In a small strip mall lays a very unassuming place, but its terrific food and rich history will make you come back for more. This is what I love about my website, I discover places that I would not discover if I didn’t seek out reviews. They come in all sizes, with each one always delivers some kind of gem that I didn’t know about before, and Aldolino’s is just that place. Unless you were a local, brought here, or read my website you would never know about this amazing cuisine, it is truly a winner.
Aldolino’s is Run by three brothers, Mario, Gabriel and Chef Jesus Zarazua, who have had many past jobs in some pretty well known restaurants around Southern California. In 2006 they decided it was time to open their own breed of Italian food and they picked a pre-existing restaurant in the Inland Empire. A place that had a pretty colorful owner, Aldolino Formica, and was ripe for the picking.
Here’s What I Tried:
Cocktails:
Moscow Mule, with vodka, homemade ginger syrup, lime juice and simple syrup. The perfect Mule, lots of icy cold juice coupled with Vodka, perfection in a mug.
Martini, a traditional Vodka Martini, nice with the perfect amount of Vermouth.
Tangerine Martini, with Absolut Mandarin Vodka, muddled tangerines, fresh cirrus, and simple syrup. The muddled tangerines add a freshness that is otherworldly.
Red Sangria, delicious and very refreshing.
Antipasti:
Calamari Fritti, served with vegetables and spicy Marinara sauce, they have these corn fritters mixed in as part of this dish and they are out of this word. You get lots of Veggies, it is a great starter.
Bruschetta, with toasted bread with fresh tomatoes, basil and garlic. The tomato mixture is fragrant and has lots of fresh garlic, really fantastic.
Garlic Rolls, they are fresh made to order. They come in a basket with lots of goodness, piping hot, very addictive, and just perfect.
Crab Cakes, with lobster cognac cream sauce and fresh mango relish salsa. This was the first thing from the kitchen; the presentation was enough for me to get really excited, a good start to get my appetite going.
Minestri E Insalate:
Minisrone di Vendure, with fresh seasoned vegetable soup. I can always tell what a restaurant is all about from their soup; this soup has a lovely broth with a nice array of vegetable, just delicious, its Italian penicillin.
Venezia Insalada, with mixed greens, arugula, cherry tomatoes, oranges, red onions, dried cranberries, caramelized apples, pecans and blue cheese, tossed in raspberry vinaigrette. This summer salad is super lively and fresh!
Pizza:
Pizza Al Pesto, with mushrooms, onions, tomatoes, peppers, olives, pesto and basil sauce. Their crust is super thin and crunchy, cooked to perfection, a great pizza.
Sandwiches:
Meatball with Meat sauce, green bell peppers and mozzarella cheese, and fries. This is a huge sandwich; you could easily split it between two people. The meatballs are succulent and tasty.
Entrees:
Blackened Salmon, with garlic mashed potatoes, vegetables, lemon butter sauce and Aldolino’s fresh mango salsa. The salmon was very fresh and the mashed potatoes underneath made me feel very comforted, AKA comfort food.
Pastas:
Ravioli Di Vitello, beef ravioli with mushrooms herbs
creme sauce, and truffle oil. These were my showstoppers, rich and creamy, the raviolis were huge. I would order this every time.
Pollo Ai Carciofi, with fettuccine, chicken, artichoke,
sun-dried tomatoes, and mushroom crème sauce. The sauce is delicate and fragrant, a super pasta dish.
Dessert:
Baked Caramel Apple Caramel Tart, they put loads and loads of caramel sauce on this amazing desert, yum!
Wine:
Broadside, Chardonnay, 2018, Central Coast. I would drink this wine with the gorgeous crab cakes or the salmon, it will compliment both dishes.
Harlow Ridge, Petit Syrah, Lodi, CA. A big wine with lots of berry goodness, it went well with any of the chicken or meat dishes.
Aldolini’s is a super really class act, upon walking through the front door you are transformed to New York City. There are many flat screen TV’s throughout for sporting events, including one that is in a tent in the parking lot for Covid restrictions. The bar area is lit with red, green, blue lights, so festive and fun. For my lunch there were scattered diners but I am told that on Friday, Saturday and Sunday this place is packed and the vibe is very fun.
You just can’t help but get in the mood at Aldolino’s, they play all Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Italian retro hits, it is just so much fun.
Aldolino’s History:
Aldolino Formica came to the United States from Rome in 1952, and he was known to his friends and family, he worked at a famous pizza house in Hollywood where he quickly attracted the attention of prominent people in Show business, his talents were seen in several TV show, including, I Love Lucy”. He opened his in first restaurant in Azusa, California, in the early 60’s, where since then has been serving his unique Italian food to the community. Aldolino passed away in 1994, but his memory lives on in his recipes for decades, Enjoy and Bon Apetito.”
Located in the Oak Tree Center in Azusa, Aldolino’s is a celebrated Italian mainstay featuring classic pies, pasta dishes & sandwiches in a warm atmosphere with a large selection of wine, beer and cocktails.
Aldolino’s is a no-brainer, when you are in the area – get in there!! Enjoy their wonderful food and entertaining atmosphere.
Happy Hour – Tuesday through Thursday 3PM to 7PM, Friday 2PM to 5PM.
Aldolino’s
659 E Arrow Hwy
Azusa, CA 91702(626) 858-6622
www.aldolino’s.com
* Some content was taken off of their website.
