Verdile's Restaurant

04/23/09

The Best Italian Food (Anywhere)

by BigAppetite at Citysearch

My wife and I have been going to Verdile's regularly for over thirty years. Now that the kids are pretty much grown, we go at least once every couple of weeks. The food rivals that of Boston's and NYC's Little Italy, and the service is superior. The waiters pamper you, and the bus boys never leave a water glass empty.

Price-wise, you can't get better food - and it's the most consistent of any restaurant I've ever been to. As an Italian (and as a guy who cooks for three hours or so every night for the family), I'm pretty picky. I bring all of my clients there for lunch/dinner - and once they go, they're hooked.

There's nothing (Italian) on the menu that isn't top notch.

Some tips for first timers:

For your side macaroni, order the Verghetti. It's their homemade pasta. You won't be sorry.

Get there early, go to the bar where they bring out the best white pie continuously. Don't overload and spoil your dinner, I've seen it happen all too frequently. On Fridays and Saturdays, they also bring out garlic knots.

If you like it, they do calamari better than any restaurant, and probably better than your grandmother's. Never chewy, always mild and delicious. The calamari marinara is by far the best I've ever tasted, and I order it everywhere I go if it's on the menu.

Like the other posts here attest, the carrot cake and salad can't be beaten. I'd add the chocolate decadence to that list too.

A tip for casual customers:

Even though they don't take reservations, if you're planning an outing for 8 or more people (we've had over 20 on occasion), give them a call ahead of time and say this: I know you don't take reservations, but I just wanted to let you know we're coming in at what time with however many people. They'll be ready for you.

• Pros: Always great, reasonably priced, great specials
• Cons: Tough to park sometimes - it's pretty popular.

05/25/06

Consistently Good

by williebooger at Citysearch

Verdile's is consistent. You will always have the same meal each and every time and if you like the food, then this is a good thing. My friends and I frequent this restaurant quite a bit as it is convenitent and easily accessible for all of us that live in the Troy area. The waiters are top notch and "old school" which I appreciate when dining out. I have had better Italian food in other establishments but I like to support independent, non-chain restaurants in my town. The sauce is a bit on the harsh side and if it has been laying in the pot for awhile it gets a bit rich and oversaturated. Meats and seafoods are always consistent and cooked well. The pizza is awesome and yes, that carrot cake is fantastic.

• Pros: Service, Feeling like family, Consistent
• Cons: Ambience is old, Food needs an update

01/29/06

Always good

by joeseadog at Citysearch

Dining at Verdiles is always a pleasant experience with knowledgable wait staff and wondeful atmosphere. Start to finish the food is A1 with large servings meticulously plated. Always a doggie bag here. Save room for great coffee and Italian dessert tray. We've been there 3 or 4 times a year for 20 years and never had a bad meal.

• Pros: The Food, The Food, and the Food
• Cons: Crowded, small waiting area