David Giarusso, the chef-owner of David's Cafe, has opened a new restaurant it Ogunquit.  It is named Angelina's and it is 100% Italian.

We took our trip to Angelina's on a chilly Tuesday night.  The restaurant is named after David's great-grandmother, whom he lived with until he was ten, and the menu includes his grandmother's recipes and sauces, which have been in the family for years.  Coming in from the cold, you can definitely feel their warm influence.

We started our meal with the Insalata Caprese, a salad of tomatoes and mozzarella cheese, beautifully presented on a bed of basil leaves.  We also sampled the risotto with shrimp and asparagus.  It was one of our favorites at David's Restaurant, and it's just as good here. The risotto is creamer and richer than we've had at other restaurants, and it has spoiled us.

Owner David's favorite dishes are the risottos, veal cutlets, chicken and eggplant.  Other meals on the menu include pastas, soups, salads, and appetizers such as fried calamari, grilled shrimp, and a stuffed portobello mushroom,

In addition, there are 80 different wine bottles to choose from.  The wine list is priced to satisfy both inexperienced and experienced wine drinkers.

The restaurant is located on Route 1, where Mekhong Thai used to be.  They have done a complete renovation, and the results are spectacular.  The vintage tin ceiling gives a cool, classical look.  Heavy curtains, a new carpet, and carefully chosen lighting warm up the space. 

The dining area has tables and chairs, as well as built-in New York City leather booths.  The massive arched windows and a huge clock in the wine bar remind one of old Italy.  A large plasma TV adds a modern touch.  Angelina's has Ogunquit's only wine bar, and a full bar is also available. 

For dinner we had the Pollo Florentina, which was perfectly cooked (the chef even agreed to our request to limit the garlic).  Wait staff was friendly and courteous, and of course each dish was sprinkled with cheese and fresh pepper if we wanted it. 

If you still have room, deserts are amazing.  We had the Amaretto cake (fresh and tasted home-made).  The sorbets were especially intruguing, as they were served inside a piece of fruit.  The presentation was beautiful, and the flavor refreshing. Our only concern is that the photo below does not do it justice.

General Manager Carlos Perez (pictured left) keeps things running smoothly.  He and David have been working feverishly the last month to set up the new place.  If you've made it this far in the article, you know that what they have created is destined to become one of Ogunquit's most popular restaurants. 

Reservations are suggested.  Angelina's is a a great place for holiday parties and small functions.  Gift certificates are available and Visa and MasterCard are accepted. 

Angelina's Ristorante is open seven days a week from 5pm to 10pm. The lounge is open till 1am.  Visit Angelina's at 655 Main Street, Route 1, Ogunquit, or call for reservations at 207.646.0445.