Luigi’s is an institution in Old Saybrook. The DiBella family has been serving great food and pizza for 50 years. I received a gift certificate for Christmas, and Valentine’s Day seemed like the perfect time to put it to good use. Luigi’s is located on Route 1 only a short drive from Water’s Edge. We arrived early, shortly after 5pm, and received a table at the window. There are also booths as well as dining in the bar area.In celebration of Valentine’s Day, there was a special menu that featured, among other things, a Luigi’s Bellini. I have never heard of a bellini, but who could resist the combination of champagne and peachtree schnapps. Wow, I think I have found my new favorite drink. It’s an inspired combination; the champagne adds that something special to the schnapps.
I chose the Italian flag pizza for my entree. It is a white pizza with mozzarella, ricotta, fresh basil, and sliced fresh tomato. Being me, I added pineapple and asked for a thin crust. Al chose the prime rib special and opted to have fresh broccoli instead of the baked potato. While we were waiting, a basket of warm bread was delivered and eaten with great relish. Al’s special came with a house salad, which included greens, chickpeas, yellow squash, cucumber, tomato, and onions.
My pizza arrived first, and it was a beauty, with a very thin golden crust and plenty of good fresh toppings. I managed to eat about half and took the rest back to our place to have for breakfast. Everyone knows that cold pizza is the real breakfast of champions.
Al was very impressed by his prime rib. Not only was it perfectly cooked, but it was huge. This was not for the faint of heart. It must have weighted at least a pound. Not to imply that it was bigger than THE Al could handle; he made short work of it.
We didn’t have any room left for dessert, but if we had, there was a fantastic-sounding chocolate creme brulee with fresh strawberries, Mike’s cheesecake, mini cannolis, and, my usual favorite, the toasted almond ice cream.
The menu here is varied, combining all the usual Italian favorites, like veal parmigiana and homemade ravioli, with what you always find in a shoreline town, fresh seafood. On my last visit, I made a meal of the antipasto, and certainly their grinders (okay, subs) are worth giving a try. As I looked around the dining room, I saw one of the owners, Michael, visiting with an elderly couple reminiscing about visiting Luigi’s when they first moved to Saybrook over 40 years ago. They recognized the booths as having been moved from Luigi’s original location. Other tables held families and even a few young lovers. This is a place where everyone can find something to please them. I know I always do.