First time here & definitely not the last. Wasn't sure because of the dated appearance but saw the great reviews & had to try. Glad I did. Nice hearty salad to start (more than just a slice of cucumber, & slice of tomato. Came with beets, tomato, chic peas, olives, and pepper. (All big enough to pull off if desired). You get Italian bread or garlic bread (we got both). I had the eggplant mozzarella & husband got the manicotti. We were very pleased. Came out hot and fresh. My eggplant was lightly breaded to perfection. The homemade sauce is FANTASTIC. My husband got the homemade tiramisu (which I nibbled on). Also very good. As other reviews have said- interior is dated however it's very clean. Service (Ben) was excellent.
(5)
John B.
I am always looking for good Italian food. This place fits the bill. The entree comes with both soup and salad. I thought the minestrone was delicious. It was very flavorful and the not over cooked. The salad was a little bland, iceberg lettuce, a slice of tomato, a couple of olives, chick peas, beets,carrots and a pepper. The bread was one step away from white bread and the house wine was OK. The 4 stars came from the main course. I had veal parmesan and a side of pasta. The sauce was amazing. It made the meal. There are very few places where the base sauce is this good. My meal with a glass of house wine came to $25 and change. Well worth it. I will be back when I am in the area .
(4)
Steve K.
I've eaten here several times; it's usually pretty good. Meals can take a while to come out though. It has a very loyal local following.
(4)
Chelsea I.
The food is excellent. Prices are reasonable and service is great. Expect to have leftovers! Fantastic minestrone. If you like good Italian food, don't pass this place by!
(5)
Molly H.
I've been going here for over 20 years. This is truly some of the best Italian food in the south hills. Really, it's one of the only good local restaurants in the south hills that's riddled with chain bombs. This is the ONLY place I will order chicken Romano. The very best. Thin pieces of chicken lightly fried in an egg batter. Meat based entrees come with soup, salad and choice of pasta or veg of day. Those are a meal without even touching the the entree. Very fair prices. Best food choices: Pork Chops Campanola style. Add hot peppers if you like the heat. Chicken Romano Linguini with clam (I prefer the white sauce.) Fried zucchini appetizer...thin, thin, thin slices! Stuffed olive appetizer Any veal dish can be subbed with chicken. I prefer the tomato sauce to the marinara. Is the decor a bit old style? Yes, but that's what I feel adds to the charm of the old style Italian food. In the south hills of Pittsburgh, this is a must go.
(4)
Aaron R.
I've been here multiple times now. Its a go-to Italian spot now. A place from yesteryear.. the late 80s/ early 90s when restaurants were a luxury. Its a family affair, the food is stellar, not necessarily healthy, but just damn stellar. The atmosphere is well groomed since inception, nothing flashing, not faux-steampunk modern. Its not cookie cutter like Applebee's or Olive Garden, it is authentic. Be back soon!
(5)
Stephanie K.
I've been wanting to try this restaurant for sometime. My husband, in-laws and I decided tonight was that night. We were seated promptly as it was a quarter past 5p.m on a Friday. Ordered our drinks and appetizers, shortly after put our dinner order in. Waited over an hour for our meals while tables that were sat after us had received their food before us. The hostess needs an etiquette class on how to deal with customers and the owner sat and argued with us instead of trying to make things right. No worth your money! Being Italian and knowing how we pride ourselves with our food and service this place was a joke.
(1)
Jolene B.
I liked the food and service was good. Price was fair but the building is shabby and definitely needs an update. Not super kid friendly menu either....
(4)
Cory R.
Nice homemade Italian food. Old dark interior. It's a friendly family place. So much better than the chain restaurants up the road.
(5)
James T.
Based on Food----5 Stars , Service 3 Stars( very Yinzer )---- Atmosphere dark and gloomy....Old School Italian Restaurant.... Portions are way to large, but I won't complain considering I get 2 meals out of my one entree... Being an Italian guy from the South Hills , this is by far the best Italian food in the S. Hills
(4)
Lynn H.
Love this restaurant! Authentic Italian Food, seriously NOT a bad dish on the menu! Huge portions at a very reasonable price! Their sauce is amazing!
(5)
Jeff S.
I was staying in West Mifflin for two nights and was looking for a local restaurant to eat at instead of all the chains. The hotel recommended this place and gave me directions. Of course I had to check the other reviews on Yelp first so an average of 4 stars gave this a good shot of being something speclal. Walking into the place, it's one of those places where the decor has not been updated in about 40 years. You walk into the bar area first. The wallpaper is dark, there's a bar in the middle and a few booths off to the far wall. The carpeting does not match the walls. There's also a dining room back beyond the bar. I sat myself at the bar. I was instantly greeted by the bartender. I asked for a local beer. She didn't know which ones were local so I opted for Yuengling which is PA based but still not local to that area. On with the menu. Lots of Italian options here and they also had 4 specials as well. Prices were very reasonable. And your meal comes with soup, salad, and bread. The minestrone soup was delicious and contained lots of chunks of different vegetables. The salad consisted of lettuce, chick peas, beets, carrots and tomatoes all perfectly arranged on the plate. Mine came with the house vinagrette dressing which was simple yet very tasty. Reminded me of a dressing at a place in my hometown. For an entree, I ordered Chicken Frankie which was sauteed chicken breast with artichokes, olives in a lemon butter sauce. Very tasty as well but the portion was just so huge that I couldn't finish half of it. For dessert, I opted for a cannoli to go which I didn't really care for but wanted to try something other than cheesecake and tiramisu. It was worth trying anyway. Overall a great meal with great service. Like some of the other reviewers, I had the opportunity to talk with the owner. These local places are the ones who really appreciate your business so I make an effort to seek them out.
(4)
Eric C.
First food post ever...I'm pretty picky when it comes to Italian food. Went for lunch one day and loved it! i sat at the bar and received prompt service. I had veal cutlets in a red sauce w/ peppers, onions and some other vegetables. The side of escarole was good also. Decor wasn't the best but doesn't matter to me as long as the food is good. The price was also right, i spent probably around $10 for meal and worth every penny and then some. My only problem is when i go back i'll probably get the same thing and will have a tough trying something else!
(4)
Barry R.
I rarely give 5's and I'm not a big Italian food fan. Despite that, Ciccanti left me with no other choice. Expect delicious perfectly crafted home made Italian food with massive portions, reasonable prices, a charming, cozy restaurant and very friendly staff. All entrees include an amazing mixed salad that's big enough to be an entree by itself. The red peppers stuffed with sausage, crab stuffed mushrooms and fried zucchini with marina appetizers are particularly recommended, but my group of 4 didn't try one thing they didn't love. The biggest complaints I can come up with are the tables are a tad small and I wish it was closer to my house. Then again, I might move just to be closer. To Ciccanti I must shout, BRAVISSIMO!
(5)
Barbara N.
It was okay place with okay food. It seems really run down and not the cleanest. I went once and wouldn't go back. Not bad, but not great.
(2)
Dan K.
Decor was severely dated, and would've preferred a different selection of background music for my meal (maybe some Dean Martin, not Lady Gaga at an Italian restaurant). Despite the awful impression upon arrival, the food was above average in both taste and portion size. Service wasn't the greatest, but was at least polite. Wife and I agreed that, when we want a short-distance Italian meal, this now trumps the local Olive Garden because of value. Not a place to take anyone you're looking to impress, though.
(3)
Charles S.
Usually have a good meal here, basic Italian dishes are well cooked, tasty sauce, etc. service is always good. Nothing really special, but good. Tonight was an off night , had the special of Shrimp and Scallop Cacciotore that had an odd taste, (maybe green olives?) but was also so salty I couldn't finish it. You know it is bad when your lips burn. Normaly I find the dishes over salted , but can tolerate it. Next time I have to remember to ask them to hold the salt.
(2)
Joyce C.
Ciccanti's has been around quite awhile, but before this incarnation the Chef and owner was at Naples on Banksville Road. That business had started originally downtown and was quite the hotspot. I worked here and I know how clean the kitchen is kept. The food is always hot, delicious and made with love! If your looking for great Italian food, go to Ciccanti's you will not be disappointed and will probably never eat at Olive Garden and the rest of the chains after eating here!
(5)
Kailyn W.
I ate for the first time here for my rehearsal dinner. While the food was good, (my family loved their dinners) the service was terrible. It's not a big Restaraunt, but it felt like they only had 1 person working. Aside from our party there weren't many people dinning there. Our waitress took forever refilling our drinks and we waited almost an hour for food. I know people who love the place and swear by it, but it wasn't my thing, and definitely not the greatest Italian I have had.
(3)
Doug D.
Old school in every way. Very good food. Nothing exceptionally fancy, just good Italian food. 1960's decor is to the point of adding "charm"
(4)
Dave R.
Still didn't have the willpower to not stuff my grill and save room for canoli's but I went back several times. Talked with the owner and found out he grew up near where my family lived...which explains my love for the style of their cooking. I crave this place now that I'm gone. Go there and get anything. You won't be disappointed.
(5)
Jeffrey K.
Not exactly my favorite, but authentic italian food. Much better choice than the Olive Garden if you are looking for a night out.
(4)
darren l.
An excellent value for good Italian food. This locally owned place includes soup, salad, garlic bread, and a side with all non-pasta entries and the prices are very reasonable. The offer children's portions of anything on the menu at a discounted price. I can feed by 3 tweens, me and the wife for about $65, or $75 with a hafe-carafe of house Chianti. Food is better than the Olive Garden and there is rarely a wait. The building needs a bit of work but I go there to get a good meal at a very reasonable price not for the decor.
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Specialities
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Bike Parking : No Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : 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.
Tricia P.
First time here & definitely not the last. Wasn't sure because of the dated appearance but saw the great reviews & had to try. Glad I did. Nice hearty salad to start (more than just a slice of cucumber, & slice of tomato. Came with beets, tomato, chic peas, olives, and pepper. (All big enough to pull off if desired). You get Italian bread or garlic bread (we got both). I had the eggplant mozzarella & husband got the manicotti. We were very pleased. Came out hot and fresh. My eggplant was lightly breaded to perfection. The homemade sauce is FANTASTIC. My husband got the homemade tiramisu (which I nibbled on). Also very good. As other reviews have said- interior is dated however it's very clean. Service (Ben) was excellent.
(5)John B.
I am always looking for good Italian food. This place fits the bill. The entree comes with both soup and salad. I thought the minestrone was delicious. It was very flavorful and the not over cooked. The salad was a little bland, iceberg lettuce, a slice of tomato, a couple of olives, chick peas, beets,carrots and a pepper. The bread was one step away from white bread and the house wine was OK. The 4 stars came from the main course. I had veal parmesan and a side of pasta. The sauce was amazing. It made the meal. There are very few places where the base sauce is this good. My meal with a glass of house wine came to $25 and change. Well worth it. I will be back when I am in the area .
(4)Steve K.
I've eaten here several times; it's usually pretty good. Meals can take a while to come out though. It has a very loyal local following.
(4)Chelsea I.
The food is excellent. Prices are reasonable and service is great. Expect to have leftovers! Fantastic minestrone. If you like good Italian food, don't pass this place by!
(5)Molly H.
I've been going here for over 20 years. This is truly some of the best Italian food in the south hills. Really, it's one of the only good local restaurants in the south hills that's riddled with chain bombs. This is the ONLY place I will order chicken Romano. The very best. Thin pieces of chicken lightly fried in an egg batter. Meat based entrees come with soup, salad and choice of pasta or veg of day. Those are a meal without even touching the the entree. Very fair prices. Best food choices: Pork Chops Campanola style. Add hot peppers if you like the heat. Chicken Romano Linguini with clam (I prefer the white sauce.) Fried zucchini appetizer...thin, thin, thin slices! Stuffed olive appetizer Any veal dish can be subbed with chicken. I prefer the tomato sauce to the marinara. Is the decor a bit old style? Yes, but that's what I feel adds to the charm of the old style Italian food. In the south hills of Pittsburgh, this is a must go.
(4)Aaron R.
I've been here multiple times now. Its a go-to Italian spot now. A place from yesteryear.. the late 80s/ early 90s when restaurants were a luxury. Its a family affair, the food is stellar, not necessarily healthy, but just damn stellar. The atmosphere is well groomed since inception, nothing flashing, not faux-steampunk modern. Its not cookie cutter like Applebee's or Olive Garden, it is authentic. Be back soon!
(5)Stephanie K.
I've been wanting to try this restaurant for sometime. My husband, in-laws and I decided tonight was that night. We were seated promptly as it was a quarter past 5p.m on a Friday. Ordered our drinks and appetizers, shortly after put our dinner order in. Waited over an hour for our meals while tables that were sat after us had received their food before us. The hostess needs an etiquette class on how to deal with customers and the owner sat and argued with us instead of trying to make things right. No worth your money! Being Italian and knowing how we pride ourselves with our food and service this place was a joke.
(1)Jolene B.
I liked the food and service was good. Price was fair but the building is shabby and definitely needs an update. Not super kid friendly menu either....
(4)Cory R.
Nice homemade Italian food. Old dark interior. It's a friendly family place. So much better than the chain restaurants up the road.
(5)James T.
Based on Food----5 Stars , Service 3 Stars( very Yinzer )---- Atmosphere dark and gloomy....Old School Italian Restaurant.... Portions are way to large, but I won't complain considering I get 2 meals out of my one entree... Being an Italian guy from the South Hills , this is by far the best Italian food in the S. Hills
(4)Lynn H.
Love this restaurant! Authentic Italian Food, seriously NOT a bad dish on the menu! Huge portions at a very reasonable price! Their sauce is amazing!
(5)Jeff S.
I was staying in West Mifflin for two nights and was looking for a local restaurant to eat at instead of all the chains. The hotel recommended this place and gave me directions. Of course I had to check the other reviews on Yelp first so an average of 4 stars gave this a good shot of being something speclal. Walking into the place, it's one of those places where the decor has not been updated in about 40 years. You walk into the bar area first. The wallpaper is dark, there's a bar in the middle and a few booths off to the far wall. The carpeting does not match the walls. There's also a dining room back beyond the bar. I sat myself at the bar. I was instantly greeted by the bartender. I asked for a local beer. She didn't know which ones were local so I opted for Yuengling which is PA based but still not local to that area. On with the menu. Lots of Italian options here and they also had 4 specials as well. Prices were very reasonable. And your meal comes with soup, salad, and bread. The minestrone soup was delicious and contained lots of chunks of different vegetables. The salad consisted of lettuce, chick peas, beets, carrots and tomatoes all perfectly arranged on the plate. Mine came with the house vinagrette dressing which was simple yet very tasty. Reminded me of a dressing at a place in my hometown. For an entree, I ordered Chicken Frankie which was sauteed chicken breast with artichokes, olives in a lemon butter sauce. Very tasty as well but the portion was just so huge that I couldn't finish half of it. For dessert, I opted for a cannoli to go which I didn't really care for but wanted to try something other than cheesecake and tiramisu. It was worth trying anyway. Overall a great meal with great service. Like some of the other reviewers, I had the opportunity to talk with the owner. These local places are the ones who really appreciate your business so I make an effort to seek them out.
(4)Eric C.
First food post ever...I'm pretty picky when it comes to Italian food. Went for lunch one day and loved it! i sat at the bar and received prompt service. I had veal cutlets in a red sauce w/ peppers, onions and some other vegetables. The side of escarole was good also. Decor wasn't the best but doesn't matter to me as long as the food is good. The price was also right, i spent probably around $10 for meal and worth every penny and then some. My only problem is when i go back i'll probably get the same thing and will have a tough trying something else!
(4)Barry R.
I rarely give 5's and I'm not a big Italian food fan. Despite that, Ciccanti left me with no other choice. Expect delicious perfectly crafted home made Italian food with massive portions, reasonable prices, a charming, cozy restaurant and very friendly staff. All entrees include an amazing mixed salad that's big enough to be an entree by itself. The red peppers stuffed with sausage, crab stuffed mushrooms and fried zucchini with marina appetizers are particularly recommended, but my group of 4 didn't try one thing they didn't love. The biggest complaints I can come up with are the tables are a tad small and I wish it was closer to my house. Then again, I might move just to be closer. To Ciccanti I must shout, BRAVISSIMO!
(5)Barbara N.
It was okay place with okay food. It seems really run down and not the cleanest. I went once and wouldn't go back. Not bad, but not great.
(2)Dan K.
Decor was severely dated, and would've preferred a different selection of background music for my meal (maybe some Dean Martin, not Lady Gaga at an Italian restaurant). Despite the awful impression upon arrival, the food was above average in both taste and portion size. Service wasn't the greatest, but was at least polite. Wife and I agreed that, when we want a short-distance Italian meal, this now trumps the local Olive Garden because of value. Not a place to take anyone you're looking to impress, though.
(3)Charles S.
Usually have a good meal here, basic Italian dishes are well cooked, tasty sauce, etc. service is always good. Nothing really special, but good. Tonight was an off night , had the special of Shrimp and Scallop Cacciotore that had an odd taste, (maybe green olives?) but was also so salty I couldn't finish it. You know it is bad when your lips burn. Normaly I find the dishes over salted , but can tolerate it. Next time I have to remember to ask them to hold the salt.
(2)Joyce C.
Ciccanti's has been around quite awhile, but before this incarnation the Chef and owner was at Naples on Banksville Road. That business had started originally downtown and was quite the hotspot. I worked here and I know how clean the kitchen is kept. The food is always hot, delicious and made with love! If your looking for great Italian food, go to Ciccanti's you will not be disappointed and will probably never eat at Olive Garden and the rest of the chains after eating here!
(5)Kailyn W.
I ate for the first time here for my rehearsal dinner. While the food was good, (my family loved their dinners) the service was terrible. It's not a big Restaraunt, but it felt like they only had 1 person working. Aside from our party there weren't many people dinning there. Our waitress took forever refilling our drinks and we waited almost an hour for food. I know people who love the place and swear by it, but it wasn't my thing, and definitely not the greatest Italian I have had.
(3)Doug D.
Old school in every way. Very good food. Nothing exceptionally fancy, just good Italian food. 1960's decor is to the point of adding "charm"
(4)Dave R.
Still didn't have the willpower to not stuff my grill and save room for canoli's but I went back several times. Talked with the owner and found out he grew up near where my family lived...which explains my love for the style of their cooking. I crave this place now that I'm gone. Go there and get anything. You won't be disappointed.
(5)Jeffrey K.
Not exactly my favorite, but authentic italian food. Much better choice than the Olive Garden if you are looking for a night out.
(4)darren l.
An excellent value for good Italian food. This locally owned place includes soup, salad, garlic bread, and a side with all non-pasta entries and the prices are very reasonable. The offer children's portions of anything on the menu at a discounted price. I can feed by 3 tweens, me and the wife for about $65, or $75 with a hafe-carafe of house Chianti. Food is better than the Olive Garden and there is rarely a wait. The building needs a bit of work but I go there to get a good meal at a very reasonable price not for the decor.
(4)