Do you ever find yourself looking for pizza that is a little different than your average cheese and pepperoni? If so, then Avanti Cafe is the place for you. Avanti Cafe is a neighborhood Italian cafe specializing in unique pizzas, pastas, and calzones. Of course, they have your old favorites too, if you just want to test the pairing of flavors with something familiar.
The chalkboard in front of you as you walk in displays a list of specials as well as recommended wines. The menu starts with a short list of appetizers, a long list of salads, pasta, calzones, and pizzas--first the unique ones, then the classics. There is a large wine list and the average soft drinks and juices.
I have only been to this place twice, and I had the same thing both times--but tried bits of others' dishes. We started off our meal this time with the garlic rolls. These are basically your average garlic knots covered in a buttery garlic glaze and herbs. They come in an overflowing bowl and are hot as though they were baked just for you.
There were 4 of us at dinner on Wednesday night. Three of us ordered the four cheese and sausage calzone. I was particularly excited about it because the last time I found the sausage to be absolutely amazing. It had distinct flavor and a wonderful texture. The four cheese blend together with the Gorgonzola giving it a bite and robust flavor.
This time, the sausage wasn't as good as I remember. The calzone was still huge--it could easily be two meals, the crust slightly chewy in the center, crispy on the outsides, the cheese as tantalizing as before. But the sausage was missing something. Perhaps there wasn't as much as before, or perhaps there was an overpowering amount of peppers and onions inside, but something was certainly different.
Our other diner had the minestrone soup and was surprised to see no salt on the table to help give it some flavor. The soup was a disappointment for an Italian restaurant- no better than a can.
If you're hankering for something unusual, I recommend the Glazed Apple. Apple? On pizza? I realize it sounds sort of weird. But, it's not like a tomato-sauce based pizza with apples, instead, it combines the tart-sweet apples with Gorgonzola cheese, roasted red peppers, and sliced almonds. It is surprisingly good leaving you asking for more.
The prices are average for an Italian Cafe. The staff is friendly, but not always as attentive as you would hope. Depending on the seat you choose, it could be hard to flag down your waiter if you need a refill or want to order something different, but when they are at your table they are very friendly and helpful
Avanti Cafe
111 N. Lake Ave
Pasadena, 91101
Map
I have only been to this place twice, and I had the same thing both times--but tried bits of others' dishes. We started off our meal this time with the garlic rolls. These are basically your average garlic knots covered in a buttery garlic glaze and herbs. They come in an overflowing bowl and are hot as though they were baked just for you.
There were 4 of us at dinner on Wednesday night. Three of us ordered the four cheese and sausage calzone. I was particularly excited about it because the last time I found the sausage to be absolutely amazing. It had distinct flavor and a wonderful texture. The four cheese blend together with the Gorgonzola giving it a bite and robust flavor.
This time, the sausage wasn't as good as I remember. The calzone was still huge--it could easily be two meals, the crust slightly chewy in the center, crispy on the outsides, the cheese as tantalizing as before. But the sausage was missing something. Perhaps there wasn't as much as before, or perhaps there was an overpowering amount of peppers and onions inside, but something was certainly different.
Our other diner had the minestrone soup and was surprised to see no salt on the table to help give it some flavor. The soup was a disappointment for an Italian restaurant- no better than a can.
If you're hankering for something unusual, I recommend the Glazed Apple. Apple? On pizza? I realize it sounds sort of weird. But, it's not like a tomato-sauce based pizza with apples, instead, it combines the tart-sweet apples with Gorgonzola cheese, roasted red peppers, and sliced almonds. It is surprisingly good leaving you asking for more.
The prices are average for an Italian Cafe. The staff is friendly, but not always as attentive as you would hope. Depending on the seat you choose, it could be hard to flag down your waiter if you need a refill or want to order something different, but when they are at your table they are very friendly and helpful
Avanti Cafe
111 N. Lake Ave
Pasadena, 91101
Map
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