Antonio’s Italian Ristorante
1105 Goshen Avenue
Elkhart, IN 46517
574-295-8424
http://www.antoniositalian.com
In all honesty, this is more of a love letter to one of my favorite restaurants in the world than a straight-on review. Paul Cataldo and his family own this place tucked near downtown Elkhart. If you’ve never been to Elkhart (and why would you?), it’s an odd place. Lots of guys who made huge money in the recreational vehicle or manufactured home business and the folks who work in those factories. The haves and the have nots, with little middle class. Toss in a road system that seemingly was created without use of a compass and well, you’ve got a strange place. I don’t know why Paul’s father Antonio landed in Elkhart, but I am certainly glad that he did.
The food is outstanding. The family hails from Calabria so there are plenty of authentic and original pasta and seafood dishes on the menu. The pizza is awesome as well. Paul Cataldo is a national champion pizza chef and has represented the USA more than once internationally as a member of the USA Pizza Team.
While the food is great and the atmosphere cool and relaxing, the best part of a trip to Antonio’s is being treated truly like family. I cannot count the number of drinks and food that Paul has given me over the years. He is a kind and generous man who cares about his customers like family. Not a cliché, it’s true.
Here’s a great story about Paul: when my wife and I were married we naturally had the rehearsal dinner at Antonio’s. We told Paul the date, time and number that would be attending. We never discussed a menu. Never had a tasting. We just showed up and ate and had a wonderful time. He’s amazing.
What I Got: Penne Pasta with Vodka Sauce and Clams, $12.95.
Clams are really difficult to prepare correctly. One second of over-cooking and they are pencil erasers, chewy and tasteless. These were perfect. Tender and sweet in a creamy tomato sauce that was light enough to let the crispness of the Vodka and bite of the crushed red pepper shine through. Just great.
Would I Buy It Again? Yes, a thousand times over. The dinner comes with a house salad that is a mix of greens and includes fresh mint. That’s a cool and tasty addition. Get the house dressing and you’ll love it. I have to say as well, Antonio’s has the best breaded mozzarella sticks in the world. Don’t be an idiot, order them.
Still not convinced, how about the price? $12.95 for a plate of Penne and Clams with Vodka Sauce that you will not be able to finish. $4.99 for a pile of Mozzarella sticks that you better be sharing. Yeah, the place is cheap too.
I love this place.
-Smokin DB
Tags: anotonio's italian ristorante, clams, Food, itallian, mozarella sticks, Pasta, penne, vodka sauce
Funny, I was just thinking about Antonio’s yesterday! Now I am really missing it.
I spend a fair amount of time in Elkhart on business (actually just got back from there last night!). I’ll add this to my itinerary for the next visit. Good places to eat are a rarity up there!
Thanks for the review!
Andrew and Deb, thanks for reading the blog! I worked in Elkhart for a short time and I can recomend two other great places:
Charlies Butcher Block and Volcano Pizza both located near CR 11 and Bristol Street. Get the Meatball sub at Volcano, AWESOME and just about anything at Charlie’s.
Thanks again.