This has been a local family favorite for years. We were so happy to hear they rebuilt after the fire. Mom and I want to sneak into the kitchen to see how they make the free zucchini appetizer. Food is always fresh and good! Always get plenty of it! Dad's favorite is the cube steak. Try this family favorite!
(5)
Lee S.
We've been frequenting Ricardo's for nearly 20 years for lunch, for dinner and for special occasions and we've had a great meal every time we've been there. The value and the quality are always what we've come to expect and we have yet to find a better steak in Erie County than at Ricardo's. The newly rennovated restaurant really creates a delightful atmosphere and makes it a great place for family dining or just for a dinner for two. Kathy Merski and Pete West go out of their way to make sure that you go home happy and typically come by just to say hello and see if everything is the way you like, so you know you're not just another customer, but important to them as well. We generally prefer to dine at locally owned Erie establishments and we highly recommend Ricardo's.
(5)
Christian S.
I highly recommend Ricardo's based on value. Their pastas and sauces are freshly house-made, and their steaks are excellent. For $15.50, order the 8oz filet mignon, either the vegetable of the day or the homefries, a salad (recommend the house dressing with dry blue cheese), fried zucchini sticks and a small dish of pasta with marinara. Hard to beat. I would also recommend the manicotti - the noodles, cheese and meatballs are all incredibly fresh. This is a traditional, family-owned East side establishment that never seems to go out of style.
(4)
Todd T.
The atmosphere is dated. I felt like I was transported into a 1980s supper club, however, I've heard it has since burned and was remodeled? Ok, let's get down to the nitty gritty (I said that like Nacho from Nacho Libre'). The steak (filet) is among the best I've ever had. Wow! Tender! Delicious! Super! Wonderful! Yummy in my tummy little bunny! Seriously, it was delicious.
(5)
Tony B.
My aunt and mother have been coming here for 30+ yrs, so we had to check it out. The cube steak and Italian sandwiches were the rave then and still now. Lunch was a mega bargain at $6.50 for rigatoni and meatballs. Thus the four star rating for value. Service was fun and pleasant. The atmosphere needs major work and no sign of a window anywhere. Btw fried zucchini stole the show.
(4)
Michael P.
My friend and I were driving from Buffalo, NY to Cleveland, OH and we decided to give this place a try since it was on the way. For the price and considering the limited food options in Erie, I must commend this restaurant. The food was good (I ordered the ravioli, but my meal came with salad), the portions were large, and the service was solid. All in all, I got great value from my visit to Ricardo's. While it's unlikely that Erie is a hub of tourism, I'd recommend this place for anyone who's looking for a quality meal and is driving through Erie. I would definitely come back here if I'm ever in the area.
(4)
Doug G.
No longer live in the area but typically go here whenever back in town visiting family. Historically the meals were fab with the filet being excellent. This trip was a disappointment as our large party experienced 'negligent' service from a single waitress. Orders were incorrect and food was luke warm or cold (including my historically favorite fried zucchini). Owner in shorts did not convey the upscale dining experience I remember from years past. Probably don't need to stop here again.....
(2)
Jane D.
This is a traditional restaurant with some nice perks. Free samples of the night's pasta for one. I ordered a chicken breast and it was processed. The steak was very good, service was also excellent. It was an older crowd and lots of them. It's a popular place.
(4)
Brian K.
Great food, great service and a few hotties running around in there. You get so much chow it's awesome! Try the chicken parm best in town hands down!
(5)
Brittney A.
Everytime I go here, I order the 8oz filet mignon with the fries and salad. You automatically get a small dish of pasta with red sauce, fresh bread and butter, and a small dish of fried zucchini. All of which are simply delicious. This, hands down, is the best filet mignon I have ever had. And trust me, I've had many. It is cooked perfectly. This restaurant is a family owned, traditional place. The owner is nice and is usually always hanging out in the dining area overseeing everything. All of the waitresses are nice but when they get super busy, you can tell they get stressed easily. (Understandable) P.s. you may want to make a reservation ahead of time for the weekend or holidays, they get packed!
(5)
Rich P.
Did not have our table for a 6 pm reservation...not the first time. Had the filet. Mine was good. Wife's had to be sent back twice before they cooked it properly. The re-fired the same piece of meat each time. We were put in a back room with an 88th birthday party with 40 people. They obviously had priority. As I write this we have been here 90 minutes and my wife just got her steak. They did not offer any discount or any way of compensating for our problems. Our waitress told us that she was too busy because she had to write up separate checks for the large party because the owners are too cheap to have a system. This was not a pleasant experience.
(1)
SLydia K.
Worst restaurant I have ever been to and I am a waitress so please take my advice. The servers here are very rude and don't smile. Not helpful at all. The food is made is in large quantities and they give everyone the exact same thing. They wouldn't even let me see a menu and expected me to know what they were serving. Don't go here.
Sorry, Store hours have not been updated. If you are the owner of this restaurants. Please update the store hours.
Specialities
Takes Reservations : Yes Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No 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.
Denise L.
This has been a local family favorite for years. We were so happy to hear they rebuilt after the fire. Mom and I want to sneak into the kitchen to see how they make the free zucchini appetizer. Food is always fresh and good! Always get plenty of it! Dad's favorite is the cube steak. Try this family favorite!
(5)Lee S.
We've been frequenting Ricardo's for nearly 20 years for lunch, for dinner and for special occasions and we've had a great meal every time we've been there. The value and the quality are always what we've come to expect and we have yet to find a better steak in Erie County than at Ricardo's. The newly rennovated restaurant really creates a delightful atmosphere and makes it a great place for family dining or just for a dinner for two. Kathy Merski and Pete West go out of their way to make sure that you go home happy and typically come by just to say hello and see if everything is the way you like, so you know you're not just another customer, but important to them as well. We generally prefer to dine at locally owned Erie establishments and we highly recommend Ricardo's.
(5)Christian S.
I highly recommend Ricardo's based on value. Their pastas and sauces are freshly house-made, and their steaks are excellent. For $15.50, order the 8oz filet mignon, either the vegetable of the day or the homefries, a salad (recommend the house dressing with dry blue cheese), fried zucchini sticks and a small dish of pasta with marinara. Hard to beat. I would also recommend the manicotti - the noodles, cheese and meatballs are all incredibly fresh. This is a traditional, family-owned East side establishment that never seems to go out of style.
(4)Todd T.
The atmosphere is dated. I felt like I was transported into a 1980s supper club, however, I've heard it has since burned and was remodeled? Ok, let's get down to the nitty gritty (I said that like Nacho from Nacho Libre'). The steak (filet) is among the best I've ever had. Wow! Tender! Delicious! Super! Wonderful! Yummy in my tummy little bunny! Seriously, it was delicious.
(5)Tony B.
My aunt and mother have been coming here for 30+ yrs, so we had to check it out. The cube steak and Italian sandwiches were the rave then and still now. Lunch was a mega bargain at $6.50 for rigatoni and meatballs. Thus the four star rating for value. Service was fun and pleasant. The atmosphere needs major work and no sign of a window anywhere. Btw fried zucchini stole the show.
(4)Michael P.
My friend and I were driving from Buffalo, NY to Cleveland, OH and we decided to give this place a try since it was on the way. For the price and considering the limited food options in Erie, I must commend this restaurant. The food was good (I ordered the ravioli, but my meal came with salad), the portions were large, and the service was solid. All in all, I got great value from my visit to Ricardo's. While it's unlikely that Erie is a hub of tourism, I'd recommend this place for anyone who's looking for a quality meal and is driving through Erie. I would definitely come back here if I'm ever in the area.
(4)Doug G.
No longer live in the area but typically go here whenever back in town visiting family. Historically the meals were fab with the filet being excellent. This trip was a disappointment as our large party experienced 'negligent' service from a single waitress. Orders were incorrect and food was luke warm or cold (including my historically favorite fried zucchini). Owner in shorts did not convey the upscale dining experience I remember from years past. Probably don't need to stop here again.....
(2)Jane D.
This is a traditional restaurant with some nice perks. Free samples of the night's pasta for one. I ordered a chicken breast and it was processed. The steak was very good, service was also excellent. It was an older crowd and lots of them. It's a popular place.
(4)Brian K.
Great food, great service and a few hotties running around in there. You get so much chow it's awesome! Try the chicken parm best in town hands down!
(5)Brittney A.
Everytime I go here, I order the 8oz filet mignon with the fries and salad. You automatically get a small dish of pasta with red sauce, fresh bread and butter, and a small dish of fried zucchini. All of which are simply delicious. This, hands down, is the best filet mignon I have ever had. And trust me, I've had many. It is cooked perfectly. This restaurant is a family owned, traditional place. The owner is nice and is usually always hanging out in the dining area overseeing everything. All of the waitresses are nice but when they get super busy, you can tell they get stressed easily. (Understandable) P.s. you may want to make a reservation ahead of time for the weekend or holidays, they get packed!
(5)Rich P.
Did not have our table for a 6 pm reservation...not the first time. Had the filet. Mine was good. Wife's had to be sent back twice before they cooked it properly. The re-fired the same piece of meat each time. We were put in a back room with an 88th birthday party with 40 people. They obviously had priority. As I write this we have been here 90 minutes and my wife just got her steak. They did not offer any discount or any way of compensating for our problems. Our waitress told us that she was too busy because she had to write up separate checks for the large party because the owners are too cheap to have a system. This was not a pleasant experience.
(1)SLydia K.
Worst restaurant I have ever been to and I am a waitress so please take my advice. The servers here are very rude and don't smile. Not helpful at all. The food is made is in large quantities and they give everyone the exact same thing. They wouldn't even let me see a menu and expected me to know what they were serving. Don't go here.
(1)