I've never done this before, but I'm going to give this place a zero. My roommate and I drove out to this place last week excited to try some new italian food. We walked in an hour and twenty minutes before they closed and the guy who was hosting said they were no longer seating people because they sometimes close early on the weekdays. An hour and twenty minutes early? That was just terrible. 'Twas a shame because I am a big fan of italian food.
(1)
Matt V.
We have eaten at Zamparelli's many times now, and have never been disappointed! Try the Italian Balsamic Chicken Wings (Not something you'd think to order, but delicious! We'll be back again, of course!
(5)
Chrystal T.
Zamparellis is good and consistent, we dine in or out of here once a month. I love the chicken marsala super flavorful and wonderful noodles, the spaghetti and meatballs is also a huge hit. Great for families both young and old, decent wine and beer list. I would have given them 5 stars but last time I had take out our tiramusu was awful, I actually think it was spoiled and we threw out after one bite
(4)
David R.
This place is purely amazing in every way. The food is the greatest, nothing like it anywhere. The pappardelle is one of my personal favorites. Nancy Owner/manager is fantastic at what she does and takes pride in her restaurant. I just wish I could eat here more often it's so good. Recommended to everyone.
(5)
H J.
Went there last night with the wife and kids, I had a pretty average meal (lasagna) which was fine but nothing earth-shattering. Same for my wife. Pizza was good. This not a 5-star operation, to be fair it's a 3.5.
(3)
Lana T.
Fantastic every single time. Great portions, amazing, creative salads and pizza to die for. Don't miss this gem.
(5)
J F.
First time I've tried carry out. Ordered the 1/2 pan lasagna for a party of 8. It turned out to be all sauce and very few noodles. Very embarrassing to serve. Won't be going back : (
(2)
Geo C.
Definitely not good. Zamparellis should be good but it is not. Tomato sauce tastes canned. Eggplant Parmesan was a disaster: some grey sludge under canned tomato sauce. There are so many better places - just pass this one by. It's interesting - I wrote a note to the chef - the letter was returned "unclaimed." I checked the address and mailed it again. Again, "unclaimed." You have to wonder about a place that can't get mail
(1)
Dara B.
Pizza is really delicious and served quickly and sometimes we go there as a family because it's convenient and we're all hungry. But it's not a place I would ever go on a date with my husband or out with friends simply because the ambiance is truly horrible. The lighting is awful, and the big walls are bare with a few fun but undersized posters thrown in. True, the restaurant is an odd shape, and there's not much that can be done about that. But if the owner invested in some over-the-table pendants or even table candles, it would help a ton. Maybe a little music too? It just feels like the inside of a warehouse... cold and empty. Service is pretty good, but the manager (owner?) always appears to be a bit grumpy. Perhaps she works too much... and it shows on her face.
(3)
Dr. J.
Great place for a family meal. Not exactly sophisticated Italian food, but it's a good spot, the staff is friendly, you can find something for everyone and the kids love it.
(3)
Crystal G.
The first time I went to Zamparelli's I enjoyed it. My chicken parmesan was only ok, but everything else was delicious. The staff was very friendly as well. This time was very different. The staff was friendly enough, but our waitress was very inattentive. Not once did she stop by to check on us. It was clear she was more interested in talking to the hostess than helping us. Our drinks were empty and remained that way for the entire meal as we were never offered refills. The caesar salad was disgusting. It tasted like fish sauce had been poured all over it. I only took two bites and set it aside but the waitress only asked if I was done with it so she could take the plate. I would think she would have noticed something was wrong when there is still a full plate of salad (that I paid $5 for) but maybe that is just me. The fried calamari and garlic chicken pizza were delicious though. Overall the food is very hit or miss and I would not recommend.
(2)
John A.
Thin crust pie (my wife hates it when I call it pie, PIZZA PIE :-) ) if you haven't ventured out to try a clam pie pizza take it on! if you like clams that is, and you will be amazed at the marriage of this one. Pizza is not the only thing Zamparelli's does. They have great sandwiches, chicken parm and some incredible salads and apps. The calimari is great, so much so that if I want any I must order one for the kids and one for my wife and I if I hope to get any! Monday is half bottle wine night, there is ice cream for the kids and lunch specials to boot. I don't suggest this spot as a intimate date night spot but family and larger clouds are always welcome and as of 2011 they have been redecorating so you can see the remodeling. Nice spot and good food, friendly service.
(4)
dave b.
We end up eating here a couple of times per year, usually when someone from out of town is visiting. It's a decent outing. The have good food, gelato, and a bar. How can you go wrong. But for me is has been the same each time: Food: Hmm, this is quite good, better than expected even. Atmosphere: Noisy, cold, concrete. Sigh. It has been a blend of these things every time. I just dislike the concrete/industrial restaurant-thing, it does nothing for me.
(3)
Kim E.
First visit. In the mood for Italian and looking for something new! In terms of atmosphere, I would say it is below average. Might be ok in the summer when you can sit outside, but the cement floors and high ceilings did nothing for me. It was also slightly chilly in the restaurant making it just almost uncomfortable. We had one really good menu item and the rest was just so-so. Butternut Squash soup was amazing! Caesar salad was edible, but not the best I've had. Husband had the Chicken Marsela and thought it was bland and a bit boring (he salt and peppered his meal which he never, ever does!). I had the lasagna which was also uninspiring. It was somewhat on the runny side, and the noodles were very thin. Flavor was just so-so. Disappointed with the food quality and ambiance (except for the soup!) given the prices. Because we are local and because we've seen so many good reviews, we will probably give them another chance but maybe stick to the pizza next time!
(2)
Martin B.
PIZZA PERFECT! i was walking by this place yesterday at lunchtime, and decided that for dinner to order a take out pizza. It was really delicious. I ate more than i wanted to, just couldnt help myself... My only criticism would be could have used a little more cheese (which is a common issue with most pizzas these days) and i wish they would offer a whole wheat crust option.... I will return soon.
(4)
kari b.
This place is great for any situation. Nice enough for a date,and friendly enough for kids. Food is great and takeout is quick. Love it!
(4)
Aaron L.
I've had 2 experiences with this place... one good, one bad. Prices: 5/10, too high but the food quality seems pretty good. Food Quality: 8/10, seems pretty good Food Quantity: 4/10, everything we've had was more $ then it should be for the qty. They are acting like a high-end resturaunt... they are not. Give us a bit more food please! Food Flavor: - pastas: 4/10, vodka sauce lacked any kick & much flavor at all. barely any chicken in the dish. Chicken Marsala tasted more like stroganoff. I'll never get pasta here again. - pizzas: 8/10, had 2 pizzas & the flavors were excellent. I'm looking forward to trying more. - salads: 6/10, the salads were basic bagged lettuce with some added flair. Pear Gorgonzola was the best. The Arugula salad would have been good but they bathed it in WAY too much balsamic dressing which killed it. If I wanted to drink balsamic vinegar I would have got it straight from the bottle. Overall: I'd get the pizza and not much else. For the prices I've had much better at many places. If they'd give more food for the $ they charge they'd get an extra star no problem.
(2)
Leanne G.
I have always had good food here and have always enjoyed the service. Some of these new restaurants that have cement floors end up being a bit more loud and therefore offer an impersonal and cold feeling. However, I do like that it is an easy surface to clean, so I'm not sure which is better. Its a smaller restaurant, but it works well, as great service, good food and is a great place for kids! Try the beet salad. Its my favorite!
(4)
Lu B.
We hadn 't dined at Zamparelli's for over a year, but returned last week to use a Groupon we'd purchased. I was very disappointed with my entree. I ordered a pizza (I believe called Lombardi's) that had a San Marzano tomato sauce, pancetta and fresh mozzarella. The sauce was ok, nothing special, and there was hardly any mozzarella. The pancetta was limp and rubbery. It was not raw, but certainly not crisped, or cooked correctly. I told the owner (who was our waitress) and her reply was, "it's cooked". Really? I said I couldn't eat it, that it was off-putting. She took the pizza, had the cooks put it back in the wood-fired oven. When it was returned to me, the pancetta was cooked decently, but the pizza itself was overcooked, on the verge of being burned. I asked my son, who is a chef, his opinion. He said that bacon/pancetta should always be pre-cooked before being added to a pizza. Most importantly, I wish that the owner's response to my issue had been, "I'm sorry. What can I do to make this right for you?", not "it's cooked". I gave this review 2 stars because my husband enjoyed his lasagne.
(2)
Ali M.
I love zamparellis, it is the perfect place if you want Italian and not just pizza. It is kid friendly but not overly crazy like Lucky Pie, the service is great, the food is delicious, and they use lots of organic ingredients which is awesome. Love the salads and the mushroom thyme pizza!
(5)
McLean S.
Absolutely amazing ecpierence, great food with a great staff! Have been looking for a good Italian restaurant in the area and now can say I have found one! Definitely coming back!
(5)
Heather L.
I ate here 2 years ago. The food was good. The service was pretty good. Yet, I love to eat out and haven't been back. That says a lot. There are so many other places in Lafayette and Boulder County that I would rather eat. Given the choice, I would recommend looking for somewhere better!
(3)
Kit L.
FYI - there seems to be two places to review this on Yelp. This one has hardly any reviews but the other place has much more. Not sure how I ended up on this one. It seems to be a solid place otherwise - a bit pricy for three adults and a kid it was $80 but that was with one drink and appetizer. The portions are generous so you might be able to split one.
(3)
Fae F.
I like the big salads here and I didn't think they were overpriced. GF pasta was awesome. I've been 3 times now and twice sat outside.. It's really LOUD inside. It's just so open, as soon as peeps start talking the place feels overwhelming! And there are usually a lot of kids. So I probably won't go in the winter. A couple times I've seen the owner(?) not be so nice to the staff. That's always a turn-off. Margs are ok.
(3)
Steve M.
Love this place. Great food. Good beers on tap. Friendly staff.
(5)
Doug C.
Never a bad meal. My favorite place in Boulder County. Great service. Great cocktails. Good seasonal menu. Funky space but food makes up for it.
(5)
Rob S.
Hit this place for lunch from time to time and find it to be consistently good. It is expensive and I'd have to say that I wouldn't necessarily "rave" about any one thing that I have had there, but it really is excellent. We always leave thinking it was a tremendous lunch. So overall, I give it high marks, marked down a bit for pricing though it is not THAT outrageous.
(4)
Scott M.
The food and service is great here. Their red sauce is really good! You can even buy their sauce to take home which is excellent. This is one of my all-time favorite Italian restaurants. It is very casual but perfect for anyone with a family or looking for a semi-quick meal. The owners are always friendly and the staff is great. The pricing is very average despite another review. It should be more but with the casual atmoshere it is just right. I would highly recommend going there.
(5)
Jane G.
The ambience is bizarre--long narrow space with high ceilings, and my least favorite seating arrangement (i.e., tables side by side along a wall, where one person faces the wall and the other person faces out, and the tables are close enough to easily eavesdrop even if you don't want to). Appetizer of grilled risotta balls (aka arrancini) was okay bit a bit too garlicky for my taste and very ho-hum dipping sauce. We split a tasty pizza of the white variety - baco bits and onion, and again, very garlicky. The killer was the wine--we both ordered the house chianti, and then decided we wanted the bottle, so the waitress complied but charged us $32 for a bottle of house chianti. I'm getting tired of restaurants gouging with their wine prices. They probably got it from the liquor store in the same shopping center for $10. Zamparelli's wasn't great but it wasn't bad, but I don't think I'll be a regular.
(3)
Al L.
Very good food. Casual family type place. We arrived around 6 and there was a lot of uncontrolled little kids running around. 1/2 hour later all the families were gone and it was nice.
(4)
Christine K.
I'm Zamparelli's biggest fan, even though I live over 1200 miles away. I wish they had an outpost in Marin County. I find myself craving their chopped salad & pizzas. Folks in the Lafayette/Boulder area are so lucky to have such a quality dining spot close to home. Why do I love Zamparelli's? The food, the quality ingredients, the attentive service and the really reasonable prices. I've sampled their Arancini (fried risotto balls), the chopped salad (reminds me of the Nancys salad from Mario Batali's Pizzeria Mozza in LA), eggplant parmesan, calzone, margharita pizza, 4 cheese pizza (pure bliss) and a seasonal pizza they offered this summer with ricotta and fresh corn. I've also enjoyed some amazing red wine (recommended by our waiter), which paired perfectly with our meal and didn't break the pocketbook. Bonus! Everything I've tasted at Zamparelli's has been delicious - not just good, delicious. It's obvious the chef/owner takes a lot of pride in this little establishment, tucked into a nondescript strip mall. Even the wait staff is great - how refreshing to be waited on by people who seem to actually enjoy their jobs! Do yourself a favor and check out Zamparelli's. You won't be disappointed. Tell them CK sent you. PS - They even have a nice selection of gelato & to-die-for cannolis...if you have room for dessert.
(5)
Michelle B.
I was all set to like this place a lot, but the only thing I (and my guests) liked about it was the risotto balls. Did not like the bolognese sauce at all not enough veggies and too much tomato sauce. Won't be going back, too many other great Italian places to eat.
(2)
Steve K.
Zamparelli's is a great local Italian eatery. I have been going here for years and have never been disappointed. The eggplant parmesan is fantastic, I've had most of the pizzas on the menu and always love them. I usually start with the white bean appetizer, beet salad, and a pizza, eggplant parmesan, eggplant parmesan or meatball sandwich. The fried risotto balls are also a favorite. The wine list offers a lot of great options. I don't usually have room for dessert, but when I do the mousse or tiramisu has been excellent I don't get the comments about the ambiance. I have always focused on the food, wine, and service, which have always been great. This is a great neighborhood place, not some mid-city restaurant. It's clean, comfortable, and a great place for a great meal. They have a nice patio for summer evenings.
(4)
Mike J.
Delicious food! The sandwiches and pizza are both outstanding. They also have a great bar selection. As a bunch of other folks noted, it's a good place for families, which suits the location well. This is definitely a favorite of my daughter's. The decor is inviting.. it's a bit of a strip mall gem. The only drawback is that it's on the pricey side for a pretty casual establishment.
(4)
Donna C.
One is one of our favorite restaurants. The tiramisu is to die for! Last night we tried the risotto balls and they were amazing. Service is good when dining in. We get take out frequently and split the vodka penne. Great stuff! Is in a non-descript location with plenty of parking. Kid friendly but not full of unruly little ones. You have to try it.
(5)
Andrew G.
This place is top notch. I have eaten there many times and the food is always excellent! The owners Jimmy and Nancy are always there and take personal pride in the food they are serving (which from what I understand are passed down from Jimmy's relatives). A+++
(5)
Connie B.
It's alright. I was hoping for much better and wasn't all that impressed. We went with a party of 7 and all seven of us got different menu items, no one was raving about anything so that should say something. Sorry, but for the price I will have to say not worth the trip unless you are in the area.
(2)
Cori C.
Disappointing. The server was friendly, but you could tell she was forcing it. The service was satisfactory, however. The atmosphere was nice. It had clean modern decor. The pasta was really lacking, however, and it was overpriced. My $14 cheese ravioli (with no sides included) tasted like $8 ravioli (with sides included.) We'll keep looking for a good Italian restaurant.
(2)
Anita Y.
2 and 3/4 stars? 3 stars - ? Just OK, not A-ok I met a colleague here for lunch recently. It was my first time here, and her first in quite a while. I agree with Jane G., the seating style is my least favorite, with comfy booth style seating facing out along one side and hard chairs facing the wall on the other. After 2 hours of our "business meeting" my tingling ass started to become quite a distracting. The menu was enticing, it took a while to decide, there were so many options I would have been happy to order. Items that looked good on the menu: Wild Mushroom Pizza, Spicy White Bean and Sausage Pizza, Mediterranean Pizza , and the Eggplant Parmesan Pizza. Yes, I am a pizza fan. A couple of the pizza's (oops that was a subconscious typo, really I mean to write SALAD) A couple of salads looked appetizing too--Pear Gorgonzola salad, and Roasted Beet salad. I ended up ordering the Poached Pear Pizza. I have an unspoken guideline when ordering in a restaurant: I order the most unusual item, and/or something I couldn't cook myself. It was OK. The flavor combination was good, but I couldn't really distinguish the wine of the poached pears, and the distribution of the main elements were so uneven that I either ended up with a mouthful of pear, or a mouthful of cambozola. I also had to ask for additional arugula since my 12 inch pizza was topped with about 10 leaves. I'll give them a B for effort in the flavor arena, and a C- for execution. I would also have preferred to have the pizza cooked a bit longer. My friend ordered a Calzone. My Gawd that thing was huge! I figured I could make 4 meals out of it. It was a s big as her head. Service was good. Not too folksy, and attentive enough that my glass never reached empty during our lingering lunch. I'll try here again if I'm working in the area or if someone suggests it. And if I end up ordering the same thing for a "second try" I'll probably end up telling them how to compose it and how long to cook it!
(3)
Christopher L.
Great every time. Excellent pizzas and appetizers and one of the most family friendly restaurants around.
I have been there once so far and would go back. It's not a fine dining experience, but it's better than the typical chain. I ordered the Cheese Ravioli and really loved it. The gelato hit the spot, too! The wait staff was not extremely attentive, but (again) it's not fine dining.
(4)
Jordan A.
I am basically punishing it for the ambiance and the prices. We wandered in there once, when Proto's was too busy. I was not disappointed with my meal. We had wild mushroom pizza, and it was superb! My salad was great too, though quite expensive (but what isn't in that area?). I did hate the cafeteria feel of the place--it's huge and cold. Again, a fine alternative to my first choice. However, I don't think I'll be going out of my way to dine there.
(3)
Chris L.
Excellent eggplant parmesan sub - the red sauce is a very good combination of tart, savory and sweet where the full flavor of the tomatoes and herbs come through; the eggplant was fried to perfection; the bread is crunchy on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth soft on the inside; and the cheese is salty and chewy to round it all off. My only complaint is that it needed more sauce and more cheese (but just a bit, not a ton more). We did take-out and the wait was substantial because the place was packed on a Friday night - we'll just call ahead sooner next time. Definitely planning to become a regular.
(4)
Joe B.
Ok, Im giving Zamparelli's 4 stars because I think the food is great but I do not think "woohoo! As good as it gets." But, I am always very pleased with the food -- tons of rich flavors and american italian standards. When the weather turns cold, this is the food you want. Its a family restaraunt however, so dinning in is kind of a noisy and annoying experience. I take out, however assume when I have kids I'll be in there with coloring books and headaches. The service is high-school level, so you try to be understanding, but its tough to get over the stoner "uuuuuuhhhhhhh" and giggles while placing an order on the phone. Overall -- I just really like the food.
(4)
Chuck G.
Would give Zamparelli's a better rating but just paid $18 (with tax) for a calzone with two standard ingredients. Their online menu said each additional ingredient was a $1.50 but when I picked it up the cashier non-chalantly mentioned they went up to $2.50 and said she'd mention it to the owner. A week later the online menu still says $1.50 per ingredient. Even if I was charged $1.50 per ingredient, $16 for this calzone is too much. The calzone was good but not "eighteen dollars good".
(2)
Michelle D.
I agree with Jordan regarding the ambiance. The place has the feeling of a cafeteria, a cute cafeteria with cool orange and green walls, BUT...... The food was great and more than made up for the ambiance. We shared the Margarita Pizza as an appetizer and it was exceptional. The crust was crispy and the sauce is a great combo of spice and not too salty. For an entree I had pappardelle bolognese. The noodles were freshly made and cooked perfectly. The Bolognase sauce was very meaty and had a good balance of spices. My hubby had Meat Ravioli. The sauce on the ravioli was a little bland and the portion was on the small size (the waiter had warned us about that). The others in our group had lasagna and a nightly special - vodka penne. Both were reported as very good. For dessert - Chocolate Mousse and Cannoli. The mousse was fantastic. Rich chocolaty taste with a creamy texture. I didn't taste the cannoli but it was reported to be very good. Everybody in our group had a good time and gave the place a thumbs up. We will certainly return and try some of the specialty pizzas.
(4)
Catherine W.
I've been going to this place for years and it rivals the best of any city I've been in. The food is fresh, hand made and prepared with skill. These folks really know what they're doing. I love the pepper/pepper/pepperoni pizza, all of the salads and appetizers, all of the pastas are exceptional. One big bonus is they have a respectable wine list and the best mixed drinks anywhere in Colorado, they never skimp. I've never had desert so I can't comment on that.
(5)
toby m.
Great food! It's a big hit with the kids too!
(4)
Kira A.
Fabulous ice cream. Pear gorgonzola pizza scrumptious. And the grilled beet salad - yum. Quick and friendly service.
(4)
s b.
Zamparelli's offers incredible authentic Italian food. I haven't had a bad/ok meal yet and I have eaten here over 30 times since it opened last year. Pizza, pasta and sandwiches are the star here. The owner is from Jersey and he knows how to cook a real east coast pizza (in a brick oven I might add). Best pizza in Boulder county. Come to think of it the pizza is better than any I have had in Denver as well. Get the carne carne pizza. To die for! All of the sandwiches are huge and tasty. The meatball and chicken parm sub's are my favorites. You can't go wrong with the pasta's either. The pappardelle bolognese is probably my favorite item on the entire menu. Big space, attentive service and the food rocks!
(5)
Dave B.
I eat here often, and have never been disappointed. The service is top notch, and the ambiance is fun with a dollop of sophistication you don't necessarily expect in a place known for the pizza. A couple of favorites of mine include the risotto balls (sounds odd, but they are fantastic!), the chicken parmesan with spaghetti, the pear and gorgonzola salad, and any of the pizzas. I especially like the Neuski's bacon with pineapple on a pie or just a slice at lunch. Nice affordable wine list too!
(5)
Clayton B.
Great pizza and good food
(4)
Charles B.
Horrible service, water tastes like it came out of a pool
(1)
Mary T.
Shockingly bad food. Live in the neighborhood, read some good reviews, gave it a try, never going back. It's like a candidate for a "before" restaurant on Gordon Ramsey. Nice arugula salad gave us hope but dried out bad bread & olive oil (seriously: stale bread fragments, olive oil with some pepper floating in it) made us worry about our main courses: lasagna and eggplant parmesan. Uninspired wine list....But okay, it's a nice night out & we're on the patio, we'll hope for the best. Results: I think they buy this at King Soopers, freeze it and microwave it. Just buy Stouffers and save yourself time and money. Food was inedible: bitter, tough eggplant, watery tomato sauce, overcooked (obviously pre-cooked) pasta, and probably the worst lasagna I've ever had. Just a big mess. What's up, Zamparelli's? Neighborhood could use a nice Italian restaurant. But for $75 a couple (no dessert/no coffee/split a salad/2 glasses inexpensive wine) this is just ridiculous. Very nice wait staff who deserve better. So do we. Get a clue.
(1)
Amber F.
Really bright welcoming decor and the hosts were super nice, but then we met the owner and left inmediately. She was the rudest person I've possibly ever met... she obviously doesn't care about her staff or customers... I would NEVER eat here, or even let my worst enemy go here....
(1)
Lucy V.
-The fried risotto balls were average, nothing special. It's served with marinara sauce. -The pappardelle bolognese pasta was delicious. It's very meaty and I ate every bite. -Chocolate mousse wasn't special. I had a few bites and was done. -Kinda Blue Bl
(3)
Gabriel V.
I thought the food was good. I found it expensive for what you get. I have never understood how spaghetti or other easy Italian style dishes can be so generally overpriced by so many restaurants. It's not just this restaurant. If you don't mind how much you are paying I think you'll enjoy the food.
(3)
Coral T.
The food here is to die for. I had a calzone which I can say is the best one I have ever had. I also tasted the pizza, and it's pretty tasty too. I knocked off a star because of price. We got two smallish pizzas and a calzone, and it was $45 before tip. That really is too much for just pizza.
(4)
Jennifer G.
I like Zamparelli's well enough. I've been there a few times over the years, always enjoyed the pizza (the white bean & sausage is my fave), but the crust can be soggy depending on the toppings. I had the chicken parm sandwich today, not bad. I have no problem with the atmosphere, but I do try to avoid the busy times - Sat. Lunch was perfect today. I do also agree it can be pricey ( that fave pizza has gone up $1 just this year), but you can also eat for a reasonable price depending on what you order. I have had nice wine, and yummy cannoli. Check it out, see if it's the place for you...
(3)
Max R.
I decided onthe pastrami sandwich for dinner with a side of coleslaw. The marble swirl rye was fresh, the deli mustard had a snappy taste and the pastrami was moist and had really good flavor. ... not like the junk you buy at the local supermarket. The slaw was not the style I like .. it was chopped (or blended) pretty fine and I like mine chunkier and stringier .. more like a slaw salad .. but the taste was good. will definitely return
(4)
Pamela S.
Their regular menu has excellent choices, but we look forward to the specials if we're not in the mood for our default faves. The chef keeps an eye to incorporating seasonal produce to create some really interesting & tasty dishes. The pizzas & salads are delicious and I even love the lasagna, which is something I normally never ever order out.
It's a shame when an average Italian restaurant charges above-average prices. Their food is decent, don't get me wrong, but it's no where close to worth the price they charge. It's a very casual place with a very awkward seating area, more conducive to family dining. Again, not bad, but the prices just don't make much sense. Entrees come with no side, you get dinged for all extras and portions are on the demure side. Beer and wine menu really lacks variety. They also close pretty early. Upside: nice and friendly staff and interesting pairings with some items and the food is good, certainly better than a place like Blue Parrot.
(3)
jonathan s.
Ok, I am usually one of those people who doesn't believe in giving 5 stars because nothing is perfect, right? Well, there are some dishes at Zamparelli's that I would give 10 stars to if I could! The risotto balls are crunchy on the outside, creamy on the inside and served w a delicate marinara sauce which balances the creaminess of the risotto with some tang. My very favorite dish (we come here every time we are in CO), is the wild mushroom pizza with garlic cream, fontina and fresh thyme. I dream about this one! The pear and gorgonzola salad may not be the most original but it is definitely done better here than in most places. Lastly, the cannolli's are among the best I have had. Let me mention here that I grew up in NJ/NY area and have had some fine Italian food in my life! There are some great cocktails to enjoy while you are waiting for your meal! Zamparalli's uses fresh organic and local produce when possible. Thanks Jimmy and Nancy Z. for offering homemade food in a relaxed atmosphere at reasonable prices. Can't wait for our next visit to Lafayette!
(5)
Shawna S.
I love Zamparellis!! Great food, drink and people, what more could you want? Get the risotto balls, trust me. Mmm
(5)
Rhonda A.
Love Zamparelli's just sad that peach season came to a close in the Rockies!! That peach, carmelized onion with fresh arugula on top pizza was delicious. But there are so many other's that are equally delicious. I also crave your eggplant parmesan & our family loves the calamari, risotto balls and your soups are the best. Ok I could go on and on. Thanks for always doing it right Jimmy and Nancy!
(5)
Sarah B.
Update to my last review. We still eat here a lot ( rake out) and we were enticed to dine in tonight by their secret envelope deal and I must say, things have changed for the positive! Their waitstaff is much more attentive and helpful, their gluten free pasta is much tastier and their meat sauce is quite flavorful. My now 5 year old devoured her meal and was very happy as well. Check it out, but arrive early on Friday nights to avoid the wait.
(5)
E M.
A few months I ate here and the gluten free lasagna was outstanding. I told anyone who'd listen about it and was so happy to have found such a tasty GF classic italian dish! Today, I went back, and was sorely disappointed. This time the gluten free lasagna was swimming in grease and the noodles were just mush. I ate a few bites and gave up. It was not good. at all. The chopped salad was biter and flavorless. I am so disappointed. I can not go back.
(1)
Dave F.
Don't miss! Lasagna, pizza, eggplant, sandwiches, calzones, risotto balls - all amazing. Seasonal specials like corn / potato soup sourced with local ingredients are incredible. Great service, super kid friendly, great location. Family favorite and the go to spot with company in town! enjoy
(5)
Sally F.
Only a few couples when we arrived, which was fine. Server was kind, funny & courteous. She told us to take our time visiting and eating, no rushing. Ordered Stu's veggie pizza with added bacon. Center was a bit watery and bacon was under cooked. Crust was crisp, surprisingly. Adult strawberry lemonade was a ways from its title. I gave 3 stars basically for service. Good thing I used a groupon.
(3)
Chrystal T.
Zamparellis is good and consistent, we dine in or out of here once a month. I love the chicken marsala super flavorful and wonderful noodles, the spaghetti and meatballs is also a huge hit. Great for families both young and old, decent wine and beer list. I would have given them 5 stars but last time I had take out our tiramusu was awful, I actually think it was spoiled and we threw out after one bite
(4)
J F.
First time I've tried carry out. Ordered the 1/2 pan lasagna for a party of 8. It turned out to be all sauce and very few noodles. Very embarrassing to serve. Won't be going back : (
(2)
Geo C.
Definitely not good. Zamparellis should be good but it is not. Tomato sauce tastes canned. Eggplant Parmesan was a disaster: some grey sludge under canned tomato sauce. There are so many better places - just pass this one by. It's interesting - I wrote a note to the chef - the letter was returned "unclaimed." I checked the address and mailed it again. Again, "unclaimed." You have to wonder about a place that can't get mail
(1)
Gabriel V.
I thought the food was good. I found it expensive for what you get. I have never understood how spaghetti or other easy Italian style dishes can be so generally overpriced by so many restaurants. It's not just this restaurant. If you don't mind how much you are paying I think you'll enjoy the food.
(3)
H J.
Went there last night with the wife and kids, I had a pretty average meal (lasagna) which was fine but nothing earth-shattering. Same for my wife. Pizza was good. This not a 5-star operation, to be fair it's a 3.5.
(3)
Lana T.
Fantastic every single time. Great portions, amazing, creative salads and pizza to die for. Don't miss this gem.
(5)
Dara B.
Pizza is really delicious and served quickly and sometimes we go there as a family because it's convenient and we're all hungry. But it's not a place I would ever go on a date with my husband or out with friends simply because the ambiance is truly horrible. The lighting is awful, and the big walls are bare with a few fun but undersized posters thrown in. True, the restaurant is an odd shape, and there's not much that can be done about that. But if the owner invested in some over-the-table pendants or even table candles, it would help a ton. Maybe a little music too? It just feels like the inside of a warehouse... cold and empty. Service is pretty good, but the manager (owner?) always appears to be a bit grumpy. Perhaps she works too much... and it shows on her face.
(3)
David R.
This place is purely amazing in every way. The food is the greatest, nothing like it anywhere. The pappardelle is one of my personal favorites. Nancy Owner/manager is fantastic at what she does and takes pride in her restaurant. I just wish I could eat here more often it's so good. Recommended to everyone.
(5)
Amber F.
Really bright welcoming decor and the hosts were super nice, but then we met the owner and left inmediately. She was the rudest person I've possibly ever met... she obviously doesn't care about her staff or customers... I would NEVER eat here, or even let my worst enemy go here....
(1)
Lucy V.
-The fried risotto balls were average, nothing special. It's served with marinara sauce. -The pappardelle bolognese pasta was delicious. It's very meaty and I ate every bite. -Chocolate mousse wasn't special. I had a few bites and was done. -Kinda Blue Bl
(3)
dave b.
We end up eating here a couple of times per year, usually when someone from out of town is visiting. It's a decent outing. The have good food, gelato, and a bar. How can you go wrong. But for me is has been the same each time: Food: Hmm, this is quite good, better than expected even. Atmosphere: Noisy, cold, concrete. Sigh. It has been a blend of these things every time. I just dislike the concrete/industrial restaurant-thing, it does nothing for me.
(3)
Lu B.
We hadn 't dined at Zamparelli's for over a year, but returned last week to use a Groupon we'd purchased. I was very disappointed with my entree. I ordered a pizza (I believe called Lombardi's) that had a San Marzano tomato sauce, pancetta and fresh mozzarella. The sauce was ok, nothing special, and there was hardly any mozzarella. The pancetta was limp and rubbery. It was not raw, but certainly not crisped, or cooked correctly. I told the owner (who was our waitress) and her reply was, "it's cooked". Really? I said I couldn't eat it, that it was off-putting. She took the pizza, had the cooks put it back in the wood-fired oven. When it was returned to me, the pancetta was cooked decently, but the pizza itself was overcooked, on the verge of being burned. I asked my son, who is a chef, his opinion. He said that bacon/pancetta should always be pre-cooked before being added to a pizza. Most importantly, I wish that the owner's response to my issue had been, "I'm sorry. What can I do to make this right for you?", not "it's cooked". I gave this review 2 stars because my husband enjoyed his lasagne.
(2)
Ali M.
I love zamparellis, it is the perfect place if you want Italian and not just pizza. It is kid friendly but not overly crazy like Lucky Pie, the service is great, the food is delicious, and they use lots of organic ingredients which is awesome. Love the salads and the mushroom thyme pizza!
(5)
McLean S.
Absolutely amazing ecpierence, great food with a great staff! Have been looking for a good Italian restaurant in the area and now can say I have found one! Definitely coming back!
(5)
Heather L.
I ate here 2 years ago. The food was good. The service was pretty good. Yet, I love to eat out and haven't been back. That says a lot. There are so many other places in Lafayette and Boulder County that I would rather eat. Given the choice, I would recommend looking for somewhere better!
(3)
Kit L.
FYI - there seems to be two places to review this on Yelp. This one has hardly any reviews but the other place has much more. Not sure how I ended up on this one. It seems to be a solid place otherwise - a bit pricy for three adults and a kid it was $80 but that was with one drink and appetizer. The portions are generous so you might be able to split one.
(3)
Dr. J.
Great place for a family meal. Not exactly sophisticated Italian food, but it's a good spot, the staff is friendly, you can find something for everyone and the kids love it.
(3)
Crystal G.
The first time I went to Zamparelli's I enjoyed it. My chicken parmesan was only ok, but everything else was delicious. The staff was very friendly as well. This time was very different. The staff was friendly enough, but our waitress was very inattentive. Not once did she stop by to check on us. It was clear she was more interested in talking to the hostess than helping us. Our drinks were empty and remained that way for the entire meal as we were never offered refills. The caesar salad was disgusting. It tasted like fish sauce had been poured all over it. I only took two bites and set it aside but the waitress only asked if I was done with it so she could take the plate. I would think she would have noticed something was wrong when there is still a full plate of salad (that I paid $5 for) but maybe that is just me. The fried calamari and garlic chicken pizza were delicious though. Overall the food is very hit or miss and I would not recommend.
(2)
E M.
A few months I ate here and the gluten free lasagna was outstanding. I told anyone who'd listen about it and was so happy to have found such a tasty GF classic italian dish! Today, I went back, and was sorely disappointed. This time the gluten free lasagna was swimming in grease and the noodles were just mush. I ate a few bites and gave up. It was not good. at all. The chopped salad was biter and flavorless. I am so disappointed. I can not go back.
(1)
Dave F.
Don't miss! Lasagna, pizza, eggplant, sandwiches, calzones, risotto balls - all amazing. Seasonal specials like corn / potato soup sourced with local ingredients are incredible. Great service, super kid friendly, great location. Family favorite and the go to spot with company in town! enjoy
(5)
Sally F.
Only a few couples when we arrived, which was fine. Server was kind, funny & courteous. She told us to take our time visiting and eating, no rushing. Ordered Stu's veggie pizza with added bacon. Center was a bit watery and bacon was under cooked. Crust was crisp, surprisingly. Adult strawberry lemonade was a ways from its title. I gave 3 stars basically for service. Good thing I used a groupon.
(3)
Coral T.
The food here is to die for. I had a calzone which I can say is the best one I have ever had. I also tasted the pizza, and it's pretty tasty too. I knocked off a star because of price. We got two smallish pizzas and a calzone, and it was $45 before tip. That really is too much for just pizza.
(4)
Keith S.
I've never done this before, but I'm going to give this place a zero. My roommate and I drove out to this place last week excited to try some new italian food. We walked in an hour and twenty minutes before they closed and the guy who was hosting said they were no longer seating people because they sometimes close early on the weekdays. An hour and twenty minutes early? That was just terrible. 'Twas a shame because I am a big fan of italian food.
(1)
Matt V.
We have eaten at Zamparelli's many times now, and have never been disappointed! Try the Italian Balsamic Chicken Wings (Not something you'd think to order, but delicious! We'll be back again, of course!
(5)
Leanne G.
I have always had good food here and have always enjoyed the service. Some of these new restaurants that have cement floors end up being a bit more loud and therefore offer an impersonal and cold feeling. However, I do like that it is an easy surface to clean, so I'm not sure which is better. Its a smaller restaurant, but it works well, as great service, good food and is a great place for kids! Try the beet salad. Its my favorite!
(4)
Deb K.
It's a shame when an average Italian restaurant charges above-average prices. Their food is decent, don't get me wrong, but it's no where close to worth the price they charge. It's a very casual place with a very awkward seating area, more conducive to family dining. Again, not bad, but the prices just don't make much sense. Entrees come with no side, you get dinged for all extras and portions are on the demure side. Beer and wine menu really lacks variety. They also close pretty early. Upside: nice and friendly staff and interesting pairings with some items and the food is good, certainly better than a place like Blue Parrot.
(3)
jonathan s.
Ok, I am usually one of those people who doesn't believe in giving 5 stars because nothing is perfect, right? Well, there are some dishes at Zamparelli's that I would give 10 stars to if I could! The risotto balls are crunchy on the outside, creamy on the inside and served w a delicate marinara sauce which balances the creaminess of the risotto with some tang. My very favorite dish (we come here every time we are in CO), is the wild mushroom pizza with garlic cream, fontina and fresh thyme. I dream about this one! The pear and gorgonzola salad may not be the most original but it is definitely done better here than in most places. Lastly, the cannolli's are among the best I have had. Let me mention here that I grew up in NJ/NY area and have had some fine Italian food in my life! There are some great cocktails to enjoy while you are waiting for your meal! Zamparalli's uses fresh organic and local produce when possible. Thanks Jimmy and Nancy Z. for offering homemade food in a relaxed atmosphere at reasonable prices. Can't wait for our next visit to Lafayette!
(5)
Shawna S.
I love Zamparellis!! Great food, drink and people, what more could you want? Get the risotto balls, trust me. Mmm
(5)
Kim E.
First visit. In the mood for Italian and looking for something new! In terms of atmosphere, I would say it is below average. Might be ok in the summer when you can sit outside, but the cement floors and high ceilings did nothing for me. It was also slightly chilly in the restaurant making it just almost uncomfortable. We had one really good menu item and the rest was just so-so. Butternut Squash soup was amazing! Caesar salad was edible, but not the best I've had. Husband had the Chicken Marsela and thought it was bland and a bit boring (he salt and peppered his meal which he never, ever does!). I had the lasagna which was also uninspiring. It was somewhat on the runny side, and the noodles were very thin. Flavor was just so-so. Disappointed with the food quality and ambiance (except for the soup!) given the prices. Because we are local and because we've seen so many good reviews, we will probably give them another chance but maybe stick to the pizza next time!
(2)
Martin B.
PIZZA PERFECT! i was walking by this place yesterday at lunchtime, and decided that for dinner to order a take out pizza. It was really delicious. I ate more than i wanted to, just couldnt help myself... My only criticism would be could have used a little more cheese (which is a common issue with most pizzas these days) and i wish they would offer a whole wheat crust option.... I will return soon.
(4)
kari b.
This place is great for any situation. Nice enough for a date,and friendly enough for kids. Food is great and takeout is quick. Love it!
(4)
Aaron L.
I've had 2 experiences with this place... one good, one bad. Prices: 5/10, too high but the food quality seems pretty good. Food Quality: 8/10, seems pretty good Food Quantity: 4/10, everything we've had was more $ then it should be for the qty. They are acting like a high-end resturaunt... they are not. Give us a bit more food please! Food Flavor: - pastas: 4/10, vodka sauce lacked any kick & much flavor at all. barely any chicken in the dish. Chicken Marsala tasted more like stroganoff. I'll never get pasta here again. - pizzas: 8/10, had 2 pizzas & the flavors were excellent. I'm looking forward to trying more. - salads: 6/10, the salads were basic bagged lettuce with some added flair. Pear Gorgonzola was the best. The Arugula salad would have been good but they bathed it in WAY too much balsamic dressing which killed it. If I wanted to drink balsamic vinegar I would have got it straight from the bottle. Overall: I'd get the pizza and not much else. For the prices I've had much better at many places. If they'd give more food for the $ they charge they'd get an extra star no problem.
(2)
Fae F.
I like the big salads here and I didn't think they were overpriced. GF pasta was awesome. I've been 3 times now and twice sat outside.. It's really LOUD inside. It's just so open, as soon as peeps start talking the place feels overwhelming! And there are usually a lot of kids. So I probably won't go in the winter. A couple times I've seen the owner(?) not be so nice to the staff. That's always a turn-off. Margs are ok.
(3)
Jennifer G.
I like Zamparelli's well enough. I've been there a few times over the years, always enjoyed the pizza (the white bean & sausage is my fave), but the crust can be soggy depending on the toppings. I had the chicken parm sandwich today, not bad. I have no problem with the atmosphere, but I do try to avoid the busy times - Sat. Lunch was perfect today. I do also agree it can be pricey ( that fave pizza has gone up $1 just this year), but you can also eat for a reasonable price depending on what you order. I have had nice wine, and yummy cannoli. Check it out, see if it's the place for you...
(3)
Max R.
I decided onthe pastrami sandwich for dinner with a side of coleslaw. The marble swirl rye was fresh, the deli mustard had a snappy taste and the pastrami was moist and had really good flavor. ... not like the junk you buy at the local supermarket. The slaw was not the style I like .. it was chopped (or blended) pretty fine and I like mine chunkier and stringier .. more like a slaw salad .. but the taste was good. will definitely return
(4)
Pamela S.
Their regular menu has excellent choices, but we look forward to the specials if we're not in the mood for our default faves. The chef keeps an eye to incorporating seasonal produce to create some really interesting & tasty dishes. The pizzas & salads are delicious and I even love the lasagna, which is something I normally never ever order out.
Love Zamparelli's just sad that peach season came to a close in the Rockies!! That peach, carmelized onion with fresh arugula on top pizza was delicious. But there are so many other's that are equally delicious. I also crave your eggplant parmesan & our family loves the calamari, risotto balls and your soups are the best. Ok I could go on and on. Thanks for always doing it right Jimmy and Nancy!
(5)
Sarah B.
Update to my last review. We still eat here a lot ( rake out) and we were enticed to dine in tonight by their secret envelope deal and I must say, things have changed for the positive! Their waitstaff is much more attentive and helpful, their gluten free pasta is much tastier and their meat sauce is quite flavorful. My now 5 year old devoured her meal and was very happy as well. Check it out, but arrive early on Friday nights to avoid the wait.
(5)
John A.
Thin crust pie (my wife hates it when I call it pie, PIZZA PIE :-) ) if you haven't ventured out to try a clam pie pizza take it on! if you like clams that is, and you will be amazed at the marriage of this one. Pizza is not the only thing Zamparelli's does. They have great sandwiches, chicken parm and some incredible salads and apps. The calimari is great, so much so that if I want any I must order one for the kids and one for my wife and I if I hope to get any! Monday is half bottle wine night, there is ice cream for the kids and lunch specials to boot. I don't suggest this spot as a intimate date night spot but family and larger clouds are always welcome and as of 2011 they have been redecorating so you can see the remodeling. Nice spot and good food, friendly service.
(4)
Chris L.
Excellent eggplant parmesan sub - the red sauce is a very good combination of tart, savory and sweet where the full flavor of the tomatoes and herbs come through; the eggplant was fried to perfection; the bread is crunchy on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth soft on the inside; and the cheese is salty and chewy to round it all off. My only complaint is that it needed more sauce and more cheese (but just a bit, not a ton more). We did take-out and the wait was substantial because the place was packed on a Friday night - we'll just call ahead sooner next time. Definitely planning to become a regular.
(4)
Joe B.
Ok, Im giving Zamparelli's 4 stars because I think the food is great but I do not think "woohoo! As good as it gets." But, I am always very pleased with the food -- tons of rich flavors and american italian standards. When the weather turns cold, this is the food you want. Its a family restaraunt however, so dinning in is kind of a noisy and annoying experience. I take out, however assume when I have kids I'll be in there with coloring books and headaches. The service is high-school level, so you try to be understanding, but its tough to get over the stoner "uuuuuuhhhhhhh" and giggles while placing an order on the phone. Overall -- I just really like the food.
(4)
Anita Y.
2 and 3/4 stars? 3 stars - ? Just OK, not A-ok I met a colleague here for lunch recently. It was my first time here, and her first in quite a while. I agree with Jane G., the seating style is my least favorite, with comfy booth style seating facing out along one side and hard chairs facing the wall on the other. After 2 hours of our "business meeting" my tingling ass started to become quite a distracting. The menu was enticing, it took a while to decide, there were so many options I would have been happy to order. Items that looked good on the menu: Wild Mushroom Pizza, Spicy White Bean and Sausage Pizza, Mediterranean Pizza , and the Eggplant Parmesan Pizza. Yes, I am a pizza fan. A couple of the pizza's (oops that was a subconscious typo, really I mean to write SALAD) A couple of salads looked appetizing too--Pear Gorgonzola salad, and Roasted Beet salad. I ended up ordering the Poached Pear Pizza. I have an unspoken guideline when ordering in a restaurant: I order the most unusual item, and/or something I couldn't cook myself. It was OK. The flavor combination was good, but I couldn't really distinguish the wine of the poached pears, and the distribution of the main elements were so uneven that I either ended up with a mouthful of pear, or a mouthful of cambozola. I also had to ask for additional arugula since my 12 inch pizza was topped with about 10 leaves. I'll give them a B for effort in the flavor arena, and a C- for execution. I would also have preferred to have the pizza cooked a bit longer. My friend ordered a Calzone. My Gawd that thing was huge! I figured I could make 4 meals out of it. It was a s big as her head. Service was good. Not too folksy, and attentive enough that my glass never reached empty during our lingering lunch. I'll try here again if I'm working in the area or if someone suggests it. And if I end up ordering the same thing for a "second try" I'll probably end up telling them how to compose it and how long to cook it!
(3)
Christopher L.
Great every time. Excellent pizzas and appetizers and one of the most family friendly restaurants around.
I have been there once so far and would go back. It's not a fine dining experience, but it's better than the typical chain. I ordered the Cheese Ravioli and really loved it. The gelato hit the spot, too! The wait staff was not extremely attentive, but (again) it's not fine dining.
(4)
Jordan A.
I am basically punishing it for the ambiance and the prices. We wandered in there once, when Proto's was too busy. I was not disappointed with my meal. We had wild mushroom pizza, and it was superb! My salad was great too, though quite expensive (but what isn't in that area?). I did hate the cafeteria feel of the place--it's huge and cold. Again, a fine alternative to my first choice. However, I don't think I'll be going out of my way to dine there.
(3)
Jane G.
The ambience is bizarre--long narrow space with high ceilings, and my least favorite seating arrangement (i.e., tables side by side along a wall, where one person faces the wall and the other person faces out, and the tables are close enough to easily eavesdrop even if you don't want to). Appetizer of grilled risotta balls (aka arrancini) was okay bit a bit too garlicky for my taste and very ho-hum dipping sauce. We split a tasty pizza of the white variety - baco bits and onion, and again, very garlicky. The killer was the wine--we both ordered the house chianti, and then decided we wanted the bottle, so the waitress complied but charged us $32 for a bottle of house chianti. I'm getting tired of restaurants gouging with their wine prices. They probably got it from the liquor store in the same shopping center for $10. Zamparelli's wasn't great but it wasn't bad, but I don't think I'll be a regular.
(3)
Al L.
Very good food. Casual family type place. We arrived around 6 and there was a lot of uncontrolled little kids running around. 1/2 hour later all the families were gone and it was nice.
(4)
Christine K.
I'm Zamparelli's biggest fan, even though I live over 1200 miles away. I wish they had an outpost in Marin County. I find myself craving their chopped salad & pizzas. Folks in the Lafayette/Boulder area are so lucky to have such a quality dining spot close to home. Why do I love Zamparelli's? The food, the quality ingredients, the attentive service and the really reasonable prices. I've sampled their Arancini (fried risotto balls), the chopped salad (reminds me of the Nancys salad from Mario Batali's Pizzeria Mozza in LA), eggplant parmesan, calzone, margharita pizza, 4 cheese pizza (pure bliss) and a seasonal pizza they offered this summer with ricotta and fresh corn. I've also enjoyed some amazing red wine (recommended by our waiter), which paired perfectly with our meal and didn't break the pocketbook. Bonus! Everything I've tasted at Zamparelli's has been delicious - not just good, delicious. It's obvious the chef/owner takes a lot of pride in this little establishment, tucked into a nondescript strip mall. Even the wait staff is great - how refreshing to be waited on by people who seem to actually enjoy their jobs! Do yourself a favor and check out Zamparelli's. You won't be disappointed. Tell them CK sent you. PS - They even have a nice selection of gelato & to-die-for cannolis...if you have room for dessert.
(5)
Michelle B.
I was all set to like this place a lot, but the only thing I (and my guests) liked about it was the risotto balls. Did not like the bolognese sauce at all not enough veggies and too much tomato sauce. Won't be going back, too many other great Italian places to eat.
(2)
Steve K.
Zamparelli's is a great local Italian eatery. I have been going here for years and have never been disappointed. The eggplant parmesan is fantastic, I've had most of the pizzas on the menu and always love them. I usually start with the white bean appetizer, beet salad, and a pizza, eggplant parmesan, eggplant parmesan or meatball sandwich. The fried risotto balls are also a favorite. The wine list offers a lot of great options. I don't usually have room for dessert, but when I do the mousse or tiramisu has been excellent I don't get the comments about the ambiance. I have always focused on the food, wine, and service, which have always been great. This is a great neighborhood place, not some mid-city restaurant. It's clean, comfortable, and a great place for a great meal. They have a nice patio for summer evenings.
(4)
Mike J.
Delicious food! The sandwiches and pizza are both outstanding. They also have a great bar selection. As a bunch of other folks noted, it's a good place for families, which suits the location well. This is definitely a favorite of my daughter's. The decor is inviting.. it's a bit of a strip mall gem. The only drawback is that it's on the pricey side for a pretty casual establishment.
(4)
Donna C.
One is one of our favorite restaurants. The tiramisu is to die for! Last night we tried the risotto balls and they were amazing. Service is good when dining in. We get take out frequently and split the vodka penne. Great stuff! Is in a non-descript location with plenty of parking. Kid friendly but not full of unruly little ones. You have to try it.
(5)
Andrew G.
This place is top notch. I have eaten there many times and the food is always excellent! The owners Jimmy and Nancy are always there and take personal pride in the food they are serving (which from what I understand are passed down from Jimmy's relatives). A+++
(5)
Connie B.
It's alright. I was hoping for much better and wasn't all that impressed. We went with a party of 7 and all seven of us got different menu items, no one was raving about anything so that should say something. Sorry, but for the price I will have to say not worth the trip unless you are in the area.
(2)
Cori C.
Disappointing. The server was friendly, but you could tell she was forcing it. The service was satisfactory, however. The atmosphere was nice. It had clean modern decor. The pasta was really lacking, however, and it was overpriced. My $14 cheese ravioli (with no sides included) tasted like $8 ravioli (with sides included.) We'll keep looking for a good Italian restaurant.
(2)
Chuck G.
Would give Zamparelli's a better rating but just paid $18 (with tax) for a calzone with two standard ingredients. Their online menu said each additional ingredient was a $1.50 but when I picked it up the cashier non-chalantly mentioned they went up to $2.50 and said she'd mention it to the owner. A week later the online menu still says $1.50 per ingredient. Even if I was charged $1.50 per ingredient, $16 for this calzone is too much. The calzone was good but not "eighteen dollars good".
(2)
Michelle D.
I agree with Jordan regarding the ambiance. The place has the feeling of a cafeteria, a cute cafeteria with cool orange and green walls, BUT...... The food was great and more than made up for the ambiance. We shared the Margarita Pizza as an appetizer and it was exceptional. The crust was crispy and the sauce is a great combo of spice and not too salty. For an entree I had pappardelle bolognese. The noodles were freshly made and cooked perfectly. The Bolognase sauce was very meaty and had a good balance of spices. My hubby had Meat Ravioli. The sauce on the ravioli was a little bland and the portion was on the small size (the waiter had warned us about that). The others in our group had lasagna and a nightly special - vodka penne. Both were reported as very good. For dessert - Chocolate Mousse and Cannoli. The mousse was fantastic. Rich chocolaty taste with a creamy texture. I didn't taste the cannoli but it was reported to be very good. Everybody in our group had a good time and gave the place a thumbs up. We will certainly return and try some of the specialty pizzas.
(4)
Catherine W.
I've been going to this place for years and it rivals the best of any city I've been in. The food is fresh, hand made and prepared with skill. These folks really know what they're doing. I love the pepper/pepper/pepperoni pizza, all of the salads and appetizers, all of the pastas are exceptional. One big bonus is they have a respectable wine list and the best mixed drinks anywhere in Colorado, they never skimp. I've never had desert so I can't comment on that.
(5)
toby m.
Great food! It's a big hit with the kids too!
(4)
Kira A.
Fabulous ice cream. Pear gorgonzola pizza scrumptious. And the grilled beet salad - yum. Quick and friendly service.
(4)
Dave B.
I eat here often, and have never been disappointed. The service is top notch, and the ambiance is fun with a dollop of sophistication you don't necessarily expect in a place known for the pizza. A couple of favorites of mine include the risotto balls (sounds odd, but they are fantastic!), the chicken parmesan with spaghetti, the pear and gorgonzola salad, and any of the pizzas. I especially like the Neuski's bacon with pineapple on a pie or just a slice at lunch. Nice affordable wine list too!
(5)
Clayton B.
Great pizza and good food
(4)
Charles B.
Horrible service, water tastes like it came out of a pool
(1)
Steve M.
Love this place. Great food. Good beers on tap. Friendly staff.
(5)
s b.
Zamparelli's offers incredible authentic Italian food. I haven't had a bad/ok meal yet and I have eaten here over 30 times since it opened last year. Pizza, pasta and sandwiches are the star here. The owner is from Jersey and he knows how to cook a real east coast pizza (in a brick oven I might add). Best pizza in Boulder county. Come to think of it the pizza is better than any I have had in Denver as well. Get the carne carne pizza. To die for! All of the sandwiches are huge and tasty. The meatball and chicken parm sub's are my favorites. You can't go wrong with the pasta's either. The pappardelle bolognese is probably my favorite item on the entire menu. Big space, attentive service and the food rocks!
(5)
Mary T.
Shockingly bad food. Live in the neighborhood, read some good reviews, gave it a try, never going back. It's like a candidate for a "before" restaurant on Gordon Ramsey. Nice arugula salad gave us hope but dried out bad bread & olive oil (seriously: stale bread fragments, olive oil with some pepper floating in it) made us worry about our main courses: lasagna and eggplant parmesan. Uninspired wine list....But okay, it's a nice night out & we're on the patio, we'll hope for the best. Results: I think they buy this at King Soopers, freeze it and microwave it. Just buy Stouffers and save yourself time and money. Food was inedible: bitter, tough eggplant, watery tomato sauce, overcooked (obviously pre-cooked) pasta, and probably the worst lasagna I've ever had. Just a big mess. What's up, Zamparelli's? Neighborhood could use a nice Italian restaurant. But for $75 a couple (no dessert/no coffee/split a salad/2 glasses inexpensive wine) this is just ridiculous. Very nice wait staff who deserve better. So do we. Get a clue.
(1)
Doug C.
Never a bad meal. My favorite place in Boulder County. Great service. Great cocktails. Good seasonal menu. Funky space but food makes up for it.
(5)
Rob S.
Hit this place for lunch from time to time and find it to be consistently good. It is expensive and I'd have to say that I wouldn't necessarily "rave" about any one thing that I have had there, but it really is excellent. We always leave thinking it was a tremendous lunch. So overall, I give it high marks, marked down a bit for pricing though it is not THAT outrageous.
(4)
Scott M.
The food and service is great here. Their red sauce is really good! You can even buy their sauce to take home which is excellent. This is one of my all-time favorite Italian restaurants. It is very casual but perfect for anyone with a family or looking for a semi-quick meal. The owners are always friendly and the staff is great. The pricing is very average despite another review. It should be more but with the casual atmoshere it is just right. I would highly recommend going there.
(5)
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Address :95th St and Arapahoe Rd
Lafayette, CO, 80026
Sorry, Store hours have not been updated. If you are the owner of this restaurants. Please update the store hours.
Specialities
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : No Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Loud Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
Pizza
Pizza is a famous Italian dish savored around the world. The entire credit for the popularity of Pizza in the United States goes to the chain of pizzerias all over the country. While the base and the texture of Pizza remains same across the globe, it's the toppings that differs from country to country. In the United States, you will find the top pizzerias serving pizzas with the toppings of mainly beef, bacon, chicken, ham, and sausage for the non-vegetarians. Other than these famous meat options, Pizzas with veg toppings such as mushrooms, pepperonis, garlic, tomatoes, spinach, etc. are also famous in most restaurants in the United States.
Irrespective of your locality, you will find a variety of different restaurants in your cities offering pizzas of all different types. Pizza is hot favorite among people of all ages in the United States. A large size pizza is enough to feed a family of 3 or 4 at large. Pizza is also the most preferred food whenever a group of friends is hanging out together. Pizza gained popularity in the United States after the American soldiers stationed in Italy returned from World War II.
Over the years, different pizzerias in the United States have developed their own respective regional variations. Pizza gained popularity as the iconic dish in the United States in the second half of the 20th century. Whether you prefer thin or thick crust pizza, you can find a pizza of your preference at the best pizza restaurants in your city.
Keith S.
I've never done this before, but I'm going to give this place a zero. My roommate and I drove out to this place last week excited to try some new italian food. We walked in an hour and twenty minutes before they closed and the guy who was hosting said they were no longer seating people because they sometimes close early on the weekdays. An hour and twenty minutes early? That was just terrible. 'Twas a shame because I am a big fan of italian food.
(1)Matt V.
We have eaten at Zamparelli's many times now, and have never been disappointed! Try the Italian Balsamic Chicken Wings (Not something you'd think to order, but delicious! We'll be back again, of course!
(5)Chrystal T.
Zamparellis is good and consistent, we dine in or out of here once a month. I love the chicken marsala super flavorful and wonderful noodles, the spaghetti and meatballs is also a huge hit. Great for families both young and old, decent wine and beer list. I would have given them 5 stars but last time I had take out our tiramusu was awful, I actually think it was spoiled and we threw out after one bite
(4)David R.
This place is purely amazing in every way. The food is the greatest, nothing like it anywhere. The pappardelle is one of my personal favorites. Nancy Owner/manager is fantastic at what she does and takes pride in her restaurant. I just wish I could eat here more often it's so good. Recommended to everyone.
(5)H J.
Went there last night with the wife and kids, I had a pretty average meal (lasagna) which was fine but nothing earth-shattering. Same for my wife. Pizza was good. This not a 5-star operation, to be fair it's a 3.5.
(3)Lana T.
Fantastic every single time. Great portions, amazing, creative salads and pizza to die for. Don't miss this gem.
(5)J F.
First time I've tried carry out. Ordered the 1/2 pan lasagna for a party of 8. It turned out to be all sauce and very few noodles. Very embarrassing to serve. Won't be going back : (
(2)Geo C.
Definitely not good. Zamparellis should be good but it is not. Tomato sauce tastes canned. Eggplant Parmesan was a disaster: some grey sludge under canned tomato sauce. There are so many better places - just pass this one by. It's interesting - I wrote a note to the chef - the letter was returned "unclaimed." I checked the address and mailed it again. Again, "unclaimed." You have to wonder about a place that can't get mail
(1)Dara B.
Pizza is really delicious and served quickly and sometimes we go there as a family because it's convenient and we're all hungry. But it's not a place I would ever go on a date with my husband or out with friends simply because the ambiance is truly horrible. The lighting is awful, and the big walls are bare with a few fun but undersized posters thrown in. True, the restaurant is an odd shape, and there's not much that can be done about that. But if the owner invested in some over-the-table pendants or even table candles, it would help a ton. Maybe a little music too? It just feels like the inside of a warehouse... cold and empty. Service is pretty good, but the manager (owner?) always appears to be a bit grumpy. Perhaps she works too much... and it shows on her face.
(3)Dr. J.
Great place for a family meal. Not exactly sophisticated Italian food, but it's a good spot, the staff is friendly, you can find something for everyone and the kids love it.
(3)Crystal G.
The first time I went to Zamparelli's I enjoyed it. My chicken parmesan was only ok, but everything else was delicious. The staff was very friendly as well. This time was very different. The staff was friendly enough, but our waitress was very inattentive. Not once did she stop by to check on us. It was clear she was more interested in talking to the hostess than helping us. Our drinks were empty and remained that way for the entire meal as we were never offered refills. The caesar salad was disgusting. It tasted like fish sauce had been poured all over it. I only took two bites and set it aside but the waitress only asked if I was done with it so she could take the plate. I would think she would have noticed something was wrong when there is still a full plate of salad (that I paid $5 for) but maybe that is just me. The fried calamari and garlic chicken pizza were delicious though. Overall the food is very hit or miss and I would not recommend.
(2)John A.
Thin crust pie (my wife hates it when I call it pie, PIZZA PIE :-) ) if you haven't ventured out to try a clam pie pizza take it on! if you like clams that is, and you will be amazed at the marriage of this one. Pizza is not the only thing Zamparelli's does. They have great sandwiches, chicken parm and some incredible salads and apps. The calimari is great, so much so that if I want any I must order one for the kids and one for my wife and I if I hope to get any! Monday is half bottle wine night, there is ice cream for the kids and lunch specials to boot. I don't suggest this spot as a intimate date night spot but family and larger clouds are always welcome and as of 2011 they have been redecorating so you can see the remodeling. Nice spot and good food, friendly service.
(4)dave b.
We end up eating here a couple of times per year, usually when someone from out of town is visiting. It's a decent outing. The have good food, gelato, and a bar. How can you go wrong. But for me is has been the same each time: Food: Hmm, this is quite good, better than expected even. Atmosphere: Noisy, cold, concrete. Sigh. It has been a blend of these things every time. I just dislike the concrete/industrial restaurant-thing, it does nothing for me.
(3)Kim E.
First visit. In the mood for Italian and looking for something new! In terms of atmosphere, I would say it is below average. Might be ok in the summer when you can sit outside, but the cement floors and high ceilings did nothing for me. It was also slightly chilly in the restaurant making it just almost uncomfortable. We had one really good menu item and the rest was just so-so. Butternut Squash soup was amazing! Caesar salad was edible, but not the best I've had. Husband had the Chicken Marsela and thought it was bland and a bit boring (he salt and peppered his meal which he never, ever does!). I had the lasagna which was also uninspiring. It was somewhat on the runny side, and the noodles were very thin. Flavor was just so-so. Disappointed with the food quality and ambiance (except for the soup!) given the prices. Because we are local and because we've seen so many good reviews, we will probably give them another chance but maybe stick to the pizza next time!
(2)Martin B.
PIZZA PERFECT! i was walking by this place yesterday at lunchtime, and decided that for dinner to order a take out pizza. It was really delicious. I ate more than i wanted to, just couldnt help myself... My only criticism would be could have used a little more cheese (which is a common issue with most pizzas these days) and i wish they would offer a whole wheat crust option.... I will return soon.
(4)kari b.
This place is great for any situation. Nice enough for a date,and friendly enough for kids. Food is great and takeout is quick. Love it!
(4)Aaron L.
I've had 2 experiences with this place... one good, one bad. Prices: 5/10, too high but the food quality seems pretty good. Food Quality: 8/10, seems pretty good Food Quantity: 4/10, everything we've had was more $ then it should be for the qty. They are acting like a high-end resturaunt... they are not. Give us a bit more food please! Food Flavor: - pastas: 4/10, vodka sauce lacked any kick & much flavor at all. barely any chicken in the dish. Chicken Marsala tasted more like stroganoff. I'll never get pasta here again. - pizzas: 8/10, had 2 pizzas & the flavors were excellent. I'm looking forward to trying more. - salads: 6/10, the salads were basic bagged lettuce with some added flair. Pear Gorgonzola was the best. The Arugula salad would have been good but they bathed it in WAY too much balsamic dressing which killed it. If I wanted to drink balsamic vinegar I would have got it straight from the bottle. Overall: I'd get the pizza and not much else. For the prices I've had much better at many places. If they'd give more food for the $ they charge they'd get an extra star no problem.
(2)Leanne G.
I have always had good food here and have always enjoyed the service. Some of these new restaurants that have cement floors end up being a bit more loud and therefore offer an impersonal and cold feeling. However, I do like that it is an easy surface to clean, so I'm not sure which is better. Its a smaller restaurant, but it works well, as great service, good food and is a great place for kids! Try the beet salad. Its my favorite!
(4)Lu B.
We hadn 't dined at Zamparelli's for over a year, but returned last week to use a Groupon we'd purchased. I was very disappointed with my entree. I ordered a pizza (I believe called Lombardi's) that had a San Marzano tomato sauce, pancetta and fresh mozzarella. The sauce was ok, nothing special, and there was hardly any mozzarella. The pancetta was limp and rubbery. It was not raw, but certainly not crisped, or cooked correctly. I told the owner (who was our waitress) and her reply was, "it's cooked". Really? I said I couldn't eat it, that it was off-putting. She took the pizza, had the cooks put it back in the wood-fired oven. When it was returned to me, the pancetta was cooked decently, but the pizza itself was overcooked, on the verge of being burned. I asked my son, who is a chef, his opinion. He said that bacon/pancetta should always be pre-cooked before being added to a pizza. Most importantly, I wish that the owner's response to my issue had been, "I'm sorry. What can I do to make this right for you?", not "it's cooked". I gave this review 2 stars because my husband enjoyed his lasagne.
(2)Ali M.
I love zamparellis, it is the perfect place if you want Italian and not just pizza. It is kid friendly but not overly crazy like Lucky Pie, the service is great, the food is delicious, and they use lots of organic ingredients which is awesome. Love the salads and the mushroom thyme pizza!
(5)McLean S.
Absolutely amazing ecpierence, great food with a great staff! Have been looking for a good Italian restaurant in the area and now can say I have found one! Definitely coming back!
(5)Heather L.
I ate here 2 years ago. The food was good. The service was pretty good. Yet, I love to eat out and haven't been back. That says a lot. There are so many other places in Lafayette and Boulder County that I would rather eat. Given the choice, I would recommend looking for somewhere better!
(3)Kit L.
FYI - there seems to be two places to review this on Yelp. This one has hardly any reviews but the other place has much more. Not sure how I ended up on this one. It seems to be a solid place otherwise - a bit pricy for three adults and a kid it was $80 but that was with one drink and appetizer. The portions are generous so you might be able to split one.
(3)Fae F.
I like the big salads here and I didn't think they were overpriced. GF pasta was awesome. I've been 3 times now and twice sat outside.. It's really LOUD inside. It's just so open, as soon as peeps start talking the place feels overwhelming! And there are usually a lot of kids. So I probably won't go in the winter. A couple times I've seen the owner(?) not be so nice to the staff. That's always a turn-off. Margs are ok.
(3)Steve M.
Love this place. Great food. Good beers on tap. Friendly staff.
(5)Doug C.
Never a bad meal. My favorite place in Boulder County. Great service. Great cocktails. Good seasonal menu. Funky space but food makes up for it.
(5)Rob S.
Hit this place for lunch from time to time and find it to be consistently good. It is expensive and I'd have to say that I wouldn't necessarily "rave" about any one thing that I have had there, but it really is excellent. We always leave thinking it was a tremendous lunch. So overall, I give it high marks, marked down a bit for pricing though it is not THAT outrageous.
(4)Scott M.
The food and service is great here. Their red sauce is really good! You can even buy their sauce to take home which is excellent. This is one of my all-time favorite Italian restaurants. It is very casual but perfect for anyone with a family or looking for a semi-quick meal. The owners are always friendly and the staff is great. The pricing is very average despite another review. It should be more but with the casual atmoshere it is just right. I would highly recommend going there.
(5)Jane G.
The ambience is bizarre--long narrow space with high ceilings, and my least favorite seating arrangement (i.e., tables side by side along a wall, where one person faces the wall and the other person faces out, and the tables are close enough to easily eavesdrop even if you don't want to). Appetizer of grilled risotta balls (aka arrancini) was okay bit a bit too garlicky for my taste and very ho-hum dipping sauce. We split a tasty pizza of the white variety - baco bits and onion, and again, very garlicky. The killer was the wine--we both ordered the house chianti, and then decided we wanted the bottle, so the waitress complied but charged us $32 for a bottle of house chianti. I'm getting tired of restaurants gouging with their wine prices. They probably got it from the liquor store in the same shopping center for $10. Zamparelli's wasn't great but it wasn't bad, but I don't think I'll be a regular.
(3)Al L.
Very good food. Casual family type place. We arrived around 6 and there was a lot of uncontrolled little kids running around. 1/2 hour later all the families were gone and it was nice.
(4)Christine K.
I'm Zamparelli's biggest fan, even though I live over 1200 miles away. I wish they had an outpost in Marin County. I find myself craving their chopped salad & pizzas. Folks in the Lafayette/Boulder area are so lucky to have such a quality dining spot close to home. Why do I love Zamparelli's? The food, the quality ingredients, the attentive service and the really reasonable prices. I've sampled their Arancini (fried risotto balls), the chopped salad (reminds me of the Nancys salad from Mario Batali's Pizzeria Mozza in LA), eggplant parmesan, calzone, margharita pizza, 4 cheese pizza (pure bliss) and a seasonal pizza they offered this summer with ricotta and fresh corn. I've also enjoyed some amazing red wine (recommended by our waiter), which paired perfectly with our meal and didn't break the pocketbook. Bonus! Everything I've tasted at Zamparelli's has been delicious - not just good, delicious. It's obvious the chef/owner takes a lot of pride in this little establishment, tucked into a nondescript strip mall. Even the wait staff is great - how refreshing to be waited on by people who seem to actually enjoy their jobs! Do yourself a favor and check out Zamparelli's. You won't be disappointed. Tell them CK sent you. PS - They even have a nice selection of gelato & to-die-for cannolis...if you have room for dessert.
(5)Michelle B.
I was all set to like this place a lot, but the only thing I (and my guests) liked about it was the risotto balls. Did not like the bolognese sauce at all not enough veggies and too much tomato sauce. Won't be going back, too many other great Italian places to eat.
(2)Steve K.
Zamparelli's is a great local Italian eatery. I have been going here for years and have never been disappointed. The eggplant parmesan is fantastic, I've had most of the pizzas on the menu and always love them. I usually start with the white bean appetizer, beet salad, and a pizza, eggplant parmesan, eggplant parmesan or meatball sandwich. The fried risotto balls are also a favorite. The wine list offers a lot of great options. I don't usually have room for dessert, but when I do the mousse or tiramisu has been excellent I don't get the comments about the ambiance. I have always focused on the food, wine, and service, which have always been great. This is a great neighborhood place, not some mid-city restaurant. It's clean, comfortable, and a great place for a great meal. They have a nice patio for summer evenings.
(4)Mike J.
Delicious food! The sandwiches and pizza are both outstanding. They also have a great bar selection. As a bunch of other folks noted, it's a good place for families, which suits the location well. This is definitely a favorite of my daughter's. The decor is inviting.. it's a bit of a strip mall gem. The only drawback is that it's on the pricey side for a pretty casual establishment.
(4)Donna C.
One is one of our favorite restaurants. The tiramisu is to die for! Last night we tried the risotto balls and they were amazing. Service is good when dining in. We get take out frequently and split the vodka penne. Great stuff! Is in a non-descript location with plenty of parking. Kid friendly but not full of unruly little ones. You have to try it.
(5)Andrew G.
This place is top notch. I have eaten there many times and the food is always excellent! The owners Jimmy and Nancy are always there and take personal pride in the food they are serving (which from what I understand are passed down from Jimmy's relatives). A+++
(5)Connie B.
It's alright. I was hoping for much better and wasn't all that impressed. We went with a party of 7 and all seven of us got different menu items, no one was raving about anything so that should say something. Sorry, but for the price I will have to say not worth the trip unless you are in the area.
(2)Cori C.
Disappointing. The server was friendly, but you could tell she was forcing it. The service was satisfactory, however. The atmosphere was nice. It had clean modern decor. The pasta was really lacking, however, and it was overpriced. My $14 cheese ravioli (with no sides included) tasted like $8 ravioli (with sides included.) We'll keep looking for a good Italian restaurant.
(2)Anita Y.
2 and 3/4 stars? 3 stars - ? Just OK, not A-ok I met a colleague here for lunch recently. It was my first time here, and her first in quite a while. I agree with Jane G., the seating style is my least favorite, with comfy booth style seating facing out along one side and hard chairs facing the wall on the other. After 2 hours of our "business meeting" my tingling ass started to become quite a distracting. The menu was enticing, it took a while to decide, there were so many options I would have been happy to order. Items that looked good on the menu: Wild Mushroom Pizza, Spicy White Bean and Sausage Pizza, Mediterranean Pizza , and the Eggplant Parmesan Pizza. Yes, I am a pizza fan. A couple of the pizza's (oops that was a subconscious typo, really I mean to write SALAD) A couple of salads looked appetizing too--Pear Gorgonzola salad, and Roasted Beet salad. I ended up ordering the Poached Pear Pizza. I have an unspoken guideline when ordering in a restaurant: I order the most unusual item, and/or something I couldn't cook myself. It was OK. The flavor combination was good, but I couldn't really distinguish the wine of the poached pears, and the distribution of the main elements were so uneven that I either ended up with a mouthful of pear, or a mouthful of cambozola. I also had to ask for additional arugula since my 12 inch pizza was topped with about 10 leaves. I'll give them a B for effort in the flavor arena, and a C- for execution. I would also have preferred to have the pizza cooked a bit longer. My friend ordered a Calzone. My Gawd that thing was huge! I figured I could make 4 meals out of it. It was a s big as her head. Service was good. Not too folksy, and attentive enough that my glass never reached empty during our lingering lunch. I'll try here again if I'm working in the area or if someone suggests it. And if I end up ordering the same thing for a "second try" I'll probably end up telling them how to compose it and how long to cook it!
(3)Christopher L.
Great every time. Excellent pizzas and appetizers and one of the most family friendly restaurants around.
(5)Homer S.
Really nice lunch at Zamparelli's. Surprisingly generous servings, extremely fresh ingredients, very fairly priced, cheerful (but unobtrusive) service, nice wine list, terrific food, yet really unpretentious. Thanks Zamp. We'll definitely be back!
(4)Heather L.
I have been there once so far and would go back. It's not a fine dining experience, but it's better than the typical chain. I ordered the Cheese Ravioli and really loved it. The gelato hit the spot, too! The wait staff was not extremely attentive, but (again) it's not fine dining.
(4)Jordan A.
I am basically punishing it for the ambiance and the prices. We wandered in there once, when Proto's was too busy. I was not disappointed with my meal. We had wild mushroom pizza, and it was superb! My salad was great too, though quite expensive (but what isn't in that area?). I did hate the cafeteria feel of the place--it's huge and cold. Again, a fine alternative to my first choice. However, I don't think I'll be going out of my way to dine there.
(3)Chris L.
Excellent eggplant parmesan sub - the red sauce is a very good combination of tart, savory and sweet where the full flavor of the tomatoes and herbs come through; the eggplant was fried to perfection; the bread is crunchy on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth soft on the inside; and the cheese is salty and chewy to round it all off. My only complaint is that it needed more sauce and more cheese (but just a bit, not a ton more). We did take-out and the wait was substantial because the place was packed on a Friday night - we'll just call ahead sooner next time. Definitely planning to become a regular.
(4)Joe B.
Ok, Im giving Zamparelli's 4 stars because I think the food is great but I do not think "woohoo! As good as it gets." But, I am always very pleased with the food -- tons of rich flavors and american italian standards. When the weather turns cold, this is the food you want. Its a family restaraunt however, so dinning in is kind of a noisy and annoying experience. I take out, however assume when I have kids I'll be in there with coloring books and headaches. The service is high-school level, so you try to be understanding, but its tough to get over the stoner "uuuuuuhhhhhhh" and giggles while placing an order on the phone. Overall -- I just really like the food.
(4)Chuck G.
Would give Zamparelli's a better rating but just paid $18 (with tax) for a calzone with two standard ingredients. Their online menu said each additional ingredient was a $1.50 but when I picked it up the cashier non-chalantly mentioned they went up to $2.50 and said she'd mention it to the owner. A week later the online menu still says $1.50 per ingredient. Even if I was charged $1.50 per ingredient, $16 for this calzone is too much. The calzone was good but not "eighteen dollars good".
(2)Michelle D.
I agree with Jordan regarding the ambiance. The place has the feeling of a cafeteria, a cute cafeteria with cool orange and green walls, BUT...... The food was great and more than made up for the ambiance. We shared the Margarita Pizza as an appetizer and it was exceptional. The crust was crispy and the sauce is a great combo of spice and not too salty. For an entree I had pappardelle bolognese. The noodles were freshly made and cooked perfectly. The Bolognase sauce was very meaty and had a good balance of spices. My hubby had Meat Ravioli. The sauce on the ravioli was a little bland and the portion was on the small size (the waiter had warned us about that). The others in our group had lasagna and a nightly special - vodka penne. Both were reported as very good. For dessert - Chocolate Mousse and Cannoli. The mousse was fantastic. Rich chocolaty taste with a creamy texture. I didn't taste the cannoli but it was reported to be very good. Everybody in our group had a good time and gave the place a thumbs up. We will certainly return and try some of the specialty pizzas.
(4)Catherine W.
I've been going to this place for years and it rivals the best of any city I've been in. The food is fresh, hand made and prepared with skill. These folks really know what they're doing. I love the pepper/pepper/pepperoni pizza, all of the salads and appetizers, all of the pastas are exceptional. One big bonus is they have a respectable wine list and the best mixed drinks anywhere in Colorado, they never skimp. I've never had desert so I can't comment on that.
(5)toby m.
Great food! It's a big hit with the kids too!
(4)Kira A.
Fabulous ice cream. Pear gorgonzola pizza scrumptious. And the grilled beet salad - yum. Quick and friendly service.
(4)s b.
Zamparelli's offers incredible authentic Italian food. I haven't had a bad/ok meal yet and I have eaten here over 30 times since it opened last year. Pizza, pasta and sandwiches are the star here. The owner is from Jersey and he knows how to cook a real east coast pizza (in a brick oven I might add). Best pizza in Boulder county. Come to think of it the pizza is better than any I have had in Denver as well. Get the carne carne pizza. To die for! All of the sandwiches are huge and tasty. The meatball and chicken parm sub's are my favorites. You can't go wrong with the pasta's either. The pappardelle bolognese is probably my favorite item on the entire menu. Big space, attentive service and the food rocks!
(5)Dave B.
I eat here often, and have never been disappointed. The service is top notch, and the ambiance is fun with a dollop of sophistication you don't necessarily expect in a place known for the pizza. A couple of favorites of mine include the risotto balls (sounds odd, but they are fantastic!), the chicken parmesan with spaghetti, the pear and gorgonzola salad, and any of the pizzas. I especially like the Neuski's bacon with pineapple on a pie or just a slice at lunch. Nice affordable wine list too!
(5)Clayton B.
Great pizza and good food
(4)Charles B.
Horrible service, water tastes like it came out of a pool
(1)Mary T.
Shockingly bad food. Live in the neighborhood, read some good reviews, gave it a try, never going back. It's like a candidate for a "before" restaurant on Gordon Ramsey. Nice arugula salad gave us hope but dried out bad bread & olive oil (seriously: stale bread fragments, olive oil with some pepper floating in it) made us worry about our main courses: lasagna and eggplant parmesan. Uninspired wine list....But okay, it's a nice night out & we're on the patio, we'll hope for the best. Results: I think they buy this at King Soopers, freeze it and microwave it. Just buy Stouffers and save yourself time and money. Food was inedible: bitter, tough eggplant, watery tomato sauce, overcooked (obviously pre-cooked) pasta, and probably the worst lasagna I've ever had. Just a big mess. What's up, Zamparelli's? Neighborhood could use a nice Italian restaurant. But for $75 a couple (no dessert/no coffee/split a salad/2 glasses inexpensive wine) this is just ridiculous. Very nice wait staff who deserve better. So do we. Get a clue.
(1)Amber F.
Really bright welcoming decor and the hosts were super nice, but then we met the owner and left inmediately. She was the rudest person I've possibly ever met... she obviously doesn't care about her staff or customers... I would NEVER eat here, or even let my worst enemy go here....
(1)Lucy V.
-The fried risotto balls were average, nothing special. It's served with marinara sauce. -The pappardelle bolognese pasta was delicious. It's very meaty and I ate every bite. -Chocolate mousse wasn't special. I had a few bites and was done. -Kinda Blue Bl
(3)Gabriel V.
I thought the food was good. I found it expensive for what you get. I have never understood how spaghetti or other easy Italian style dishes can be so generally overpriced by so many restaurants. It's not just this restaurant. If you don't mind how much you are paying I think you'll enjoy the food.
(3)Coral T.
The food here is to die for. I had a calzone which I can say is the best one I have ever had. I also tasted the pizza, and it's pretty tasty too. I knocked off a star because of price. We got two smallish pizzas and a calzone, and it was $45 before tip. That really is too much for just pizza.
(4)Jennifer G.
I like Zamparelli's well enough. I've been there a few times over the years, always enjoyed the pizza (the white bean & sausage is my fave), but the crust can be soggy depending on the toppings. I had the chicken parm sandwich today, not bad. I have no problem with the atmosphere, but I do try to avoid the busy times - Sat. Lunch was perfect today. I do also agree it can be pricey ( that fave pizza has gone up $1 just this year), but you can also eat for a reasonable price depending on what you order. I have had nice wine, and yummy cannoli. Check it out, see if it's the place for you...
(3)Max R.
I decided onthe pastrami sandwich for dinner with a side of coleslaw. The marble swirl rye was fresh, the deli mustard had a snappy taste and the pastrami was moist and had really good flavor. ... not like the junk you buy at the local supermarket. The slaw was not the style I like .. it was chopped (or blended) pretty fine and I like mine chunkier and stringier .. more like a slaw salad .. but the taste was good. will definitely return
(4)Pamela S.
Their regular menu has excellent choices, but we look forward to the specials if we're not in the mood for our default faves. The chef keeps an eye to incorporating seasonal produce to create some really interesting & tasty dishes. The pizzas & salads are delicious and I even love the lasagna, which is something I normally never ever order out.
(4)Near M.
We used to go here a lot, but the food just kept going downhill (premade fried eggplant and microwaved just before serving to us :/) and the prices kept going up. The service is okay. With the exception of the guy with the persistent smile and the woman with the long, black curly hair, the rest of the people look mad most of the time (especially the blonde waitresses). The menu is uninspiring - standard Italian, but mediocre for the prices. The last draw for me was when I ordered the pesto pasta with shrimp... my pasta came out in a pile of mildly tasty water. It was incredibly disappointing. The benefit of Zamparellis are (1) Mondays when kids get gelato for free and (2) fresh farm produce thanks to Red Wagon in Atlas Valley. We will be going to Zucca in Louisville now because they have: 1. VEGETABLES!!!! You can have various vegetables (besides fried eggplant, sautéed spinach, and salads) in your pasta dish 2. MEAT & FISH!! Outside of the Christmas special at Zamparelli's, Zucca serves various meats and fish dishes 3. FRESH PASTA! Happiness is fresh, house made pasta! Just try it!! 4. Happy staff. If Zamparelli's can step it up with these things, we will come back.
(3)Deb K.
It's a shame when an average Italian restaurant charges above-average prices. Their food is decent, don't get me wrong, but it's no where close to worth the price they charge. It's a very casual place with a very awkward seating area, more conducive to family dining. Again, not bad, but the prices just don't make much sense. Entrees come with no side, you get dinged for all extras and portions are on the demure side. Beer and wine menu really lacks variety. They also close pretty early. Upside: nice and friendly staff and interesting pairings with some items and the food is good, certainly better than a place like Blue Parrot.
(3)jonathan s.
Ok, I am usually one of those people who doesn't believe in giving 5 stars because nothing is perfect, right? Well, there are some dishes at Zamparelli's that I would give 10 stars to if I could! The risotto balls are crunchy on the outside, creamy on the inside and served w a delicate marinara sauce which balances the creaminess of the risotto with some tang. My very favorite dish (we come here every time we are in CO), is the wild mushroom pizza with garlic cream, fontina and fresh thyme. I dream about this one! The pear and gorgonzola salad may not be the most original but it is definitely done better here than in most places. Lastly, the cannolli's are among the best I have had. Let me mention here that I grew up in NJ/NY area and have had some fine Italian food in my life! There are some great cocktails to enjoy while you are waiting for your meal! Zamparalli's uses fresh organic and local produce when possible. Thanks Jimmy and Nancy Z. for offering homemade food in a relaxed atmosphere at reasonable prices. Can't wait for our next visit to Lafayette!
(5)Shawna S.
I love Zamparellis!! Great food, drink and people, what more could you want? Get the risotto balls, trust me. Mmm
(5)Rhonda A.
Love Zamparelli's just sad that peach season came to a close in the Rockies!! That peach, carmelized onion with fresh arugula on top pizza was delicious. But there are so many other's that are equally delicious. I also crave your eggplant parmesan & our family loves the calamari, risotto balls and your soups are the best. Ok I could go on and on. Thanks for always doing it right Jimmy and Nancy!
(5)Sarah B.
Update to my last review. We still eat here a lot ( rake out) and we were enticed to dine in tonight by their secret envelope deal and I must say, things have changed for the positive! Their waitstaff is much more attentive and helpful, their gluten free pasta is much tastier and their meat sauce is quite flavorful. My now 5 year old devoured her meal and was very happy as well. Check it out, but arrive early on Friday nights to avoid the wait.
(5)E M.
A few months I ate here and the gluten free lasagna was outstanding. I told anyone who'd listen about it and was so happy to have found such a tasty GF classic italian dish! Today, I went back, and was sorely disappointed. This time the gluten free lasagna was swimming in grease and the noodles were just mush. I ate a few bites and gave up. It was not good. at all. The chopped salad was biter and flavorless. I am so disappointed. I can not go back.
(1)Dave F.
Don't miss! Lasagna, pizza, eggplant, sandwiches, calzones, risotto balls - all amazing. Seasonal specials like corn / potato soup sourced with local ingredients are incredible. Great service, super kid friendly, great location. Family favorite and the go to spot with company in town! enjoy
(5)Sally F.
Only a few couples when we arrived, which was fine. Server was kind, funny & courteous. She told us to take our time visiting and eating, no rushing. Ordered Stu's veggie pizza with added bacon. Center was a bit watery and bacon was under cooked. Crust was crisp, surprisingly. Adult strawberry lemonade was a ways from its title. I gave 3 stars basically for service. Good thing I used a groupon.
(3)Chrystal T.
Zamparellis is good and consistent, we dine in or out of here once a month. I love the chicken marsala super flavorful and wonderful noodles, the spaghetti and meatballs is also a huge hit. Great for families both young and old, decent wine and beer list. I would have given them 5 stars but last time I had take out our tiramusu was awful, I actually think it was spoiled and we threw out after one bite
(4)J F.
First time I've tried carry out. Ordered the 1/2 pan lasagna for a party of 8. It turned out to be all sauce and very few noodles. Very embarrassing to serve. Won't be going back : (
(2)Geo C.
Definitely not good. Zamparellis should be good but it is not. Tomato sauce tastes canned. Eggplant Parmesan was a disaster: some grey sludge under canned tomato sauce. There are so many better places - just pass this one by. It's interesting - I wrote a note to the chef - the letter was returned "unclaimed." I checked the address and mailed it again. Again, "unclaimed." You have to wonder about a place that can't get mail
(1)Gabriel V.
I thought the food was good. I found it expensive for what you get. I have never understood how spaghetti or other easy Italian style dishes can be so generally overpriced by so many restaurants. It's not just this restaurant. If you don't mind how much you are paying I think you'll enjoy the food.
(3)H J.
Went there last night with the wife and kids, I had a pretty average meal (lasagna) which was fine but nothing earth-shattering. Same for my wife. Pizza was good. This not a 5-star operation, to be fair it's a 3.5.
(3)Lana T.
Fantastic every single time. Great portions, amazing, creative salads and pizza to die for. Don't miss this gem.
(5)Dara B.
Pizza is really delicious and served quickly and sometimes we go there as a family because it's convenient and we're all hungry. But it's not a place I would ever go on a date with my husband or out with friends simply because the ambiance is truly horrible. The lighting is awful, and the big walls are bare with a few fun but undersized posters thrown in. True, the restaurant is an odd shape, and there's not much that can be done about that. But if the owner invested in some over-the-table pendants or even table candles, it would help a ton. Maybe a little music too? It just feels like the inside of a warehouse... cold and empty. Service is pretty good, but the manager (owner?) always appears to be a bit grumpy. Perhaps she works too much... and it shows on her face.
(3)David R.
This place is purely amazing in every way. The food is the greatest, nothing like it anywhere. The pappardelle is one of my personal favorites. Nancy Owner/manager is fantastic at what she does and takes pride in her restaurant. I just wish I could eat here more often it's so good. Recommended to everyone.
(5)Amber F.
Really bright welcoming decor and the hosts were super nice, but then we met the owner and left inmediately. She was the rudest person I've possibly ever met... she obviously doesn't care about her staff or customers... I would NEVER eat here, or even let my worst enemy go here....
(1)Lucy V.
-The fried risotto balls were average, nothing special. It's served with marinara sauce. -The pappardelle bolognese pasta was delicious. It's very meaty and I ate every bite. -Chocolate mousse wasn't special. I had a few bites and was done. -Kinda Blue Bl
(3)dave b.
We end up eating here a couple of times per year, usually when someone from out of town is visiting. It's a decent outing. The have good food, gelato, and a bar. How can you go wrong. But for me is has been the same each time: Food: Hmm, this is quite good, better than expected even. Atmosphere: Noisy, cold, concrete. Sigh. It has been a blend of these things every time. I just dislike the concrete/industrial restaurant-thing, it does nothing for me.
(3)Lu B.
We hadn 't dined at Zamparelli's for over a year, but returned last week to use a Groupon we'd purchased. I was very disappointed with my entree. I ordered a pizza (I believe called Lombardi's) that had a San Marzano tomato sauce, pancetta and fresh mozzarella. The sauce was ok, nothing special, and there was hardly any mozzarella. The pancetta was limp and rubbery. It was not raw, but certainly not crisped, or cooked correctly. I told the owner (who was our waitress) and her reply was, "it's cooked". Really? I said I couldn't eat it, that it was off-putting. She took the pizza, had the cooks put it back in the wood-fired oven. When it was returned to me, the pancetta was cooked decently, but the pizza itself was overcooked, on the verge of being burned. I asked my son, who is a chef, his opinion. He said that bacon/pancetta should always be pre-cooked before being added to a pizza. Most importantly, I wish that the owner's response to my issue had been, "I'm sorry. What can I do to make this right for you?", not "it's cooked". I gave this review 2 stars because my husband enjoyed his lasagne.
(2)Ali M.
I love zamparellis, it is the perfect place if you want Italian and not just pizza. It is kid friendly but not overly crazy like Lucky Pie, the service is great, the food is delicious, and they use lots of organic ingredients which is awesome. Love the salads and the mushroom thyme pizza!
(5)McLean S.
Absolutely amazing ecpierence, great food with a great staff! Have been looking for a good Italian restaurant in the area and now can say I have found one! Definitely coming back!
(5)Heather L.
I ate here 2 years ago. The food was good. The service was pretty good. Yet, I love to eat out and haven't been back. That says a lot. There are so many other places in Lafayette and Boulder County that I would rather eat. Given the choice, I would recommend looking for somewhere better!
(3)Kit L.
FYI - there seems to be two places to review this on Yelp. This one has hardly any reviews but the other place has much more. Not sure how I ended up on this one. It seems to be a solid place otherwise - a bit pricy for three adults and a kid it was $80 but that was with one drink and appetizer. The portions are generous so you might be able to split one.
(3)Dr. J.
Great place for a family meal. Not exactly sophisticated Italian food, but it's a good spot, the staff is friendly, you can find something for everyone and the kids love it.
(3)Crystal G.
The first time I went to Zamparelli's I enjoyed it. My chicken parmesan was only ok, but everything else was delicious. The staff was very friendly as well. This time was very different. The staff was friendly enough, but our waitress was very inattentive. Not once did she stop by to check on us. It was clear she was more interested in talking to the hostess than helping us. Our drinks were empty and remained that way for the entire meal as we were never offered refills. The caesar salad was disgusting. It tasted like fish sauce had been poured all over it. I only took two bites and set it aside but the waitress only asked if I was done with it so she could take the plate. I would think she would have noticed something was wrong when there is still a full plate of salad (that I paid $5 for) but maybe that is just me. The fried calamari and garlic chicken pizza were delicious though. Overall the food is very hit or miss and I would not recommend.
(2)E M.
A few months I ate here and the gluten free lasagna was outstanding. I told anyone who'd listen about it and was so happy to have found such a tasty GF classic italian dish! Today, I went back, and was sorely disappointed. This time the gluten free lasagna was swimming in grease and the noodles were just mush. I ate a few bites and gave up. It was not good. at all. The chopped salad was biter and flavorless. I am so disappointed. I can not go back.
(1)Dave F.
Don't miss! Lasagna, pizza, eggplant, sandwiches, calzones, risotto balls - all amazing. Seasonal specials like corn / potato soup sourced with local ingredients are incredible. Great service, super kid friendly, great location. Family favorite and the go to spot with company in town! enjoy
(5)Sally F.
Only a few couples when we arrived, which was fine. Server was kind, funny & courteous. She told us to take our time visiting and eating, no rushing. Ordered Stu's veggie pizza with added bacon. Center was a bit watery and bacon was under cooked. Crust was crisp, surprisingly. Adult strawberry lemonade was a ways from its title. I gave 3 stars basically for service. Good thing I used a groupon.
(3)Coral T.
The food here is to die for. I had a calzone which I can say is the best one I have ever had. I also tasted the pizza, and it's pretty tasty too. I knocked off a star because of price. We got two smallish pizzas and a calzone, and it was $45 before tip. That really is too much for just pizza.
(4)Keith S.
I've never done this before, but I'm going to give this place a zero. My roommate and I drove out to this place last week excited to try some new italian food. We walked in an hour and twenty minutes before they closed and the guy who was hosting said they were no longer seating people because they sometimes close early on the weekdays. An hour and twenty minutes early? That was just terrible. 'Twas a shame because I am a big fan of italian food.
(1)Matt V.
We have eaten at Zamparelli's many times now, and have never been disappointed! Try the Italian Balsamic Chicken Wings (Not something you'd think to order, but delicious! We'll be back again, of course!
(5)Leanne G.
I have always had good food here and have always enjoyed the service. Some of these new restaurants that have cement floors end up being a bit more loud and therefore offer an impersonal and cold feeling. However, I do like that it is an easy surface to clean, so I'm not sure which is better. Its a smaller restaurant, but it works well, as great service, good food and is a great place for kids! Try the beet salad. Its my favorite!
(4)Deb K.
It's a shame when an average Italian restaurant charges above-average prices. Their food is decent, don't get me wrong, but it's no where close to worth the price they charge. It's a very casual place with a very awkward seating area, more conducive to family dining. Again, not bad, but the prices just don't make much sense. Entrees come with no side, you get dinged for all extras and portions are on the demure side. Beer and wine menu really lacks variety. They also close pretty early. Upside: nice and friendly staff and interesting pairings with some items and the food is good, certainly better than a place like Blue Parrot.
(3)jonathan s.
Ok, I am usually one of those people who doesn't believe in giving 5 stars because nothing is perfect, right? Well, there are some dishes at Zamparelli's that I would give 10 stars to if I could! The risotto balls are crunchy on the outside, creamy on the inside and served w a delicate marinara sauce which balances the creaminess of the risotto with some tang. My very favorite dish (we come here every time we are in CO), is the wild mushroom pizza with garlic cream, fontina and fresh thyme. I dream about this one! The pear and gorgonzola salad may not be the most original but it is definitely done better here than in most places. Lastly, the cannolli's are among the best I have had. Let me mention here that I grew up in NJ/NY area and have had some fine Italian food in my life! There are some great cocktails to enjoy while you are waiting for your meal! Zamparalli's uses fresh organic and local produce when possible. Thanks Jimmy and Nancy Z. for offering homemade food in a relaxed atmosphere at reasonable prices. Can't wait for our next visit to Lafayette!
(5)Shawna S.
I love Zamparellis!! Great food, drink and people, what more could you want? Get the risotto balls, trust me. Mmm
(5)Kim E.
First visit. In the mood for Italian and looking for something new! In terms of atmosphere, I would say it is below average. Might be ok in the summer when you can sit outside, but the cement floors and high ceilings did nothing for me. It was also slightly chilly in the restaurant making it just almost uncomfortable. We had one really good menu item and the rest was just so-so. Butternut Squash soup was amazing! Caesar salad was edible, but not the best I've had. Husband had the Chicken Marsela and thought it was bland and a bit boring (he salt and peppered his meal which he never, ever does!). I had the lasagna which was also uninspiring. It was somewhat on the runny side, and the noodles were very thin. Flavor was just so-so. Disappointed with the food quality and ambiance (except for the soup!) given the prices. Because we are local and because we've seen so many good reviews, we will probably give them another chance but maybe stick to the pizza next time!
(2)Martin B.
PIZZA PERFECT! i was walking by this place yesterday at lunchtime, and decided that for dinner to order a take out pizza. It was really delicious. I ate more than i wanted to, just couldnt help myself... My only criticism would be could have used a little more cheese (which is a common issue with most pizzas these days) and i wish they would offer a whole wheat crust option.... I will return soon.
(4)kari b.
This place is great for any situation. Nice enough for a date,and friendly enough for kids. Food is great and takeout is quick. Love it!
(4)Aaron L.
I've had 2 experiences with this place... one good, one bad. Prices: 5/10, too high but the food quality seems pretty good. Food Quality: 8/10, seems pretty good Food Quantity: 4/10, everything we've had was more $ then it should be for the qty. They are acting like a high-end resturaunt... they are not. Give us a bit more food please! Food Flavor: - pastas: 4/10, vodka sauce lacked any kick & much flavor at all. barely any chicken in the dish. Chicken Marsala tasted more like stroganoff. I'll never get pasta here again. - pizzas: 8/10, had 2 pizzas & the flavors were excellent. I'm looking forward to trying more. - salads: 6/10, the salads were basic bagged lettuce with some added flair. Pear Gorgonzola was the best. The Arugula salad would have been good but they bathed it in WAY too much balsamic dressing which killed it. If I wanted to drink balsamic vinegar I would have got it straight from the bottle. Overall: I'd get the pizza and not much else. For the prices I've had much better at many places. If they'd give more food for the $ they charge they'd get an extra star no problem.
(2)Fae F.
I like the big salads here and I didn't think they were overpriced. GF pasta was awesome. I've been 3 times now and twice sat outside.. It's really LOUD inside. It's just so open, as soon as peeps start talking the place feels overwhelming! And there are usually a lot of kids. So I probably won't go in the winter. A couple times I've seen the owner(?) not be so nice to the staff. That's always a turn-off. Margs are ok.
(3)Jennifer G.
I like Zamparelli's well enough. I've been there a few times over the years, always enjoyed the pizza (the white bean & sausage is my fave), but the crust can be soggy depending on the toppings. I had the chicken parm sandwich today, not bad. I have no problem with the atmosphere, but I do try to avoid the busy times - Sat. Lunch was perfect today. I do also agree it can be pricey ( that fave pizza has gone up $1 just this year), but you can also eat for a reasonable price depending on what you order. I have had nice wine, and yummy cannoli. Check it out, see if it's the place for you...
(3)Max R.
I decided onthe pastrami sandwich for dinner with a side of coleslaw. The marble swirl rye was fresh, the deli mustard had a snappy taste and the pastrami was moist and had really good flavor. ... not like the junk you buy at the local supermarket. The slaw was not the style I like .. it was chopped (or blended) pretty fine and I like mine chunkier and stringier .. more like a slaw salad .. but the taste was good. will definitely return
(4)Pamela S.
Their regular menu has excellent choices, but we look forward to the specials if we're not in the mood for our default faves. The chef keeps an eye to incorporating seasonal produce to create some really interesting & tasty dishes. The pizzas & salads are delicious and I even love the lasagna, which is something I normally never ever order out.
(4)Near M.
We used to go here a lot, but the food just kept going downhill (premade fried eggplant and microwaved just before serving to us :/) and the prices kept going up. The service is okay. With the exception of the guy with the persistent smile and the woman with the long, black curly hair, the rest of the people look mad most of the time (especially the blonde waitresses). The menu is uninspiring - standard Italian, but mediocre for the prices. The last draw for me was when I ordered the pesto pasta with shrimp... my pasta came out in a pile of mildly tasty water. It was incredibly disappointing. The benefit of Zamparellis are (1) Mondays when kids get gelato for free and (2) fresh farm produce thanks to Red Wagon in Atlas Valley. We will be going to Zucca in Louisville now because they have: 1. VEGETABLES!!!! You can have various vegetables (besides fried eggplant, sautéed spinach, and salads) in your pasta dish 2. MEAT & FISH!! Outside of the Christmas special at Zamparelli's, Zucca serves various meats and fish dishes 3. FRESH PASTA! Happiness is fresh, house made pasta! Just try it!! 4. Happy staff. If Zamparelli's can step it up with these things, we will come back.
(3)Rhonda A.
Love Zamparelli's just sad that peach season came to a close in the Rockies!! That peach, carmelized onion with fresh arugula on top pizza was delicious. But there are so many other's that are equally delicious. I also crave your eggplant parmesan & our family loves the calamari, risotto balls and your soups are the best. Ok I could go on and on. Thanks for always doing it right Jimmy and Nancy!
(5)Sarah B.
Update to my last review. We still eat here a lot ( rake out) and we were enticed to dine in tonight by their secret envelope deal and I must say, things have changed for the positive! Their waitstaff is much more attentive and helpful, their gluten free pasta is much tastier and their meat sauce is quite flavorful. My now 5 year old devoured her meal and was very happy as well. Check it out, but arrive early on Friday nights to avoid the wait.
(5)John A.
Thin crust pie (my wife hates it when I call it pie, PIZZA PIE :-) ) if you haven't ventured out to try a clam pie pizza take it on! if you like clams that is, and you will be amazed at the marriage of this one. Pizza is not the only thing Zamparelli's does. They have great sandwiches, chicken parm and some incredible salads and apps. The calimari is great, so much so that if I want any I must order one for the kids and one for my wife and I if I hope to get any! Monday is half bottle wine night, there is ice cream for the kids and lunch specials to boot. I don't suggest this spot as a intimate date night spot but family and larger clouds are always welcome and as of 2011 they have been redecorating so you can see the remodeling. Nice spot and good food, friendly service.
(4)Chris L.
Excellent eggplant parmesan sub - the red sauce is a very good combination of tart, savory and sweet where the full flavor of the tomatoes and herbs come through; the eggplant was fried to perfection; the bread is crunchy on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth soft on the inside; and the cheese is salty and chewy to round it all off. My only complaint is that it needed more sauce and more cheese (but just a bit, not a ton more). We did take-out and the wait was substantial because the place was packed on a Friday night - we'll just call ahead sooner next time. Definitely planning to become a regular.
(4)Joe B.
Ok, Im giving Zamparelli's 4 stars because I think the food is great but I do not think "woohoo! As good as it gets." But, I am always very pleased with the food -- tons of rich flavors and american italian standards. When the weather turns cold, this is the food you want. Its a family restaraunt however, so dinning in is kind of a noisy and annoying experience. I take out, however assume when I have kids I'll be in there with coloring books and headaches. The service is high-school level, so you try to be understanding, but its tough to get over the stoner "uuuuuuhhhhhhh" and giggles while placing an order on the phone. Overall -- I just really like the food.
(4)Anita Y.
2 and 3/4 stars? 3 stars - ? Just OK, not A-ok I met a colleague here for lunch recently. It was my first time here, and her first in quite a while. I agree with Jane G., the seating style is my least favorite, with comfy booth style seating facing out along one side and hard chairs facing the wall on the other. After 2 hours of our "business meeting" my tingling ass started to become quite a distracting. The menu was enticing, it took a while to decide, there were so many options I would have been happy to order. Items that looked good on the menu: Wild Mushroom Pizza, Spicy White Bean and Sausage Pizza, Mediterranean Pizza , and the Eggplant Parmesan Pizza. Yes, I am a pizza fan. A couple of the pizza's (oops that was a subconscious typo, really I mean to write SALAD) A couple of salads looked appetizing too--Pear Gorgonzola salad, and Roasted Beet salad. I ended up ordering the Poached Pear Pizza. I have an unspoken guideline when ordering in a restaurant: I order the most unusual item, and/or something I couldn't cook myself. It was OK. The flavor combination was good, but I couldn't really distinguish the wine of the poached pears, and the distribution of the main elements were so uneven that I either ended up with a mouthful of pear, or a mouthful of cambozola. I also had to ask for additional arugula since my 12 inch pizza was topped with about 10 leaves. I'll give them a B for effort in the flavor arena, and a C- for execution. I would also have preferred to have the pizza cooked a bit longer. My friend ordered a Calzone. My Gawd that thing was huge! I figured I could make 4 meals out of it. It was a s big as her head. Service was good. Not too folksy, and attentive enough that my glass never reached empty during our lingering lunch. I'll try here again if I'm working in the area or if someone suggests it. And if I end up ordering the same thing for a "second try" I'll probably end up telling them how to compose it and how long to cook it!
(3)Christopher L.
Great every time. Excellent pizzas and appetizers and one of the most family friendly restaurants around.
(5)Homer S.
Really nice lunch at Zamparelli's. Surprisingly generous servings, extremely fresh ingredients, very fairly priced, cheerful (but unobtrusive) service, nice wine list, terrific food, yet really unpretentious. Thanks Zamp. We'll definitely be back!
(4)Heather L.
I have been there once so far and would go back. It's not a fine dining experience, but it's better than the typical chain. I ordered the Cheese Ravioli and really loved it. The gelato hit the spot, too! The wait staff was not extremely attentive, but (again) it's not fine dining.
(4)Jordan A.
I am basically punishing it for the ambiance and the prices. We wandered in there once, when Proto's was too busy. I was not disappointed with my meal. We had wild mushroom pizza, and it was superb! My salad was great too, though quite expensive (but what isn't in that area?). I did hate the cafeteria feel of the place--it's huge and cold. Again, a fine alternative to my first choice. However, I don't think I'll be going out of my way to dine there.
(3)Jane G.
The ambience is bizarre--long narrow space with high ceilings, and my least favorite seating arrangement (i.e., tables side by side along a wall, where one person faces the wall and the other person faces out, and the tables are close enough to easily eavesdrop even if you don't want to). Appetizer of grilled risotta balls (aka arrancini) was okay bit a bit too garlicky for my taste and very ho-hum dipping sauce. We split a tasty pizza of the white variety - baco bits and onion, and again, very garlicky. The killer was the wine--we both ordered the house chianti, and then decided we wanted the bottle, so the waitress complied but charged us $32 for a bottle of house chianti. I'm getting tired of restaurants gouging with their wine prices. They probably got it from the liquor store in the same shopping center for $10. Zamparelli's wasn't great but it wasn't bad, but I don't think I'll be a regular.
(3)Al L.
Very good food. Casual family type place. We arrived around 6 and there was a lot of uncontrolled little kids running around. 1/2 hour later all the families were gone and it was nice.
(4)Christine K.
I'm Zamparelli's biggest fan, even though I live over 1200 miles away. I wish they had an outpost in Marin County. I find myself craving their chopped salad & pizzas. Folks in the Lafayette/Boulder area are so lucky to have such a quality dining spot close to home. Why do I love Zamparelli's? The food, the quality ingredients, the attentive service and the really reasonable prices. I've sampled their Arancini (fried risotto balls), the chopped salad (reminds me of the Nancys salad from Mario Batali's Pizzeria Mozza in LA), eggplant parmesan, calzone, margharita pizza, 4 cheese pizza (pure bliss) and a seasonal pizza they offered this summer with ricotta and fresh corn. I've also enjoyed some amazing red wine (recommended by our waiter), which paired perfectly with our meal and didn't break the pocketbook. Bonus! Everything I've tasted at Zamparelli's has been delicious - not just good, delicious. It's obvious the chef/owner takes a lot of pride in this little establishment, tucked into a nondescript strip mall. Even the wait staff is great - how refreshing to be waited on by people who seem to actually enjoy their jobs! Do yourself a favor and check out Zamparelli's. You won't be disappointed. Tell them CK sent you. PS - They even have a nice selection of gelato & to-die-for cannolis...if you have room for dessert.
(5)Michelle B.
I was all set to like this place a lot, but the only thing I (and my guests) liked about it was the risotto balls. Did not like the bolognese sauce at all not enough veggies and too much tomato sauce. Won't be going back, too many other great Italian places to eat.
(2)Steve K.
Zamparelli's is a great local Italian eatery. I have been going here for years and have never been disappointed. The eggplant parmesan is fantastic, I've had most of the pizzas on the menu and always love them. I usually start with the white bean appetizer, beet salad, and a pizza, eggplant parmesan, eggplant parmesan or meatball sandwich. The fried risotto balls are also a favorite. The wine list offers a lot of great options. I don't usually have room for dessert, but when I do the mousse or tiramisu has been excellent I don't get the comments about the ambiance. I have always focused on the food, wine, and service, which have always been great. This is a great neighborhood place, not some mid-city restaurant. It's clean, comfortable, and a great place for a great meal. They have a nice patio for summer evenings.
(4)Mike J.
Delicious food! The sandwiches and pizza are both outstanding. They also have a great bar selection. As a bunch of other folks noted, it's a good place for families, which suits the location well. This is definitely a favorite of my daughter's. The decor is inviting.. it's a bit of a strip mall gem. The only drawback is that it's on the pricey side for a pretty casual establishment.
(4)Donna C.
One is one of our favorite restaurants. The tiramisu is to die for! Last night we tried the risotto balls and they were amazing. Service is good when dining in. We get take out frequently and split the vodka penne. Great stuff! Is in a non-descript location with plenty of parking. Kid friendly but not full of unruly little ones. You have to try it.
(5)Andrew G.
This place is top notch. I have eaten there many times and the food is always excellent! The owners Jimmy and Nancy are always there and take personal pride in the food they are serving (which from what I understand are passed down from Jimmy's relatives). A+++
(5)Connie B.
It's alright. I was hoping for much better and wasn't all that impressed. We went with a party of 7 and all seven of us got different menu items, no one was raving about anything so that should say something. Sorry, but for the price I will have to say not worth the trip unless you are in the area.
(2)Cori C.
Disappointing. The server was friendly, but you could tell she was forcing it. The service was satisfactory, however. The atmosphere was nice. It had clean modern decor. The pasta was really lacking, however, and it was overpriced. My $14 cheese ravioli (with no sides included) tasted like $8 ravioli (with sides included.) We'll keep looking for a good Italian restaurant.
(2)Chuck G.
Would give Zamparelli's a better rating but just paid $18 (with tax) for a calzone with two standard ingredients. Their online menu said each additional ingredient was a $1.50 but when I picked it up the cashier non-chalantly mentioned they went up to $2.50 and said she'd mention it to the owner. A week later the online menu still says $1.50 per ingredient. Even if I was charged $1.50 per ingredient, $16 for this calzone is too much. The calzone was good but not "eighteen dollars good".
(2)Michelle D.
I agree with Jordan regarding the ambiance. The place has the feeling of a cafeteria, a cute cafeteria with cool orange and green walls, BUT...... The food was great and more than made up for the ambiance. We shared the Margarita Pizza as an appetizer and it was exceptional. The crust was crispy and the sauce is a great combo of spice and not too salty. For an entree I had pappardelle bolognese. The noodles were freshly made and cooked perfectly. The Bolognase sauce was very meaty and had a good balance of spices. My hubby had Meat Ravioli. The sauce on the ravioli was a little bland and the portion was on the small size (the waiter had warned us about that). The others in our group had lasagna and a nightly special - vodka penne. Both were reported as very good. For dessert - Chocolate Mousse and Cannoli. The mousse was fantastic. Rich chocolaty taste with a creamy texture. I didn't taste the cannoli but it was reported to be very good. Everybody in our group had a good time and gave the place a thumbs up. We will certainly return and try some of the specialty pizzas.
(4)Catherine W.
I've been going to this place for years and it rivals the best of any city I've been in. The food is fresh, hand made and prepared with skill. These folks really know what they're doing. I love the pepper/pepper/pepperoni pizza, all of the salads and appetizers, all of the pastas are exceptional. One big bonus is they have a respectable wine list and the best mixed drinks anywhere in Colorado, they never skimp. I've never had desert so I can't comment on that.
(5)toby m.
Great food! It's a big hit with the kids too!
(4)Kira A.
Fabulous ice cream. Pear gorgonzola pizza scrumptious. And the grilled beet salad - yum. Quick and friendly service.
(4)Dave B.
I eat here often, and have never been disappointed. The service is top notch, and the ambiance is fun with a dollop of sophistication you don't necessarily expect in a place known for the pizza. A couple of favorites of mine include the risotto balls (sounds odd, but they are fantastic!), the chicken parmesan with spaghetti, the pear and gorgonzola salad, and any of the pizzas. I especially like the Neuski's bacon with pineapple on a pie or just a slice at lunch. Nice affordable wine list too!
(5)Clayton B.
Great pizza and good food
(4)Charles B.
Horrible service, water tastes like it came out of a pool
(1)Steve M.
Love this place. Great food. Good beers on tap. Friendly staff.
(5)s b.
Zamparelli's offers incredible authentic Italian food. I haven't had a bad/ok meal yet and I have eaten here over 30 times since it opened last year. Pizza, pasta and sandwiches are the star here. The owner is from Jersey and he knows how to cook a real east coast pizza (in a brick oven I might add). Best pizza in Boulder county. Come to think of it the pizza is better than any I have had in Denver as well. Get the carne carne pizza. To die for! All of the sandwiches are huge and tasty. The meatball and chicken parm sub's are my favorites. You can't go wrong with the pasta's either. The pappardelle bolognese is probably my favorite item on the entire menu. Big space, attentive service and the food rocks!
(5)Mary T.
Shockingly bad food. Live in the neighborhood, read some good reviews, gave it a try, never going back. It's like a candidate for a "before" restaurant on Gordon Ramsey. Nice arugula salad gave us hope but dried out bad bread & olive oil (seriously: stale bread fragments, olive oil with some pepper floating in it) made us worry about our main courses: lasagna and eggplant parmesan. Uninspired wine list....But okay, it's a nice night out & we're on the patio, we'll hope for the best. Results: I think they buy this at King Soopers, freeze it and microwave it. Just buy Stouffers and save yourself time and money. Food was inedible: bitter, tough eggplant, watery tomato sauce, overcooked (obviously pre-cooked) pasta, and probably the worst lasagna I've ever had. Just a big mess. What's up, Zamparelli's? Neighborhood could use a nice Italian restaurant. But for $75 a couple (no dessert/no coffee/split a salad/2 glasses inexpensive wine) this is just ridiculous. Very nice wait staff who deserve better. So do we. Get a clue.
(1)Doug C.
Never a bad meal. My favorite place in Boulder County. Great service. Great cocktails. Good seasonal menu. Funky space but food makes up for it.
(5)Rob S.
Hit this place for lunch from time to time and find it to be consistently good. It is expensive and I'd have to say that I wouldn't necessarily "rave" about any one thing that I have had there, but it really is excellent. We always leave thinking it was a tremendous lunch. So overall, I give it high marks, marked down a bit for pricing though it is not THAT outrageous.
(4)Scott M.
The food and service is great here. Their red sauce is really good! You can even buy their sauce to take home which is excellent. This is one of my all-time favorite Italian restaurants. It is very casual but perfect for anyone with a family or looking for a semi-quick meal. The owners are always friendly and the staff is great. The pricing is very average despite another review. It should be more but with the casual atmoshere it is just right. I would highly recommend going there.
(5)