Calavino's

Italian cuisine is by far my favorite style of cooking and because of that I am extra critical of Italian restaurants. Calavinos is definitely one of the best Italian restaurants in Atlanta; in addition, it is an ideal place to take a date. I took a date to this cozy, charming and welcoming Italian restaurant. The staff was friendly and attentive from the moment we walked in the door. As my date and I enjoyed each others company the music quietly played in the background and the candle light atmosphere helped set a romantic mood. Although the staff was attentive they were not overbearing, they allowed my date and I to enjoy our meal and conversation. The lasagna I had was mouthwatering and literally melted in my mouth. Each bite was as full of flavor as the first. I highly recommend Calavinos. Pros: Friendly and attentive staff Cons: Parking is limited more

This is my first review of any restaurant as i was looking forward to a good meal on my birthday and instead i had to settle for this. The food was not very good although there were a couple of things that were ok. The artichoke hearts fried in batter were somewhat tasty. The atmosphere is very casual and not really a good date place / romantic restaurant. They also had live music (that i was told when making the reservation) and it was ok though a little bit loud. The performer was very opinionated and proudly stated that she will move to Alaska if her man Barack did not win the election. It was completely uncalled for and is never justified when performing. I ordered the eggplant parmigiana which was not good. The eggplant was cooked fine but the fettuccine pasta was very undercooked and stuck together like a cake. Waitress did not even inquire why i left more than half of the food. We paid and left but we will not be going there again anytime soon. more

Just had a wonderful Sunday evening diner at Calavinos with my family, including a two-year-old and grandparents. The food, service and atmosphere were spot-on: the pasta tasted freshly made that day, the spinach was cooked perfectly and the fish (tilipia) was flaky and nicely seared. Our server (Calavino, herself!) was especially gracious to my son -- letting him eat the restaurant's entire stock of Saltines. I was a little worried this spot wasn't good for kids, but they have a great deck, coloring books and kids' meal. This seems like the perfect spot for a nice Italian meal with family that isn't way too expensive. Pros: Food, service, outdoor deck more

Our party of 20 met at this fine restaurant and had a wonderful experience. I met with Lisa and Calavino to plan the rehearsal dinner. They both went the extra mile to please. We decided on a variety of appetizers , several different entrees, salads and dessert. We also selected some delicious wines. Our family and friends sat around a large table ( Old Italian style), and ate and drank our way through all the different courses. Many of us sampled each other's food choices and had a blast comparing and savoring. Food had been carefully prepared by Calavino and you could tell that dishes weren't just thrown together in a hurry. She definitely has a passion for food! We found out later that the produce was organic and purchased from local farmer's markets. We also managed to stay within budget. Eating at Calavino's is like going home to family. more

I've been to Calavino's more than five times now and not once have I been anything less than completely satisfied with the service, atmosphere, and--most important of all--the food. Though I prefer the turkey meatloaf, which is delicious and unlike anything I've ever tasted before, I've also been able to sample almost everything from the menu. There's not a weak spot on it. more

Delicious food. I really enjoyed sitting at the bar and devouring some amazing scallops! This place is really comfortable. Lot's of nice looking people here Pros: High quality fare, good prices more

For many years, we would go to North Highland, and dine at the tiny Roman Lily, overlooking Freedom Parkway. Small,intimate, and wonderful. We cried when they closed. But Calavino, has reopened her Roman Lily, as Calavino's in Oakhurst Village. And she has not skipped a beat. Larger, expanded menu, and wine list, and still great prices for wonderful Italian fare. We started with the amazing Torta Tower-Gorgongola, goat and cream cheese with olive tepanade, sun dried tomatoes, and walnuts. Filling, but made us twice as hungry. I had to have a dinner portion of the app. Artichoke Scampi-Shrimp pan-seared and sauteed in white wine caper sauce. Oh goodness! My date had a special order of Linguini w/Red Clam Sauce. I kept eating hers also. What a wonderful time, and it didn't break the bank. Atlanta neighborhoods need more places like Calavino's, and her special touch. Bravo! Pros: Creative Italian Fare, Great Prices, Wondeful Owner! Cons: We Don't Live In Oakhurst! It's Worth The Drive! more

We've been fans of Calavino's since the Roman Lilly days so it should be said that she has really brought that wonderful palette of richness and flavor to her new restaurant. Especially now that she has taken over the menu, I am estastic that my favorite Chicken Romano has been reimagined and is spectacular. We had friends join us for a bottle of wine and their wine list was gracefully full of choices across the cost spectrum. Pros: The Chicken Romano is wonderful...the tequila gravy is on my death row menu. Cons: Service is a little uneven, some are great...some are only average. more

We stopped in for lunch this week. It apparently was the first week they have opened for lunch, but we couldn't tell. The menu was good and the staff was awesome. I had a chicken salad sandwich on focaccia with pasta salad on the side while my wife had the portobella philly with potato salad. It was great. I was also excited to see breakfasty brunch items carried out all week not just for the weekends. I'm going back to get the italian sausage frittatta. Pros: breakfast all week, excellent Italian, relaxed, intimate atmosphere Cons: understaffed on weekends brunch, addictive more

PLEASE!!! do not waste your $60 here! horribly unacceptable, eclectic wannabe, fa-fa garbage!!!!!!!!! Pros: none Cons: too many to list! more

Had the scallops and polenta, so delicious, in a yummy mushroom broth, oh so good! Also recommend the scampi artichokes, excellent as an appetizer or as your vegtable, big enough to share but tell everyone to get their because you won't want to share this amazing food! more

I adore Calavino's! The food is spectacular, and honestly, the best Italian I have had since moving to Atlanta from NYC - I love the calamari and alfredo sauce. The drinks are just right and the staff is sweet and friendly. I have brought several friends, local and out of town, and they all have loved it. Even my 60 year old VERY Italian Dad from Brooklyn. I couldn't reccomend it more! Pros: Everything Cons: Nothing more

Calavino's has a great vibe, terrific food (try the calamari, it is perfect everytime) and a wonderful staff. The price is right and the drinks are fab. It is cozy and welcoming but with a hip atmosphere and charming italian music quietly playing in the background. Good for families but perfect for a date. I highly reccomend Calavino's if you love Italian. Pros: Everything Cons: Nothing more

Great place for a romantic dinner! The tiramisu is to die for. Exotic vodka flavors (pomegranate, mmm) and a good wine selection. I really enjoyed their patio (in warmer weather), and the location is in the middle of jovial Oakhurst district. more