Rigiovanni`s Ristorante

South Jersey certainly has its share of Italian restaurants, and if you`re like my friend Amy and me, you grew up in the area visiting as many of them as possible.

Rigiovanni`s Ristorante in Cherry Hill, celebrating its 20th anniversary, has become a local favorite by offering up delicious, authentic Italian food served in a most comfortable setting.

When we were at Rigiovanni`s recently, the Tiffany lamps, soft colors and very friendly service and ambiance made us immediately feel right at home. The menu is extensive, with salads, sandwiches, appetizers, pizza, pastas, veal, poultry, seafood and special offerings, like Fried Ravioli and Seafood Manicotti. All dinners are served a la carte or complete with both soup and salad bar, at very reasonable prices.

We began our dinner with warm, spicy garlic bread and homemade soups. Amy tried the flavorful Chicken Escarole and I enjoyed the thick, rich Beef Pastine. We then filled our plates at the salad bar, which was overflowing with fresh, crisp vegetables, pasta salads and warm rolls and butter.

But the best was yet to come...before long our waitress, nearly weighed down by the large entrees, placed them on the table for us to enjoy. Amy`s Chicken Francaise was lightly breaded, succulent and tender, in a lemon and wine sauce, served with a side of cappelini tossed with oil and fresh chunks of garlic ($12.25 complete). I chose the Seafood Alla Rigiovanni, which was beautifully prepared and presented with jumbo shrimp, scallops, crab meat and mush-rooms in a marinara sauce atop a mound of linguini ($14.25 complete).

Both of us were too full to finish our entrees, but after seeing the homemade desserts, we were unable to refuse them. The cheesecake ($1.95) was one of the best I`ve ever tried, and the cannoli ($1.75) was worth writing home about. We somehow managed to finish both of them.

Owner Rich Henry told me that Rigiovanni`s has different weekend specials, including Prime Rib or Stuffed Flounder for only $9.95 complete on Saturdays and fresh fish specials on Fridays. There are also Early Bird Specials from 3:00 - 5:45 p.m. every day, a lunch menu and a children`s menu. Most major credit cards are accepted. The entire menu is available for takeout, and gift certificates are also available.

Rigiovanni`s Ristorante Haddonfield-Berlin Rd. Cherry Hill 795-1116

Hours Sun.: Noon to 10 p.m. Mon. - Thurs.: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fri. & Sat.: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

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Author: Ellen Kershner