Casa Nostra Ristorante

Casa Nostra Ristorante Restaurant Review:

Nestled up in the Palisades Highlands, Casa Nostra Ristorante offers home-style Italian cooking in a friendly, unpretentious setting. While the dining room is warm and inviting, consider taking a seat on the covered patio, which wraps around the restaurant and offers beautiful views of the Palisades Hills. As part-owner and manager, Italian-bred Giovanni Zappone continues the tradition of his trattoria-owner parents. Chef and co-owner Gerardo Ballesteros oversees the kitchen as he did at the short-lived Paolo’s, which occupied the space before Casa Nostra. Nibble on the complimentary bruschetta while choosing from starters like the eggplant soufflé or caprese salad. Pizzas include Fontina with shaved truffles, and prosciutto di Parma with arugula. Continue with pastas such as the pappardelle with duck ragù or other mains ranging from veal piccata or Milanese style to roast chicken with rosemary and sage, and grilled salmon in a lemon caper sauce. Tiramisu and gelato covered in dark chocolate are among the tasty after-dinner treats. The wine list focuses primarily on Californian and Italian wines, and there is also a "Special Selection" of pricey bottles that peaks at $560 for the 2004 Gaja Langhe "Sori San Lorenzo" from Piedmont.