Luigi’s Restaurant & Gourmet Express
1357 Hartford Ave, Johnston, RI, 02919
Luigi’s Restaurant & Gourmet Express Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Johnston for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Johnston for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Johnston for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
1357 Hartford Ave
Johnston, RI, 02919 - Phone (401) 861-3850
- Website https://www.luigisgourmet.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :10:00 am - 7:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch, Dinner
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Classy
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : Yes
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.
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Tess W.
I am a total fan. Only found in Rhode island. It is a cold deli... take out... pizzeria... cafeteria... sit down fancy with wait staff.... banquet... With: desserts... whole cakes... wraps... pasta... a ready meal counter with salads n calzones. They have family sized meals to go. Everyone from a weekend warrior guy covered with yard clippings to a suited up office gal will be comfortable here. Im sure there are better people who described this place better. This place has everything I like, big fancy salads, pizza, grinders.
(5)Stephanie D.
Had to give a quick update. This has always been my go to spot for homemade chicken soup since I was a kid. I remember when my grandmother was sick all she would ever ask for was Chicken Escarole soup. It's fantastic. I also always lovvvved the ziti alforno. Many people rave about it. But recently it seems since the changes at Luigis, the pasta has been absolutely horrible. I'm not sure if it's different cooks preparing it, but the pasta has been soooooooo mushy many times. It's also been extremely bland to an upsetting point ! I was craving that oooey gooey cheese pasta and got nothing of the sort. I also read a previous review about someone saying fix the pizza. He is right. Fix the pizza. It smells delicious it looks mouth watering, the crust is crispy and the slices are firm not flimsy, BUT, there's nooooooo taste ! Did someone forget the salt ? I will continue to enjoy the seasonal soups but I'm afraid to keep spending in disappointment.
(3)Patty O.
Luigis catered a funeral reception I attended and I was very impressed with the great food and service. I tried one of the three different frittatas, penne in a tomato cream sauce, meatballs and a delicious magic bar dessert. Everything tasted great and the server was so gracious and helpful.
(4)Sarah C.
Update: Went for dinner last night with the fam and it was SO good! They have a special for $40: one bottle of wine, two entrees (comes with soup or salad) and two desserts. It was awesome. I also loved that they had a whole page of healthy dinner options that had the nutrition facts. I chose one of these items, the scrod over spinach with roma tomatoes, red peppers, and capers and it was absolutely delicious.
(5)Don S.
Luigi's is decent Italian food. They offer many of the standards you'd expect in a moderately priced RI Italian restaurant. They have a fairly large menu and have a take-out restaurant attached to the main dining room. One of the decent features is they allow you to build your own pasta plate selecting from various pastas, sauces and additions. Great for kids who are particular about what they eat. If you're a person who also likes large portions, then Luigi's won't disappoint on this front either.
(3)Maximillian S.
Last night I had family in town for the first time since moving to Rhode Island. We went as a group of 5 to eat and we had a great time. It took us a moment to be seated, but we had specifically asked for a particular waiter. Drinks came out wonderful made by our waiter and his service was super top notch. If you want a really great waiter, ask for Richard. The food was generally good, no real complaints, but the marinara I got was pretty bland. Huge portions, so I'm fine with that and the bathroom was VERY clean which is something I can definitely appreciate. I had one of the best nights I've had in a while in this establishment and this would be an absolute staple if the food was a bit better. But for me, I can deal with less than stellar food for great service, good drinks and a great night with the family. Service I'd give a 5 and food I'd give a 3.
(4)Linda A.
I came in to try their pizza slices and didn't even realize how amazing this place was! It was like visiting Federal Hill without fighting traffic and finding parking. The prepared foods section covers just about any Italian food craving you've got, and the dessert case is just beautiful. The pizza was quite tasty, with a great crispy/chewy crust from their brick oven. The best part of my visit, though, was the customer service. As I was paying for my pizza, I commented to the cashier that the cookies in the display case looked amazing. We chatted about how this was my first visit and how surprised I was to have found this hidden gem. As I sat and ate my pizza, he came over with a cookie on a plate, dressed with whipped cream and chocolate sauce, and said that he's a supervisor and would like to offer me the cookie on the house. He said he hopes to see me back soon and that he appreciates my business. Now that's customer service. If I wasn't already a fan of this place upon arrival, I certainly was by the end. It's hard to find people who really care about their jobs, which says a lot about the management here. Kudos!
(4)Ryan K.
It is what it is...
(3)Ronald F.
Food is mediocre. The waitstaff always looks rushed and unhappy. I have been here more than a few times and I am not sure what people see in this place. There are much better food options in Providence and right down the street from Luigis. Try Pats. That restaurant is amazing. Luigis is not even close to being amazing. The family that owns this place act like they are the best thing to happen to YOU since, well, YOU. If you dont believe me, try talking to one of the sisters of the place. They think you are beneath them. Im glad to hear that a couple of former works are taking this place to court and suing them for unfair labor practices. From coming in a few times, I just knew. Dont support this place. Go elsewhere. Go to places that take food and there works as well as customers seriously.
(1)Marco D.
Never came here without great service and food. Please try their specials, as they are always fantastic & creative. Waitstaff always courteous and professional. You can't go wrong here.
(5)Linda G.
I recently received a gift certificate to Luigi's . So I decided to pick up some food to go .. Although I pass this restaurant numerous times in the course of a week , shame on me that I don't frequent this establishment more often! The food is very good .Creative dishes. It's very busy and thus the food is moving quickly and is fresh. Purchased quarts of chicken escarole and chicken noodle soup .. Delicious .. I tried the vegetable bomb .. Pizza shell with spinach, squash and carrots.. Different yet delicious .. Very happy I tried it and will return there soon!
(4)Joe C.
Prepared Food Yes, Pizza No This is a quick 2 part review. Luigi's has been an Italian restaurant institution for over 20 years. All of there food is above average and always fresh . They have all of your typical Italian fair in a newly renovated restaurant. Prices have slowly risen as well so your not going to your typical 12 dollar chicken parm anymore. Part 2 is new hip concept of several Italian eateries building a prepared quick food and sandwich cafe to entice people for a simpler lunch option. Luigi's does this pretty well. Good sandwiches and prepared food, but I do have one issue. The Gourmet Express is supposed specialize in Pizza and my experience was terrible. Watery mushy undercooked pizza with crappy toppings. I really still don't believe it, because I have been going to Luigi's for over a decade and have never had bad food, but this was awful. Tip: Obviously, stay away from the Pizza. However I have ordered a few items from the catering menu and all of those items were very good. Fix that Pizza Thanks
(3)Victoria D.
If you're EVER in Johnston, and you're hungry... And your sick of fast food, then here's the place to go! This is fast "good" food! Now there's a few ways to do this... They have the Express line, if you'd rather pick up your order and GO. There's also the dinning area for a romantic meal. You have a large group? Then Luigi's is the place for that too! Everything is amazing but please please please try the "Pizza Chips" they sell out quick!
(5)Allison R.
Nothing screams that I am practically a North Providence Italianite quiet like my fondness for Luigi's. Since I was a wee one, Luigi's has been a go to for special dinners. My first memory of Luigi's involves not being allowed to go with my Mimi and Papa in the limo to the restaurant and that my sister and i then continued to ruin the night by hiding under the table when another table had a clown come in for their daughter's birthday. Happy 50th, Mimi and Papa! Now its almost 22 years later (as I'm 27 and the anniversary meltdown was when I was in kindergarten) and I'm still picking Luigi's as where I want to go for my birthday, or for lunch on a Sunday with my father. It's close to us. I live in Providence and he in Johnston, they have plenty of parking so that hopefully my father doesn't hit anyone in the lot. They have all sorts of meal options available, sit down lunch to 3 course meals for the dine in portion, and large deli and to go area. The menu has your standards- all sorts of parmigiana (veal, chicken, eggplant), ample pasta options (including a pick a base and build your own), many italian seafood classics (frutti di mare, calamari, most importantly, SNAIL SALAD), and more americanized meals. As of late, I stick with menu items I cannot (or will not) make myself. The pan seared scallops with balsamic glaze is not only calorie conscious, it takes flavors one would not usually expect at an Italian place and makes it work. The bed of cauliflower puree is ingenious as is the triple sec reduction and raisins, which go swell with balsamic! The grilled chicken balsamic over roasted vegetables is another item I enjoy when I'm not looking to carb load (or get marinara all over my outfit, as my Mimi is no longer around to ensure that her grandkids are esconded in a towel as to prevent red gravy stains on our sunday outfits, please message me for a better explanation.) Today I had the balsamic tomato salmon, and it came with the most delightful blanc reduction, a tasty portion of squash in a red sauce, and mashed potatoes. Often if my father and I just need to talk or catch up, we grab sandwiches and a cold salad from the to go counter, which sells plenty of luigi's favorites for one to take home to have during the week.
(4)Todd M.
This is a hidden gem that would be right there ranked in the top 10 on the hill. Though we did the express this time it's all the same cooked in the same kitchen right? There is something for everyone here and you can't go wrong. They have soups, sandwiches, pasta,pasta salad,veggie salad,roasted veggies and chicken dinners along with a lot of other things all under one roof. The Staff is friendly and get the food out pretty face which is always good thing. It's Well lit and decorated inside and very clean and there on top of it. Next time in the area will definitely be stopping in.
(4)Robert S.
Great spread of prepared food and desserts....Mostly Italian delicacies but also Chop Suey, Santa Fe Beans and Rice, Salads, etc. The desserts look Amazing. I went for a slice of pepperoni pizza and it was nice and crispy. A bit on the salty side for me...but not bad. Lots of people getting big foil pans of prepared food.....seems like a local favorite.
(4)Vanessa C.
***for the restaurant, not the deli*** I know I am in the minority here but I am just NOT diggin on their food. I would never come here by choice, but it was a family reunion type thing so I just wanted to roll with it - maybe my memory was foggy and it would be better than I remembered years ago? nahhhh..... props for offering the gluten free chix parm on the menu for us glutards, and their antipasto chop salad is AIIIIGHT, but really, like another posted mentioned, it's just OK but not great. and come on folks, this is RI - aint nobody got time for just "OK" italian food. I think overall they are better on the deli/catering side but next time if someone suggests coming here for dinner Im just gonna pull rank and parlay the party up atwood to la rosa. TRUFAX.
(2)C S.
We've been going to Luigi's since 1990, watching it grow and thrive. We went July 15, 2015 for a 1:30pm lunch. Only to find the dining room was formally closed for lunch as of July 1st and dinner opened at 4pm. The woman maitre'd was quite curt and matter of fact about it. Guess she was tired for the same question(s) from lunch regulars. We attempted the "deli", for the very 1st time, again zero friendly or welcoming staff members. We ordered the usual $40 worth of food Calamari, Veal Parm and Linguini w/white clam for dine in. Presented with 3 covered take out containers on an oversized cafeteria tray with 2 napkins, plastic silverware. Had to go back to the counter 3 times to ask for condiments that usually accompanied the orders in the dining room. 1st was to clean a table and chairs, most crumb coated from the earlier lunch rush. Plus the portions were slightly smaller and steamed from the covers. Positive note ... No tipping! (always tipped 25% plus ...) We'll miss it, it WAS worth the drive.
(2)Ashley L.
I highly suggest they find a new person to handle the catering. My sister and I sat down to speak with someone to get an idea of pricing and look over the menu for catering for a party we were throwing. I was completely turned off before even sitting down as she reprimanded employees to clean off condiment stations in front of us. So we sit down with her and apparently she was under the impression that we were placing our order right then and there even when we explained to the person on the phone that we needed an appointment to look over the menu and our pricing options. Clearly she felt like we were wasting her time and therefore lost our business because of that. She was very rude. The absolute deal breaker was when she asked us if we were serving coffee and I explained we were all set and wouldn't need that and her response was "why because you have a working coffee pot?" Um no thanks!
(1)Andrew K.
This used to be my reliable "call ahead, ready in 10 minute, pickup to take home after work dinner" place - not any more. Customer Service on the deli/pick up side has deteriorated dramatically over the past month. Waited 45 minutes for my call in order - after I had previously called it in 15 minutes prior. Was clear to me that it had been forgotten and the droves of inexperienced and immature wait staff attempted to pretend otherwise. Appears the owners have taken their loyal customer base for granted - not a wise decision when there are newer restaurants who are paying more attention to the authenticity of cuisines and an enhanced customer experience.
(2)Paul A.
Don't waste your money- go somewhere else! The food is not authentic Italian and one of the female owners has no clue as to what constitutes good customer service. The staff did not give me what I ordered. Her response was basically that "these things happen" without an apology. She defended the staff who messed up the order. Too many people working there without mature supervision.
(1)Alex F.
When I think of Luigi's the first thing that comes to mind is always good food. It's one of my favorite places to go for lunch in Rhode Island. The gluten free penne alla vodka and chicken parmesan are my favorite things to order from the kitchen whenever I eat here. They also make some very good gluten free deserts here as well. The workers at the Gourmet Express are always so nice and attentive to their customers it can get pretty busy in there at times and I have never had to wait long to order my food and wait for it to come out.
(5)Lauren C.
Finally tried this place on a Friday night after living in Johnston for 4 years. I was pleasantly surprised! They had just imposed a new menu which was pretty extensive and almost too much to choose from. My experience with so many items on a menu has been that all items are barely mediocre , not at luigis. I had the healthy option if broccoli rabbe and chicken and my father had chicken pram, I also got a side of meatballs to try their sauce. The chicken was cooked perfect seasoned just enough and the meatballs and sauce let me know I was in a real Italian restaurant. Everything was excellent and so much I even had to take some home. So not just the food was top notch but also the service they were very attentive knowledgeable about the new menu and well spoken. I wish I hadn't waited so long to try Luigis but I definitely won't wait to go back!
(4)Lena A.
I can't even write enough. chicken escarole is the best in the state. American chop suey makes your appetite soar. chicken francaise? just finger licking good. stuffed peppers, baked potatoes, the pizza chips...honestly, just too good to be true.
(5)Jahnmary V.
Good food, great service and cozy atmosphere. The desserts are delicious, and the calamari was amazing!
(4)Craig D.
My family and I have always had the best service and quality of food. The staff is outstanding and so is the family.
(5)Sarah M.
I love Luigi's! I've never had anything here I didn't like. Their take-out selection is extensive and delicious; a great option for if you want to pick up food to enjoy at home.
(5)Melissa S.
I want to start by saying the food here is good, it is just not great. I'm not in love and when it comes to Italian food I want to be in love the entire time I am eating it. I went for lunch a week or so ago and had scallops with a balsamic sauce. The scallops were good size and cooked perfectly. I order a side of pasta and sadly their marinara sauce is bland. If you cannot do this aspect right, then really what is the point? This location could use some upkeep, it looks a little old when you walk in. The seating areas are odd as they have a deli counter area in when you walk in and then two large rooms down the hall. I did not personally find the layout inviting. The staff is very friendly and the prices are reasonable, large portions too. They have a really good catering menu and my office has worked with them often in the past for events.
(3)Brian ..
good food at a decent price.the chicken was some of the best i've had in a while.nice waiters/staff and decent service time on a sorta busy sat night.
(4)Justin M.
Stopped by the express counter to grab some sandwiches for a few people... The sandwiches were hit or miss, some were great, some not so much... Hits: The rabe sandwich with provolone was fantastic. I could have eaten 2 of them The chicken Capri sandwich was also good... Misses: The chicken salad sandwich was more like a celery salad sandwich... The chicken francese was pretty average The buffalo chicken panini was just plain odd... Not at all like any buffalo chicken sandwich I've ever had... We also got 2 sides of different pasta salads, one was fantastic and was not so they kind of balanced each other out.... Overall, I would certainly go back for the rabe sandwich but not much else...
(3)Heather L.
They have a Gluten Free pasta. It does take awhile to make so make sure you aren't in a rush. They have very good deserts. So make sure you save room for dessert
(4)Bob S.
Didn't feel like waiting an hour at Marchetti's !...walked right in and got a table at 5 o'clock on a Saturday
(4)Kris D.
A warm welcoming atmosphere and good italian food is what comes to mind when I think of Luigis. The dinning room is comfortable and the bar area is often entertaining either people watching or the T.V's. I have tried several items off the menu and all are good. I like the salad sandwiches at lunch and the array of desserts always there to tempt you. Often I take my dessert to go because I am full from the hearty portions they serve. When I have gone to Luigis for a event/function I am sometimes disappointed. The food is just not as good as when I go for dinner.
(4)Stephanie R.
Two for two Tuesday- Thursdays! It's $39.99 for a bottle of wine, two entrees, and dessert from a pretty decent selection of food. I got the gnocci al forno. It was absolutely delicious!! It's not the best Italian I've ever had, but it's good if you're not looking for something super authentic and you're looking for some place outside of Providence.
(3)Joan W.
I went here a couple years ago for a wedding shower and I remember liking it, so my boyfriend and I decided to try it out for dinner this past week. Wow! I ordered baked scrod with bread crumbs on top, which came with fresh mashed potatoes and vegetables. The fish was simply amazing. I would have to say one of the best I've had at a restaurant and I am very picky with fish. I tend to be disappointed when I order fish from most restaurants as I don't really get the taste I am hoping for. The inside of the restaurant is very fancy looking and I felt very comfortable in the booth that we were seated at. We were served bread while waiting for our meals, which didn't take too long to come out. I would say it took a little longer to come out than a chain restaurant, but that's why the food is so good! It was a little busy when we came, which was on a Saturday night, but the wait was not long at all. On the way out, they have a express counter where you can buy deserts, which I loved. I got a slice of a chocolate cake (which was $4.99) and a large chocolate chip cookie (which was $2.99). A little pricey but worth it - the taste of both of these things was to die for! I will definitely be coming here again, hands down!
(5)Ang L.
Quick review on a place I go to often for lunch. Luigi's has a large variety of Italian, American foods. Really just the typical stuff you would expect from a big Italian Bakery. They recently had some renovations done so it's very subtle and relaxing inside. The service is organized and overall very good. They're patient and try to treat you well. Luigi's is one of those places where most of what they have taste good, looks good, but nothing truly delicious. Nothing sticks out after trying much of what they have to offer. Service gets a 5 and food gets a 3.5 A good spot to get some lunch.
(4)Rachel D.
Amazing take out and catering. I always use this place for catering, and may I suggest the ziti alforno and the chicken marsala ! So yummy. I never actually ate in the restaurant area, only sat down for lunch in the deli. The food is great. I would definitely recommend anyone here for catering and take out!
(4)Alicia S.
Chicken parm, Caesar salad & sangria are among our favorites here. Bartenders are awesome! The newly expanded Express is a fantastic upgrade too!
(5)Stephen S.
What a great place...I went in with my family for my sisters 24th birthday party and was so thankful that we did!! I ordered the Saltimboca burger which was smothered in cheddar cheese and sautéed mushrooms and onions....and they present it in a very unique way but I wont spoil the surprise Ill let you find out when you go in. My parents both ordered veal and raved about it the whole ride home and the birthday girl had a beef fillet dish with grilled broccolini and roasted potatoes with a white truffle gravy that was amazing....my server was young and upbeat and knew the menu inside and out.... I cant wait to revisit this place!
(5)Saadet A.
We walked into this place for lunch. They have a deli and take out in the front and a separate room for lunch. Place has a great atmosphere and the food is delicious. I loved how they had the olive oil and balsamic vinegar on the table with the herbs and cheese so that you can make your custom dip. I ordered the chicken marsala. 8.99 for a lunch portion. I had it with garlic mashed and almond green beans. My fiance had the chicken capota (tomato sauce was so flavorful)They also offer a lighter, healthy menu which is always nice to see. Service was great and prompt. This might be my new favorite place for Italian food. Definitely recommend this place to people that enjoy good Italian food.
(5)Mark C.
We decided to do a takeout order from their catering menu for our party of 8. Make sure you order at least a few hours in advance. They were able to get me in with only 2 hours lead time. Ordered chicken parm, ziti with marinara, a garden salad and garlic bread. Person was accommodating on the phone. I had no idea how much food to order. There is a minimum of 3 lbs for most catering items. I took their recommendation and ordered 3 lbs of chicken and pasta. The pasta weight is prepared and not 3 lbs of box pasta and definitely not enough. Garlic bread order only had a few pieces which we cut to stretch it out for our party of 8. Needless to say did not have enough food and we are not huge eaters. Good thing we had dessert. The food was prepared well and tasty. Prices were very reasonable. The food did not stay warm with our 20 minute drive. I would try this place again but would make sure I order enough food next time.
(4)Neil B.
For takeout prepared meals, Luigi's can't be beat. My wife recently filled my freezer with a variety of Luigi's meals, so I could have something ready when I get home late. I exclaimed audibly with every bite of the entrees. I cannot say enough good things about how absolutely delicious all there foods are. Since I had quite a variety, that's what surprised me the most. Every pick, even those I wouldn't necessarily have chosen myself, was fantastic.
(5)J. F.
There are good restaurants and great restaurants... and this one falls in the good restaurant category. We've had our bowling league banquets over here for several years and found it to be an elegant place to have our banquets. Reasonable prices and good service by their staff. Here we get just as good quality food as you can get up on Federal Hill, but at a lesser price. Plus the food you can order to take home tastes very good. I've had an Italian dinner two or three times a week from this place in the past, and its great.
(4)Rebecca H.
Let the throngs have their Federal Hill: their Sinatra impersonators, their DePasquale Plaza, their Italian restaurants by the dozen. I hightail it out of the city and head to a tiny strip mall in Johnston, RI for some of the best veal parmesan this side of bella Italia. You've gotta love Luigi's. Luigi's is totally unassuming: a real "blink and you'll miss it" kind of place. But walk in at 7pm on a Saturday night, and you're in for a 90 minute wait to get a table. Why? Because it's the total package Italian restaurant: excellent food, giant portions, fast and friendly service, and countless regulars who bolster its success through sheer word of mouth, which is pretty powerful stuff in Rhode Island. Let's start at the very beginning: the bread basket delivered to you can and should be mixed with the fresh herbs, olive oil and parmesan cheese that is set at each table. order a bottle of Columbia Crest merlot for $25; it tastes like a wine that costs three times as much. If your appetite is hearty, order the veal parmesan with cavatelli pasta. If you're watching your waistline, order the chicken caprese dish off the Amalfi Coast menu. All the servers hit it out of the park. Our favorite waiter is Richie. He's a Luigi's mainstay and a class act, all the way. If he's working and you have the liberty to make the request (i.e., the place isn't already packed to the rafters), try to sit in his section. The prices are family-friendly. A quick look around the place shows that folks of all ages can enjoy eating here. You'll see couples, families, Little League teams, birthday parties, suburbanites - and they are all in on the same secret: you don't need to go to Atwells Avenue for authentic, quality Italian food. Before you leave, head over to the Gourmet Express takeout counter and feast your eyes on the wonders before you: calzones, salads, pastries, and other assorted delights that you can buy by weight. Do NOT leave without buying a quart of their red sauce. No more having to make homemade sauce; let Luigi's do it for you. It's how you've always wanted yours to come out, anyway, but can never quite get it to taste that good. You may never go to the Hill again.
(4)Stephen E.
Great traditional Italian food...terrific sauce..chicken parm..meatballs and a nice to go dining room. Prices are average but food is outstanding. Highly recommend.
(5)Laura B.
Gourmet express has the BEST penne alforno around. Must try!
(5)Deb A.
Have eaten here several times now and each time was most pleased with the food, selection and excellent customer service. There is truly something for everyone, (meat eaters, vegetarians, picky eaters and children). They cheerfully make any adjustments to standard menu items to accommodate taste and food sensitivities. Only two things prevent me from giving this place 5 stars. The first are the desserts. They look great (and the grape nut custard, fruit tart and chocolate torte were simply delish), but several of the cakes we tried, (lemon, chocolate and red velvet are ones we have tried), were dry and tasted store bought. The other issue, and this is a pet peeve, is the coffee is not simply not good. Each time we have ordered it, it has arrived lukewarm and weak. At the same time, the espresso and cappuccino were just right. So I can definitely recommend that you eat here if you are looking for a great, authentic Italian food but save the coffee for another time.
(4)Tom T.
Cheap buffet food. Tendons in the chicken every time. Look I get that they use sub quality food to achieve a semi low price but come on. A little more prep goes a long way. I"ll take a serving of chicken salad, hold the crusty stuff, light on the tendons.
(1)Kristi L.
I don't really get the draw to Luigi's. The food is okay at best. Service is hit or miss. The location kind of reminds me of a funeral home on the inside. And, let's not forget about the furry friend I saw scurry across the restaurant floor one afternoon (don't worry, we alerted the waitress who did not seem at all concerned). I much prefer driving a few extra minutes and paying a few extra bucks to eat on the hill.
(2)Brian N.
I love this place, The gourmet lunch takeout is my favorite! Keep up the good work Luigis! The chicken franciase is to die for!
(5)Karen V.
We visited Luigis after a long hiatus,and I have to say we aren't in a big hurry to return. The cocktail I asked for wasn't made as requested,the bread was ok and the veal was nothing to write home about. RI is veal country,by far the best in the country,and this was definitely not up to par. The dessert was meh(seemed like it just came out of the box). Sorry Luigis,don't think we will be back.
(3)Martha C.
The food here is safe, you won't have an amazing meal but you will have a safe italian meal that is quite tasty. It is our back-up safe place to go and we do always enjoy ourselves. The staff is friendly and the space is comfortable. The price, location cannot be beat and the food is good, just don't expect exceptional quality. The desserts however are amazing, we always enjoy stopping in to pick one up from the to go side. Definitely recommend.
(3)JOHN P.
I have been to luigi's a number of times and never had a problem until yesterday.We took my mother there for sunday dinner and the waitress was awfull she was to busy to take care of us ,our table was set for 3 people but we had four it took till the 3rd course for us to get another setting and when the meals came out everyone got there's but me waited 15 minutes for it to come out everyone else was done and i waited for prime rib wich was bland and half the piece was fat.We spent what seemed like a day waiting then when they wrapped everything they threw away my wifes fish oops so all in all a really bad experience from a usually steady place not sure we will be back it was that dissapointing.
(2)Amy C.
Had an event today in the private room, Luigi's was unimpressive from outside. The room was bright and clean, the staff extraordinarily friendly. We had a menu of fresh, crisp and sweet fruit salad, savory and unexpectedly tasty Frittata, delicious and fluffy waffles, tender, juicy and spot-on Chicken Marsala, and just like Nona's stuffed Italian shells! I was surprised and impressed!
(4)Laura M.
This place has great food, though mostly I've had the panini's, I have tried a few of the other menu items and was satisfied with the food. The portions are decent and the wait is relatively short. Great place to go for lunch or for dinner take-out.
(4)Eric G.
As a restaurant serving up Italian cuisine in Johnston, a town with one of the highest percentages of Italians in the United States, it goes without saying that only the best survive here; Luigi's has been here for years! While it might not prove to stand up to some of the upscale places on Federal Hill in Providence, the food here is very reasonably priced and full of Italian flavor. With hearty portions and great service, Luigi's is a solid restaurant that is good for a family outing or a charming evening in the Johnston area. Luigi's offers both table service for a sit-down meal and a gourmet express for Italian food on the go. It's ideal if you want to grab something quick for lunch; all gourmet express orders from my experience have taken approximately 5 minutes (no more than 10). As far as eating inside is concerned, the inside decor is a little dark, but still creates for a great dining atmosphere. The service is generally very good and the chefs and staff are usually willing to accommodate any changes, substitutions, or requests. Their menu boasts a wide variety of options from light, healthy dishes to heaping plates of pasta, all of which is reasonably priced. Personally I would recommend starting with the Calamari Raffi: calamari rings with a zesty balsamic glaze, hot peppers, and tomatoes. Coupled with the fresh rolls, oil, and maybe a bottle of wine, it's a great start to a meal. The chicken escarole soup is absolutely fantastic; it comes with most meals and is some of the best chicken soup I've ever had. My top choice for an entree would have to be Luigi's veal parmigiana, gnocchi, and pink vodka sauce on the gnocchi instead of the tomato sauce. It is a very generous portion size for a good price, especially considering the fact that both gnocchi and veal are often expensive at other restaurants individually. Other enticing options would be their pane insalatas, or sandwich/salad hybrids, which is a much healthier option than what was previously mentioned. For dessert, if you're still hungry, it would be hard for me not to recommend their tiramisu. Overall, Luigi's offers quality and affordable Italian dining without having to make the trip to Atwells Avenue. There's a reason that it is crowded with a 30-minute wait on some weekends and occupied by "regular" customers most other nights/ Definitely check it out if you are in the area and in the mood for some high-quality traditional Italian cuisine.
(5)Jonny W.
This place is great! I haven't eaten at the restaurant, only grabbed food from the gourmet express side. The chicken parm sandwich here on focaccia is my favorite. You really can't go wrong with anything you order it is always fresh and made from scratch. You can tell they really care about the quality of their food. Their service is also amazing. You will have someone ask to help you within 1 minute of walking through the door. Highly recommend.
(4)Jenn M.
I really enjoy going to Luigi's. I have created my own pasta and it was delicious - i honestly crave it now - and my boyfriend really like the chicken meal he had as well. They have a cool take out area that everything is fast and pretty well priced. They also have a nice bar area that is great to sit at. I would recommend this restaurant to people and would definitely take people to this establishment.
(4)Vinny G.
Had an inexpensive dinner here earlier this week (really inexpensive dinner considering dad paid!) Anyhow, the food was pretty good... and they had their "Economic Recovery" menu, which we ordered 2 items from... both were good. The decor seems a bit institutional... but the booths were comfortable, and they had the olympics on so we were happy. Dad wasn't feeling well and decided to try one of "Nona's" famous soups. The chicken escarole is out of this world... the kind of soup that makes you wish you were sick so someone would bring you a quart. I tried one of their cheapie specials, cannelloni beans, escarole and italian sausage in a tomato based sauce. I asked them to chop up the sausage and integrate it into the dish as I can't stand the look of a pair of links staring me in the face. They were happy to oblidge and the end result was really great. Wifey had a chicken ceaser salad.... big whoop. She did get the large and it was enormous.... so they've got that going for them.... which is nice. Beyond that, nothing spectatular... but a good place for a quiet night in Johnston. Huge menu, crowd pleaser, great for groups, kids, grandmas and just about anyone else.
(3)Paul M.
I would say service is a hit or miss. I'm always in there, and the people behind the counter can either be friendly or robotic like. Huge fan of the pasta eat it at least once a week. I don't go there for the people I go there for the delicious food which has never let me down. Who cares the person warming up your food is a little grumpy, I DONT ha ha ha I always take my food to go and eat in the comfort of my own home.
(4)Colin L.
I had a great experience at Luigi's. It was a nice looking place with big family tables, and something for everyone in all generations of my family. The food was honest and delicious. That roast beef was cooked to tender perfection, but everything was great. Our service was friendly and skilled, and when we had some food wrapped up to go, she actually plastic-wrapped the individual boxes. When I found the bag had fallen on it's side in the back of my car, you can't imagine how relieved I was to see that extra courtesy. It's the little things that will win me over. Well- great food, atmosphere, portions, service, fair prices and perfect for a family dinner. Luigi's is ok by me.
(5)Casey J.
Since I work in the area I am always looking for places to grab a sandwich come noon. I decided to try Luigi's simply because I hadn't tried it yet. I had a turkey club wrap. It was pretty average. I asked for light mayo and I received light mayo, bonus points because I swear some places don't know what "light" means. The guy who took my order was very friendly and polite. They had a nice little seating area so I munched and watched the traffic outside. It's good enough if you are in the area and just need a quick bite. I will probably go back every so often as long as I work around here but certainly will not be driving out of my way for it.
(3)Jessi W.
My boyfriend and I have gone here for years, and plan on going for years to come. The food has never disappointed. Service usually excellent. Lots to choose from on the menu- although sometimes this is a hinderance if you have a hard time making a choice like me. Highly recommend. Excellent take out as well. Prices may be a little high depending on what you order but good food regardless.
(4)Kim C.
Love Luigis! They have an extensive menu. The service, food, and price are outstanding. Food is exactly what they named the take out side of the restaurant, 'GOURMET" Express. I've been getting take out once a week. Loving the BBQ Chicken pizza with wheat, grilled!
(5)Anne l.
Not really impressed at all...... I don't like to say bad things about a restaurant, but Luigis is seriously poor at best. I visited the restaurant portion prior to the take-out visit. The food was just okay. I give it a 2 star instead of 1 because the stuffed mushrooms tasted decent, but the main course was horrible =( It tasted like a plate of melted butter with a side of chicken and pasta. Neither of us enjoyed the food, barely touched it. Now, for the take-out portion. We decided to give the express a try, since the price is much better and it's quick. Also, I don't like to give restaurants only one try. What a mistake! Their "signature sandwich" , the chicken parm was horrible. It tasted like it was cooked last week and then frozen. The cheese on the top of the sandwich became a huge clump after about 5 minutes because they microwaved it.... just a horrible experience =/
(2)Jen L.
We drive by this place all the time and finally tried it out. I called for take out because I didn't feel well.. I was sure the girl taking my order was going to screw it up, but everything we ordered was accounted for. I tried the Veal Luigi with salad and penne.. The veal was tender and flavorful, kind of a small portion though (3 small medallions). Honey I'm 8 1/2 months pregnant, it was gone in 5 minutes! Pasta and salad were nothing special, same as I would make at home. White truffle fries were soggy but tasted good. My husband had a chicken parm sandwich and enjoyed it. Got my son a kids combo which comes with mozzarella triangles, chicken fingers and ravioli, all of which should come with some kind of dipping sauce but we didn't get anything. I gave him some pasta and he dipped them in the sauce, mission accomplished. Dinner came with a bag of rolls, they were pretty good. I can't say we were blown away by anything, and the price was a little higher than we would usually pay for take out, but we will probably order again.
(4)Valerie Z.
Solid food to go, on the side of the restaurant. The pick-two lunch combo (soup, salad, and 1/2 sandwich) is great. You can also order dinner by the pound/quart. Soups, entrees, pasta, etc. Great for stay-in movie date night!
(4)J R.
I really hate saying bad things about restaurants, especially when i've been choking their food down for years, but now that I know what good food is like, I hope someone from there reads this. This restaurant is the epitome of "typical RI italian restaurant" i can think of about 20 restaurants off the top of my head that have the SAME exact menu... yep, you got your parmigiano, saltimbucca, sorrento, marsala, and that list keeps on going... this is not italian food, especially when executed as poorly as done here the chicken franciase... i'm sorry, do you know how to cook it? you fried a piece of chicken, which when i say fry, i mean... left the outside of the chicken rubbery, and the inside of the chicken grainy, and just plopped a dallop of jarred francaise sauce on top francaise means you should be frying the chicken, taking it out, making the "sauce" in the same pan, then sauteing the chicken in that sauce... its not very difficult to deglaze the pan with white wine for a minute then add a few ingredients same goes for the marsala and everything else on the menu instead you smother the goddamn food in some gelatinous lemon paste that solidifies like jello, and you expect people to like it? have a little dignity and pride with the dishes you serve... its 2011, you haven't changed the menu in what... over 15 years? since you've been open? the dishes look like what the venus di milo served 35 years ago at my parents wedding food has come a very very long way in the past decade or so, and considering how much my culinary views have progressed in the past 2 years, i'm surprised no one there said "hey lets change things up" and have a little more finesse in the kitchen its like calling general tso chicken "real chinese food" i drive by the restaurant at least a couple times a week and they are always busy, so this isn't a dig to anyone that likes it there, clearly they are still in business for a reason, but horrible italian food... i have serious doubts that anyone in the kitchen is actually italian, and if you are... open your eyes and make some ITALIAN food as you can tell, i just finished a piece of their chicken marsala that was in my fridge... thanks for the mouthful of tendons and cartilage from lol.. get this... chicken breast strips mmmmmm
(1)Chris R.
Average to above average Italian food depending on what you looking for. Chicken fran and calamari raffi are top notch, as is their soup
(3)Jim P.
I eat prepared food from the Express quite a bit. It is really terrific and a great value. I like the pasta fagiole and chicken escarole soup a lot and buy by the gallon. We eat it all week. I also recommend the eggplant -- either as eggplant parm or as slices of the unbelievable eggplant torte - it's like a giant eggplant pie with a nice crust. Sometimes we buy a whole torte for a special occasion - the chicken torte is awesome too. They used to have a seafood torte but I haven't seen that in a while. The chicken parm is awesome - our son devours it and it is very affordable. Our daughter loves the gnocchi and little rolls that come with it. There are many weeks when we are busy with work and school and we survive only because of a mid-week order from Luigi's. My elderly parents also love it when I show up with a bag full of meals from Luigi's. I recommend it highly.
(5)Tess W.
I am a total fan. Only found in Rhode island. It is a cold deli... take out... pizzeria... cafeteria... sit down fancy with wait staff.... banquet... With: desserts... whole cakes... wraps... pasta... a ready meal counter with salads n calzones. They have family sized meals to go. Everyone from a weekend warrior guy covered with yard clippings to a suited up office gal will be comfortable here. Im sure there are better people who described this place better. This place has everything I like, big fancy salads, pizza, grinders.
(5)Stephanie D.
Had to give a quick update. This has always been my go to spot for homemade chicken soup since I was a kid. I remember when my grandmother was sick all she would ever ask for was Chicken Escarole soup. It's fantastic. I also always lovvvved the ziti alforno. Many people rave about it. But recently it seems since the changes at Luigis, the pasta has been absolutely horrible. I'm not sure if it's different cooks preparing it, but the pasta has been soooooooo mushy many times. It's also been extremely bland to an upsetting point ! I was craving that oooey gooey cheese pasta and got nothing of the sort. I also read a previous review about someone saying fix the pizza. He is right. Fix the pizza. It smells delicious it looks mouth watering, the crust is crispy and the slices are firm not flimsy, BUT, there's nooooooo taste ! Did someone forget the salt ? I will continue to enjoy the seasonal soups but I'm afraid to keep spending in disappointment.
(3)Ronald F.
Food is mediocre. The waitstaff always looks rushed and unhappy. I have been here more than a few times and I am not sure what people see in this place. There are much better food options in Providence and right down the street from Luigis. Try Pats. That restaurant is amazing. Luigis is not even close to being amazing. The family that owns this place act like they are the best thing to happen to YOU since, well, YOU. If you dont believe me, try talking to one of the sisters of the place. They think you are beneath them. Im glad to hear that a couple of former works are taking this place to court and suing them for unfair labor practices. From coming in a few times, I just knew. Dont support this place. Go elsewhere. Go to places that take food and there works as well as customers seriously.
(1)Marco D.
Never came here without great service and food. Please try their specials, as they are always fantastic & creative. Waitstaff always courteous and professional. You can't go wrong here.
(5)Linda G.
I recently received a gift certificate to Luigi's . So I decided to pick up some food to go .. Although I pass this restaurant numerous times in the course of a week , shame on me that I don't frequent this establishment more often! The food is very good .Creative dishes. It's very busy and thus the food is moving quickly and is fresh. Purchased quarts of chicken escarole and chicken noodle soup .. Delicious .. I tried the vegetable bomb .. Pizza shell with spinach, squash and carrots.. Different yet delicious .. Very happy I tried it and will return there soon!
(4)Colin L.
I had a great experience at Luigi's. It was a nice looking place with big family tables, and something for everyone in all generations of my family. The food was honest and delicious. That roast beef was cooked to tender perfection, but everything was great. Our service was friendly and skilled, and when we had some food wrapped up to go, she actually plastic-wrapped the individual boxes. When I found the bag had fallen on it's side in the back of my car, you can't imagine how relieved I was to see that extra courtesy. It's the little things that will win me over. Well- great food, atmosphere, portions, service, fair prices and perfect for a family dinner. Luigi's is ok by me.
(5)Anne l.
Not really impressed at all...... I don't like to say bad things about a restaurant, but Luigis is seriously poor at best. I visited the restaurant portion prior to the take-out visit. The food was just okay. I give it a 2 star instead of 1 because the stuffed mushrooms tasted decent, but the main course was horrible =( It tasted like a plate of melted butter with a side of chicken and pasta. Neither of us enjoyed the food, barely touched it. Now, for the take-out portion. We decided to give the express a try, since the price is much better and it's quick. Also, I don't like to give restaurants only one try. What a mistake! Their "signature sandwich" , the chicken parm was horrible. It tasted like it was cooked last week and then frozen. The cheese on the top of the sandwich became a huge clump after about 5 minutes because they microwaved it.... just a horrible experience =/
(2)Deb A.
Have eaten here several times now and each time was most pleased with the food, selection and excellent customer service. There is truly something for everyone, (meat eaters, vegetarians, picky eaters and children). They cheerfully make any adjustments to standard menu items to accommodate taste and food sensitivities. Only two things prevent me from giving this place 5 stars. The first are the desserts. They look great (and the grape nut custard, fruit tart and chocolate torte were simply delish), but several of the cakes we tried, (lemon, chocolate and red velvet are ones we have tried), were dry and tasted store bought. The other issue, and this is a pet peeve, is the coffee is not simply not good. Each time we have ordered it, it has arrived lukewarm and weak. At the same time, the espresso and cappuccino were just right. So I can definitely recommend that you eat here if you are looking for a great, authentic Italian food but save the coffee for another time.
(4)Tom T.
Cheap buffet food. Tendons in the chicken every time. Look I get that they use sub quality food to achieve a semi low price but come on. A little more prep goes a long way. I"ll take a serving of chicken salad, hold the crusty stuff, light on the tendons.
(1)Kristi L.
I don't really get the draw to Luigi's. The food is okay at best. Service is hit or miss. The location kind of reminds me of a funeral home on the inside. And, let's not forget about the furry friend I saw scurry across the restaurant floor one afternoon (don't worry, we alerted the waitress who did not seem at all concerned). I much prefer driving a few extra minutes and paying a few extra bucks to eat on the hill.
(2)Brian N.
I love this place, The gourmet lunch takeout is my favorite! Keep up the good work Luigis! The chicken franciase is to die for!
(5)Karen V.
We visited Luigis after a long hiatus,and I have to say we aren't in a big hurry to return. The cocktail I asked for wasn't made as requested,the bread was ok and the veal was nothing to write home about. RI is veal country,by far the best in the country,and this was definitely not up to par. The dessert was meh(seemed like it just came out of the box). Sorry Luigis,don't think we will be back.
(3)Martha C.
The food here is safe, you won't have an amazing meal but you will have a safe italian meal that is quite tasty. It is our back-up safe place to go and we do always enjoy ourselves. The staff is friendly and the space is comfortable. The price, location cannot be beat and the food is good, just don't expect exceptional quality. The desserts however are amazing, we always enjoy stopping in to pick one up from the to go side. Definitely recommend.
(3)Ryan K.
It is what it is...
(3)Jen L.
We drive by this place all the time and finally tried it out. I called for take out because I didn't feel well.. I was sure the girl taking my order was going to screw it up, but everything we ordered was accounted for. I tried the Veal Luigi with salad and penne.. The veal was tender and flavorful, kind of a small portion though (3 small medallions). Honey I'm 8 1/2 months pregnant, it was gone in 5 minutes! Pasta and salad were nothing special, same as I would make at home. White truffle fries were soggy but tasted good. My husband had a chicken parm sandwich and enjoyed it. Got my son a kids combo which comes with mozzarella triangles, chicken fingers and ravioli, all of which should come with some kind of dipping sauce but we didn't get anything. I gave him some pasta and he dipped them in the sauce, mission accomplished. Dinner came with a bag of rolls, they were pretty good. I can't say we were blown away by anything, and the price was a little higher than we would usually pay for take out, but we will probably order again.
(4)Valerie Z.
Solid food to go, on the side of the restaurant. The pick-two lunch combo (soup, salad, and 1/2 sandwich) is great. You can also order dinner by the pound/quart. Soups, entrees, pasta, etc. Great for stay-in movie date night!
(4)Don S.
Luigi's is decent Italian food. They offer many of the standards you'd expect in a moderately priced RI Italian restaurant. They have a fairly large menu and have a take-out restaurant attached to the main dining room. One of the decent features is they allow you to build your own pasta plate selecting from various pastas, sauces and additions. Great for kids who are particular about what they eat. If you're a person who also likes large portions, then Luigi's won't disappoint on this front either.
(3)Laura B.
Gourmet express has the BEST penne alforno around. Must try!
(5)Sarah C.
Update: Went for dinner last night with the fam and it was SO good! They have a special for $40: one bottle of wine, two entrees (comes with soup or salad) and two desserts. It was awesome. I also loved that they had a whole page of healthy dinner options that had the nutrition facts. I chose one of these items, the scrod over spinach with roma tomatoes, red peppers, and capers and it was absolutely delicious.
(5)C S.
We've been going to Luigi's since 1990, watching it grow and thrive. We went July 15, 2015 for a 1:30pm lunch. Only to find the dining room was formally closed for lunch as of July 1st and dinner opened at 4pm. The woman maitre'd was quite curt and matter of fact about it. Guess she was tired for the same question(s) from lunch regulars. We attempted the "deli", for the very 1st time, again zero friendly or welcoming staff members. We ordered the usual $40 worth of food Calamari, Veal Parm and Linguini w/white clam for dine in. Presented with 3 covered take out containers on an oversized cafeteria tray with 2 napkins, plastic silverware. Had to go back to the counter 3 times to ask for condiments that usually accompanied the orders in the dining room. 1st was to clean a table and chairs, most crumb coated from the earlier lunch rush. Plus the portions were slightly smaller and steamed from the covers. Positive note ... No tipping! (always tipped 25% plus ...) We'll miss it, it WAS worth the drive.
(2)Ashley L.
I highly suggest they find a new person to handle the catering. My sister and I sat down to speak with someone to get an idea of pricing and look over the menu for catering for a party we were throwing. I was completely turned off before even sitting down as she reprimanded employees to clean off condiment stations in front of us. So we sit down with her and apparently she was under the impression that we were placing our order right then and there even when we explained to the person on the phone that we needed an appointment to look over the menu and our pricing options. Clearly she felt like we were wasting her time and therefore lost our business because of that. She was very rude. The absolute deal breaker was when she asked us if we were serving coffee and I explained we were all set and wouldn't need that and her response was "why because you have a working coffee pot?" Um no thanks!
(1)Joe C.
Prepared Food Yes, Pizza No This is a quick 2 part review. Luigi's has been an Italian restaurant institution for over 20 years. All of there food is above average and always fresh . They have all of your typical Italian fair in a newly renovated restaurant. Prices have slowly risen as well so your not going to your typical 12 dollar chicken parm anymore. Part 2 is new hip concept of several Italian eateries building a prepared quick food and sandwich cafe to entice people for a simpler lunch option. Luigi's does this pretty well. Good sandwiches and prepared food, but I do have one issue. The Gourmet Express is supposed specialize in Pizza and my experience was terrible. Watery mushy undercooked pizza with crappy toppings. I really still don't believe it, because I have been going to Luigi's for over a decade and have never had bad food, but this was awful. Tip: Obviously, stay away from the Pizza. However I have ordered a few items from the catering menu and all of those items were very good. Fix that Pizza Thanks
(3)Alex F.
When I think of Luigi's the first thing that comes to mind is always good food. It's one of my favorite places to go for lunch in Rhode Island. The gluten free penne alla vodka and chicken parmesan are my favorite things to order from the kitchen whenever I eat here. They also make some very good gluten free deserts here as well. The workers at the Gourmet Express are always so nice and attentive to their customers it can get pretty busy in there at times and I have never had to wait long to order my food and wait for it to come out.
(5)Victoria D.
If you're EVER in Johnston, and you're hungry... And your sick of fast food, then here's the place to go! This is fast "good" food! Now there's a few ways to do this... They have the Express line, if you'd rather pick up your order and GO. There's also the dinning area for a romantic meal. You have a large group? Then Luigi's is the place for that too! Everything is amazing but please please please try the "Pizza Chips" they sell out quick!
(5)Vanessa C.
***for the restaurant, not the deli*** I know I am in the minority here but I am just NOT diggin on their food. I would never come here by choice, but it was a family reunion type thing so I just wanted to roll with it - maybe my memory was foggy and it would be better than I remembered years ago? nahhhh..... props for offering the gluten free chix parm on the menu for us glutards, and their antipasto chop salad is AIIIIGHT, but really, like another posted mentioned, it's just OK but not great. and come on folks, this is RI - aint nobody got time for just "OK" italian food. I think overall they are better on the deli/catering side but next time if someone suggests coming here for dinner Im just gonna pull rank and parlay the party up atwood to la rosa. TRUFAX.
(2)Allison R.
Nothing screams that I am practically a North Providence Italianite quiet like my fondness for Luigi's. Since I was a wee one, Luigi's has been a go to for special dinners. My first memory of Luigi's involves not being allowed to go with my Mimi and Papa in the limo to the restaurant and that my sister and i then continued to ruin the night by hiding under the table when another table had a clown come in for their daughter's birthday. Happy 50th, Mimi and Papa! Now its almost 22 years later (as I'm 27 and the anniversary meltdown was when I was in kindergarten) and I'm still picking Luigi's as where I want to go for my birthday, or for lunch on a Sunday with my father. It's close to us. I live in Providence and he in Johnston, they have plenty of parking so that hopefully my father doesn't hit anyone in the lot. They have all sorts of meal options available, sit down lunch to 3 course meals for the dine in portion, and large deli and to go area. The menu has your standards- all sorts of parmigiana (veal, chicken, eggplant), ample pasta options (including a pick a base and build your own), many italian seafood classics (frutti di mare, calamari, most importantly, SNAIL SALAD), and more americanized meals. As of late, I stick with menu items I cannot (or will not) make myself. The pan seared scallops with balsamic glaze is not only calorie conscious, it takes flavors one would not usually expect at an Italian place and makes it work. The bed of cauliflower puree is ingenious as is the triple sec reduction and raisins, which go swell with balsamic! The grilled chicken balsamic over roasted vegetables is another item I enjoy when I'm not looking to carb load (or get marinara all over my outfit, as my Mimi is no longer around to ensure that her grandkids are esconded in a towel as to prevent red gravy stains on our sunday outfits, please message me for a better explanation.) Today I had the balsamic tomato salmon, and it came with the most delightful blanc reduction, a tasty portion of squash in a red sauce, and mashed potatoes. Often if my father and I just need to talk or catch up, we grab sandwiches and a cold salad from the to go counter, which sells plenty of luigi's favorites for one to take home to have during the week.
(4)Todd M.
This is a hidden gem that would be right there ranked in the top 10 on the hill. Though we did the express this time it's all the same cooked in the same kitchen right? There is something for everyone here and you can't go wrong. They have soups, sandwiches, pasta,pasta salad,veggie salad,roasted veggies and chicken dinners along with a lot of other things all under one roof. The Staff is friendly and get the food out pretty face which is always good thing. It's Well lit and decorated inside and very clean and there on top of it. Next time in the area will definitely be stopping in.
(4)Robert S.
Great spread of prepared food and desserts....Mostly Italian delicacies but also Chop Suey, Santa Fe Beans and Rice, Salads, etc. The desserts look Amazing. I went for a slice of pepperoni pizza and it was nice and crispy. A bit on the salty side for me...but not bad. Lots of people getting big foil pans of prepared food.....seems like a local favorite.
(4)Andrew K.
This used to be my reliable "call ahead, ready in 10 minute, pickup to take home after work dinner" place - not any more. Customer Service on the deli/pick up side has deteriorated dramatically over the past month. Waited 45 minutes for my call in order - after I had previously called it in 15 minutes prior. Was clear to me that it had been forgotten and the droves of inexperienced and immature wait staff attempted to pretend otherwise. Appears the owners have taken their loyal customer base for granted - not a wise decision when there are newer restaurants who are paying more attention to the authenticity of cuisines and an enhanced customer experience.
(2)Lauren C.
Finally tried this place on a Friday night after living in Johnston for 4 years. I was pleasantly surprised! They had just imposed a new menu which was pretty extensive and almost too much to choose from. My experience with so many items on a menu has been that all items are barely mediocre , not at luigis. I had the healthy option if broccoli rabbe and chicken and my father had chicken pram, I also got a side of meatballs to try their sauce. The chicken was cooked perfect seasoned just enough and the meatballs and sauce let me know I was in a real Italian restaurant. Everything was excellent and so much I even had to take some home. So not just the food was top notch but also the service they were very attentive knowledgeable about the new menu and well spoken. I wish I hadn't waited so long to try Luigis but I definitely won't wait to go back!
(4)Lena A.
I can't even write enough. chicken escarole is the best in the state. American chop suey makes your appetite soar. chicken francaise? just finger licking good. stuffed peppers, baked potatoes, the pizza chips...honestly, just too good to be true.
(5)Jahnmary V.
Good food, great service and cozy atmosphere. The desserts are delicious, and the calamari was amazing!
(4)Craig D.
My family and I have always had the best service and quality of food. The staff is outstanding and so is the family.
(5)Sarah M.
I love Luigi's! I've never had anything here I didn't like. Their take-out selection is extensive and delicious; a great option for if you want to pick up food to enjoy at home.
(5)Paul A.
Don't waste your money- go somewhere else! The food is not authentic Italian and one of the female owners has no clue as to what constitutes good customer service. The staff did not give me what I ordered. Her response was basically that "these things happen" without an apology. She defended the staff who messed up the order. Too many people working there without mature supervision.
(1)Patty O.
Luigis catered a funeral reception I attended and I was very impressed with the great food and service. I tried one of the three different frittatas, penne in a tomato cream sauce, meatballs and a delicious magic bar dessert. Everything tasted great and the server was so gracious and helpful.
(4)Maximillian S.
Last night I had family in town for the first time since moving to Rhode Island. We went as a group of 5 to eat and we had a great time. It took us a moment to be seated, but we had specifically asked for a particular waiter. Drinks came out wonderful made by our waiter and his service was super top notch. If you want a really great waiter, ask for Richard. The food was generally good, no real complaints, but the marinara I got was pretty bland. Huge portions, so I'm fine with that and the bathroom was VERY clean which is something I can definitely appreciate. I had one of the best nights I've had in a while in this establishment and this would be an absolute staple if the food was a bit better. But for me, I can deal with less than stellar food for great service, good drinks and a great night with the family. Service I'd give a 5 and food I'd give a 3.
(4)Linda A.
I came in to try their pizza slices and didn't even realize how amazing this place was! It was like visiting Federal Hill without fighting traffic and finding parking. The prepared foods section covers just about any Italian food craving you've got, and the dessert case is just beautiful. The pizza was quite tasty, with a great crispy/chewy crust from their brick oven. The best part of my visit, though, was the customer service. As I was paying for my pizza, I commented to the cashier that the cookies in the display case looked amazing. We chatted about how this was my first visit and how surprised I was to have found this hidden gem. As I sat and ate my pizza, he came over with a cookie on a plate, dressed with whipped cream and chocolate sauce, and said that he's a supervisor and would like to offer me the cookie on the house. He said he hopes to see me back soon and that he appreciates my business. Now that's customer service. If I wasn't already a fan of this place upon arrival, I certainly was by the end. It's hard to find people who really care about their jobs, which says a lot about the management here. Kudos!
(4)Melissa S.
I want to start by saying the food here is good, it is just not great. I'm not in love and when it comes to Italian food I want to be in love the entire time I am eating it. I went for lunch a week or so ago and had scallops with a balsamic sauce. The scallops were good size and cooked perfectly. I order a side of pasta and sadly their marinara sauce is bland. If you cannot do this aspect right, then really what is the point? This location could use some upkeep, it looks a little old when you walk in. The seating areas are odd as they have a deli counter area in when you walk in and then two large rooms down the hall. I did not personally find the layout inviting. The staff is very friendly and the prices are reasonable, large portions too. They have a really good catering menu and my office has worked with them often in the past for events.
(3)Brian ..
good food at a decent price.the chicken was some of the best i've had in a while.nice waiters/staff and decent service time on a sorta busy sat night.
(4)Justin M.
Stopped by the express counter to grab some sandwiches for a few people... The sandwiches were hit or miss, some were great, some not so much... Hits: The rabe sandwich with provolone was fantastic. I could have eaten 2 of them The chicken Capri sandwich was also good... Misses: The chicken salad sandwich was more like a celery salad sandwich... The chicken francese was pretty average The buffalo chicken panini was just plain odd... Not at all like any buffalo chicken sandwich I've ever had... We also got 2 sides of different pasta salads, one was fantastic and was not so they kind of balanced each other out.... Overall, I would certainly go back for the rabe sandwich but not much else...
(3)Heather L.
They have a Gluten Free pasta. It does take awhile to make so make sure you aren't in a rush. They have very good deserts. So make sure you save room for dessert
(4)Bob S.
Didn't feel like waiting an hour at Marchetti's !...walked right in and got a table at 5 o'clock on a Saturday
(4)Kris D.
A warm welcoming atmosphere and good italian food is what comes to mind when I think of Luigis. The dinning room is comfortable and the bar area is often entertaining either people watching or the T.V's. I have tried several items off the menu and all are good. I like the salad sandwiches at lunch and the array of desserts always there to tempt you. Often I take my dessert to go because I am full from the hearty portions they serve. When I have gone to Luigis for a event/function I am sometimes disappointed. The food is just not as good as when I go for dinner.
(4)Stephanie R.
Two for two Tuesday- Thursdays! It's $39.99 for a bottle of wine, two entrees, and dessert from a pretty decent selection of food. I got the gnocci al forno. It was absolutely delicious!! It's not the best Italian I've ever had, but it's good if you're not looking for something super authentic and you're looking for some place outside of Providence.
(3)Joan W.
I went here a couple years ago for a wedding shower and I remember liking it, so my boyfriend and I decided to try it out for dinner this past week. Wow! I ordered baked scrod with bread crumbs on top, which came with fresh mashed potatoes and vegetables. The fish was simply amazing. I would have to say one of the best I've had at a restaurant and I am very picky with fish. I tend to be disappointed when I order fish from most restaurants as I don't really get the taste I am hoping for. The inside of the restaurant is very fancy looking and I felt very comfortable in the booth that we were seated at. We were served bread while waiting for our meals, which didn't take too long to come out. I would say it took a little longer to come out than a chain restaurant, but that's why the food is so good! It was a little busy when we came, which was on a Saturday night, but the wait was not long at all. On the way out, they have a express counter where you can buy deserts, which I loved. I got a slice of a chocolate cake (which was $4.99) and a large chocolate chip cookie (which was $2.99). A little pricey but worth it - the taste of both of these things was to die for! I will definitely be coming here again, hands down!
(5)Ang L.
Quick review on a place I go to often for lunch. Luigi's has a large variety of Italian, American foods. Really just the typical stuff you would expect from a big Italian Bakery. They recently had some renovations done so it's very subtle and relaxing inside. The service is organized and overall very good. They're patient and try to treat you well. Luigi's is one of those places where most of what they have taste good, looks good, but nothing truly delicious. Nothing sticks out after trying much of what they have to offer. Service gets a 5 and food gets a 3.5 A good spot to get some lunch.
(4)Rachel D.
Amazing take out and catering. I always use this place for catering, and may I suggest the ziti alforno and the chicken marsala ! So yummy. I never actually ate in the restaurant area, only sat down for lunch in the deli. The food is great. I would definitely recommend anyone here for catering and take out!
(4)Alicia S.
Chicken parm, Caesar salad & sangria are among our favorites here. Bartenders are awesome! The newly expanded Express is a fantastic upgrade too!
(5)Stephen S.
What a great place...I went in with my family for my sisters 24th birthday party and was so thankful that we did!! I ordered the Saltimboca burger which was smothered in cheddar cheese and sautéed mushrooms and onions....and they present it in a very unique way but I wont spoil the surprise Ill let you find out when you go in. My parents both ordered veal and raved about it the whole ride home and the birthday girl had a beef fillet dish with grilled broccolini and roasted potatoes with a white truffle gravy that was amazing....my server was young and upbeat and knew the menu inside and out.... I cant wait to revisit this place!
(5)Saadet A.
We walked into this place for lunch. They have a deli and take out in the front and a separate room for lunch. Place has a great atmosphere and the food is delicious. I loved how they had the olive oil and balsamic vinegar on the table with the herbs and cheese so that you can make your custom dip. I ordered the chicken marsala. 8.99 for a lunch portion. I had it with garlic mashed and almond green beans. My fiance had the chicken capota (tomato sauce was so flavorful)They also offer a lighter, healthy menu which is always nice to see. Service was great and prompt. This might be my new favorite place for Italian food. Definitely recommend this place to people that enjoy good Italian food.
(5)Amy C.
Had an event today in the private room, Luigi's was unimpressive from outside. The room was bright and clean, the staff extraordinarily friendly. We had a menu of fresh, crisp and sweet fruit salad, savory and unexpectedly tasty Frittata, delicious and fluffy waffles, tender, juicy and spot-on Chicken Marsala, and just like Nona's stuffed Italian shells! I was surprised and impressed!
(4)Stephen E.
Great traditional Italian food...terrific sauce..chicken parm..meatballs and a nice to go dining room. Prices are average but food is outstanding. Highly recommend.
(5)Mark C.
We decided to do a takeout order from their catering menu for our party of 8. Make sure you order at least a few hours in advance. They were able to get me in with only 2 hours lead time. Ordered chicken parm, ziti with marinara, a garden salad and garlic bread. Person was accommodating on the phone. I had no idea how much food to order. There is a minimum of 3 lbs for most catering items. I took their recommendation and ordered 3 lbs of chicken and pasta. The pasta weight is prepared and not 3 lbs of box pasta and definitely not enough. Garlic bread order only had a few pieces which we cut to stretch it out for our party of 8. Needless to say did not have enough food and we are not huge eaters. Good thing we had dessert. The food was prepared well and tasty. Prices were very reasonable. The food did not stay warm with our 20 minute drive. I would try this place again but would make sure I order enough food next time.
(4)Neil B.
For takeout prepared meals, Luigi's can't be beat. My wife recently filled my freezer with a variety of Luigi's meals, so I could have something ready when I get home late. I exclaimed audibly with every bite of the entrees. I cannot say enough good things about how absolutely delicious all there foods are. Since I had quite a variety, that's what surprised me the most. Every pick, even those I wouldn't necessarily have chosen myself, was fantastic.
(5)Rebecca H.
Let the throngs have their Federal Hill: their Sinatra impersonators, their DePasquale Plaza, their Italian restaurants by the dozen. I hightail it out of the city and head to a tiny strip mall in Johnston, RI for some of the best veal parmesan this side of bella Italia. You've gotta love Luigi's. Luigi's is totally unassuming: a real "blink and you'll miss it" kind of place. But walk in at 7pm on a Saturday night, and you're in for a 90 minute wait to get a table. Why? Because it's the total package Italian restaurant: excellent food, giant portions, fast and friendly service, and countless regulars who bolster its success through sheer word of mouth, which is pretty powerful stuff in Rhode Island. Let's start at the very beginning: the bread basket delivered to you can and should be mixed with the fresh herbs, olive oil and parmesan cheese that is set at each table. order a bottle of Columbia Crest merlot for $25; it tastes like a wine that costs three times as much. If your appetite is hearty, order the veal parmesan with cavatelli pasta. If you're watching your waistline, order the chicken caprese dish off the Amalfi Coast menu. All the servers hit it out of the park. Our favorite waiter is Richie. He's a Luigi's mainstay and a class act, all the way. If he's working and you have the liberty to make the request (i.e., the place isn't already packed to the rafters), try to sit in his section. The prices are family-friendly. A quick look around the place shows that folks of all ages can enjoy eating here. You'll see couples, families, Little League teams, birthday parties, suburbanites - and they are all in on the same secret: you don't need to go to Atwells Avenue for authentic, quality Italian food. Before you leave, head over to the Gourmet Express takeout counter and feast your eyes on the wonders before you: calzones, salads, pastries, and other assorted delights that you can buy by weight. Do NOT leave without buying a quart of their red sauce. No more having to make homemade sauce; let Luigi's do it for you. It's how you've always wanted yours to come out, anyway, but can never quite get it to taste that good. You may never go to the Hill again.
(4)Laura M.
This place has great food, though mostly I've had the panini's, I have tried a few of the other menu items and was satisfied with the food. The portions are decent and the wait is relatively short. Great place to go for lunch or for dinner take-out.
(4)J. F.
There are good restaurants and great restaurants... and this one falls in the good restaurant category. We've had our bowling league banquets over here for several years and found it to be an elegant place to have our banquets. Reasonable prices and good service by their staff. Here we get just as good quality food as you can get up on Federal Hill, but at a lesser price. Plus the food you can order to take home tastes very good. I've had an Italian dinner two or three times a week from this place in the past, and its great.
(4)JOHN P.
I have been to luigi's a number of times and never had a problem until yesterday.We took my mother there for sunday dinner and the waitress was awfull she was to busy to take care of us ,our table was set for 3 people but we had four it took till the 3rd course for us to get another setting and when the meals came out everyone got there's but me waited 15 minutes for it to come out everyone else was done and i waited for prime rib wich was bland and half the piece was fat.We spent what seemed like a day waiting then when they wrapped everything they threw away my wifes fish oops so all in all a really bad experience from a usually steady place not sure we will be back it was that dissapointing.
(2)Casey J.
Since I work in the area I am always looking for places to grab a sandwich come noon. I decided to try Luigi's simply because I hadn't tried it yet. I had a turkey club wrap. It was pretty average. I asked for light mayo and I received light mayo, bonus points because I swear some places don't know what "light" means. The guy who took my order was very friendly and polite. They had a nice little seating area so I munched and watched the traffic outside. It's good enough if you are in the area and just need a quick bite. I will probably go back every so often as long as I work around here but certainly will not be driving out of my way for it.
(3)Jessi W.
My boyfriend and I have gone here for years, and plan on going for years to come. The food has never disappointed. Service usually excellent. Lots to choose from on the menu- although sometimes this is a hinderance if you have a hard time making a choice like me. Highly recommend. Excellent take out as well. Prices may be a little high depending on what you order but good food regardless.
(4)Kim C.
Love Luigis! They have an extensive menu. The service, food, and price are outstanding. Food is exactly what they named the take out side of the restaurant, 'GOURMET" Express. I've been getting take out once a week. Loving the BBQ Chicken pizza with wheat, grilled!
(5)Eric G.
As a restaurant serving up Italian cuisine in Johnston, a town with one of the highest percentages of Italians in the United States, it goes without saying that only the best survive here; Luigi's has been here for years! While it might not prove to stand up to some of the upscale places on Federal Hill in Providence, the food here is very reasonably priced and full of Italian flavor. With hearty portions and great service, Luigi's is a solid restaurant that is good for a family outing or a charming evening in the Johnston area. Luigi's offers both table service for a sit-down meal and a gourmet express for Italian food on the go. It's ideal if you want to grab something quick for lunch; all gourmet express orders from my experience have taken approximately 5 minutes (no more than 10). As far as eating inside is concerned, the inside decor is a little dark, but still creates for a great dining atmosphere. The service is generally very good and the chefs and staff are usually willing to accommodate any changes, substitutions, or requests. Their menu boasts a wide variety of options from light, healthy dishes to heaping plates of pasta, all of which is reasonably priced. Personally I would recommend starting with the Calamari Raffi: calamari rings with a zesty balsamic glaze, hot peppers, and tomatoes. Coupled with the fresh rolls, oil, and maybe a bottle of wine, it's a great start to a meal. The chicken escarole soup is absolutely fantastic; it comes with most meals and is some of the best chicken soup I've ever had. My top choice for an entree would have to be Luigi's veal parmigiana, gnocchi, and pink vodka sauce on the gnocchi instead of the tomato sauce. It is a very generous portion size for a good price, especially considering the fact that both gnocchi and veal are often expensive at other restaurants individually. Other enticing options would be their pane insalatas, or sandwich/salad hybrids, which is a much healthier option than what was previously mentioned. For dessert, if you're still hungry, it would be hard for me not to recommend their tiramisu. Overall, Luigi's offers quality and affordable Italian dining without having to make the trip to Atwells Avenue. There's a reason that it is crowded with a 30-minute wait on some weekends and occupied by "regular" customers most other nights/ Definitely check it out if you are in the area and in the mood for some high-quality traditional Italian cuisine.
(5)Jonny W.
This place is great! I haven't eaten at the restaurant, only grabbed food from the gourmet express side. The chicken parm sandwich here on focaccia is my favorite. You really can't go wrong with anything you order it is always fresh and made from scratch. You can tell they really care about the quality of their food. Their service is also amazing. You will have someone ask to help you within 1 minute of walking through the door. Highly recommend.
(4)Vinny G.
Had an inexpensive dinner here earlier this week (really inexpensive dinner considering dad paid!) Anyhow, the food was pretty good... and they had their "Economic Recovery" menu, which we ordered 2 items from... both were good. The decor seems a bit institutional... but the booths were comfortable, and they had the olympics on so we were happy. Dad wasn't feeling well and decided to try one of "Nona's" famous soups. The chicken escarole is out of this world... the kind of soup that makes you wish you were sick so someone would bring you a quart. I tried one of their cheapie specials, cannelloni beans, escarole and italian sausage in a tomato based sauce. I asked them to chop up the sausage and integrate it into the dish as I can't stand the look of a pair of links staring me in the face. They were happy to oblidge and the end result was really great. Wifey had a chicken ceaser salad.... big whoop. She did get the large and it was enormous.... so they've got that going for them.... which is nice. Beyond that, nothing spectatular... but a good place for a quiet night in Johnston. Huge menu, crowd pleaser, great for groups, kids, grandmas and just about anyone else.
(3)Paul M.
I would say service is a hit or miss. I'm always in there, and the people behind the counter can either be friendly or robotic like. Huge fan of the pasta eat it at least once a week. I don't go there for the people I go there for the delicious food which has never let me down. Who cares the person warming up your food is a little grumpy, I DONT ha ha ha I always take my food to go and eat in the comfort of my own home.
(4)Chris R.
Average to above average Italian food depending on what you looking for. Chicken fran and calamari raffi are top notch, as is their soup
(3)Jim P.
I eat prepared food from the Express quite a bit. It is really terrific and a great value. I like the pasta fagiole and chicken escarole soup a lot and buy by the gallon. We eat it all week. I also recommend the eggplant -- either as eggplant parm or as slices of the unbelievable eggplant torte - it's like a giant eggplant pie with a nice crust. Sometimes we buy a whole torte for a special occasion - the chicken torte is awesome too. They used to have a seafood torte but I haven't seen that in a while. The chicken parm is awesome - our son devours it and it is very affordable. Our daughter loves the gnocchi and little rolls that come with it. There are many weeks when we are busy with work and school and we survive only because of a mid-week order from Luigi's. My elderly parents also love it when I show up with a bag full of meals from Luigi's. I recommend it highly.
(5)Jenn M.
I really enjoy going to Luigi's. I have created my own pasta and it was delicious - i honestly crave it now - and my boyfriend really like the chicken meal he had as well. They have a cool take out area that everything is fast and pretty well priced. They also have a nice bar area that is great to sit at. I would recommend this restaurant to people and would definitely take people to this establishment.
(4)J R.
I really hate saying bad things about restaurants, especially when i've been choking their food down for years, but now that I know what good food is like, I hope someone from there reads this. This restaurant is the epitome of "typical RI italian restaurant" i can think of about 20 restaurants off the top of my head that have the SAME exact menu... yep, you got your parmigiano, saltimbucca, sorrento, marsala, and that list keeps on going... this is not italian food, especially when executed as poorly as done here the chicken franciase... i'm sorry, do you know how to cook it? you fried a piece of chicken, which when i say fry, i mean... left the outside of the chicken rubbery, and the inside of the chicken grainy, and just plopped a dallop of jarred francaise sauce on top francaise means you should be frying the chicken, taking it out, making the "sauce" in the same pan, then sauteing the chicken in that sauce... its not very difficult to deglaze the pan with white wine for a minute then add a few ingredients same goes for the marsala and everything else on the menu instead you smother the goddamn food in some gelatinous lemon paste that solidifies like jello, and you expect people to like it? have a little dignity and pride with the dishes you serve... its 2011, you haven't changed the menu in what... over 15 years? since you've been open? the dishes look like what the venus di milo served 35 years ago at my parents wedding food has come a very very long way in the past decade or so, and considering how much my culinary views have progressed in the past 2 years, i'm surprised no one there said "hey lets change things up" and have a little more finesse in the kitchen its like calling general tso chicken "real chinese food" i drive by the restaurant at least a couple times a week and they are always busy, so this isn't a dig to anyone that likes it there, clearly they are still in business for a reason, but horrible italian food... i have serious doubts that anyone in the kitchen is actually italian, and if you are... open your eyes and make some ITALIAN food as you can tell, i just finished a piece of their chicken marsala that was in my fridge... thanks for the mouthful of tendons and cartilage from lol.. get this... chicken breast strips mmmmmm
(1)Kris D.
A warm welcoming atmosphere and good italian food is what comes to mind when I think of Luigis. The dinning room is comfortable and the bar area is often entertaining either people watching or the T.V's. I have tried several items off the menu and all are good. I like the salad sandwiches at lunch and the array of desserts always there to tempt you. Often I take my dessert to go because I am full from the hearty portions they serve. When I have gone to Luigis for a event/function I am sometimes disappointed. The food is just not as good as when I go for dinner.
(4)Stephanie R.
Two for two Tuesday- Thursdays! It's $39.99 for a bottle of wine, two entrees, and dessert from a pretty decent selection of food. I got the gnocci al forno. It was absolutely delicious!! It's not the best Italian I've ever had, but it's good if you're not looking for something super authentic and you're looking for some place outside of Providence.
(3)Joan W.
I went here a couple years ago for a wedding shower and I remember liking it, so my boyfriend and I decided to try it out for dinner this past week. Wow! I ordered baked scrod with bread crumbs on top, which came with fresh mashed potatoes and vegetables. The fish was simply amazing. I would have to say one of the best I've had at a restaurant and I am very picky with fish. I tend to be disappointed when I order fish from most restaurants as I don't really get the taste I am hoping for. The inside of the restaurant is very fancy looking and I felt very comfortable in the booth that we were seated at. We were served bread while waiting for our meals, which didn't take too long to come out. I would say it took a little longer to come out than a chain restaurant, but that's why the food is so good! It was a little busy when we came, which was on a Saturday night, but the wait was not long at all. On the way out, they have a express counter where you can buy deserts, which I loved. I got a slice of a chocolate cake (which was $4.99) and a large chocolate chip cookie (which was $2.99). A little pricey but worth it - the taste of both of these things was to die for! I will definitely be coming here again, hands down!
(5)Ang L.
Quick review on a place I go to often for lunch. Luigi's has a large variety of Italian, American foods. Really just the typical stuff you would expect from a big Italian Bakery. They recently had some renovations done so it's very subtle and relaxing inside. The service is organized and overall very good. They're patient and try to treat you well. Luigi's is one of those places where most of what they have taste good, looks good, but nothing truly delicious. Nothing sticks out after trying much of what they have to offer. Service gets a 5 and food gets a 3.5 A good spot to get some lunch.
(4)Rachel D.
Amazing take out and catering. I always use this place for catering, and may I suggest the ziti alforno and the chicken marsala ! So yummy. I never actually ate in the restaurant area, only sat down for lunch in the deli. The food is great. I would definitely recommend anyone here for catering and take out!
(4)Victoria D.
If you're EVER in Johnston, and you're hungry... And your sick of fast food, then here's the place to go! This is fast "good" food! Now there's a few ways to do this... They have the Express line, if you'd rather pick up your order and GO. There's also the dinning area for a romantic meal. You have a large group? Then Luigi's is the place for that too! Everything is amazing but please please please try the "Pizza Chips" they sell out quick!
(5)Laura B.
Gourmet express has the BEST penne alforno around. Must try!
(5)Tess W.
I am a total fan. Only found in Rhode island. It is a cold deli... take out... pizzeria... cafeteria... sit down fancy with wait staff.... banquet... With: desserts... whole cakes... wraps... pasta... a ready meal counter with salads n calzones. They have family sized meals to go. Everyone from a weekend warrior guy covered with yard clippings to a suited up office gal will be comfortable here. Im sure there are better people who described this place better. This place has everything I like, big fancy salads, pizza, grinders.
(5)Stephanie D.
Had to give a quick update. This has always been my go to spot for homemade chicken soup since I was a kid. I remember when my grandmother was sick all she would ever ask for was Chicken Escarole soup. It's fantastic. I also always lovvvved the ziti alforno. Many people rave about it. But recently it seems since the changes at Luigis, the pasta has been absolutely horrible. I'm not sure if it's different cooks preparing it, but the pasta has been soooooooo mushy many times. It's also been extremely bland to an upsetting point ! I was craving that oooey gooey cheese pasta and got nothing of the sort. I also read a previous review about someone saying fix the pizza. He is right. Fix the pizza. It smells delicious it looks mouth watering, the crust is crispy and the slices are firm not flimsy, BUT, there's nooooooo taste ! Did someone forget the salt ? I will continue to enjoy the seasonal soups but I'm afraid to keep spending in disappointment.
(3)Ronald F.
Food is mediocre. The waitstaff always looks rushed and unhappy. I have been here more than a few times and I am not sure what people see in this place. There are much better food options in Providence and right down the street from Luigis. Try Pats. That restaurant is amazing. Luigis is not even close to being amazing. The family that owns this place act like they are the best thing to happen to YOU since, well, YOU. If you dont believe me, try talking to one of the sisters of the place. They think you are beneath them. Im glad to hear that a couple of former works are taking this place to court and suing them for unfair labor practices. From coming in a few times, I just knew. Dont support this place. Go elsewhere. Go to places that take food and there works as well as customers seriously.
(1)Marco D.
Never came here without great service and food. Please try their specials, as they are always fantastic & creative. Waitstaff always courteous and professional. You can't go wrong here.
(5)Linda G.
I recently received a gift certificate to Luigi's . So I decided to pick up some food to go .. Although I pass this restaurant numerous times in the course of a week , shame on me that I don't frequent this establishment more often! The food is very good .Creative dishes. It's very busy and thus the food is moving quickly and is fresh. Purchased quarts of chicken escarole and chicken noodle soup .. Delicious .. I tried the vegetable bomb .. Pizza shell with spinach, squash and carrots.. Different yet delicious .. Very happy I tried it and will return there soon!
(4)Joe C.
Prepared Food Yes, Pizza No This is a quick 2 part review. Luigi's has been an Italian restaurant institution for over 20 years. All of there food is above average and always fresh . They have all of your typical Italian fair in a newly renovated restaurant. Prices have slowly risen as well so your not going to your typical 12 dollar chicken parm anymore. Part 2 is new hip concept of several Italian eateries building a prepared quick food and sandwich cafe to entice people for a simpler lunch option. Luigi's does this pretty well. Good sandwiches and prepared food, but I do have one issue. The Gourmet Express is supposed specialize in Pizza and my experience was terrible. Watery mushy undercooked pizza with crappy toppings. I really still don't believe it, because I have been going to Luigi's for over a decade and have never had bad food, but this was awful. Tip: Obviously, stay away from the Pizza. However I have ordered a few items from the catering menu and all of those items were very good. Fix that Pizza Thanks
(3)Alex F.
When I think of Luigi's the first thing that comes to mind is always good food. It's one of my favorite places to go for lunch in Rhode Island. The gluten free penne alla vodka and chicken parmesan are my favorite things to order from the kitchen whenever I eat here. They also make some very good gluten free deserts here as well. The workers at the Gourmet Express are always so nice and attentive to their customers it can get pretty busy in there at times and I have never had to wait long to order my food and wait for it to come out.
(5)Don S.
Luigi's is decent Italian food. They offer many of the standards you'd expect in a moderately priced RI Italian restaurant. They have a fairly large menu and have a take-out restaurant attached to the main dining room. One of the decent features is they allow you to build your own pasta plate selecting from various pastas, sauces and additions. Great for kids who are particular about what they eat. If you're a person who also likes large portions, then Luigi's won't disappoint on this front either.
(3)Allison R.
Nothing screams that I am practically a North Providence Italianite quiet like my fondness for Luigi's. Since I was a wee one, Luigi's has been a go to for special dinners. My first memory of Luigi's involves not being allowed to go with my Mimi and Papa in the limo to the restaurant and that my sister and i then continued to ruin the night by hiding under the table when another table had a clown come in for their daughter's birthday. Happy 50th, Mimi and Papa! Now its almost 22 years later (as I'm 27 and the anniversary meltdown was when I was in kindergarten) and I'm still picking Luigi's as where I want to go for my birthday, or for lunch on a Sunday with my father. It's close to us. I live in Providence and he in Johnston, they have plenty of parking so that hopefully my father doesn't hit anyone in the lot. They have all sorts of meal options available, sit down lunch to 3 course meals for the dine in portion, and large deli and to go area. The menu has your standards- all sorts of parmigiana (veal, chicken, eggplant), ample pasta options (including a pick a base and build your own), many italian seafood classics (frutti di mare, calamari, most importantly, SNAIL SALAD), and more americanized meals. As of late, I stick with menu items I cannot (or will not) make myself. The pan seared scallops with balsamic glaze is not only calorie conscious, it takes flavors one would not usually expect at an Italian place and makes it work. The bed of cauliflower puree is ingenious as is the triple sec reduction and raisins, which go swell with balsamic! The grilled chicken balsamic over roasted vegetables is another item I enjoy when I'm not looking to carb load (or get marinara all over my outfit, as my Mimi is no longer around to ensure that her grandkids are esconded in a towel as to prevent red gravy stains on our sunday outfits, please message me for a better explanation.) Today I had the balsamic tomato salmon, and it came with the most delightful blanc reduction, a tasty portion of squash in a red sauce, and mashed potatoes. Often if my father and I just need to talk or catch up, we grab sandwiches and a cold salad from the to go counter, which sells plenty of luigi's favorites for one to take home to have during the week.
(4)Todd M.
This is a hidden gem that would be right there ranked in the top 10 on the hill. Though we did the express this time it's all the same cooked in the same kitchen right? There is something for everyone here and you can't go wrong. They have soups, sandwiches, pasta,pasta salad,veggie salad,roasted veggies and chicken dinners along with a lot of other things all under one roof. The Staff is friendly and get the food out pretty face which is always good thing. It's Well lit and decorated inside and very clean and there on top of it. Next time in the area will definitely be stopping in.
(4)Robert S.
Great spread of prepared food and desserts....Mostly Italian delicacies but also Chop Suey, Santa Fe Beans and Rice, Salads, etc. The desserts look Amazing. I went for a slice of pepperoni pizza and it was nice and crispy. A bit on the salty side for me...but not bad. Lots of people getting big foil pans of prepared food.....seems like a local favorite.
(4)Vanessa C.
***for the restaurant, not the deli*** I know I am in the minority here but I am just NOT diggin on their food. I would never come here by choice, but it was a family reunion type thing so I just wanted to roll with it - maybe my memory was foggy and it would be better than I remembered years ago? nahhhh..... props for offering the gluten free chix parm on the menu for us glutards, and their antipasto chop salad is AIIIIGHT, but really, like another posted mentioned, it's just OK but not great. and come on folks, this is RI - aint nobody got time for just "OK" italian food. I think overall they are better on the deli/catering side but next time if someone suggests coming here for dinner Im just gonna pull rank and parlay the party up atwood to la rosa. TRUFAX.
(2)C S.
We've been going to Luigi's since 1990, watching it grow and thrive. We went July 15, 2015 for a 1:30pm lunch. Only to find the dining room was formally closed for lunch as of July 1st and dinner opened at 4pm. The woman maitre'd was quite curt and matter of fact about it. Guess she was tired for the same question(s) from lunch regulars. We attempted the "deli", for the very 1st time, again zero friendly or welcoming staff members. We ordered the usual $40 worth of food Calamari, Veal Parm and Linguini w/white clam for dine in. Presented with 3 covered take out containers on an oversized cafeteria tray with 2 napkins, plastic silverware. Had to go back to the counter 3 times to ask for condiments that usually accompanied the orders in the dining room. 1st was to clean a table and chairs, most crumb coated from the earlier lunch rush. Plus the portions were slightly smaller and steamed from the covers. Positive note ... No tipping! (always tipped 25% plus ...) We'll miss it, it WAS worth the drive.
(2)Ashley L.
I highly suggest they find a new person to handle the catering. My sister and I sat down to speak with someone to get an idea of pricing and look over the menu for catering for a party we were throwing. I was completely turned off before even sitting down as she reprimanded employees to clean off condiment stations in front of us. So we sit down with her and apparently she was under the impression that we were placing our order right then and there even when we explained to the person on the phone that we needed an appointment to look over the menu and our pricing options. Clearly she felt like we were wasting her time and therefore lost our business because of that. She was very rude. The absolute deal breaker was when she asked us if we were serving coffee and I explained we were all set and wouldn't need that and her response was "why because you have a working coffee pot?" Um no thanks!
(1)Andrew K.
This used to be my reliable "call ahead, ready in 10 minute, pickup to take home after work dinner" place - not any more. Customer Service on the deli/pick up side has deteriorated dramatically over the past month. Waited 45 minutes for my call in order - after I had previously called it in 15 minutes prior. Was clear to me that it had been forgotten and the droves of inexperienced and immature wait staff attempted to pretend otherwise. Appears the owners have taken their loyal customer base for granted - not a wise decision when there are newer restaurants who are paying more attention to the authenticity of cuisines and an enhanced customer experience.
(2)Lauren C.
Finally tried this place on a Friday night after living in Johnston for 4 years. I was pleasantly surprised! They had just imposed a new menu which was pretty extensive and almost too much to choose from. My experience with so many items on a menu has been that all items are barely mediocre , not at luigis. I had the healthy option if broccoli rabbe and chicken and my father had chicken pram, I also got a side of meatballs to try their sauce. The chicken was cooked perfect seasoned just enough and the meatballs and sauce let me know I was in a real Italian restaurant. Everything was excellent and so much I even had to take some home. So not just the food was top notch but also the service they were very attentive knowledgeable about the new menu and well spoken. I wish I hadn't waited so long to try Luigis but I definitely won't wait to go back!
(4)Lena A.
I can't even write enough. chicken escarole is the best in the state. American chop suey makes your appetite soar. chicken francaise? just finger licking good. stuffed peppers, baked potatoes, the pizza chips...honestly, just too good to be true.
(5)Jahnmary V.
Good food, great service and cozy atmosphere. The desserts are delicious, and the calamari was amazing!
(4)Craig D.
My family and I have always had the best service and quality of food. The staff is outstanding and so is the family.
(5)Sarah M.
I love Luigi's! I've never had anything here I didn't like. Their take-out selection is extensive and delicious; a great option for if you want to pick up food to enjoy at home.
(5)Paul A.
Don't waste your money- go somewhere else! The food is not authentic Italian and one of the female owners has no clue as to what constitutes good customer service. The staff did not give me what I ordered. Her response was basically that "these things happen" without an apology. She defended the staff who messed up the order. Too many people working there without mature supervision.
(1)Patty O.
Luigis catered a funeral reception I attended and I was very impressed with the great food and service. I tried one of the three different frittatas, penne in a tomato cream sauce, meatballs and a delicious magic bar dessert. Everything tasted great and the server was so gracious and helpful.
(4)Sarah C.
Update: Went for dinner last night with the fam and it was SO good! They have a special for $40: one bottle of wine, two entrees (comes with soup or salad) and two desserts. It was awesome. I also loved that they had a whole page of healthy dinner options that had the nutrition facts. I chose one of these items, the scrod over spinach with roma tomatoes, red peppers, and capers and it was absolutely delicious.
(5)Maximillian S.
Last night I had family in town for the first time since moving to Rhode Island. We went as a group of 5 to eat and we had a great time. It took us a moment to be seated, but we had specifically asked for a particular waiter. Drinks came out wonderful made by our waiter and his service was super top notch. If you want a really great waiter, ask for Richard. The food was generally good, no real complaints, but the marinara I got was pretty bland. Huge portions, so I'm fine with that and the bathroom was VERY clean which is something I can definitely appreciate. I had one of the best nights I've had in a while in this establishment and this would be an absolute staple if the food was a bit better. But for me, I can deal with less than stellar food for great service, good drinks and a great night with the family. Service I'd give a 5 and food I'd give a 3.
(4)Linda A.
I came in to try their pizza slices and didn't even realize how amazing this place was! It was like visiting Federal Hill without fighting traffic and finding parking. The prepared foods section covers just about any Italian food craving you've got, and the dessert case is just beautiful. The pizza was quite tasty, with a great crispy/chewy crust from their brick oven. The best part of my visit, though, was the customer service. As I was paying for my pizza, I commented to the cashier that the cookies in the display case looked amazing. We chatted about how this was my first visit and how surprised I was to have found this hidden gem. As I sat and ate my pizza, he came over with a cookie on a plate, dressed with whipped cream and chocolate sauce, and said that he's a supervisor and would like to offer me the cookie on the house. He said he hopes to see me back soon and that he appreciates my business. Now that's customer service. If I wasn't already a fan of this place upon arrival, I certainly was by the end. It's hard to find people who really care about their jobs, which says a lot about the management here. Kudos!
(4)Melissa S.
I want to start by saying the food here is good, it is just not great. I'm not in love and when it comes to Italian food I want to be in love the entire time I am eating it. I went for lunch a week or so ago and had scallops with a balsamic sauce. The scallops were good size and cooked perfectly. I order a side of pasta and sadly their marinara sauce is bland. If you cannot do this aspect right, then really what is the point? This location could use some upkeep, it looks a little old when you walk in. The seating areas are odd as they have a deli counter area in when you walk in and then two large rooms down the hall. I did not personally find the layout inviting. The staff is very friendly and the prices are reasonable, large portions too. They have a really good catering menu and my office has worked with them often in the past for events.
(3)Brian ..
good food at a decent price.the chicken was some of the best i've had in a while.nice waiters/staff and decent service time on a sorta busy sat night.
(4)Justin M.
Stopped by the express counter to grab some sandwiches for a few people... The sandwiches were hit or miss, some were great, some not so much... Hits: The rabe sandwich with provolone was fantastic. I could have eaten 2 of them The chicken Capri sandwich was also good... Misses: The chicken salad sandwich was more like a celery salad sandwich... The chicken francese was pretty average The buffalo chicken panini was just plain odd... Not at all like any buffalo chicken sandwich I've ever had... We also got 2 sides of different pasta salads, one was fantastic and was not so they kind of balanced each other out.... Overall, I would certainly go back for the rabe sandwich but not much else...
(3)Heather L.
They have a Gluten Free pasta. It does take awhile to make so make sure you aren't in a rush. They have very good deserts. So make sure you save room for dessert
(4)Bob S.
Didn't feel like waiting an hour at Marchetti's !...walked right in and got a table at 5 o'clock on a Saturday
(4)Neil B.
For takeout prepared meals, Luigi's can't be beat. My wife recently filled my freezer with a variety of Luigi's meals, so I could have something ready when I get home late. I exclaimed audibly with every bite of the entrees. I cannot say enough good things about how absolutely delicious all there foods are. Since I had quite a variety, that's what surprised me the most. Every pick, even those I wouldn't necessarily have chosen myself, was fantastic.
(5)Alicia S.
Chicken parm, Caesar salad & sangria are among our favorites here. Bartenders are awesome! The newly expanded Express is a fantastic upgrade too!
(5)Stephen S.
What a great place...I went in with my family for my sisters 24th birthday party and was so thankful that we did!! I ordered the Saltimboca burger which was smothered in cheddar cheese and sautéed mushrooms and onions....and they present it in a very unique way but I wont spoil the surprise Ill let you find out when you go in. My parents both ordered veal and raved about it the whole ride home and the birthday girl had a beef fillet dish with grilled broccolini and roasted potatoes with a white truffle gravy that was amazing....my server was young and upbeat and knew the menu inside and out.... I cant wait to revisit this place!
(5)Saadet A.
We walked into this place for lunch. They have a deli and take out in the front and a separate room for lunch. Place has a great atmosphere and the food is delicious. I loved how they had the olive oil and balsamic vinegar on the table with the herbs and cheese so that you can make your custom dip. I ordered the chicken marsala. 8.99 for a lunch portion. I had it with garlic mashed and almond green beans. My fiance had the chicken capota (tomato sauce was so flavorful)They also offer a lighter, healthy menu which is always nice to see. Service was great and prompt. This might be my new favorite place for Italian food. Definitely recommend this place to people that enjoy good Italian food.
(5)Amy C.
Had an event today in the private room, Luigi's was unimpressive from outside. The room was bright and clean, the staff extraordinarily friendly. We had a menu of fresh, crisp and sweet fruit salad, savory and unexpectedly tasty Frittata, delicious and fluffy waffles, tender, juicy and spot-on Chicken Marsala, and just like Nona's stuffed Italian shells! I was surprised and impressed!
(4)Stephen E.
Great traditional Italian food...terrific sauce..chicken parm..meatballs and a nice to go dining room. Prices are average but food is outstanding. Highly recommend.
(5)Mark C.
We decided to do a takeout order from their catering menu for our party of 8. Make sure you order at least a few hours in advance. They were able to get me in with only 2 hours lead time. Ordered chicken parm, ziti with marinara, a garden salad and garlic bread. Person was accommodating on the phone. I had no idea how much food to order. There is a minimum of 3 lbs for most catering items. I took their recommendation and ordered 3 lbs of chicken and pasta. The pasta weight is prepared and not 3 lbs of box pasta and definitely not enough. Garlic bread order only had a few pieces which we cut to stretch it out for our party of 8. Needless to say did not have enough food and we are not huge eaters. Good thing we had dessert. The food was prepared well and tasty. Prices were very reasonable. The food did not stay warm with our 20 minute drive. I would try this place again but would make sure I order enough food next time.
(4)Kristi L.
I don't really get the draw to Luigi's. The food is okay at best. Service is hit or miss. The location kind of reminds me of a funeral home on the inside. And, let's not forget about the furry friend I saw scurry across the restaurant floor one afternoon (don't worry, we alerted the waitress who did not seem at all concerned). I much prefer driving a few extra minutes and paying a few extra bucks to eat on the hill.
(2)Brian N.
I love this place, The gourmet lunch takeout is my favorite! Keep up the good work Luigis! The chicken franciase is to die for!
(5)Rebecca H.
Let the throngs have their Federal Hill: their Sinatra impersonators, their DePasquale Plaza, their Italian restaurants by the dozen. I hightail it out of the city and head to a tiny strip mall in Johnston, RI for some of the best veal parmesan this side of bella Italia. You've gotta love Luigi's. Luigi's is totally unassuming: a real "blink and you'll miss it" kind of place. But walk in at 7pm on a Saturday night, and you're in for a 90 minute wait to get a table. Why? Because it's the total package Italian restaurant: excellent food, giant portions, fast and friendly service, and countless regulars who bolster its success through sheer word of mouth, which is pretty powerful stuff in Rhode Island. Let's start at the very beginning: the bread basket delivered to you can and should be mixed with the fresh herbs, olive oil and parmesan cheese that is set at each table. order a bottle of Columbia Crest merlot for $25; it tastes like a wine that costs three times as much. If your appetite is hearty, order the veal parmesan with cavatelli pasta. If you're watching your waistline, order the chicken caprese dish off the Amalfi Coast menu. All the servers hit it out of the park. Our favorite waiter is Richie. He's a Luigi's mainstay and a class act, all the way. If he's working and you have the liberty to make the request (i.e., the place isn't already packed to the rafters), try to sit in his section. The prices are family-friendly. A quick look around the place shows that folks of all ages can enjoy eating here. You'll see couples, families, Little League teams, birthday parties, suburbanites - and they are all in on the same secret: you don't need to go to Atwells Avenue for authentic, quality Italian food. Before you leave, head over to the Gourmet Express takeout counter and feast your eyes on the wonders before you: calzones, salads, pastries, and other assorted delights that you can buy by weight. Do NOT leave without buying a quart of their red sauce. No more having to make homemade sauce; let Luigi's do it for you. It's how you've always wanted yours to come out, anyway, but can never quite get it to taste that good. You may never go to the Hill again.
(4)Deb A.
Have eaten here several times now and each time was most pleased with the food, selection and excellent customer service. There is truly something for everyone, (meat eaters, vegetarians, picky eaters and children). They cheerfully make any adjustments to standard menu items to accommodate taste and food sensitivities. Only two things prevent me from giving this place 5 stars. The first are the desserts. They look great (and the grape nut custard, fruit tart and chocolate torte were simply delish), but several of the cakes we tried, (lemon, chocolate and red velvet are ones we have tried), were dry and tasted store bought. The other issue, and this is a pet peeve, is the coffee is not simply not good. Each time we have ordered it, it has arrived lukewarm and weak. At the same time, the espresso and cappuccino were just right. So I can definitely recommend that you eat here if you are looking for a great, authentic Italian food but save the coffee for another time.
(4)Tom T.
Cheap buffet food. Tendons in the chicken every time. Look I get that they use sub quality food to achieve a semi low price but come on. A little more prep goes a long way. I"ll take a serving of chicken salad, hold the crusty stuff, light on the tendons.
(1)Karen V.
We visited Luigis after a long hiatus,and I have to say we aren't in a big hurry to return. The cocktail I asked for wasn't made as requested,the bread was ok and the veal was nothing to write home about. RI is veal country,by far the best in the country,and this was definitely not up to par. The dessert was meh(seemed like it just came out of the box). Sorry Luigis,don't think we will be back.
(3)Martha C.
The food here is safe, you won't have an amazing meal but you will have a safe italian meal that is quite tasty. It is our back-up safe place to go and we do always enjoy ourselves. The staff is friendly and the space is comfortable. The price, location cannot be beat and the food is good, just don't expect exceptional quality. The desserts however are amazing, we always enjoy stopping in to pick one up from the to go side. Definitely recommend.
(3)Ryan K.
It is what it is...
(3)Laura M.
This place has great food, though mostly I've had the panini's, I have tried a few of the other menu items and was satisfied with the food. The portions are decent and the wait is relatively short. Great place to go for lunch or for dinner take-out.
(4)J. F.
There are good restaurants and great restaurants... and this one falls in the good restaurant category. We've had our bowling league banquets over here for several years and found it to be an elegant place to have our banquets. Reasonable prices and good service by their staff. Here we get just as good quality food as you can get up on Federal Hill, but at a lesser price. Plus the food you can order to take home tastes very good. I've had an Italian dinner two or three times a week from this place in the past, and its great.
(4)JOHN P.
I have been to luigi's a number of times and never had a problem until yesterday.We took my mother there for sunday dinner and the waitress was awfull she was to busy to take care of us ,our table was set for 3 people but we had four it took till the 3rd course for us to get another setting and when the meals came out everyone got there's but me waited 15 minutes for it to come out everyone else was done and i waited for prime rib wich was bland and half the piece was fat.We spent what seemed like a day waiting then when they wrapped everything they threw away my wifes fish oops so all in all a really bad experience from a usually steady place not sure we will be back it was that dissapointing.
(2)Casey J.
Since I work in the area I am always looking for places to grab a sandwich come noon. I decided to try Luigi's simply because I hadn't tried it yet. I had a turkey club wrap. It was pretty average. I asked for light mayo and I received light mayo, bonus points because I swear some places don't know what "light" means. The guy who took my order was very friendly and polite. They had a nice little seating area so I munched and watched the traffic outside. It's good enough if you are in the area and just need a quick bite. I will probably go back every so often as long as I work around here but certainly will not be driving out of my way for it.
(3)Jessi W.
My boyfriend and I have gone here for years, and plan on going for years to come. The food has never disappointed. Service usually excellent. Lots to choose from on the menu- although sometimes this is a hinderance if you have a hard time making a choice like me. Highly recommend. Excellent take out as well. Prices may be a little high depending on what you order but good food regardless.
(4)Kim C.
Love Luigis! They have an extensive menu. The service, food, and price are outstanding. Food is exactly what they named the take out side of the restaurant, 'GOURMET" Express. I've been getting take out once a week. Loving the BBQ Chicken pizza with wheat, grilled!
(5)Eric G.
As a restaurant serving up Italian cuisine in Johnston, a town with one of the highest percentages of Italians in the United States, it goes without saying that only the best survive here; Luigi's has been here for years! While it might not prove to stand up to some of the upscale places on Federal Hill in Providence, the food here is very reasonably priced and full of Italian flavor. With hearty portions and great service, Luigi's is a solid restaurant that is good for a family outing or a charming evening in the Johnston area. Luigi's offers both table service for a sit-down meal and a gourmet express for Italian food on the go. It's ideal if you want to grab something quick for lunch; all gourmet express orders from my experience have taken approximately 5 minutes (no more than 10). As far as eating inside is concerned, the inside decor is a little dark, but still creates for a great dining atmosphere. The service is generally very good and the chefs and staff are usually willing to accommodate any changes, substitutions, or requests. Their menu boasts a wide variety of options from light, healthy dishes to heaping plates of pasta, all of which is reasonably priced. Personally I would recommend starting with the Calamari Raffi: calamari rings with a zesty balsamic glaze, hot peppers, and tomatoes. Coupled with the fresh rolls, oil, and maybe a bottle of wine, it's a great start to a meal. The chicken escarole soup is absolutely fantastic; it comes with most meals and is some of the best chicken soup I've ever had. My top choice for an entree would have to be Luigi's veal parmigiana, gnocchi, and pink vodka sauce on the gnocchi instead of the tomato sauce. It is a very generous portion size for a good price, especially considering the fact that both gnocchi and veal are often expensive at other restaurants individually. Other enticing options would be their pane insalatas, or sandwich/salad hybrids, which is a much healthier option than what was previously mentioned. For dessert, if you're still hungry, it would be hard for me not to recommend their tiramisu. Overall, Luigi's offers quality and affordable Italian dining without having to make the trip to Atwells Avenue. There's a reason that it is crowded with a 30-minute wait on some weekends and occupied by "regular" customers most other nights/ Definitely check it out if you are in the area and in the mood for some high-quality traditional Italian cuisine.
(5)Jonny W.
This place is great! I haven't eaten at the restaurant, only grabbed food from the gourmet express side. The chicken parm sandwich here on focaccia is my favorite. You really can't go wrong with anything you order it is always fresh and made from scratch. You can tell they really care about the quality of their food. Their service is also amazing. You will have someone ask to help you within 1 minute of walking through the door. Highly recommend.
(4)Colin L.
I had a great experience at Luigi's. It was a nice looking place with big family tables, and something for everyone in all generations of my family. The food was honest and delicious. That roast beef was cooked to tender perfection, but everything was great. Our service was friendly and skilled, and when we had some food wrapped up to go, she actually plastic-wrapped the individual boxes. When I found the bag had fallen on it's side in the back of my car, you can't imagine how relieved I was to see that extra courtesy. It's the little things that will win me over. Well- great food, atmosphere, portions, service, fair prices and perfect for a family dinner. Luigi's is ok by me.
(5)Anne l.
Not really impressed at all...... I don't like to say bad things about a restaurant, but Luigis is seriously poor at best. I visited the restaurant portion prior to the take-out visit. The food was just okay. I give it a 2 star instead of 1 because the stuffed mushrooms tasted decent, but the main course was horrible =( It tasted like a plate of melted butter with a side of chicken and pasta. Neither of us enjoyed the food, barely touched it. Now, for the take-out portion. We decided to give the express a try, since the price is much better and it's quick. Also, I don't like to give restaurants only one try. What a mistake! Their "signature sandwich" , the chicken parm was horrible. It tasted like it was cooked last week and then frozen. The cheese on the top of the sandwich became a huge clump after about 5 minutes because they microwaved it.... just a horrible experience =/
(2)Vinny G.
Had an inexpensive dinner here earlier this week (really inexpensive dinner considering dad paid!) Anyhow, the food was pretty good... and they had their "Economic Recovery" menu, which we ordered 2 items from... both were good. The decor seems a bit institutional... but the booths were comfortable, and they had the olympics on so we were happy. Dad wasn't feeling well and decided to try one of "Nona's" famous soups. The chicken escarole is out of this world... the kind of soup that makes you wish you were sick so someone would bring you a quart. I tried one of their cheapie specials, cannelloni beans, escarole and italian sausage in a tomato based sauce. I asked them to chop up the sausage and integrate it into the dish as I can't stand the look of a pair of links staring me in the face. They were happy to oblidge and the end result was really great. Wifey had a chicken ceaser salad.... big whoop. She did get the large and it was enormous.... so they've got that going for them.... which is nice. Beyond that, nothing spectatular... but a good place for a quiet night in Johnston. Huge menu, crowd pleaser, great for groups, kids, grandmas and just about anyone else.
(3)Paul M.
I would say service is a hit or miss. I'm always in there, and the people behind the counter can either be friendly or robotic like. Huge fan of the pasta eat it at least once a week. I don't go there for the people I go there for the delicious food which has never let me down. Who cares the person warming up your food is a little grumpy, I DONT ha ha ha I always take my food to go and eat in the comfort of my own home.
(4)Chris R.
Average to above average Italian food depending on what you looking for. Chicken fran and calamari raffi are top notch, as is their soup
(3)Jen L.
We drive by this place all the time and finally tried it out. I called for take out because I didn't feel well.. I was sure the girl taking my order was going to screw it up, but everything we ordered was accounted for. I tried the Veal Luigi with salad and penne.. The veal was tender and flavorful, kind of a small portion though (3 small medallions). Honey I'm 8 1/2 months pregnant, it was gone in 5 minutes! Pasta and salad were nothing special, same as I would make at home. White truffle fries were soggy but tasted good. My husband had a chicken parm sandwich and enjoyed it. Got my son a kids combo which comes with mozzarella triangles, chicken fingers and ravioli, all of which should come with some kind of dipping sauce but we didn't get anything. I gave him some pasta and he dipped them in the sauce, mission accomplished. Dinner came with a bag of rolls, they were pretty good. I can't say we were blown away by anything, and the price was a little higher than we would usually pay for take out, but we will probably order again.
(4)Valerie Z.
Solid food to go, on the side of the restaurant. The pick-two lunch combo (soup, salad, and 1/2 sandwich) is great. You can also order dinner by the pound/quart. Soups, entrees, pasta, etc. Great for stay-in movie date night!
(4)J R.
I really hate saying bad things about restaurants, especially when i've been choking their food down for years, but now that I know what good food is like, I hope someone from there reads this. This restaurant is the epitome of "typical RI italian restaurant" i can think of about 20 restaurants off the top of my head that have the SAME exact menu... yep, you got your parmigiano, saltimbucca, sorrento, marsala, and that list keeps on going... this is not italian food, especially when executed as poorly as done here the chicken franciase... i'm sorry, do you know how to cook it? you fried a piece of chicken, which when i say fry, i mean... left the outside of the chicken rubbery, and the inside of the chicken grainy, and just plopped a dallop of jarred francaise sauce on top francaise means you should be frying the chicken, taking it out, making the "sauce" in the same pan, then sauteing the chicken in that sauce... its not very difficult to deglaze the pan with white wine for a minute then add a few ingredients same goes for the marsala and everything else on the menu instead you smother the goddamn food in some gelatinous lemon paste that solidifies like jello, and you expect people to like it? have a little dignity and pride with the dishes you serve... its 2011, you haven't changed the menu in what... over 15 years? since you've been open? the dishes look like what the venus di milo served 35 years ago at my parents wedding food has come a very very long way in the past decade or so, and considering how much my culinary views have progressed in the past 2 years, i'm surprised no one there said "hey lets change things up" and have a little more finesse in the kitchen its like calling general tso chicken "real chinese food" i drive by the restaurant at least a couple times a week and they are always busy, so this isn't a dig to anyone that likes it there, clearly they are still in business for a reason, but horrible italian food... i have serious doubts that anyone in the kitchen is actually italian, and if you are... open your eyes and make some ITALIAN food as you can tell, i just finished a piece of their chicken marsala that was in my fridge... thanks for the mouthful of tendons and cartilage from lol.. get this... chicken breast strips mmmmmm
(1)Jim P.
I eat prepared food from the Express quite a bit. It is really terrific and a great value. I like the pasta fagiole and chicken escarole soup a lot and buy by the gallon. We eat it all week. I also recommend the eggplant -- either as eggplant parm or as slices of the unbelievable eggplant torte - it's like a giant eggplant pie with a nice crust. Sometimes we buy a whole torte for a special occasion - the chicken torte is awesome too. They used to have a seafood torte but I haven't seen that in a while. The chicken parm is awesome - our son devours it and it is very affordable. Our daughter loves the gnocchi and little rolls that come with it. There are many weeks when we are busy with work and school and we survive only because of a mid-week order from Luigi's. My elderly parents also love it when I show up with a bag full of meals from Luigi's. I recommend it highly.
(5)Jenn M.
I really enjoy going to Luigi's. I have created my own pasta and it was delicious - i honestly crave it now - and my boyfriend really like the chicken meal he had as well. They have a cool take out area that everything is fast and pretty well priced. They also have a nice bar area that is great to sit at. I would recommend this restaurant to people and would definitely take people to this establishment.
(4)