes, the waiter came and told us they had cooked the wrong pizza and were re-making it. We had 1/2 crawfish and 1/2 'supreme' type pizza. There was plenty for the two of us, and we took some of it home as well.
(4)Brandon L.
A good hidden Italian restaurant. One of the better eateries located in River Ranch. The prices are reasonable and the portions are good. The crust here is the bready type and there aren't any options for thin or pan. The sandwiches and pasta are all very good. I've had one incident with a bad waiter, but that was over 2 years ago and hasn't happened since.
(3)