Zio Cecio

Last night we tried Zio Cecio on Lovers Lane. It is located in the spot where Cafe Italia used to be, but it is completely renovated. The bar has been moved, the kitchen is more available. Placement of mirrors and better use of floor space gives this place a cozy and yet, open feel.

The restaurant was about 90% full, so we were able to get seated immediately. We ordered our Prosecco and Chardonnay and dove into the extensive menu (which largely features seafood items). The waitress was extremely helping us with our choices. We were a little disappointed to hear that the pizza oven was still being prepared and wasn't ready; focacia and pizza would have to wait for another day.

Our entrees took an inordinate amount of time to arrive, but we imagine they are still working out some new restaurant kinks. The server was good to refill our bread basket.

The ravioli was topped with a homemade tomato sauce that was truly flavorful and there was a hint of mint mixed into the potato-cheese stuffing. Overall, the dish tasted very authentic Italian and managed to have a light feel. The tomatoes really made it work.

The risotto wasn't our favorite- we had to salt it and the flavor was a bit lacking. The rosemary overpowered the apple. The walnuts did add a nice crunch, but on the whole, we wouldn't order this again.

Due to the heavy starch intake, we were to full to venture into dessert. However, they had more than a few choices that looked delicious!

Our feeling on Zio Cecio is that it is a nice place, a great spot for the neighborhood. For our drink and dinner tab, however, we were disappointed. Prices were a little too high for dishes that we didn't love.

The Dish: Let Zio Cecio work out their kinks before stopping by!