Review: Cicione's Italian Eatery
Theresa Schneider
Issue date: 2/26/09 Section: Scene
Being so close to both upper and lower campus, you'd think Cicione's would be well known to the campus population, but I'd never even heard of the place until I'd been on campus for almost three years - and it's right on Clairemont Avenue, so not exactly tucked away.
I have yet to go to the restaurant when it is full, or even busy, so if you're looking for a quiet meal, or a place you and your entourage can sprawl, be merry and still hear each other, it's worth dining in. Although a little tacky and reminiscent of a small-scale, family-owned Bucca di'Beppos, sitting in Cicione's is like walking into a stereotypical Italian grandma's house - the tackiness works and is part of the "flavor."
Cicione's doesn't have much to offer in regards to alcohol, but does have some bottles of beer, anything you'd find at a local tavern, and some wine to choose from. Beer starts at $2.50. Entrees run between $8 and $15, some seafood dishes being more expensive. One draw to the little-known eatery is that on Tuesday all entrees are $8 with the purchase of a drink - always nice to have a cheap date that feels expensive. If you're looking for the most bite for your buck, Cicione's delivers - the portions are huge.
For entrees I recommend the Cajun pasta, which is served with a side salad. Again, the servings are huge. The pasta is served with spicy sausage slices, served thick, on top a cream sauce. When I think Cajun, I think heat and jerk seasoning and this pasta definitely lacked the kick I was looking for. But I had more than enough to eat and had enough left over to make a second meal so I felt like I was getting a deal for the amount of food I got.
The pizzas aren't bad either. With a number of toppings to choose from to build whatever pizza you like, it's easy to order some comfort food. The toppings are actually served under the cheese on the pizza and the sausage is served in slices instead of crumbled. The pizza I tried was not exactly anything stand out, but just a simple pizza. Easy make, easy to eat.
Cicione's is not the best Italian I've ever eaten, but is a quiet little hometown restaurant with huge portions. Something worth checking out at least once.
-Theresa Schneider
I have yet to go to the restaurant when it is full, or even busy, so if you're looking for a quiet meal, or a place you and your entourage can sprawl, be merry and still hear each other, it's worth dining in. Although a little tacky and reminiscent of a small-scale, family-owned Bucca di'Beppos, sitting in Cicione's is like walking into a stereotypical Italian grandma's house - the tackiness works and is part of the "flavor."
Cicione's doesn't have much to offer in regards to alcohol, but does have some bottles of beer, anything you'd find at a local tavern, and some wine to choose from. Beer starts at $2.50. Entrees run between $8 and $15, some seafood dishes being more expensive. One draw to the little-known eatery is that on Tuesday all entrees are $8 with the purchase of a drink - always nice to have a cheap date that feels expensive. If you're looking for the most bite for your buck, Cicione's delivers - the portions are huge.
For entrees I recommend the Cajun pasta, which is served with a side salad. Again, the servings are huge. The pasta is served with spicy sausage slices, served thick, on top a cream sauce. When I think Cajun, I think heat and jerk seasoning and this pasta definitely lacked the kick I was looking for. But I had more than enough to eat and had enough left over to make a second meal so I felt like I was getting a deal for the amount of food I got.
The pizzas aren't bad either. With a number of toppings to choose from to build whatever pizza you like, it's easy to order some comfort food. The toppings are actually served under the cheese on the pizza and the sausage is served in slices instead of crumbled. The pizza I tried was not exactly anything stand out, but just a simple pizza. Easy make, easy to eat.
Cicione's is not the best Italian I've ever eaten, but is a quiet little hometown restaurant with huge portions. Something worth checking out at least once.
-Theresa Schneider
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