Casa Novello Menu

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Visit below restaurant in Westbrook for healthy meals suggestion.

Visit below restaurant in Westbrook for healthy meals suggestion.

  • Jack S.

    I'm surprised by the negative reviews here. I've been eating here for years and while I can say that the service can sometimes be sub-par, the food has always been excellent. The chicken marsala here is the best I've had anywhere. I have yet to find any restaurant that even comes close to their marsala and believe me, I've tried it at many other establishments. Perfection! The lasagna is excellent, and one could argue, even too large in the portioning, but that's certainly a tough complaint. Another excellent choice is the Antipasto salad. The portion is massive and the ingredients are all fresh and of top quality. The one drawback to the location is a common one and that's the noise. It can be a bit of an echo chamber due to the straight rectangular layout, but that can be avoided on a less busy evening.

    (4)
  • Karen B.

    Not worth it. Slow lunch service and the food looks like it is from the frozen aisle.

    (1)
  • Diane P.

    Had dinner last night. Just as unremarkable as the first time we went a month ago. I try not to pan a place unless there are major issues. The lasagna is a generous piece and individually baked in a casserole with extra cheese and sauce. Ok but nothing spectacular. I had the chicken Florentine on the last visit and it w as also good but not great, likewise for the chicken parm. They made shrimp Diablo for my companion on request and it was a little too spicy. The salads are iceberg, most dressings are homemade but the blue cheese is mostly mayo tasting even though there are some large chunks of cheese in it. The prices are over the top for what you get and not really worth it. Have now been there on a Wednesday and a Thursday night and the place only had a few customers at 6 pm both times...the waitress commented that Monday and Tuesday are busy days--- no kidding....that's when they have the 2-for-1 menu, when prices are where they should be for this caliber of food. I have had very good Italian in Boston and Maryland...homemade does not always mean exceptional or a good value. I wouldn't tell anyone not to try it and form your own opinion, I would also not recommend it to friends.

    (2)
  • Edmund D.

    I had been wanting to try Casa Novello.for a long time. We live a few blocks away and I grew up in New Jersey with great Italian food. So we went for the two.for one pasta and it was okay not great, nothing to return for. But then my wife ordered parmesan cheese like she would use at home and it was green. The waitress hardly seemed bothered by it. My wife used a little on her pasta and then couldn't eat anymore. They did not comp anything. I think I didn't even finish our food and we left never to return again. Horrible. Would have been some redemption if they apologized more and maybe discounted our bill but they just didn't seem to care. One of the worst food experiences of my life. Don't go. If they can't throw out parmesan cheese or notice it was VERY past they may have a ton of other quality control issues too. Ewww.

    (1)
  • Laura B.

    If you are looking for the absolute best Italian food, this is the place! The dishes are made individual to order and come out piping hot. The service and atmosphere are exceptional. It is a perfect neighborhood restaurant.

    (5)
  • Russell F.

    Monday and Tuesdays 2 for 1 menu! Chicken marsala is incredible.

    (4)
  • Brian G.

    Excellent food and portions too large to finish. I ordered first what the menu calls "Award winning French onion soup". They were not kidding! Most places make their French onion soup from hydrolyzed beef granules right out of a plastic container which make the soup so salty that you are on the verge of dehydration four hours later! Not these folks. They make the soup the way it is supposed to be made..with REAL beef stock made from REAL beef bones. It is incredible. After that, I had a bowl of pasta that was so big I could not finish it. I always eat at the bar as I dine alone, no problems at all with the service which I find to be polite and efficient. Will definitely return.

    (4)
  • Pao T.

    Casa Novello was a great experience with great customer service. A friend of mine brought me here for their special and it was honestly pretty spectacular! I would recommend anyone come in on a Monday or Tuesday for their 2-1 special. One meal is about $15-20 and come in extremely large portions. As a student, I can definitely spread the meal out to last a couple of days. This also does not put a wrench into the quality. The quality of this food was also amazing. The salad came with lots of different dressing options. I got the black pepper dressing, but will definitely try the blue cheese next time. Honesely Come try it out. Just be forewaned though, come early. When I got there at 4:30, there were only 2 people in the resturant, but by the time I left it was full. I CANT IMAGINE WHAT IT'D BE LIKE LATER!

    (5)
  • Claudio C.

    As a first generation Italian and above average cook and certified foodie...this is below chain level Italian food...there are quality issues every time I've gone here....dried out bread....moldy cheese.....the wine list is very low quality...and last time....the house chianti was obviously cooked from over heated temps....it tasted like pruned vinegar....the food is below average at best....pasta not drained properly...or overcooked ....the sauce is store bought quality....you get the picture...I need not go further....if you don't live in Westbrook....no reason to go here....if you do....and want Italian....head into Portland

    (1)
  • Jacey G.

    I wanted to like this place because my aunt has been telling me I need to go for years. My experience ended with a very bad case of food poisoning. I wasn't shocked to see I'm not the only one who has been sick after eating at this place. Besides the horrible case of food poisoning, I thought this place was overpriced for the experience I had there. We ended up sitting at the bar, thinking service would be quicker... Over an hour and a half later, we finally got our meals. I paid $19 for 8 small ravioli in a cream sauce... Service was what I would expect from a dive bar, and the view I had of the kitchen should have been my first indication that my food may not be what I thought the price was paying for. This place needs to practice safer food safety, and either lower their prices to align with the service they provide, or provide better service. Food poisoning aside, I wouldn't have gone back.

    (1)
  • Jenn F.

    Tried it again, sadly 1 1/2 years later no change. Except the prices went up. Maybe the service was a bit worse. Food the same. Substandard. Tried the fried ravioli... Frozen and you get 8 of them for 9.99! Really? Wow! Shrimp scampi with rubber overcooked shrimp maybe 6 at most, now $23. Chicken parm now $17. Meat lasagna now $17. All mediocre at best. It seems like nothing has changed in this place in 40 years. Maybe that is the appeal. But if they aren't going to change anything shouldn't the prices stay the same? Deco is drab. WAY OVERPRICED!

    (2)
  • Dave C.

    Showed up for a reservation at 5:45, which had been forgotten. Seated at 6, ordered our food, yet didn't receive our food until 6:50. The prices are too high for food that was average, at best. Our server was incredibly rude and very standoffish when we asked for the check. It'll be a while before we go back there.

    (2)
  • Kevin S.

    One of the best places in Westbrook. The portions are huge, so you can definitely share an entree, but if you go on Mondays or Tuesdays, they have a two-for-one special that will let you bring the equivalent of a whole plate home. Have not been disappointed by a meal yet, so you're good to go with anything.

    (4)
  • Karen R.

    2 for 1 Mondays and Tuesdays are a great lure...especially since many other restaurants in Westbrook are closed Mondays! The atmosphere here is very charming, classic and clean. The portion sizes are very large (I ate about 1/3 of my meal and took the rest home). The staff is very friendly, and the food is just great. I truly recommend trying this place out if you are in the mood for authentic italian. The menu is extensive and the prices are right. Great for date night or for dinner with the family and friends.

    (5)
  • Greg D.

    I finally found some good authentic Italian food in Maine! Casa Novello has a great menu, very friendly waitresses and a real nice casual (but not overly casual) atmosphere. The food is real good, the prices are reasonable and the portions are plentiful. Try the bolognese!

    (5)
  • Stacy B.

    Ate at this little place last night. The atmosphere was unremarkable and the staff was absolutely amazing. The dinner (chicken alfredo) was absolutely STUNNING!!! So delicious. Large portions as well. I'd say I will be eating here more often!!! Monday & Tuesdays are two for the price of one. :) happy dining!

    (5)
  • Jessica S.

    nice atmosphere and overall the food was good. i really liked my lasagna and the butternut squash ravioli. cannoli was just ok. the filling was not as thick or sweet as most and the shell was soft instead of crunchy. snoqualmie rielsling was good. our friends liked their food and red velvet cake and said the experience was a 3.5. our server was very nice but dropped the ball in the beginning by not bringing water until we were already through a basket of bread and we were waiting awhile to begin with for her to come over.

    (4)
  • Becky M.

    Okay so let me tell you about my experience here.... a friend made a reservation for 8 o'clock for 6 people. I got there around 7:50 and sat at the bar and had a glass of wine while I waited for my friends. The bartender was very friendly- engaged me in conversation and seemed genuine. While I was speaking with her, one of the waitress came up around 8:02 and said "oh great... my six top is late... this will be a long night" awesome. My friends arrived around that time and we sat down. The atmosphere was nice enough. The very same waitresss came and took our drink orders and then when she came back to the table she completely screwed up everybody's drinks without so much as an apology- just blamed the bartender. We felt incredibly rushed. She wanted to take our orders immediately. Tonight was 2 for 1 meal night so we all ordered off that menu. Every few minutes she would come back to tell each one of us that we couldn't get what we wanted because.... 1. they were out of ziti 2. they were out of potatoes 3. they were out of mushrooms, etc... it actually began to get a little ridiculous. I'm not sure if anyone ended up with what they actually wanted. The two meals come with one salad- I guess how they plan to up-sell you on buying another. We declined the second salad which I'm glad we did because the salad was literally just ice burg lettuce, two slices of tomato and two slides of raw red onion. That's it. OH! I almost forgot... there was some dry bread on the table when we got in- which we were then told they ran out of so couldn't replenish. I ordered the mushroom, garlic, spinach ravioli. The garlic was so overpowering and the filing was dry. I'm not even sure if it tasted like mushrooms. The pasta was also very tough and the sauce was nothing to write home about. About two seconds after we finished our meals our plates were taken away and we were asked about dessert. We asked to see the menu and then no joke- about 20 seconds later she asked if we were interested in anything. SO RUSHED. My friend and I split a cannoli which was watery and the shell was hard as a rock. The check was presented as dessert came out and nobody was offered coffee. We really could not believe how rude the server was. The food was not good and they were out of pretty much everything. Will not be going back. Almost impressive how bad it was....

    (1)
  • Alise K.

    2 for 1 Tuesdays. Chicken Marsala, chicken picatta and ziti with meatball Nd sweet sausage. All very good!!

    (4)
  • Debbi C.

    The two for one nights are a great deal, it's like the cheap date night. The portions are large and the food is good. The glasses of wine are plentiful. I have been many times and have been pleased. Tonight I ordered the sausage and spaghetti, the sausage was the worst I ever tasted....it was not edible, I told the server and she said she would let the cook know. We have been here many times, I would of been happy with a meatball to replace the horrible sausage. I have enjoyed the food and love the caesar dressing but I will not be back for a long time. I will go to Espos where I know the staples of meatballs and sausage will be edible,

    (2)
  • J S.

    Great food, great atmosphere. Best drinks ever!! All the staff are great and the two for one nights are generous.

    (5)
  • Linda S.

    sadly we cannot say we feel the same towards this restaurant any more. Went day after xmas 12/26/13 and while the food was very good, the service was less than acceptable. We felt this was due to the waitress automatically getting a 20% tip for a 5 top which is a new policy. Usually it starts at parties of 6 or more, but that was not the issue as we routinely tip higher than 20% at this restaurant due to the good service. The problem was that while we were the only customers in the place, we were ignored. No drink refills, bread refills, olive oil/cheese, offer of grated cheese for meals, etc. The gal was just standing next to us at the bar flirting with the cooks and doodling on. pad of paper. I did post a comment on their FB page and instead of offering reply, they just deleted it. We have been customers since they opened and feel less than appreciated. So many other choices out there, probably less costly too, that would love a big family for regular business.

    (1)
  • John H.

    Unfortunately I'm pretty much the only one I know who hasn't had an exceptional experience here. On Mondays they have a 2 for 1 entrée deal. But on my 3 occasions dining I have only had one good experience. On my birthday I and another person both got food poisoning from the salmon. On my most recent experience the pasta was undercooked and was not up to par. This place is very hit or miss and unfortunately it has only been misses for me.

    (3)
  • Dan E.

    I love going to Casa Novello. It's a typical Italian Restaurant, with quality food and great service. I definitely enjoy eating here with family.

    (4)
  • William B.

    I was told that this was one of the best Italian Restaurants around the greater Portland area. It was reconnected to me by a friend as "the best Italian Resturant around". However I was left giving it an average rating with prices a little high for the actual quality of the good. First of all there is no parking. Behind the Resturant there are few spaces and it looks like the back of a deserted junkyard. I was not sure who could park where and it looked as if I might get towed. I ended up parking on the main street of Westbrook which most cars did which was a little awkward since there is very little room to the curb and cars come whizzing by. The service was excellent and very friendly. The bread was fresh and served with oil and special cheese dressing sauce. I had the lasagne and my guest had the Lugosi with Sausage. The service was fast and the food was good but very heavy and very filling. I had to take mine home and boy did I have Heartburn throughout the night. The food was good but for the price it made the meal about average as I have had higher Italian quality before but at a much lower price. The lasagna was cooked about right and served in a deep dish and it didn't fall apart immediately after the first bite. Always a plus, but the sauce really didn't stand out for me. It was just ok. The menu selection was pretty good with lots of variety. The Resturant was very dark inside and somewhat intimate, not a complete Italian Resturant theme and it seemed to be filled with many locals which seemed to be a hangout on a Friday Night. The crushed pepper at the table was a nice touch and it did have a bar in the back. I thought overall it was too expensive for a little whole in the wall kind Of Italian Resturant. I would go back again but I would wAnt to try some of the other Italian restaurants I have not been to first.

    (3)
  • joe p.

    Very nice surprise. Passing through and tried it based on Yelp rating. Was NOT disappointed. Tried the chicken marsala, which was excellent, only sad they were out of Scallops by the time we got here. For dessert, I had the best canoli I have ever tasted. I was stunned to find food this good in an out-of-the-way location. Recommended highly.

    (4)
  • Neal B.

    I was nervous when we pulled up out front, but when you walk inside it is such a pleasant surprise. Great atmosphere with dark lighting and plenty of space between tables even for a small restaurant. Service was great, drinks were great, app was great, my prosciutto ravioli was a little too rich but that was just me. I still really enjoyed it and we are looking forward to going back. Good prices for what you get.... I've paid as much for dinner for two at the Great Lost Bear and this is way better.

    (4)
  • Donna P.

    Very disappointed. Just very average food with a high price. We are more than willing to pay well for a great meal, but this was far from great. We will not be returning.

    (2)
  • Hannah P.

    Fantastic place for a BIG Italian meal for not a lot of money. On Monday and Tuesday nights they have a buy one entree, get one free deal, which includes a side salad. The chicken parm is to die for, and comes with two huge pieces and a separate bowl of pasta so we always have leftovers to take home for the next day. We usually go downtown to go out to dinner so I often forget this place, but whenever we think to go here, it never disappoints!

    (4)
  • Andy G.

    Simone and I went to Casa Novello this past Sunday night with our Portland Dine around Club Card ( I should get some kinda discount for plugging this damn thing all the time). At the suggestion of other yelpers we made reservations but didn't really need them as the place had plenty of seats. Its about a 10 minute drive from downtown Portland to get to the Casa and from the outside its nothing special. Inside is also just okay as far as the decor, but what is lacking in decor is made up for with the smell of fresh tomato sauce and garlic coming from the kitchen. A little Italian music in the background and some dimly lit lighting and you almost feel like your in an Italian Cafe in Northern Italy (or so I'm told). The meal starts off with some slices of Italian Bread and a side of Olive Oil and rosemary freshly mixed by the waitress. The bread was okay but not as good as I have had in other places. There were many delicious sounding items on the menu but we decided on two homemade meatballs for an appetizer/side order. Simone also got an appetizer portion ( which could feed two people) of house made Butternut Squash Ravioli and I decided on the monster entree portion of house made Pasta with Bolognese Sauce(that could feed 12 people). The meatballs came out first. They were about the size of a pool table ball and were topped with a fresh sweet tomato Marinara. These were hearty and tender with a mild hint of garlic and Parmesan. They were very tasty and better then my mothers ( probably because my mother never made me any). Simones Ravioli came with an interesting Cinnamon and caramelized onion cream sauce. Not a combination that normally goes together but somehow worked . It was the perfect marriage in this sweet dish. I choose Angel hair pasta for my Bolognese. The pasta was cooked perfect and topped with the rich Bolognese made with shredded and chunks of beef pot roast. My only complaint about this was the sauce to pasta ratio was a bit stingy. To make up for the lesser amount of sauce I used the remaining sauce from the meatballs and it worked just fine. When in Venice ( or Westbrook) do as the Italians do and order cannoli for dessert! Simone I each ordered a cannoli because I don't like to share. It was good with a nice crispy crust and smooth but not to sweet ricotta filling. The only thing i would have enjoyed with this would have been some kind of chocolate but it was still enjoyable. As a surprise the waitress figured out her tip for us ( 20%- she thought a lot of herself) and also did not punch our card thus allowing us to use our dine around club card a second time at Casa (that's almost unheard of and possibly against the club rules). Overall I really enjoyed this place and would suggest it to anyone looking for good Italian fare. 4 stars

    (4)
  • J P.

    My wife and I absolutely love this place. The food is always very good. We usually get take out as we have two young children. I usually order from the bar and wait for my food while having a beer. The ladies are always pleasant to visit with. The kitchen is also in plain sight, another positive in my opinion. Try it. It baffles me why anyone would wait for a table at Olive Garden when these types of places are available and delicious. Side note: our favorite dish is the Mediterranean Shrimp. Always outstanding!!

    (4)
  • Erica L.

    Hands down AMAZING!!!! We were on our honeymoon and received excellent customer service . The waitress truly went out of her way to make us feel special. The food was delicious!!! Very generous portions with a lot of flavor. We went on a Monday and got 2 for 1...couldn't have asked for a better place to eat! Might want to call ahead if going on a Monday

    (5)
  • Pete G.

    We frequently eat here. We asked for a spinach, chicken, feta, onion alfredo pizza, and it was cooked to perfection. Portions for everything else are large and tasty. Bread is homemade. You cannot be in Cumberland County and pass up a visit to Casa Novello!

    (5)
  • Robert F.

    While the staff is very friendly and it is certainly a locals "go-to" joint, especially on Monday for their 2for1 special, this is not a very good place to dine. Basica pasta fare that is priced a tad high for what you get. Sauces are very basic with no real sense of adventure. It reminds me of a place my family took me when we were kids and had no other options. The other night my wife had the ravioli with red suace and it the sodium levels were through the roof. Me? Pesto on penne with chicken. Pesto was way watered down and just bland. Not the worst place you could go (and I chalk that up to the friendly staff) but go with low expectations and you'll be fine.

    (2)
  • Peter M.

    Great sauces. Great atmosphere. Authentic, cozy, local - what more could you want?

    (4)

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Map

Opening Hours

  • Mon :11:30 am - 8:00pm

Specialities

  • Takes Reservations : Yes
    Delivery : No
    Take-out : Yes
    Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
    Good For : Dinner
    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 : No
    Wi-Fi : Free
    Has TV : Yes
    Dogs Allowed : No
    Waiter Service : Yes
    Caters : Yes

Categories

Italian Cuisine

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.

Casa Novello

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