Raving about Rizzo’s

Rizzo’s Malabar Inn is an exquisite Italian restaurant close to Seton Hill University (SHU). If you are looking for a close second to Grandma’s homemade spaghetti you have to check out Rizzo’s.

According to their website, Rizzo’s has been a Crabtree landmark since 1935 and is family run by the DeFabo’s. The restaurant was first a bar and a company store but over 70 years they have expanded and renovated into what is now Rizzo’s Malabar Inn.
When I walked into Rizzo’s for the first time, I was engulfed in the Italian environment they provided. The atmosphere is absolutely picturesque. Homey and elegant, the walls were covered in beautiful artwork; my favorite frame was a map of Italy.

By Bethany Merryman

Arts and Entertainment Editor

Rizzo’s Malabar Inn is an exquisite Italian restaurant close to Seton Hill University (SHU). If you are looking for a close second to Grandma’s homemade spaghetti you have to check out Rizzo’s.

According to their website, Rizzo’s has been a Crabtree landmark since 1935 and is family run by the DeFabo’s. The restaurant was first a bar and a company store but over 70 years they have expanded and renovated into what is now Rizzo’s Malabar Inn.
When I walked into Rizzo’s for the first time, I was engulfed in the Italian environment they provided. The atmosphere is absolutely picturesque. Homey and elegant, the walls were covered in beautiful artwork; my favorite frame was a map of Italy.

The staff was friendly and very helpful throughout the meal giving us advice on what to order and asking if we could use any refills of drinks and bread. They also checked back during the meal to make sure we were enjoying ourselves and seemed to really care about our time in their establishment.

Their menu includes appetizers spanning from cheese sticks to hand breaded calamari and their main courses were not limited to just pasta, but also included chicken dishes, steak dishes, and many more options.

The fresh bread was a wonderful touch to the meals we were served, which were generously portioned and absolutely mouth watering. I had the lasagna and was beyond satisfied by how filling and tasty it was. The sauce was not too sweet and had what seemed to be the perfect blend of spices to satisfy the taste buds.

Although the prices may seem steep for college students, I assure you that you are getting your money’s worth when you order anything at Rizzo’s. It is a casual setting, but I yet still a wonderful place to take your family while they visiting, to go out on a date, or to go out with friends.

Rizzo’s has two separate establishments on their property, a restaurant and their bar, which are across the road from each other. The location is about ten or 15 minutes away from SHU but well worth the drive out to Crabtree. Rizzo’s is located at 123 Keener Drive in Crabtree. The restaurant is opened Tuesday thru Sunday, but is not opened Mondays. They recommend that you make reservations by calling 1-800-794-4323. Be sure to check it out it is definitely worth the trip!

f you would like any more information on Rizzo’s Malabar Inn check out their website at www.rizzosmalabarinn.com where you can look at the menu and get more information on their other services.

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