Between its suburban location, its unassuming perch in a strip mall and somewhat bland exterior appearance, you wouldn't be faulted for thinking Graziano's is merely another Italian restaurant chain. Inside, however, things start to look a little less like an Olive Garden, and you eventually realize that Graziano's is a Niles institution. Even better, it's an old restaurant that has managed to keep itself fresh by changing with the times and offering a fresh menu.
That isn't immediately apparent when you begin to leaf through the kitchen's offerings. One sees the fried calamari and the bruschetta, and you get the impression you've seen this menu before. And maybe you have, as far as some of the items go, but the menu keeps going and going. The standard dinner menu features more than 80 items, and the kicker is that many of the pastas are gluten free and wheat based. Make no mistake, Graziano's is happy to drown you in white or red sauce, but can still be heart healthy about it.
The pizzas here are standouts. Cooked in wood-fired brick ovens between 700-900 degrees, the hand tossed crust comes out perfectly crisp. Most pizzas are in the $10-20 range.
Average cost: $10-$20
Centerstage Reviewer: Bill Burman
