Tucked in the Redbud Plaza across from the old Borders/new Norman West library, you can find the best Italian food in Norman, if not the metro. Gaberino's is clean and crisp, while still feeling like an established, family-owned traditional Italian restaurant. The owners are a couple that apparently met at Victoria's, so if you are familiar with that menu, you will notice some similar dishes, but done even better. Everything is always fresh, delicious, made with care, and never overly oily or rich. This is one of my favorite date night spots so I have only been here for dinner. The stuffed mushrooms and spinach artichoke dip are great, as well as their salads (especially the Caesar - the dressing is killer). I love the chicken lasagna Florentine and manicotti for entrees. If they have their seasonal menu out, make sure you get something from it. I usually mow through my bread as soon as my meal comes, so obviously I'm a fan. The Italian cream cake is heavenly and in the fall, if their pumpkin cheesecake is an option, please get it. I can't say enough good things about Gaberino's, I just want anyone who loves good Italian food to go there. The prices and quality cannot be beat, not to mention a staff that seems happy to be there. Don't forget, you can also check out their full menu online and call in a pick-up order! There are some take-away items in a case near the register, so don't forget to check those out. Otherwise, get over there and let this place charm your pants off. Okay, but actually keep your pants on. Maybe just unbutton them once you are stuffed?
(5)
Melanie S.
Best kept secret in Norman... It might be near Olive Garden, but that's the only similarity. Gaberino's has all the authenticity most Italian places are lacking. They have seasonal dishes and amazing core dishes. I always go Alfredo noodles, pink sauce, with meatballs. Try it out you won't be disappointed.
(4)
Kimberly C.
Fantastic food and customer service! The waitress overheard Us discussing that it was my husband's birthday and she brought out dessert with a lit candle in it! Always a great dining experience!
(5)
Jerron K.
Service was great. This place had a small home feel to it. Plan on coming back in the future. Food was good for the price.
(4)
Mark W.
We were in town for a couple days and wanted to try something new. The food was very flavorful and the meatballs were excellent. However, my wife's lasagna came with NO noodles in it. We alerted our waitress, who was fairly scarce during the meal, and she said she had received other complaints about that on a previous night. We were not really offered any satisfaction except the offer to have the kitchen cook her some noodles. All in all, felt this place had some promise but falls short on customer service.
(2)
M H.
Great Italian, try the chicken parmesan and the stuffed mushrooms. Great service! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(5)
Barbara W.
The food here is great! Some of the best pizza around. Their lasagna is wonderful. Their pasta is made in house. It is outstanding.
(4)
Rowdy C.
I finally jumped on the Yelp train in Jan 2013, and that's when I discovered Gaberinos. I don't know the amount of times I drove by not even realizing it was there, but glad we know now. The wife loves Italian, and this is our favorite Italian food in town...maybe anywhere. We've tried most of the entrees, and haven't been disappointed yet. The staff has been great on all our visits as well, friendly, helpful and down to earth (and so far, no hippies like another tasty Italian place in Norman).
(5)
Isaac B.
I'd been here once before with some friends and the food was good. Service was just ok the first time, but I thought I'd give it another shot, so I came back with my SO for a date. We walked in and were told to take a seat anywhere. That was the only interaction we had with the staff. We sat, and sat some more, were never greeted, or even given menus. After sitting for a while longer we walked out, and weren't even noticed. So, from now on we'll be sticking with Victoria's for our Italian fix.
(1)
Madison P.
This is the best Italian food you will find in Norman, without a doubt. Everything is homemade and hand crafted, reasonably priced, and SO delicious! I recommend any of the pastas. It has a very authentic feel and taste, along with great service and a fantastic tea selection.
(5)
Nicole P.
Gaberino's is a sweet little Italian restaurant in the strip mall next to Sams Club and The Sooner Mall. The atmosphere is quaint and relaxing. I love the red gingham tablecloths on every table! Our waitress was very friendly and helpful. We started off with the stuffed mushroom appetizer and it was delicious! I also had the house salad with sun-dried tomatoes and whole wheat linguini with marinara, artichoke hearts and broccoli. My dinner was pretty good. Even though I had a great experience, I must say, I DO like the food from Victoria's better. Gaberino's has the edge on the amount of time you spend looking for parking, but I would probably pick Victoria's over Gaberino's 9 times out of 10 and for that reason, I have to award Gaberino's a score of A-OK.
(3)
Matthew S.
THE place to get Italian food in west Norman. Intimate bistro-style setting in a small dining room wafting with wonderful smells. I like a house salad to start, the produce is always very crisp and fresh with a house dressing that is tangy and flavorful. The pasta is fresh, I love the linguine with pesto. Delicious. Portions are plenty filling without being obscenely large lime most of the highway food nearby. Also none of the pre-prepared/frozen/greasy chain foods that dominate the Norman restaurant scene west of I-35. The wine list is concise, well thought out and fairly priced. Service is attentive and friendly. Very fair menu prices.
(5)
L M.
Big fan!!! Great service and homemade quality items. I love the ambiance. I can't wait to go back
(5)
Brad B.
Nice little basic Italian place. Service was a little slow. Manicotti with meat sauce was OK, but the one with marinara was better. Tomato basil soup was smooth & the best part of the meal.
(3)
Leisha B.
Decided to give this place a try for an early dinner...sorry to say we were very disappointed. The spinach and artichoke dip and stuffed mushroom appetizers were very good, but my entree and the service were horrible. I ordered linguine with Pink Sauce and grilled chicken, an it tasted like it had some sort of cleaner in it...took two bites and didn't touch it again. The waitress didn't seem to care at all that I hadn't touched it, and didn't apologize at all when someone at the table order iced tea and was brought a glass of tea that had Dr.Pepper in the bottom of it...how that happens, I'm not sure. She didn't even offer to replace it. We will stick to Victoria's or Sergio's for Italian in Norman.
(2)
Allie O.
The atmosphere is the saving grace of this place; it is quaint and roomy. The gnocchi was not very filling and rather bland. The fettacini sauce tasted only of cheese. The portion sizes are small with more sauce than pasta. The wine selection is decent, however, other than the create your own pasta there is very little in the way of entree selection.
(2)
John H.
We had heard about this place before, but for one reason or another hadn't ever stopped in and tried the place. Last night when trying to decide where to go we stopped in and took a seat. It is in a strip mall, which for some reason always seems odd to me (ie when restaurants are in strip malls), but once you're inside it feels just like an Italian restaurant should with smallish tables and red-checked table clothes. Our server was prompt and nice. The atmosphere is very cozy (though I hear it used to only be half the size), and the decor is great. Now on to the wine, which is a must when sitting down for Italian dinner. I'm no afficiado, but from looking at their menu it looks like just about any price point (besides high end) can be found. We settled on a red we had had before for about $40/bottle. We started out with the stuffed mushrooms which we both really liked. I had the chicken parmigiana and my wife had the florentine lasagna. Both were very good, and despite what a couple of other reviews here said, I thought the pasta was cooked very well. I will say that the marinara wasn't exactly bursting with spicy flavor, but it was certainly a good basic homemade marinara. The chicken parmigiana was very tender and the breading was very good, and was probably my favorite part of the meal. All in all, I definitely hope it doesn't take me another two years to remember to go here. I thought it was good.
(4)
Aaron S.
Sat in the new section, was done very nicely. Had the spaghetti and meatballs and it was very good. The Italian Cream Cake was awesome!
(5)
Jennifer W.
Was in the mood for pasta but didn't want to drive and try to find a parking place at Victorias. Holy cow was this a great idea instead! The menu is about the same and the food is just as spectacular, but the parking is much easier. The environment was very quaint and quiet, and the service is nothing short of wonderful. Perfect for a date or just a nice quiet dinner out. Will definitely go again!
(5)
Helen C.
What an awesome surprise! I'm a Victoria's Pasta Shop fan through-n-through, but tonight my friend and I decided to branch out and try something new (wow - I'm a poet and didn't know it). This place is fantastic! It's a tiny lil joint in a strip mall across from Sooner Fashion - When I walked in, I was welcomed with the most wonderful aromas that literally made my mouth water. I decided on a make-your-own pasta dish and ordered the whole wheat linguini with alfredo sauce and added fresh spinach and mushrooms. My friend had the fettuccini with meat sauce - We both concurred that our meals were DELICIOUS!! I also had a house salad, which was just like Victoria's, only a bigger portion (which is a total positive!). They do serve wine (approx. 3 reds and 3 whites to choose from), and I do want to note that the service was great! With all that said, there were a couple of slip-ups: the garlic bread was a bit stale and the cheesecake tasted like a store-bought Sara Lee.. However, our waiter's recommendation WAS the Italian cream cake, which he said was home made, but since I hate nuts we went with the cheesecake instead. Overall, our dining experience was exceptionally enjoyable! I didn't realize their menu wasn't integrated into Yelp, so the next time I go back (which I DEFINITELY will), I'll make sure to take photos of the menu. Great place for vegetarians and carnivores. For those wondering about prices: average pasta looked to run about $8-10 - inexpensive and yummy: my favorite combination!
(4)
Nina B.
Gaberino's, where did this place come from. We found it by pure chance as we were going to Borders. We stopped in and overheard the waitress saying the place had opened in November. We also found some of our friends who said they go every week. We looked around and everything looked yummy and everyone seemed to be enjoying their food. We ordered a pizza and some cheese bread (carb overload). Both were very cheesy and fresh tasting. It was pretty good and the prices were a great value. We're going to have to go back to scope out the rest of the menu little by little.
(4)
Kris L.
Fresh everything. From scratch everything--marinara, meatballs, pasta. Fresh herbs and tomatoes, local grass-fed beef, handmade pasta. Tasty inexpensive wines and prosecco. Quick service and, considering the labor and attention in the kitchen, a great bargain. Little innovation, none needed. Delizioso.
(4)
Oscar J.
Quickly losing it's reputation as the best kept secret in Norman. My wife and I love both Victoria's and Gabarinos, but for an intimate atmosphere and outstanding pasta, I must give the edge to Gabarinos. Our favorite dish is the Chicken Lasagna Florentine. Prices are very reasonable, and after having a half dozen meals there, I have yet to be disappointed.
(5)
Nicole P.
Gaberino's is a sweet little Italian restaurant in the strip mall next to Sams Club and The Sooner Mall. The atmosphere is quaint and relaxing. I love the red gingham tablecloths on every table! Our waitress was very friendly and helpful. We started off with the stuffed mushroom appetizer and it was delicious! I also had the house salad with sun-dried tomatoes and whole wheat linguini with marinara, artichoke hearts and broccoli. My dinner was pretty good. Even though I had a great experience, I must say, I DO like the food from Victoria's better. Gaberino's has the edge on the amount of time you spend looking for parking, but I would probably pick Victoria's over Gaberino's 9 times out of 10 and for that reason, I have to award Gaberino's a score of A-OK.
(3)
Matthew S.
THE place to get Italian food in west Norman. Intimate bistro-style setting in a small dining room wafting with wonderful smells. I like a house salad to start, the produce is always very crisp and fresh with a house dressing that is tangy and flavorful. The pasta is fresh, I love the linguine with pesto. Delicious. Portions are plenty filling without being obscenely large lime most of the highway food nearby. Also none of the pre-prepared/frozen/greasy chain foods that dominate the Norman restaurant scene west of I-35. The wine list is concise, well thought out and fairly priced. Service is attentive and friendly. Very fair menu prices.
(5)
Cindy M.
Our first time here was mediocre at best. My boyfriend has a cheese pizza and said it was good. I had the build your own pasta with fettuchini and Alfredo sauce. By far the worst Alfredo sauce I've ever choked down. It was completely tasteless.
(2)
Victoria L.
Excellent service with even better food. We will be going here every time we want our Italian fix.
(5)
Scott H.
Cozy, simple Italian joint tucked away in a strip shopping center across from Sam's Club on Main near Ed Noble Parkway. I had lunch at Gaberino's with a friend on a Wednesday. We arrived right at noon and were the only table, but by the time we left, there were about 10 tables seated. So, looks like they do a decent lunch business on a weekday. We each had salads to start; my buddy had a Caesar, and I had the house salad. The house salad is greens mixed with balsamic vinaigrette and parmesan. That's it. Any other toppings cost extra, including red onions, which are 50 cents. This was annoying. The plain salad is only $4, but adding any ingredients costs extra. So, I'd prefer if they'd give you a proper salad and charge $6 rather than a plain salad and charge for every single extra. That being said, it was a pretty good salad, and I dipped the bread that came with my lunch in the leftover dressing. To eat, I had the fettuccini with meatballs. This is $12, and it's a very good sized dish. I got half alfredo and half marinara. I wanted to taste them both separately then mix them. The meatballs are large and flavorful. Also, they were moist, but had a nice crust. The sauces are good, but they don't stand out against other sauces I've had at good Italian joints. To be clear, they are way better than what you'll get at chains (Olive Garden, Carraba's, etc). But, I don't compare a place like Gaberino's to Olive Garden, I compare it to other local quality Italian places. So, the sauces were good, but they didn't blow me away. I would order the dish again, it's a good value and the meatballs were terrific. Overall, it's a cozy, simple place with good food and above average service. I'll return, and hope that others do too. It's a little tucked away in the shopping center, but it's definitely worth a little searching.
(4)
Jaden B.
Best Italian in Norman!! Reasonable prices, amazing food, and outstanding service! We would most likely be back tomorrow for more if we didn't have so much yummy left over from the generous portions!
(5)
Cindy M.
Our first time here was mediocre at best. My boyfriend has a cheese pizza and said it was good. I had the build your own pasta with fettuchini and Alfredo sauce. By far the worst Alfredo sauce I've ever choked down. It was completely tasteless.
(2)
Katie R.
I stopped in for a quick lunch with as many carbs as I could get my hands on. This place made my day. I had a Caesar salad and "create your own" pasta with linguine and alfredo with lemon pepper chicken. The salad had the perfect amount of dressing and was the perfect size. The pasta was absolutely amazing. You can tell that their noodles are homemade and fresh. The alfredo had a great taste and while I was worried about lemon pepper chicken, it had the perfect level of flavor. They seem short staffed, but the sign on the door says they are hiring. I had forgotten about this place, but I will be going back there regularly from now on!
(5)
Jerron K.
Service was great. This place had a small home feel to it. Plan on coming back in the future. Food was good for the price.
(4)
Josephine S.
Tucked in the Redbud Plaza across from the old Borders/new Norman West library, you can find the best Italian food in Norman, if not the metro. Gaberino's is clean and crisp, while still feeling like an established, family-owned traditional Italian restaurant. The owners are a couple that apparently met at Victoria's, so if you are familiar with that menu, you will notice some similar dishes, but done even better. Everything is always fresh, delicious, made with care, and never overly oily or rich. This is one of my favorite date night spots so I have only been here for dinner. The stuffed mushrooms and spinach artichoke dip are great, as well as their salads (especially the Caesar - the dressing is killer). I love the chicken lasagna Florentine and manicotti for entrees. If they have their seasonal menu out, make sure you get something from it. I usually mow through my bread as soon as my meal comes, so obviously I'm a fan. The Italian cream cake is heavenly and in the fall, if their pumpkin cheesecake is an option, please get it. I can't say enough good things about Gaberino's, I just want anyone who loves good Italian food to go there. The prices and quality cannot be beat, not to mention a staff that seems happy to be there. Don't forget, you can also check out their full menu online and call in a pick-up order! There are some take-away items in a case near the register, so don't forget to check those out. Otherwise, get over there and let this place charm your pants off. Okay, but actually keep your pants on. Maybe just unbutton them once you are stuffed?
(5)
Victoria L.
Excellent service with even better food. We will be going here every time we want our Italian fix.
(5)
Scott H.
Cozy, simple Italian joint tucked away in a strip shopping center across from Sam's Club on Main near Ed Noble Parkway. I had lunch at Gaberino's with a friend on a Wednesday. We arrived right at noon and were the only table, but by the time we left, there were about 10 tables seated. So, looks like they do a decent lunch business on a weekday. We each had salads to start; my buddy had a Caesar, and I had the house salad. The house salad is greens mixed with balsamic vinaigrette and parmesan. That's it. Any other toppings cost extra, including red onions, which are 50 cents. This was annoying. The plain salad is only $4, but adding any ingredients costs extra. So, I'd prefer if they'd give you a proper salad and charge $6 rather than a plain salad and charge for every single extra. That being said, it was a pretty good salad, and I dipped the bread that came with my lunch in the leftover dressing. To eat, I had the fettuccini with meatballs. This is $12, and it's a very good sized dish. I got half alfredo and half marinara. I wanted to taste them both separately then mix them. The meatballs are large and flavorful. Also, they were moist, but had a nice crust. The sauces are good, but they don't stand out against other sauces I've had at good Italian joints. To be clear, they are way better than what you'll get at chains (Olive Garden, Carraba's, etc). But, I don't compare a place like Gaberino's to Olive Garden, I compare it to other local quality Italian places. So, the sauces were good, but they didn't blow me away. I would order the dish again, it's a good value and the meatballs were terrific. Overall, it's a cozy, simple place with good food and above average service. I'll return, and hope that others do too. It's a little tucked away in the shopping center, but it's definitely worth a little searching.
(4)
Madison P.
This is the best Italian food you will find in Norman, without a doubt. Everything is homemade and hand crafted, reasonably priced, and SO delicious! I recommend any of the pastas. It has a very authentic feel and taste, along with great service and a fantastic tea selection.
(5)
Jaden B.
Best Italian in Norman!! Reasonable prices, amazing food, and outstanding service! We would most likely be back tomorrow for more if we didn't have so much yummy left over from the generous portions!
(5)
Melanie S.
Best kept secret in Norman... It might be near Olive Garden, but that's the only similarity. Gaberino's has all the authenticity most Italian places are lacking. They have seasonal dishes and amazing core dishes. I always go Alfredo noodles, pink sauce, with meatballs. Try it out you won't be disappointed.
(4)
Kimberly C.
Fantastic food and customer service! The waitress overheard Us discussing that it was my husband's birthday and she brought out dessert with a lit candle in it! Always a great dining experience!
(5)
Mark W.
We were in town for a couple days and wanted to try something new. The food was very flavorful and the meatballs were excellent. However, my wife's lasagna came with NO noodles in it. We alerted our waitress, who was fairly scarce during the meal, and she said she had received other complaints about that on a previous night. We were not really offered any satisfaction except the offer to have the kitchen cook her some noodles. All in all, felt this place had some promise but falls short on customer service.
(2)
M H.
Great Italian, try the chicken parmesan and the stuffed mushrooms. Great service! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(5)
Barbara W.
The food here is great! Some of the best pizza around. Their lasagna is wonderful. Their pasta is made in house. It is outstanding.
(4)
John H.
We had heard about this place before, but for one reason or another hadn't ever stopped in and tried the place. Last night when trying to decide where to go we stopped in and took a seat. It is in a strip mall, which for some reason always seems odd to me (ie when restaurants are in strip malls), but once you're inside it feels just like an Italian restaurant should with smallish tables and red-checked table clothes. Our server was prompt and nice. The atmosphere is very cozy (though I hear it used to only be half the size), and the decor is great. Now on to the wine, which is a must when sitting down for Italian dinner. I'm no afficiado, but from looking at their menu it looks like just about any price point (besides high end) can be found. We settled on a red we had had before for about $40/bottle. We started out with the stuffed mushrooms which we both really liked. I had the chicken parmigiana and my wife had the florentine lasagna. Both were very good, and despite what a couple of other reviews here said, I thought the pasta was cooked very well. I will say that the marinara wasn't exactly bursting with spicy flavor, but it was certainly a good basic homemade marinara. The chicken parmigiana was very tender and the breading was very good, and was probably my favorite part of the meal. All in all, I definitely hope it doesn't take me another two years to remember to go here. I thought it was good.
(4)
L M.
Big fan!!! Great service and homemade quality items. I love the ambiance. I can't wait to go back
(5)
Brad B.
Nice little basic Italian place. Service was a little slow. Manicotti with meat sauce was OK, but the one with marinara was better. Tomato basil soup was smooth & the best part of the meal.
(3)
Helen C.
What an awesome surprise! I'm a Victoria's Pasta Shop fan through-n-through, but tonight my friend and I decided to branch out and try something new (wow - I'm a poet and didn't know it). This place is fantastic! It's a tiny lil joint in a strip mall across from Sooner Fashion - When I walked in, I was welcomed with the most wonderful aromas that literally made my mouth water. I decided on a make-your-own pasta dish and ordered the whole wheat linguini with alfredo sauce and added fresh spinach and mushrooms. My friend had the fettuccini with meat sauce - We both concurred that our meals were DELICIOUS!! I also had a house salad, which was just like Victoria's, only a bigger portion (which is a total positive!). They do serve wine (approx. 3 reds and 3 whites to choose from), and I do want to note that the service was great! With all that said, there were a couple of slip-ups: the garlic bread was a bit stale and the cheesecake tasted like a store-bought Sara Lee.. However, our waiter's recommendation WAS the Italian cream cake, which he said was home made, but since I hate nuts we went with the cheesecake instead. Overall, our dining experience was exceptionally enjoyable! I didn't realize their menu wasn't integrated into Yelp, so the next time I go back (which I DEFINITELY will), I'll make sure to take photos of the menu. Great place for vegetarians and carnivores. For those wondering about prices: average pasta looked to run about $8-10 - inexpensive and yummy: my favorite combination!
(4)
Leisha B.
Decided to give this place a try for an early dinner...sorry to say we were very disappointed. The spinach and artichoke dip and stuffed mushroom appetizers were very good, but my entree and the service were horrible. I ordered linguine with Pink Sauce and grilled chicken, an it tasted like it had some sort of cleaner in it...took two bites and didn't touch it again. The waitress didn't seem to care at all that I hadn't touched it, and didn't apologize at all when someone at the table order iced tea and was brought a glass of tea that had Dr.Pepper in the bottom of it...how that happens, I'm not sure. She didn't even offer to replace it. We will stick to Victoria's or Sergio's for Italian in Norman.
(2)
Allie O.
The atmosphere is the saving grace of this place; it is quaint and roomy. The gnocchi was not very filling and rather bland. The fettacini sauce tasted only of cheese. The portion sizes are small with more sauce than pasta. The wine selection is decent, however, other than the create your own pasta there is very little in the way of entree selection.
(2)
Aaron S.
Sat in the new section, was done very nicely. Had the spaghetti and meatballs and it was very good. The Italian Cream Cake was awesome!
(5)
Rowdy C.
I finally jumped on the Yelp train in Jan 2013, and that's when I discovered Gaberinos. I don't know the amount of times I drove by not even realizing it was there, but glad we know now. The wife loves Italian, and this is our favorite Italian food in town...maybe anywhere. We've tried most of the entrees, and haven't been disappointed yet. The staff has been great on all our visits as well, friendly, helpful and down to earth (and so far, no hippies like another tasty Italian place in Norman).
(5)
Isaac B.
I'd been here once before with some friends and the food was good. Service was just ok the first time, but I thought I'd give it another shot, so I came back with my SO for a date. We walked in and were told to take a seat anywhere. That was the only interaction we had with the staff. We sat, and sat some more, were never greeted, or even given menus. After sitting for a while longer we walked out, and weren't even noticed. So, from now on we'll be sticking with Victoria's for our Italian fix.
(1)
Jennifer W.
Was in the mood for pasta but didn't want to drive and try to find a parking place at Victorias. Holy cow was this a great idea instead! The menu is about the same and the food is just as spectacular, but the parking is much easier. The environment was very quaint and quiet, and the service is nothing short of wonderful. Perfect for a date or just a nice quiet dinner out. Will definitely go again!
(5)
Katie R.
I stopped in for a quick lunch with as many carbs as I could get my hands on. This place made my day. I had a Caesar salad and "create your own" pasta with linguine and alfredo with lemon pepper chicken. The salad had the perfect amount of dressing and was the perfect size. The pasta was absolutely amazing. You can tell that their noodles are homemade and fresh. The alfredo had a great taste and while I was worried about lemon pepper chicken, it had the perfect level of flavor. They seem short staffed, but the sign on the door says they are hiring. I had forgotten about this place, but I will be going back there regularly from now on!
(5)
Nina B.
Gaberino's, where did this place come from. We found it by pure chance as we were going to Borders. We stopped in and overheard the waitress saying the place had opened in November. We also found some of our friends who said they go every week. We looked around and everything looked yummy and everyone seemed to be enjoying their food. We ordered a pizza and some cheese bread (carb overload). Both were very cheesy and fresh tasting. It was pretty good and the prices were a great value. We're going to have to go back to scope out the rest of the menu little by little.
(4)
Kris L.
Fresh everything. From scratch everything--marinara, meatballs, pasta. Fresh herbs and tomatoes, local grass-fed beef, handmade pasta. Tasty inexpensive wines and prosecco. Quick service and, considering the labor and attention in the kitchen, a great bargain. Little innovation, none needed. Delizioso.
(4)
Oscar J.
Quickly losing it's reputation as the best kept secret in Norman. My wife and I love both Victoria's and Gabarinos, but for an intimate atmosphere and outstanding pasta, I must give the edge to Gabarinos. Our favorite dish is the Chicken Lasagna Florentine. Prices are very reasonable, and after having a half dozen meals there, I have yet to be disappointed.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : No Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No 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.
Josephine S.
Tucked in the Redbud Plaza across from the old Borders/new Norman West library, you can find the best Italian food in Norman, if not the metro. Gaberino's is clean and crisp, while still feeling like an established, family-owned traditional Italian restaurant. The owners are a couple that apparently met at Victoria's, so if you are familiar with that menu, you will notice some similar dishes, but done even better. Everything is always fresh, delicious, made with care, and never overly oily or rich. This is one of my favorite date night spots so I have only been here for dinner. The stuffed mushrooms and spinach artichoke dip are great, as well as their salads (especially the Caesar - the dressing is killer). I love the chicken lasagna Florentine and manicotti for entrees. If they have their seasonal menu out, make sure you get something from it. I usually mow through my bread as soon as my meal comes, so obviously I'm a fan. The Italian cream cake is heavenly and in the fall, if their pumpkin cheesecake is an option, please get it. I can't say enough good things about Gaberino's, I just want anyone who loves good Italian food to go there. The prices and quality cannot be beat, not to mention a staff that seems happy to be there. Don't forget, you can also check out their full menu online and call in a pick-up order! There are some take-away items in a case near the register, so don't forget to check those out. Otherwise, get over there and let this place charm your pants off. Okay, but actually keep your pants on. Maybe just unbutton them once you are stuffed?
(5)Melanie S.
Best kept secret in Norman... It might be near Olive Garden, but that's the only similarity. Gaberino's has all the authenticity most Italian places are lacking. They have seasonal dishes and amazing core dishes. I always go Alfredo noodles, pink sauce, with meatballs. Try it out you won't be disappointed.
(4)Kimberly C.
Fantastic food and customer service! The waitress overheard Us discussing that it was my husband's birthday and she brought out dessert with a lit candle in it! Always a great dining experience!
(5)Jerron K.
Service was great. This place had a small home feel to it. Plan on coming back in the future. Food was good for the price.
(4)Mark W.
We were in town for a couple days and wanted to try something new. The food was very flavorful and the meatballs were excellent. However, my wife's lasagna came with NO noodles in it. We alerted our waitress, who was fairly scarce during the meal, and she said she had received other complaints about that on a previous night. We were not really offered any satisfaction except the offer to have the kitchen cook her some noodles. All in all, felt this place had some promise but falls short on customer service.
(2)M H.
Great Italian, try the chicken parmesan and the stuffed mushrooms. Great service! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(5)Barbara W.
The food here is great! Some of the best pizza around. Their lasagna is wonderful. Their pasta is made in house. It is outstanding.
(4)Rowdy C.
I finally jumped on the Yelp train in Jan 2013, and that's when I discovered Gaberinos. I don't know the amount of times I drove by not even realizing it was there, but glad we know now. The wife loves Italian, and this is our favorite Italian food in town...maybe anywhere. We've tried most of the entrees, and haven't been disappointed yet. The staff has been great on all our visits as well, friendly, helpful and down to earth (and so far, no hippies like another tasty Italian place in Norman).
(5)Isaac B.
I'd been here once before with some friends and the food was good. Service was just ok the first time, but I thought I'd give it another shot, so I came back with my SO for a date. We walked in and were told to take a seat anywhere. That was the only interaction we had with the staff. We sat, and sat some more, were never greeted, or even given menus. After sitting for a while longer we walked out, and weren't even noticed. So, from now on we'll be sticking with Victoria's for our Italian fix.
(1)Madison P.
This is the best Italian food you will find in Norman, without a doubt. Everything is homemade and hand crafted, reasonably priced, and SO delicious! I recommend any of the pastas. It has a very authentic feel and taste, along with great service and a fantastic tea selection.
(5)Nicole P.
Gaberino's is a sweet little Italian restaurant in the strip mall next to Sams Club and The Sooner Mall. The atmosphere is quaint and relaxing. I love the red gingham tablecloths on every table! Our waitress was very friendly and helpful. We started off with the stuffed mushroom appetizer and it was delicious! I also had the house salad with sun-dried tomatoes and whole wheat linguini with marinara, artichoke hearts and broccoli. My dinner was pretty good. Even though I had a great experience, I must say, I DO like the food from Victoria's better. Gaberino's has the edge on the amount of time you spend looking for parking, but I would probably pick Victoria's over Gaberino's 9 times out of 10 and for that reason, I have to award Gaberino's a score of A-OK.
(3)Matthew S.
THE place to get Italian food in west Norman. Intimate bistro-style setting in a small dining room wafting with wonderful smells. I like a house salad to start, the produce is always very crisp and fresh with a house dressing that is tangy and flavorful. The pasta is fresh, I love the linguine with pesto. Delicious. Portions are plenty filling without being obscenely large lime most of the highway food nearby. Also none of the pre-prepared/frozen/greasy chain foods that dominate the Norman restaurant scene west of I-35. The wine list is concise, well thought out and fairly priced. Service is attentive and friendly. Very fair menu prices.
(5)L M.
Big fan!!! Great service and homemade quality items. I love the ambiance. I can't wait to go back
(5)Brad B.
Nice little basic Italian place. Service was a little slow. Manicotti with meat sauce was OK, but the one with marinara was better. Tomato basil soup was smooth & the best part of the meal.
(3)Leisha B.
Decided to give this place a try for an early dinner...sorry to say we were very disappointed. The spinach and artichoke dip and stuffed mushroom appetizers were very good, but my entree and the service were horrible. I ordered linguine with Pink Sauce and grilled chicken, an it tasted like it had some sort of cleaner in it...took two bites and didn't touch it again. The waitress didn't seem to care at all that I hadn't touched it, and didn't apologize at all when someone at the table order iced tea and was brought a glass of tea that had Dr.Pepper in the bottom of it...how that happens, I'm not sure. She didn't even offer to replace it. We will stick to Victoria's or Sergio's for Italian in Norman.
(2)Allie O.
The atmosphere is the saving grace of this place; it is quaint and roomy. The gnocchi was not very filling and rather bland. The fettacini sauce tasted only of cheese. The portion sizes are small with more sauce than pasta. The wine selection is decent, however, other than the create your own pasta there is very little in the way of entree selection.
(2)John H.
We had heard about this place before, but for one reason or another hadn't ever stopped in and tried the place. Last night when trying to decide where to go we stopped in and took a seat. It is in a strip mall, which for some reason always seems odd to me (ie when restaurants are in strip malls), but once you're inside it feels just like an Italian restaurant should with smallish tables and red-checked table clothes. Our server was prompt and nice. The atmosphere is very cozy (though I hear it used to only be half the size), and the decor is great. Now on to the wine, which is a must when sitting down for Italian dinner. I'm no afficiado, but from looking at their menu it looks like just about any price point (besides high end) can be found. We settled on a red we had had before for about $40/bottle. We started out with the stuffed mushrooms which we both really liked. I had the chicken parmigiana and my wife had the florentine lasagna. Both were very good, and despite what a couple of other reviews here said, I thought the pasta was cooked very well. I will say that the marinara wasn't exactly bursting with spicy flavor, but it was certainly a good basic homemade marinara. The chicken parmigiana was very tender and the breading was very good, and was probably my favorite part of the meal. All in all, I definitely hope it doesn't take me another two years to remember to go here. I thought it was good.
(4)Aaron S.
Sat in the new section, was done very nicely. Had the spaghetti and meatballs and it was very good. The Italian Cream Cake was awesome!
(5)Jennifer W.
Was in the mood for pasta but didn't want to drive and try to find a parking place at Victorias. Holy cow was this a great idea instead! The menu is about the same and the food is just as spectacular, but the parking is much easier. The environment was very quaint and quiet, and the service is nothing short of wonderful. Perfect for a date or just a nice quiet dinner out. Will definitely go again!
(5)Helen C.
What an awesome surprise! I'm a Victoria's Pasta Shop fan through-n-through, but tonight my friend and I decided to branch out and try something new (wow - I'm a poet and didn't know it). This place is fantastic! It's a tiny lil joint in a strip mall across from Sooner Fashion - When I walked in, I was welcomed with the most wonderful aromas that literally made my mouth water. I decided on a make-your-own pasta dish and ordered the whole wheat linguini with alfredo sauce and added fresh spinach and mushrooms. My friend had the fettuccini with meat sauce - We both concurred that our meals were DELICIOUS!! I also had a house salad, which was just like Victoria's, only a bigger portion (which is a total positive!). They do serve wine (approx. 3 reds and 3 whites to choose from), and I do want to note that the service was great! With all that said, there were a couple of slip-ups: the garlic bread was a bit stale and the cheesecake tasted like a store-bought Sara Lee.. However, our waiter's recommendation WAS the Italian cream cake, which he said was home made, but since I hate nuts we went with the cheesecake instead. Overall, our dining experience was exceptionally enjoyable! I didn't realize their menu wasn't integrated into Yelp, so the next time I go back (which I DEFINITELY will), I'll make sure to take photos of the menu. Great place for vegetarians and carnivores. For those wondering about prices: average pasta looked to run about $8-10 - inexpensive and yummy: my favorite combination!
(4)Nina B.
Gaberino's, where did this place come from. We found it by pure chance as we were going to Borders. We stopped in and overheard the waitress saying the place had opened in November. We also found some of our friends who said they go every week. We looked around and everything looked yummy and everyone seemed to be enjoying their food. We ordered a pizza and some cheese bread (carb overload). Both were very cheesy and fresh tasting. It was pretty good and the prices were a great value. We're going to have to go back to scope out the rest of the menu little by little.
(4)Kris L.
Fresh everything. From scratch everything--marinara, meatballs, pasta. Fresh herbs and tomatoes, local grass-fed beef, handmade pasta. Tasty inexpensive wines and prosecco. Quick service and, considering the labor and attention in the kitchen, a great bargain. Little innovation, none needed. Delizioso.
(4)Oscar J.
Quickly losing it's reputation as the best kept secret in Norman. My wife and I love both Victoria's and Gabarinos, but for an intimate atmosphere and outstanding pasta, I must give the edge to Gabarinos. Our favorite dish is the Chicken Lasagna Florentine. Prices are very reasonable, and after having a half dozen meals there, I have yet to be disappointed.
(5)Nicole P.
Gaberino's is a sweet little Italian restaurant in the strip mall next to Sams Club and The Sooner Mall. The atmosphere is quaint and relaxing. I love the red gingham tablecloths on every table! Our waitress was very friendly and helpful. We started off with the stuffed mushroom appetizer and it was delicious! I also had the house salad with sun-dried tomatoes and whole wheat linguini with marinara, artichoke hearts and broccoli. My dinner was pretty good. Even though I had a great experience, I must say, I DO like the food from Victoria's better. Gaberino's has the edge on the amount of time you spend looking for parking, but I would probably pick Victoria's over Gaberino's 9 times out of 10 and for that reason, I have to award Gaberino's a score of A-OK.
(3)Matthew S.
THE place to get Italian food in west Norman. Intimate bistro-style setting in a small dining room wafting with wonderful smells. I like a house salad to start, the produce is always very crisp and fresh with a house dressing that is tangy and flavorful. The pasta is fresh, I love the linguine with pesto. Delicious. Portions are plenty filling without being obscenely large lime most of the highway food nearby. Also none of the pre-prepared/frozen/greasy chain foods that dominate the Norman restaurant scene west of I-35. The wine list is concise, well thought out and fairly priced. Service is attentive and friendly. Very fair menu prices.
(5)Cindy M.
Our first time here was mediocre at best. My boyfriend has a cheese pizza and said it was good. I had the build your own pasta with fettuchini and Alfredo sauce. By far the worst Alfredo sauce I've ever choked down. It was completely tasteless.
(2)Victoria L.
Excellent service with even better food. We will be going here every time we want our Italian fix.
(5)Scott H.
Cozy, simple Italian joint tucked away in a strip shopping center across from Sam's Club on Main near Ed Noble Parkway. I had lunch at Gaberino's with a friend on a Wednesday. We arrived right at noon and were the only table, but by the time we left, there were about 10 tables seated. So, looks like they do a decent lunch business on a weekday. We each had salads to start; my buddy had a Caesar, and I had the house salad. The house salad is greens mixed with balsamic vinaigrette and parmesan. That's it. Any other toppings cost extra, including red onions, which are 50 cents. This was annoying. The plain salad is only $4, but adding any ingredients costs extra. So, I'd prefer if they'd give you a proper salad and charge $6 rather than a plain salad and charge for every single extra. That being said, it was a pretty good salad, and I dipped the bread that came with my lunch in the leftover dressing. To eat, I had the fettuccini with meatballs. This is $12, and it's a very good sized dish. I got half alfredo and half marinara. I wanted to taste them both separately then mix them. The meatballs are large and flavorful. Also, they were moist, but had a nice crust. The sauces are good, but they don't stand out against other sauces I've had at good Italian joints. To be clear, they are way better than what you'll get at chains (Olive Garden, Carraba's, etc). But, I don't compare a place like Gaberino's to Olive Garden, I compare it to other local quality Italian places. So, the sauces were good, but they didn't blow me away. I would order the dish again, it's a good value and the meatballs were terrific. Overall, it's a cozy, simple place with good food and above average service. I'll return, and hope that others do too. It's a little tucked away in the shopping center, but it's definitely worth a little searching.
(4)Jaden B.
Best Italian in Norman!! Reasonable prices, amazing food, and outstanding service! We would most likely be back tomorrow for more if we didn't have so much yummy left over from the generous portions!
(5)Cindy M.
Our first time here was mediocre at best. My boyfriend has a cheese pizza and said it was good. I had the build your own pasta with fettuchini and Alfredo sauce. By far the worst Alfredo sauce I've ever choked down. It was completely tasteless.
(2)Katie R.
I stopped in for a quick lunch with as many carbs as I could get my hands on. This place made my day. I had a Caesar salad and "create your own" pasta with linguine and alfredo with lemon pepper chicken. The salad had the perfect amount of dressing and was the perfect size. The pasta was absolutely amazing. You can tell that their noodles are homemade and fresh. The alfredo had a great taste and while I was worried about lemon pepper chicken, it had the perfect level of flavor. They seem short staffed, but the sign on the door says they are hiring. I had forgotten about this place, but I will be going back there regularly from now on!
(5)Jerron K.
Service was great. This place had a small home feel to it. Plan on coming back in the future. Food was good for the price.
(4)Josephine S.
Tucked in the Redbud Plaza across from the old Borders/new Norman West library, you can find the best Italian food in Norman, if not the metro. Gaberino's is clean and crisp, while still feeling like an established, family-owned traditional Italian restaurant. The owners are a couple that apparently met at Victoria's, so if you are familiar with that menu, you will notice some similar dishes, but done even better. Everything is always fresh, delicious, made with care, and never overly oily or rich. This is one of my favorite date night spots so I have only been here for dinner. The stuffed mushrooms and spinach artichoke dip are great, as well as their salads (especially the Caesar - the dressing is killer). I love the chicken lasagna Florentine and manicotti for entrees. If they have their seasonal menu out, make sure you get something from it. I usually mow through my bread as soon as my meal comes, so obviously I'm a fan. The Italian cream cake is heavenly and in the fall, if their pumpkin cheesecake is an option, please get it. I can't say enough good things about Gaberino's, I just want anyone who loves good Italian food to go there. The prices and quality cannot be beat, not to mention a staff that seems happy to be there. Don't forget, you can also check out their full menu online and call in a pick-up order! There are some take-away items in a case near the register, so don't forget to check those out. Otherwise, get over there and let this place charm your pants off. Okay, but actually keep your pants on. Maybe just unbutton them once you are stuffed?
(5)Victoria L.
Excellent service with even better food. We will be going here every time we want our Italian fix.
(5)Scott H.
Cozy, simple Italian joint tucked away in a strip shopping center across from Sam's Club on Main near Ed Noble Parkway. I had lunch at Gaberino's with a friend on a Wednesday. We arrived right at noon and were the only table, but by the time we left, there were about 10 tables seated. So, looks like they do a decent lunch business on a weekday. We each had salads to start; my buddy had a Caesar, and I had the house salad. The house salad is greens mixed with balsamic vinaigrette and parmesan. That's it. Any other toppings cost extra, including red onions, which are 50 cents. This was annoying. The plain salad is only $4, but adding any ingredients costs extra. So, I'd prefer if they'd give you a proper salad and charge $6 rather than a plain salad and charge for every single extra. That being said, it was a pretty good salad, and I dipped the bread that came with my lunch in the leftover dressing. To eat, I had the fettuccini with meatballs. This is $12, and it's a very good sized dish. I got half alfredo and half marinara. I wanted to taste them both separately then mix them. The meatballs are large and flavorful. Also, they were moist, but had a nice crust. The sauces are good, but they don't stand out against other sauces I've had at good Italian joints. To be clear, they are way better than what you'll get at chains (Olive Garden, Carraba's, etc). But, I don't compare a place like Gaberino's to Olive Garden, I compare it to other local quality Italian places. So, the sauces were good, but they didn't blow me away. I would order the dish again, it's a good value and the meatballs were terrific. Overall, it's a cozy, simple place with good food and above average service. I'll return, and hope that others do too. It's a little tucked away in the shopping center, but it's definitely worth a little searching.
(4)Madison P.
This is the best Italian food you will find in Norman, without a doubt. Everything is homemade and hand crafted, reasonably priced, and SO delicious! I recommend any of the pastas. It has a very authentic feel and taste, along with great service and a fantastic tea selection.
(5)Jaden B.
Best Italian in Norman!! Reasonable prices, amazing food, and outstanding service! We would most likely be back tomorrow for more if we didn't have so much yummy left over from the generous portions!
(5)Melanie S.
Best kept secret in Norman... It might be near Olive Garden, but that's the only similarity. Gaberino's has all the authenticity most Italian places are lacking. They have seasonal dishes and amazing core dishes. I always go Alfredo noodles, pink sauce, with meatballs. Try it out you won't be disappointed.
(4)Kimberly C.
Fantastic food and customer service! The waitress overheard Us discussing that it was my husband's birthday and she brought out dessert with a lit candle in it! Always a great dining experience!
(5)Mark W.
We were in town for a couple days and wanted to try something new. The food was very flavorful and the meatballs were excellent. However, my wife's lasagna came with NO noodles in it. We alerted our waitress, who was fairly scarce during the meal, and she said she had received other complaints about that on a previous night. We were not really offered any satisfaction except the offer to have the kitchen cook her some noodles. All in all, felt this place had some promise but falls short on customer service.
(2)M H.
Great Italian, try the chicken parmesan and the stuffed mushrooms. Great service! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(5)Barbara W.
The food here is great! Some of the best pizza around. Their lasagna is wonderful. Their pasta is made in house. It is outstanding.
(4)John H.
We had heard about this place before, but for one reason or another hadn't ever stopped in and tried the place. Last night when trying to decide where to go we stopped in and took a seat. It is in a strip mall, which for some reason always seems odd to me (ie when restaurants are in strip malls), but once you're inside it feels just like an Italian restaurant should with smallish tables and red-checked table clothes. Our server was prompt and nice. The atmosphere is very cozy (though I hear it used to only be half the size), and the decor is great. Now on to the wine, which is a must when sitting down for Italian dinner. I'm no afficiado, but from looking at their menu it looks like just about any price point (besides high end) can be found. We settled on a red we had had before for about $40/bottle. We started out with the stuffed mushrooms which we both really liked. I had the chicken parmigiana and my wife had the florentine lasagna. Both were very good, and despite what a couple of other reviews here said, I thought the pasta was cooked very well. I will say that the marinara wasn't exactly bursting with spicy flavor, but it was certainly a good basic homemade marinara. The chicken parmigiana was very tender and the breading was very good, and was probably my favorite part of the meal. All in all, I definitely hope it doesn't take me another two years to remember to go here. I thought it was good.
(4)L M.
Big fan!!! Great service and homemade quality items. I love the ambiance. I can't wait to go back
(5)Brad B.
Nice little basic Italian place. Service was a little slow. Manicotti with meat sauce was OK, but the one with marinara was better. Tomato basil soup was smooth & the best part of the meal.
(3)Helen C.
What an awesome surprise! I'm a Victoria's Pasta Shop fan through-n-through, but tonight my friend and I decided to branch out and try something new (wow - I'm a poet and didn't know it). This place is fantastic! It's a tiny lil joint in a strip mall across from Sooner Fashion - When I walked in, I was welcomed with the most wonderful aromas that literally made my mouth water. I decided on a make-your-own pasta dish and ordered the whole wheat linguini with alfredo sauce and added fresh spinach and mushrooms. My friend had the fettuccini with meat sauce - We both concurred that our meals were DELICIOUS!! I also had a house salad, which was just like Victoria's, only a bigger portion (which is a total positive!). They do serve wine (approx. 3 reds and 3 whites to choose from), and I do want to note that the service was great! With all that said, there were a couple of slip-ups: the garlic bread was a bit stale and the cheesecake tasted like a store-bought Sara Lee.. However, our waiter's recommendation WAS the Italian cream cake, which he said was home made, but since I hate nuts we went with the cheesecake instead. Overall, our dining experience was exceptionally enjoyable! I didn't realize their menu wasn't integrated into Yelp, so the next time I go back (which I DEFINITELY will), I'll make sure to take photos of the menu. Great place for vegetarians and carnivores. For those wondering about prices: average pasta looked to run about $8-10 - inexpensive and yummy: my favorite combination!
(4)Leisha B.
Decided to give this place a try for an early dinner...sorry to say we were very disappointed. The spinach and artichoke dip and stuffed mushroom appetizers were very good, but my entree and the service were horrible. I ordered linguine with Pink Sauce and grilled chicken, an it tasted like it had some sort of cleaner in it...took two bites and didn't touch it again. The waitress didn't seem to care at all that I hadn't touched it, and didn't apologize at all when someone at the table order iced tea and was brought a glass of tea that had Dr.Pepper in the bottom of it...how that happens, I'm not sure. She didn't even offer to replace it. We will stick to Victoria's or Sergio's for Italian in Norman.
(2)Allie O.
The atmosphere is the saving grace of this place; it is quaint and roomy. The gnocchi was not very filling and rather bland. The fettacini sauce tasted only of cheese. The portion sizes are small with more sauce than pasta. The wine selection is decent, however, other than the create your own pasta there is very little in the way of entree selection.
(2)Aaron S.
Sat in the new section, was done very nicely. Had the spaghetti and meatballs and it was very good. The Italian Cream Cake was awesome!
(5)Rowdy C.
I finally jumped on the Yelp train in Jan 2013, and that's when I discovered Gaberinos. I don't know the amount of times I drove by not even realizing it was there, but glad we know now. The wife loves Italian, and this is our favorite Italian food in town...maybe anywhere. We've tried most of the entrees, and haven't been disappointed yet. The staff has been great on all our visits as well, friendly, helpful and down to earth (and so far, no hippies like another tasty Italian place in Norman).
(5)Isaac B.
I'd been here once before with some friends and the food was good. Service was just ok the first time, but I thought I'd give it another shot, so I came back with my SO for a date. We walked in and were told to take a seat anywhere. That was the only interaction we had with the staff. We sat, and sat some more, were never greeted, or even given menus. After sitting for a while longer we walked out, and weren't even noticed. So, from now on we'll be sticking with Victoria's for our Italian fix.
(1)Jennifer W.
Was in the mood for pasta but didn't want to drive and try to find a parking place at Victorias. Holy cow was this a great idea instead! The menu is about the same and the food is just as spectacular, but the parking is much easier. The environment was very quaint and quiet, and the service is nothing short of wonderful. Perfect for a date or just a nice quiet dinner out. Will definitely go again!
(5)Katie R.
I stopped in for a quick lunch with as many carbs as I could get my hands on. This place made my day. I had a Caesar salad and "create your own" pasta with linguine and alfredo with lemon pepper chicken. The salad had the perfect amount of dressing and was the perfect size. The pasta was absolutely amazing. You can tell that their noodles are homemade and fresh. The alfredo had a great taste and while I was worried about lemon pepper chicken, it had the perfect level of flavor. They seem short staffed, but the sign on the door says they are hiring. I had forgotten about this place, but I will be going back there regularly from now on!
(5)Nina B.
Gaberino's, where did this place come from. We found it by pure chance as we were going to Borders. We stopped in and overheard the waitress saying the place had opened in November. We also found some of our friends who said they go every week. We looked around and everything looked yummy and everyone seemed to be enjoying their food. We ordered a pizza and some cheese bread (carb overload). Both were very cheesy and fresh tasting. It was pretty good and the prices were a great value. We're going to have to go back to scope out the rest of the menu little by little.
(4)Kris L.
Fresh everything. From scratch everything--marinara, meatballs, pasta. Fresh herbs and tomatoes, local grass-fed beef, handmade pasta. Tasty inexpensive wines and prosecco. Quick service and, considering the labor and attention in the kitchen, a great bargain. Little innovation, none needed. Delizioso.
(4)Oscar J.
Quickly losing it's reputation as the best kept secret in Norman. My wife and I love both Victoria's and Gabarinos, but for an intimate atmosphere and outstanding pasta, I must give the edge to Gabarinos. Our favorite dish is the Chicken Lasagna Florentine. Prices are very reasonable, and after having a half dozen meals there, I have yet to be disappointed.
(5)