Balistreri's Italian Ristorante

Balistreri's Italian Ristorante Restaurant Review:

A local fixture for many decades, this cozy, intimate spot is known for pizza. It also offers an extensive selection of Italian favorites, from seafood entrées to sandwiches as well as side orders of octopus and conch. Appetizers include breaded calamari rings, fried clam strips and fried ravioli. Weekdays bring luncheon specials, like a Sicilian-style steak sandwich and lasagna. The extensive lunch menu also adds an Italian sausage sandwich and corned beef on marbled rye to the mix. Come dinner, it's on to hearty pasta and dishes such as chicken cacciatore or Sicilian-style meatloaf (breaded filet of tenderloin sautéed with green peppers in olive oil, lemon and spices). Pizzas (available in three sizes) are prepared with a range of familiar toppings --- pepperoni, anchovies, sausage and mushrooms among them. Finish a rustic Italian meal on a sweet note with cannoli, spumoni or the homemade cherry torte.