shrimp scampi

Good pasta, pizza and more is what ‘wowed’ us at Arthur’s Restaurant.   This Italian eatery is located in a spot that has housed many restaurants,   Heck, we remember when this building  at 5900 Bigger Road was a Pizza Hut in the 70’s.   We hope it breaks the trend and becomes a mainstay.  Arthur’s came with glowing recommendations from many friends, so we knew this locally owned restaurant deserved a spot on our Food Adventure hit list.  We checked it out over and over, and we have never had a bad meal.  Maybe that is because the chef, Louie, has been cooking for 33 years.  He even spent 2 years in Italy, and 8 years in New York City honing his skills in various kitchens.   The waitress we typically have for dinner is experienced, friendly and couldn’t be more helpful.   She is a star.  The lunch staff is attentive and always has some suggestions.

So, you gotta try their food, but where to start?  How about the Calamari appetizer?  It is lightly fried and full of great seafood flavor.  Share it with a friend and you will devour it in no time like we did.  May we also suggest the Mussels in garlic wine sauce?  We are talking Italian old school here.   Another appetizer that you do not see many places in Ohio is Steamed Clams.  Catch them if they are in season!

Many of the entrees come with a salad, and the house Italian dressing is our favorite.  Then there are the rolls.  These lovehandle causing little bites are irresistible.  They are a cross between bread and a crescent roll, and are lightly dusted with butter and Parmesan cheese on top.  Try and use your willpower, but it is futile, you will ask for more rolls.  Let the battle of the bread begin.

Let’s talk pasta.  If you love  gourmet flavors and pasta dishes.  At Arthur’s, he would suggest a winning entree of Shrimp Scampi.  Large, garlic infused shrimp are perfectly sauteed and placed over linguini.  The sauce is delicate with hints of butter, lemon, Parmesan cheese, basil and oregano.  This dish is more than a few forkfulls, and may have you taking a to-go container.

The Big Ragu prefers the more traditional, tomato based or marinara sauce dishes.  He found a favorite as well.  It is the Manicotti dinner, which is simply exquisite.  The entree is filling, yet one of the lighter tasting manicotti recipes that we have experienced.  Served piping hot, these ricotta stuffed shells were baked and sauced with a light marinara.   The finishing touch is covering in the manicotti with mozzarella cheese.

Two other specialties that we enjoy at Arthur’s are their Pizza and their Stuffed Rolls.   Filling and cheesy on both counts.  From the homemade crust, to the fresh ingredients, they have these menu items down pat.  The pizzas are plentiful and they aren’t stingy on toppings.  The same goes for the magnificent and large stuffed  rolls.  These picture perfect delights were eye-opening good.

Don’t forget their sandwiches!  Arthur’s has one of the best Eggplant Parmesan Subs that we have ever eaten.  The combination of the fresh bread, sauce, eggplant and cheese is a wonderland of taste.  The sub will put a dent in your hunger, but not your wallet at $7.99.  It even comes with a side salad or potato.

Want more to “mangia” (that means eat for you non-Italians)?  There is a dessert at Arthur’s that is an absolute ‘must mangia.’  It is the homemade Tiramisu.  Sliced like a pie, the taste is exceptional.  The ladyfingers soaked in coffee liqueur matches the silky, whipped pudding foundation perfectly.   If you miss getting a piece of this, we will have to call Tony Soprano on you.

Again, we share with you another little known jewel of the Miami Valley food scene.  Locally owned with pride, Arthur’s is yet another place that keeps us “Foodies in our Forties.”   On a side note, the same people who own Arthur’s own Palermo’s Restaurant on S. Dixie Drive.  We only touched on the menu here, but other signature dishes include soups, open-faced seafood sandwiches and calzones.  Arthur’s will also cater any event at 10% off the menu pricing.

If you have not yet visited Arthur’s, swing by for a $6.99 lunch deal.  For that price you can keep coming back and trying various menu items.   The dinner prices are reasonable, especially compared to other restaurants.   Take advantage of their early bird special of buy one get one 1/2 off when you eat from 2pm-5:30pm.   The dining room is casual, yet a perfect place to take a date for a romantic dinner.  We were very impressed with what Arthur’s had to offer, and plan to come back many times.   They do not have a website or Facebook page, so you will have to check them out in person.  Take your own little private Food Adventure  to Arthur’s and give this place a try.  You just may see us in the dining room, eating like kings and practicing some off-color, Italian hand gestures !

Have you been to Arthur’s?  If so, what were your thoughts on their menu?  Please comment below and browse our photos from our Food Adventures to Arthur’s.

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