11/21/08

I would move to Phoenix just to eat here!

by dede916

My friend and I went to Italy and were dying for some authentic italian food when we got back to the states. A couple months later my friend called me up and told me she had found the perfect place for us. The next time I came out from California to visit we went to Marcellnino's and I was sold! So much so that we went back again the next night! Now every time I come to visit we ALWAYS have to eat Marcellino's. The customer service is outstanding, the homemade pastas are out of this world and Sima and Marcellino are the perfect hosts. I feel at home every time I come to eat. Not sure what some refer to as small portions because I have been full every time. Try the Osso Bucco with Risotto...so good that I could cry and meat so tender that I never even had to pick up my knife! Marcellino's Ragus are outstanding as well! If you love authentic Italian food then you will love Marcellinos!

• Pros: The Food! The Wine! Sima and Marcellino!
• Cons: I wish there was one here in Sacramento!

11/16/08

Gastronomic perfection

by Docmarks99

My wife and I are professionals who live in NYC and have travelled extensively throughout Europe; mostly Italy. We dine out in NY an average of 3 nights a week. We travel to Phx often and have an absolute favorite restaurant there. Marcellino Ristorante. Chef Marcellino's cuisine is brilliant and creative. You can't infuse such delicacies like saffron into your hand made fresh pasta and compare that to an american bowl of spaghetti and meat-balls! His pasta portions from my judgement is around 80 grams. The same served in Italy as your "primo" course after the antipasto and before the entree. His plate service is oversized to achieve presentation. Obviously there are people who do not understand that dining is an art. The American restaurant's version of quantity not quality has misinformed the public greatly of what cuisine really is as well as destroyed the beauty of food. I wish there were 100 Chefs like Marcellino in the world.

• Pros: Appreciation for authenticity of cusine
• Cons: stay home if you want chicken parm

11/08/08

Mediocrity and attiude reign supreme at this overrated Italian restaurant

by jefftim

Born and raised with authentic italian food in NYC, I know quality, value, and when I am getting ripped off...This is one of the most pretentious, over-priced restaurants in the valley......Can you imagine a miniscule bowl of pasta for $20? Another member of our party ordered the same dish and we thought they misunderstood that we had split an order! It looked like a half portion, at best. The bread was stale and even if it were fresh, it was not good quality. The salad ortolano was a tasteless wonder. Ironically, there were other pastas offered at$32, $36 and even a $42 pasta with 1/2 of a 1.5 pound lobster. Big deal! Oso Buco was offered at $46. My wife had "chicken breast stuffed with proscuitto and cheese .In reality ,it was two small pieces of chicken breast stuffed with a little ham and maybe cheese and cooked so long that it was dry and tough. Adios Marcellino. We don't need another mediocre Italian restaurant in Phoenix.