My family and I were visiting PA from Mass and we found Alvaro thanks to the help of Yelp, and wow, are we glad we did. I went in hoping to eat the flank steak stuffed with meatballs but they didn't have it that night on the menu, so instead I went with the osso bucco with garlic pasta and it was amazing. My son, who is a picky eater, had the spaghetti and meatball and to my surprise ate his whole plate all while he kept bragging about how good it was. My wife had the chicken cordon bleu and she couldn't stop raving about how great it was. The pasta was perfectly cooked al'dente. Everything was full of flavors. The service was excellent. We were treated like a long lost family. I would definitely advise everyone in the Harrisburg, PA area to go Alvaro Bread, you won't regret it. P.S: the cannolis were awesome as well as the gelatto
(5)
Ray J.
Great meal and friendly staff, very good food and dessert was awesome, fresh baked Italian cookies.
(5)
Adam L.
5 out of 5! Great atmosphere, great service, and amazing food! They were out of tiramisu, but that just gives us a reason to go back. Definitely worth a visit if you're in the area!
(5)
Sara P.
This Italian girl was desperate for a cannoli and Alvaro delivered! I had been wanting to hunt down a good cannoli for a while. I was in Harrisburg for work for the weekend when I decided a little Yelp search for an Italian bakery was in order. This was the first place that popped up that sounded like it would be a winner. The place was busy when I went in (after all it was dinner time on a Saturday) but I was helped right away. They didn't have any cannolis filled but I was told if I was willing to wait about 10 minutes I could have one. I wasn't about to leave without my cannoli, so I paid my $2 and stepped outside to wait. Not even two minutes later I was delivered my cannoli nicely packaged in a brown paper bag. It was awesome! Nice crispy shell. Yummy sweet filling. This Italian girl left Alvaro with a smile on her face. Next time I'm in Harrisburg I will be stopping back!
(5)
Gina E.
Went to see if they had Canoli (which they did not), but was told that they are going to Italy for a couple weeks and bringing back new things to add including Canoli. Yay!!!!
(3)
Sam B.
Stopped in to get some gelato and a few treats but didn't buy anything because when I went in to the shop the display case were mostly just empty, crumb filled trays and the gelato looked dried out and old. Overall it gave the shop a look and feel of uncleanliness to the point I decided it wasn't a good idea to eat anything there and left. hopefully I just came at the end of a VERY busy day and the store is not typically run like that, but After choosing this place based in the reviews I was disappointed.
(2)
A J.
Very impressed! Cute little bakery/Italian cafe...excellent food quality and huge selection!
(5)
Ashley A.
I honestly don't even know where to begin! I love it, enough said. You must try it, enough said. It's the city's best kept Italian secret!!! It's even BYOB. It may be packed, but it's totally worth the wait. Some must try's include: the meatballs (they're huge), the homemade bread and pizza, the pasta special (whatever it is, it's delicious), the Italian cookies and the gelato. Best of all, you won't spend a fortune for scrumptious, homemade Italian food. I even had them cater an event for me and all my guests raved about their food. Want to impress a date, your mother-in-law, or your guests...take them here!!!!
(5)
Ann M.
Great bakery. Loved it! Glad the front desk at our hotel recommended this gem of a place in Harrisburg.
(5)
Brian R.
Very cool spot, I've heard sooo many good things about this place I had to try it myself. It's very true what they say, the pizza is friggin huge and cheap as well as pretty tasty. I tried the pasta and sausage, both tasted legitimately authentic to me. I've never had spaghetti noodles so thick before, very different. Wish I had more room to try some other items when I was there, everything looked great. I will say that the bread stood out to me as the best part of the meal, crazy delicious!
(4)
Ajay R.
Harrisburg's best kept secret. They are only open for dinner on Friday and Saturday nights and are always packed, so, make sure you and your party are willing to waiting. Trust me, the wait is completely worth it. The food and their deserts (incl. Gelato) are the best in town. I, personally, am not a very big fan of Italian food, but I love this place. In the past, Italian food always equated to heart burn, but with Alvaro's, I don't have to worry about that. They use fresh ingredients and cook the same way the folks in Italy do. The owners and the chef are so Italian that they don't even speak English - my kind of place. You can't go wrong with this place.
(5)
Joshua N.
Just took my first trip down to Alvaro's and I was very very pleased with my experience. Luckily for me the bakery is a quick walk down the street, because I'm looking forward to trying many more of the wonderful items they make. When I got there the doors were just being unlocked and the gentlemen let me in to browse while he got all set up. On this rainy cool morning I decided a large panini omelt (cheese, capacola, and egg on a homemade roll) would do the trick along with a glazed cinnamon bun. I made my way to the river for a bench to enjoy my items in peace. AND WOW!! They were awesome. So fresh and so tasty. The bread for the omlet was awesome and the sticky bun was warm and sweet. The place itself has indoor seating in a cool environment and outdoor seating which is very cool. I really did enjoy myself and as I said look forward to going back and trying some of the other items and dinner/lunch stuffs they serve here. These are the kinda of places that need Yelp support and community support and I hope other people check this place out.
(4)
Juli K.
OH. MY. GOODNESS. Let me start right up front by stating that I had an Italian uncle who was a cook. He passed away several years ago but when I think about his food, I can remember exactly how it tasted. When it comes to Italian food, I was spoiled. I am very picky. I know how it's meant to be and it ain't the crap they serve at The Olive Garden. It's the stuff served back in this little Italian gem of a cafe tucked back among the residential side streets of Harrisburg and I am eternally grateful to the coworker (and Harrisburg resident) who brought me to this amazing place for lunch. It's tiny and so charming. I knew, just walking in the door, that I was in for an incredible treat. The smell of freshly baked bread fills the interior and the whole place was so pleasantly warm on the miserable, rainy day that we were there. There was a line for the counter-- always a good sign! The first case inside the door had cakes and pastries. The cannolis looked amazing. The next case was full of cookies. Then there was gelato. Only toward the back of the shop could you see a lunch menu, a case full of pizzas and then dishes of other lunch items in front of racks of freshly baked bread. It was really hard to decide. I ended up with eggplant rollatini that came with a mountain of penne in vodka sauce. It came with a roll about the size of a softball. I could not wait to dive into this lunch. The eggplant was cut into a quarter inch slice and breaded (breadcrumbs from the bakery's bread?) then wrapped around fresh, soft, ricotta cheese. There was no red sauce or mozzarella in sight and it was one of the most incredibly delicious things I've ever eaten in Pennsylvania. The penne was a thicker, more dense pasta than I you usually find. It was cooked to the perfect doneness-- not too "al dente" but not mushy either. A bite of the pasta was substantial. It didn't feel like an afterthought on the plate or like a cheap way to fill up the plate. It was a treat. The sauce clung to the pasta and was the perfect balance of creamy and savory tomato goodness. (I hate when people sweeten tomato sauce. It's just WRONG!) And then there was the bread. A crusty ball of heaven that far outshines all of the mushy stuff most PA eateries pass off as bread. I could make a meal out of that bread and a dish of good olive oil. The roll that came with my meal was LARGE. It was so good to sop up the extra sauce from my pasta. This place is authentic. It's amazing. It brought me right back to the kitchen where I'd watch my Uncle Mario make food like his mother taught him. The couple that owns and runs Alvaro's were friendly people who seemed to genuinely enjoy talking about their food and serving it to customers. There were a number of things there that I wanted to try and I CANNOT wait to go back!
(5)
Dan R.
Alvaro's was a great spot to get lunch. It's a small cafe that specializes in homemade italian food at the intersection of Green & Peffer Streets in midtown. We stopped there after visiting the Olewine Memorial Library on Nearby 3rd Street. Our lunch consisted of: a salad with artichoke, slices of capicolla ham, provolone cheese, mozzarella cheese, sliced tomatoes, covered in oregano, it came with two slices of bread (which was excellent.) We also had fresh penne with a sausage on the side, along with a roll of bread. It was really nice. Im really glad I took dana's advice and went back. I plan on visiting again soon and checking out some of the other things they have to offer: pizza, more desserts, gelato, other pasta and maybe even a soup. I liked it so much I invited some of my friends back for our next outing.
(4)
B D.
As a Jew, I've got a handle on what it means to be Italian. Okay, that came out entirely wrong. What I'm saying is that Jews and Italians seem to have a good deal in common: similar complexions, an affinity for family, and a need to feed our friends and loved ones. With that, I'm convinced me and Alvaro's are of the same background. Look, I'm not the religious sort, but there's something downright holy about this place. Not only is family owned and operated, but the food is made on the premises with what I can only guess is love a la familia. Even though I know Harrisburg folk are keen on a certain "grandmother" style pizza in downtown Harrisburg, I will put Alvaro's up against theirs or anyone else's. It's flat-out different and flat-out better. Done! Apart from the fresh-made pizza, homemade loaves of bread, and ridiculously great pasta, Alvaro's offers an assortment of authentic Italian cookies that even my Italian girlfriend went crazy for. Mamma Mia! If it's "traditional" and/or boring you're looking for, there are plenty of faux-Italian joints all over the city who will happily oblige your request. But if it's family-style Italian food you're after, look no further than Alvaro's. It's got my Jewish stamp of approval!
(5)
David Z.
I give this place 5 stars because of the amazing cookies and pasties and decent gourmet pizzas. The cookies are hands-down the best I have tasted in the USA, and I have tried many places! The chocolate croissant I had was also superb. You can *really* tell that whomever is baking these goodies really pays attention to the ingredients and does not deviate, cheapen or dilute the original recipes from Italy! If you go there and don't taste the baked goods, you won't know why this place is so off-the-charts... check it out! Also, the prices are extremely reasonable, if not even cheap... for what you get, there is simply no equal (not even close!).
(5)
Leigh T.
This used to be my little secret but now everyone knows this place. Fresh made food. They do use a microwave to reheat things in front of your face. Prices are good and quantity is generous. Would go five stars but I am a food snob and don't like to have my purchased food microwaved in front of my face on styrofoam plates.
(4)
Jen J.
BYOB! The fresh pasta is always yummy and the bread is out of this world. I liked the Eggplant (though not as much as my mothers!) and the antipato platter is delicious. The cheese is so sharp it almost burns (in a good way!!!). Great little place with some outdoor seating if you want ot brave the heat. Next time, i'll try the desserts, which look yummy.
(4)
T W.
I hesitated even reviewing Alavaro's, because honestly I don't want everyone to know how good it is, causing it to get even more crowded! The food is absolutely delicious, home-made, outstanding casual Italian. Awesome fresh made pizza, sandwiches, and the most amazing pasta's. Menu changes on a regular basis, you just have to show up and see what Mama Alvaro made that day. Guaranteed it will always be amazing. Really nice Italian cookies too. They have gelato, but I haven't tried because I notice they use bottled (Italian) fruit mixes and not fresh fruit.
(5)
Jessica M.
Stellar! If you don't have a chance to eat their affordable and super tasty lunch specials, just remember to use them for special occassions. I had them make a strawberry and cream cake for my friend's bday and it was called divine by all.
(5)
Matthew L.
Went here for dinner once over labor day weekend. We typically call in a reservation. It's a cozy joint, so we prefer to sit outside. It's BYOB, which is awesome! The times I've gone there had been no menu, and the waiter read it to us. It's family run, and they're all very friendly an personable, tho they can be somewhat disorganized. The prices are reasonable. For 8 people all getting meals, the bill was about $100. We all left fat an happy.
(3)
Amanda B.
I dreampt about this place last night after reading a review. I couldn't wait to try it. Well, today was the day for me to do that! I had a panini with prosciutto, heirloom tomatoes, lettuce, and aged sharp cheddar cheese. The panini was delicious, but I was still hungry so I tried the homemade ravioli-Oh My God was this ravioli to die for. This may be a little vulgar and raw to say, but I compare it to having an orgasm in my mouth! Honestly, try it for yourself if you doubt its goodness. Well, the ravioli definitely hit the spot, but I couldn't possibly leave this place without having the Gelato. While the pistachio was divine, I chose the almond and chocolate-very good combination. The prices were pretty cheap, the portions bountiful, the atmosphere very quaint and relaxed, the owners are very pleasant and patient. I highly recommend this place. The reason this review lacks the fifth star is because they could definitely use menus (it was a bit confusing to order because I didn't know what anything was called or what the prices were). Note: The meatballs were highly recommended by the patrons here, but I was already too full to try anymore food. Next time, though!
(4)
Albert L.
Great value. Huge portions and very tasty fare. I love the variety in the store - fresh baked bread and italian cookies and desserts. The stuffed meatballs are gigantic and contain thick-sliced pepperoni and cheese inside - awesome. They have a good selection of gelato, although mine had ice crystals suggesting their freezer had warming some incursions. They also have a few tables outside in a quaint neighborhood setting.
(4)
Joe S.
We make this a regular stop when we visit the Broad Street Market on Saturdays. Have not had the chance to get lunch or dinner yet but have tried a few things. The bread is awesome-Fresh and Hearty! Gelato was super-so smooth Canoli- Tasted very fresh, had both the regular and chocolate. Just waiting to hit it at the right time of day to try some of their great looking homemade special meals.
(4)
Alison S.
This is where I go when I want to connect with my Italian heritage. The food reminds me of my grandparents' cooking -- they were Italian restauranteurs. A simple sausage sandwich -- sausage simmered in sauce and tucked into outstanding bread: Wow. Perfect, rich, wonderful Italianity.
(5)
Winslow T.
I had to check this place out since it has such great reviews. We ordered the chicken parmesan, stuffed rigatoni with meatballs, cheese lasagna, and antipasto. Overall our experience was OK and the food was good. I agree that the meatballs are excellent. I would definitely order that again. I was perturbed that they didn't have a menu with prices. Our waitress did have the menu written on an order ticket. If there are frequent menu changes, then at least write down the daily specials on a board for customers to see. My family caught them at a bad time since they were just returning from Italy. No gelato...Boo! We did leave with some great cannolis.
(3)
Mark E.
Probably the best Italian you can get in Harrisburg. I have been here many times and everytime has been great. Even well traveled guests from outside the country said it was some of the best Italian food they've eaten. Pastas, pizza and their subs (HUGE with chunks of meat and cheese fresh off the block) are all delicious. Chicken Cordon Bleu is very tasty. Small seating area fills up fast especially at normal lunch or dinner times. Usually plenty of on street parking. BYOB which keeps your already extremely reasonable bill down. A must eat if in Harrisburg, or worth a trip to check out. Actually, scratch that, forget you read this, I don't want too many people to know about this hidden gem...
(5)
Patty H.
I Googled "Good Eats" in Harrisburg and this place popped up. Stopped by for subs on the way back home from FL to NJ and boy were we glad. I ordered a chicken parmesan and my hubby ordered a sausage and hot pepper sub. Delicious! The bread was phenomenal and that sauce was the best. We had a couple of cannolis and they were yummy as well. So happy we found this place. Now we know were to go when in Harrisburg!
(4)
Leslie V.
Well we must have caught this place on an off night. While the food was good, the waiter seemed to be struggling to manage all of the tables. Although he was very polite, he accidentally spilled olive oil on my boyfriend's new pants and was sweating profusely from all the running around, both of which didn't give us a great first impression. I think they need another person to help with service so that poor guy doesn't have to take it all on himself. And because they were closing the shop for vacation for the next week, they were all out of gelato :( I really want to give this place another chance due to all the great reviews about it. I'll be back and hopefully have much better things to say.
(3)
Kelly Y.
Italian cookies are wonderful! Love the food, place is tiny so plan to take out or wait. My friends and I often order a variety of different take out items and have our own "Alvaro's nights" Portions are huge and everything is very fresh.
(4)
Rosemary L.
If my Grandmother opened a bakery/restaurant I think it would be identical to this place. This is humble little bakery in downtown Harrisburg that specializes in Italian baked goods, pizza, breakfast sandwiches and a number of other homemade treats. The staff is friendly and helpful and (if you get there early enough) their selection is great. This is the perfect neighborhood bakery and, frankly, I am jealous of the people who live within walking distance!
(5)
John M.
Sal and his family cook up great things for reasonable prices. They make all of their delicious concoctions there and, boy, are they good. I am particularly fond of the Raviolis, but, for gods' sake, eat the gelato!
(5)
Tim P.
Delicious and quaint Italian bistro. Authentic food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. A little gem for the area. I had the Italian sausage with a side of penne. Flavorful, zesty and filling. Topped it off with a savory chocolate canoli. I will definitely go back for more. The locale is in Old Uptown, which is beautiful this time of year. The clientele are salt of the earth. A nice mix of neighborhood residents and those of us searching for great eats. Kudos.
(4)
Julia D.
Best Italian food I've had in the Burg for the price. Not a big meat eater, but I tried the meatballs because for me this is a true test of the quality of the Italian food. Perfection! The pasta is fresh, tastes like it was made in the kitchen just for me! I really enjoyed it! Next time I'll save room for dessert because the cakes looked amazing! I simply could not eat another bite. Worth a visit for sure, they will not disappoint.
(5)
Calvin D.
I do not think I've had anything bad here. The breads are excellent and the lunch items are always fresh and well made. It is one of my favorite places.
(5)
Amy C.
I have been putting off reviewing Alvaro's for awhile and I don't really know why. The bread is delicious and cheap compared to the "Italian" loaves you can buy at the grocery store. The pastas and dinners are always fantastic and homemade. The pizza is delicious and HUGE, once I watched a guy order 2 slices and then his mouth dropped when he realized just how much pizza that really is. Try the stuffed foccacia if they have it. Their subs are delicious with great provolone and the meatballs are fantastic. We also love the antipasto (tomatoes, mozzarella, delicious marinated olives, mushrooms and peppers with some spicy prosciutto and aged provolone. It's salty, oily, deliciousness. Alvaro's has also recently expanded their hours so now you can go for dinner! If I had to say there was one drawback, it would be that the inside of the shop is very loud with the freezers/coolers and not always the most comfy but the food makes up for it. Better yet, go on a nice day and sit outside at their one of their tables! ** edited to add a star because they offer a fantastic dinner menu on Friday and Saturday nights, complete with white table cloths :) And it's byob!
(5)
Jo E.
Great lunches - the ravioli and eggplant rollatini are fantastic. Also, pick up a loaf of bread while you are there!
(5)
Jared D.
Nice little place, you could tell the food was made right there, the spaghetti was really tasty with olive oil and great spices. The place gets really busy around lunch, and they have quite an assortment of pastries. Only complaint is it seems like they do not have enough staff to make all the food and attend to the customers, both times I was there I was waiting quite a while to ever give my order. I do suggest stopping in though.
(4)
Barbara V.
Best Italian cookies in town. Food is good too but the close at 6 pm M-Sat, so go early or for lunch. They'll do private parties if you ask on Fri/Sat nights but with a minimum head-count. Get a box of cookies for your office Christmas party.
(4)
Todd R.
Gelato is delicious. They have several flavors, some standard, some may not have had before. I had chesnut gelato. Delicious! Prices are very good.
(5)
Brian D.
Maybe they have decent cookies and bread, but their microwaved pasta with cold meatballs was terrible. They have an overstuffed trash bin in the door and their staff doesn't seem to be very helpful or friendly. Hopefully, things will improve soon.
(2)
Linda M.
I was having two friends over to watch the opening of the Olympics and did not have time to cook. Stopped at Alvaro's and got lasagna, stuffed meat ball which was so large, it was shared by 3, pizza and a wonderful Tuscan bread. Everything was delicious...servings were generous and prices were very reasonable. I will go back...(often)
(5)
Mike L.
This place is a perfect example of a diamond in the rough. This place is hidden within a residential stretch. It's has the best of both worlds, GOOD Italian food, and great Italian baked goods. Fresh bread, old fashioned Italian cookies, cannoli (perfect), and even imported meats and cheeses. My only issue with having a place like this nearby, I'm going to get fat.... but it's worth it.
(5)
Smita B.
Based on the great Yelp reviews, my brother and I decided to stop here for breakfast on our way through Harrisburg on our road trip. We got there just as the place was opening, and got some fresh panini omelets, which are basically egg with cheese or turkey on delicious fresh and crusty Italian rolls. We grabbed two of the cheese panini omelets and munched away as we walked back to our car. They totally hit the spot - filling without being heavy. If you're in the area and looking for some good breakfast food, I would highly recommend you try this place out! The croissants smell amazing too, and I definitely intend to try them if I swing back through Harrisburg anytime soon.
(5)
Vikki C.
A diamond in the rough sums it up perfectly. We went for lunch before we saw a movie at the Midtown Cinema a few blocks away, and returned for dessert after the movie. Very tasty authentic Italian food. Check the chalkboard near the cash register for the daily specials, and look in the glass case there for what it looks like. Incredibly low cost for the amount of food served. We got rolled eggplant and ravioli and they both came with side pasta and a huge bread roll. When we returned for dessert they were out of a number of dessert items we'd seen earlier, but the gelato was perfect.
(4)
Craig B.
I eat lunch here often as I live nearby and this is, without a doubt my favorite place! Great homemade Italian food, great atmosphere and great people. What more could you ask for?
(5)
Wayne S.
I have been here 2 times now and absolutely love it! The cookies are delicious and the stuffed focaccia pizza bread was yummy. Can't wait to go back next time I get a craving for authentic Italian.
(5)
David E.
Don't give many five star ratings, but for what it is, this place is Great! It's a bakery with really tasty Breads and delicious looking cookies, ( didn't try any because we were so full from Lunch.) I had a fantastic Chicken Parmesan Sandwich and my wife loved her pasta and thought the Eggplant was verrrrry good. The building is really old and the friendly owners renovated it from a decrepit Laundromat when they moved in. They appear to be Urban pioneers since the surrounding streets are now improving around them. We will be back, and soon.
(5)
Matt Z.
I love Sal and his family... nothing fancy -- but good simple italian food (albeit often very heavy) and excellent cookies, breads, and gelato. They remind me of my Sicilian grandparents sitting at the kitchen table rolling out cookies or pasta...
(4)
Ramon M.
I give this place a 5 stars for its desserts. Their Italian Rum Cake (when they have it) is my absolute favorite! One of these days I will leave my sweet tooth at home to adventure their other choices.
(5)
Kandy H.
Amazing ! My husband and I saw the reviews and wanted to stop in and try something sweet. The cannoli's were so good we had to go back in for another !
(5)
Joanne S.
Delicious!!! We went there for the OUTSTANDING Cookies, came to find they served hot homemade meals as well! Lasagna, Eggplant , Meatballs, are to name a few, menu is different everyday! Enjoy! Con: We travel from Long Island to buy the cookies and they are almost always SOLD out! We can't even pre-order! LOL, its like hitting the lotto in the morning before our trip from NY to Harrisburg, we call to see if we can have a few pounds put aside and they are always already sold out!!!!!! That is how amazingly yummy they are!!!
(5)
Hershey M.
UPDATE 8/1/2015 I guess the previous one was just a bad dish as I gave them another chance with multiple dishes including Chicken Parmesan Hoggie and some pasta and they delivered it well and it was one of the best I have had in Harrisburg. Changing my review from 1 star to 4 star. It is still not 5 stars due to one bad experience I had. Oh boy. I read some reviews and my co worker gave a personal recommendation so I thought I would try it out for lunch. I got the chicken Parmesan with penne pasta. And it was not good . It was bad The moment I opened the box there was a rotten smell and I assumed it was just the smell of the cheese. Then I ate it, the pasta literally tasted like vomit. I don't know if the cheese was bad or the pasta was undercooked or the sauce was bad but that was a very negative experience that I had. I did not even bother with the chicken as I could not bear risking the taste again I tasted 5 pieces of penne pasta and I was done and this was all I could bear. I had a thought maybe It was an acquired taste, I let my wife taste this and she spit it out and she loves penne pasta This was my first experience at Alvaro and a very negative last . I just hope the 5 penne pieces I did have don't give me food poisoning
(4)
Bobbie V.
Alvaros is a hidden treasure in Harrisburg. Located in Midtown just a block or two from the Governor's Mansion. I have been going to Alvaros for over eight years now, it's great for lunch, a snack and dinner. Any of the pasta dishes are a must, the pizza is not like anything you will ever have in Harrisburg. Don't even get me started on the great gelato. The menu changes each day and sometimes it just depends on what Mamma wants to make that day. The fresh baked bread is a diet killer, we have stopped there to grab a loft or two and it does not make it to the next day.
(5)
David A.
What a great find. Feel like I should keep it a secret. Besides great bread and Italian pastries, the food on weekend evenings is very good. Went Friday night and had some pasta and stuffed meatballs. Nice appetizers as well. Limited menu and all cooked and served by the family. BYO as well. The best Italian I have had in the area and nice cozy atmosphere with only 6-7 tables.
(5)
Mike F.
Just had the sausage and peppers sub. I ordered a large because I was hungry. OMG! It's huge! The Taste is killer! I shall return!
(5)
A W.
Great find! We stopped here for lunch on our way up to Whitewater Challengers, and this place is a little gem. It's small, a bit reminiscent of European cafes with outdoor seating, but they were able to accommodate my party of 11 people. The food, not to mention desserts and gelato, were all delicious and fabulous. Staff were also fantastic and friendly. This place is a must-stop in this charming little town of Harrisburg.
(5)
Ryan O.
Great spot for lunch and quality Italian food. I grew up in north nj where Italian restaurants are like McDonald's (in terms of being everywhere) and this place competes. I had the stuffed shells with eggplant. Perfect amount of food , left there stuffed.
(4)
Kate Y.
This is possibly the best Italian around. It is unpretentious, friendly, high quality, and feels like you have found a secret. Like a neighborhood hideaway in a much bigger city. We had a garlic spaghetti, chicken parm, penne in pink cream sauce, and chicken cordon bleu today. Pasta is perfectly cooked, and the chicken is hot and crispy. The cordon bleu had a spicy capicolla inside. We will be back over and over. Oh my god, yes! The Rosemary Tuscan bread then came home for later.
(5)
Courtney J.
So delicious. And the owners are delightful.
(5)
Thomas A.
We had Alvaro's cater our wedding and it was great! Very professional to work with! 1st: everybody raved over the pepperoni and sesame breads. They were devoured. I didn't even get to try a piece! Thanks for the extra loaves! 2nd: People remarked that the lasagna was the best they'd ever had. 3rd: the Hazelnut cake was one of the best cakes I'd ever had. And the cookies were fantastic too! Prices are affordable and staff very helpful! Cannot recommend them enough!
(5)
Aubrey H.
There are only 2 places that I've had better Italian food: Italy and the Italian Market in Philly. And even then, this place could compete with the best of the best in Philly. They change their menu every day and the food has never disappointed me. If you plan to go on Fridays or Saturdays, they take reservations--so make sure you have them. The only thing that brings them down one star is the gelato. Wasn't crazy about it--but that's probably because it has a low turn over and is sitting in the freezer for quite a bit. Stick with the cannolis for desert!
(4)
Fei D.
This is Harrisburg's best kept secret and I'm fortunate it is blocks away from my house. Other restaurants could take a hint from these guys. Their food is the best hands down, not much more to say!!!
(5)
Nick L.
Usually good food. They have a problem with giving hot pizza which baffles me. I ordered a slice to go, and it was colder than room temp. I brought back to be heated and they warmed it for maybe two minutes. The cheese was still cold and congealed. Not very appetizing. The only good point was that the slices are huge and only cost 2.50. May go to brothers in midtown next time as I like my cheese hot and melted.
(2)
Jennifer S.
Notice, do not come here expecting to get a sit down dinner if you do not have a reservation! We were sent away with a nope, bye! No sorry, nothing. I don't know how we would have sat there anyway, the tables were terribly cramped and it was the size of our living room. The only positive thing I have to say about the place is that when we left we found a yummy and perfect date night place and had a wonderful meal.
(1)
S K.
This place is truly great! I ended up finding it because I was looking for a good bread and pastry store. I had one of their sandwiches and a coffee, both of which were delicious. I consider myself a coffee snob, and this was of high quality. The staff is extremely friendly and eager to educate customers about their delightful offerings. I ended up taking some pastries and bread home with me. I highly recommend this place as I plan on being a regular there.
(5)
Eric U.
Spent several hours at Alvaro's last night with my wife and two other couples. Just an amazing meal. The food and service were both 5 stars. As much food as was served no one had leftovers. Then there were deserts and coffee. The perfect ending to a great meal. The two other couples we took to Alvaro's were first timers. We actually contemplated returning tonight for another meal. Who knows maybe we will! As we were the last people in this family run restaurant "mom the cook" came out to say hello. Great to see a small family business thrive in Harrisburg Truly one of the hidden gems of Harrisburg MANGA!
(5)
Johnathan R.
Probably the best lasagna I have ever eaten. Huge selection of gelato and canoli (which I did not have a chance to try). Lunch was very affordable. It was very full and they were starting to run out of food by the time we got there, and it's a tiny place, so its a good idea to get there early for any meal. Homemade bread was some of the best I've had in the Harrisburg area. If you ever happen to find yourself in this part of town, it is definitely worth a try.
(5)
Jenna C.
I haven't had dinner here, but the breads are great and the panini and pastries are amazing. Also the younger guy and the woman who work Saturday mornings are delightful. Fair warning: You have to get here EARLY on Saturday morning to get white or wheat bread. If you stroll in at 1pm, you're going home with olive loaf (which is also delicious).
(5)
Harold G.
This sure is a hidden Gem! I celebrated my birthday with my family and my kids here on a Saturday evening. Service was great and I can't stop raving about the food. I can't wait to go back and to add to the great experience was our dinner was reasonably priced. True Italian experience!
(5)
Matt K.
If you visit Harrisburg, this is definitely a place you want go to eat! Alvero's is a friendly family owned restaurant Offering Fresh baked rolls, pastries, a breakfast through dinner menu, and nice selection of gelato.
(5)
Bill M.
This place is amazing. Best Italian food I've had in the area. Amazing service, people, and prices. Can't go wrong and it's byob!
(5)
Lauren H.
Great food and dessert. They do catering. Price is reasonable. Space is small but it's a city food is worth it
(5)
Megan E.
Such a hidden gem. You NEED to get the Italian cookies. I've walked down several times just for this reason because they make the perfect host gift. I can never resist the loaves of bread and always leave with one or two. The meals are outstanding.
(5)
Keri W.
A friend suggested Alvaro's for lunch and I'm so glad he did! The food was AMAZING!!!! I had the Eggplant & Gnocchi, which was delicious! It came with a huge dinner roll that perfectly complimented the meal. After my very filling lunch, I left with a selection of baked goods for later. The mini chocolate cannoli was to die for! As for the staff, they were extremely friendly & helpful! Simply put, it's a fantastic place, with great staff & most importantly awesome food! I cannot wait to return! Well done folks!
(5)
Nijole T.
Alvaro's was my ray of sunshine in the otherwise dreary Harrisburg. I don't get how this can be the capital of PA, the downtown pretty but tiny and the very few streets surrounding run down and nothing to do or see. I had almost given up on finding anything good when I trusted Yelp and drove here. The selection is amazing! Had we not eaten lunch I would have loved to eat here. The prices for meals are all between $7-$10 for a large plate with homemade pastas, fresh meats, it looked and smelled so damn good! And the loves of bread were so crusty, crunchy, in all shapes and sizes, $2 each a steal! Fresh homemade gelato in summery falvors, I really wanted it all but only had room for desserts to take home for later. Super chocolatey croissants baked to perfection, eclairs as good as in France, homemade cookies $10 a pound, the best baklava ever, these people know what they are doing. For a bof of goodies I paid $6 and was a very happy camper that night. Service is wonderful, all is good here.
(5)
Tony E.
What an awesome dinner we had ... Menu is simple but delicious!!! Wasn't anything to complain about at all... Great service and great food...
(5)
Benjamin C.
Excellent food! I live close by and love to stop in. The folks who work there are friendly and the food is prepared promptly. It's incredibly cheap and you get a lot of good. The atmosphere is relaxing. Would highly recommend to anyone!
(5)
Diane C.
Stuffed shells was tasty and it was fresh out of the oven. The bread that came with it was a little dry on the outside. My bf said their bread reminded him of bread back home in Paraguay. Brownie cookie was tasty.I wanted to try the gelato but I was too full. I'm from out of state but will probably stop by again before leaving.
(4)
Meghan C.
Amazing. Best Italian food around. I love th spaghetti with olive oil garlic sauce, it's perfect and scrumptious. The chicken cordon Bleu is my favorite dish, strongly recommend. Delicious pastries. Also, love having dinner there on a Saturday night.
(5)
Emily F.
As a paisana who eats pasta all the time, i am pretty hard to please when jt comes to food cooked by other people. This is the best Italian restaurant within at least 100 miles. The food is just amazing, and you can get all manner of hard to find cookies and cakes here as well as gelato, and it's all made on the premises. The other restaurants buy pasta and bread from Alvaro's.
(5)
E ..
My first time at Alvaro's, I had Pizza that ruled & brought home pastries & Canoli that were awesome. It is a month later and I just came back from Alvaro's; We missed the lunch rush and ala Carte'd a meal. I had Aglio Olio w/ parsley as a bed underneath a slab of Chicken Parmesan. I was with my Pop, he had Cheese Tortellini and a Stuffed Meatball. The Chix Parm was super tender and tasty. The pasta was done well and the (dare I say) Artesian roll, was just the right size to sop up extra Olive Oil and marinara. A+ I only tasted two Tortellini, awesome... & a piece of a Meatball, next time I go, its gonna be Sgetti & Meatballs for sure.
(5)
Kevin B.
This is a really nice little Italian cafe/deli and it's refreshing to see something like this in Harrisburg. The prices are pretty decent and you get a lot of food when you order a meal. The cannoli are also really great!!
(5)
Patrick C.
Had the spaghetti and meatballs for dinner, vanilla and chocolate gelato for dessert, and munched on some bread with olive oil before dinner. It was all absolutely delicious, and the bill for my wife and I was about 37 dollars total. It doesn't look like it's a restaurant from the outside and it's small inside, but well worth it. Also, BYOB! Which is always awesome.
(5)
Rocio R.
Awesome place for Italian. Never disappoints. The bakery items we have tried have been delicious. Eggplant rollatini, stuffed meatballs, penne pasta, stuffed shells, the warm bread that comes with each plate and the pizzas. Sooooo gooood... Fills you up and the place is comfortable, warm and cozy. Owner and the people which I believe are her kids are extremely nice and chatty.
(5)
Lina K.
I have been here several times and love the place. Food is delicious and service is great. I have only ordered take out but there are several tables inside where one can eat, as well as cafe tables outdoors in the warmer months. Only open until 6 pm except Friday and Saturdays where Alvaro's serves a full dinner menu. As soon as you walk in, you are greeted by showcases of Italian pastries, gelato and cookies .... even baklava (my sweet nemesis). The pizza is good and you get a huge portion for $2.50. I also like ordering half portions of the pasta and small sandwiches ($3). The sausage looks so good. Even the small portions are pretty generous and this enables you to put a little variety into your dinner. The pasta is home made and very tasty. I think the bread is also made on premises too and also, quite good. Not only is Alvaro's a great value, the food is wonderful!
(4)
Jeff K.
I've patronized Alvaro's for years. It's one my favorite places to have lunch in the Harrisburg area. This is a true family operation: both adult sons work there, as well as their parents, Sal and Lina. This place represents southern Italian home-style cooking at its best. I can recommend almost everything: the fresh pasta, the eggplant rollatini, the meatballs and sausage, the thick-crust pizza, the three-cheese lasagna, etc. The only thing I've tried that I would not order again is the stuffed focaccia, which has so much bread that it overwhelms the thin filling. The lunch menu changes daily, so not everything is available at all times. A previous reviewer complained that the food is reheated in a microwave. That's because Alvaro's is primarily a bread and pastry shop, not a restaurant. They don't cook meals to order. Instead, they make large trays of each item and warm individual portions up as necessary. I don't consider that a problem. Even if you don't have lunch (or dinner on weekends), the delicious Italian bread, cookies, pastries and cakes alone are worth the visit. Alvaro's added a gelato case a couple of years ago. They usually have about a dozen flavors on hand, although there are days when they run out of several flavors. it's a great way to end a meal. I had an awesome coconut gelato the last time I was there. Relatively few people know that Alvaro's also has a catering/party menu. I've ordered big trays of food, as well as cakes, for a couple of events and was very pleased.
(5)
Katherine M.
I came here and got carry out one day for lunch with my co worker. The place isn't really anything special inside and was cramped, so I would suggest taking out actually. Service was quick and prices were good. I got a meatball sub and was then enticed by a chocolate croissant. My meatball sub was delicious - the bread was perfect and the sauce and meat were yummy, I was only sad that it was cold and not hot. My chocolate croissant had the right chocolate inside, but way too much of it and the croissant was too flaky ad burnt. I basically just ate the chocolate inside. It s a good little place though, and I'll be back!
(4)
Nicholas M.
Alvaro is not the most authentic or fanciest Italian restaurant in town, but it is good food, fun atmosphere, and excellent service. All the pasta is fresh and delicious. Unfortunately, my girlfriend and I ate there right before the family left for vacation, and, as such, they had a limited dinner menu and limited bread and pastries. We will certainty return once they're back from Italy.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : No Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : No Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : Yes 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.
Ray R.
My family and I were visiting PA from Mass and we found Alvaro thanks to the help of Yelp, and wow, are we glad we did. I went in hoping to eat the flank steak stuffed with meatballs but they didn't have it that night on the menu, so instead I went with the osso bucco with garlic pasta and it was amazing. My son, who is a picky eater, had the spaghetti and meatball and to my surprise ate his whole plate all while he kept bragging about how good it was. My wife had the chicken cordon bleu and she couldn't stop raving about how great it was. The pasta was perfectly cooked al'dente. Everything was full of flavors. The service was excellent. We were treated like a long lost family. I would definitely advise everyone in the Harrisburg, PA area to go Alvaro Bread, you won't regret it. P.S: the cannolis were awesome as well as the gelatto
(5)Ray J.
Great meal and friendly staff, very good food and dessert was awesome, fresh baked Italian cookies.
(5)Adam L.
5 out of 5! Great atmosphere, great service, and amazing food! They were out of tiramisu, but that just gives us a reason to go back. Definitely worth a visit if you're in the area!
(5)Sara P.
This Italian girl was desperate for a cannoli and Alvaro delivered! I had been wanting to hunt down a good cannoli for a while. I was in Harrisburg for work for the weekend when I decided a little Yelp search for an Italian bakery was in order. This was the first place that popped up that sounded like it would be a winner. The place was busy when I went in (after all it was dinner time on a Saturday) but I was helped right away. They didn't have any cannolis filled but I was told if I was willing to wait about 10 minutes I could have one. I wasn't about to leave without my cannoli, so I paid my $2 and stepped outside to wait. Not even two minutes later I was delivered my cannoli nicely packaged in a brown paper bag. It was awesome! Nice crispy shell. Yummy sweet filling. This Italian girl left Alvaro with a smile on her face. Next time I'm in Harrisburg I will be stopping back!
(5)Gina E.
Went to see if they had Canoli (which they did not), but was told that they are going to Italy for a couple weeks and bringing back new things to add including Canoli. Yay!!!!
(3)Sam B.
Stopped in to get some gelato and a few treats but didn't buy anything because when I went in to the shop the display case were mostly just empty, crumb filled trays and the gelato looked dried out and old. Overall it gave the shop a look and feel of uncleanliness to the point I decided it wasn't a good idea to eat anything there and left. hopefully I just came at the end of a VERY busy day and the store is not typically run like that, but After choosing this place based in the reviews I was disappointed.
(2)A J.
Very impressed! Cute little bakery/Italian cafe...excellent food quality and huge selection!
(5)Ashley A.
I honestly don't even know where to begin! I love it, enough said. You must try it, enough said. It's the city's best kept Italian secret!!! It's even BYOB. It may be packed, but it's totally worth the wait. Some must try's include: the meatballs (they're huge), the homemade bread and pizza, the pasta special (whatever it is, it's delicious), the Italian cookies and the gelato. Best of all, you won't spend a fortune for scrumptious, homemade Italian food. I even had them cater an event for me and all my guests raved about their food. Want to impress a date, your mother-in-law, or your guests...take them here!!!!
(5)Ann M.
Great bakery. Loved it! Glad the front desk at our hotel recommended this gem of a place in Harrisburg.
(5)Brian R.
Very cool spot, I've heard sooo many good things about this place I had to try it myself. It's very true what they say, the pizza is friggin huge and cheap as well as pretty tasty. I tried the pasta and sausage, both tasted legitimately authentic to me. I've never had spaghetti noodles so thick before, very different. Wish I had more room to try some other items when I was there, everything looked great. I will say that the bread stood out to me as the best part of the meal, crazy delicious!
(4)Ajay R.
Harrisburg's best kept secret. They are only open for dinner on Friday and Saturday nights and are always packed, so, make sure you and your party are willing to waiting. Trust me, the wait is completely worth it. The food and their deserts (incl. Gelato) are the best in town. I, personally, am not a very big fan of Italian food, but I love this place. In the past, Italian food always equated to heart burn, but with Alvaro's, I don't have to worry about that. They use fresh ingredients and cook the same way the folks in Italy do. The owners and the chef are so Italian that they don't even speak English - my kind of place. You can't go wrong with this place.
(5)Joshua N.
Just took my first trip down to Alvaro's and I was very very pleased with my experience. Luckily for me the bakery is a quick walk down the street, because I'm looking forward to trying many more of the wonderful items they make. When I got there the doors were just being unlocked and the gentlemen let me in to browse while he got all set up. On this rainy cool morning I decided a large panini omelt (cheese, capacola, and egg on a homemade roll) would do the trick along with a glazed cinnamon bun. I made my way to the river for a bench to enjoy my items in peace. AND WOW!! They were awesome. So fresh and so tasty. The bread for the omlet was awesome and the sticky bun was warm and sweet. The place itself has indoor seating in a cool environment and outdoor seating which is very cool. I really did enjoy myself and as I said look forward to going back and trying some of the other items and dinner/lunch stuffs they serve here. These are the kinda of places that need Yelp support and community support and I hope other people check this place out.
(4)Juli K.
OH. MY. GOODNESS. Let me start right up front by stating that I had an Italian uncle who was a cook. He passed away several years ago but when I think about his food, I can remember exactly how it tasted. When it comes to Italian food, I was spoiled. I am very picky. I know how it's meant to be and it ain't the crap they serve at The Olive Garden. It's the stuff served back in this little Italian gem of a cafe tucked back among the residential side streets of Harrisburg and I am eternally grateful to the coworker (and Harrisburg resident) who brought me to this amazing place for lunch. It's tiny and so charming. I knew, just walking in the door, that I was in for an incredible treat. The smell of freshly baked bread fills the interior and the whole place was so pleasantly warm on the miserable, rainy day that we were there. There was a line for the counter-- always a good sign! The first case inside the door had cakes and pastries. The cannolis looked amazing. The next case was full of cookies. Then there was gelato. Only toward the back of the shop could you see a lunch menu, a case full of pizzas and then dishes of other lunch items in front of racks of freshly baked bread. It was really hard to decide. I ended up with eggplant rollatini that came with a mountain of penne in vodka sauce. It came with a roll about the size of a softball. I could not wait to dive into this lunch. The eggplant was cut into a quarter inch slice and breaded (breadcrumbs from the bakery's bread?) then wrapped around fresh, soft, ricotta cheese. There was no red sauce or mozzarella in sight and it was one of the most incredibly delicious things I've ever eaten in Pennsylvania. The penne was a thicker, more dense pasta than I you usually find. It was cooked to the perfect doneness-- not too "al dente" but not mushy either. A bite of the pasta was substantial. It didn't feel like an afterthought on the plate or like a cheap way to fill up the plate. It was a treat. The sauce clung to the pasta and was the perfect balance of creamy and savory tomato goodness. (I hate when people sweeten tomato sauce. It's just WRONG!) And then there was the bread. A crusty ball of heaven that far outshines all of the mushy stuff most PA eateries pass off as bread. I could make a meal out of that bread and a dish of good olive oil. The roll that came with my meal was LARGE. It was so good to sop up the extra sauce from my pasta. This place is authentic. It's amazing. It brought me right back to the kitchen where I'd watch my Uncle Mario make food like his mother taught him. The couple that owns and runs Alvaro's were friendly people who seemed to genuinely enjoy talking about their food and serving it to customers. There were a number of things there that I wanted to try and I CANNOT wait to go back!
(5)Dan R.
Alvaro's was a great spot to get lunch. It's a small cafe that specializes in homemade italian food at the intersection of Green & Peffer Streets in midtown. We stopped there after visiting the Olewine Memorial Library on Nearby 3rd Street. Our lunch consisted of: a salad with artichoke, slices of capicolla ham, provolone cheese, mozzarella cheese, sliced tomatoes, covered in oregano, it came with two slices of bread (which was excellent.) We also had fresh penne with a sausage on the side, along with a roll of bread. It was really nice. Im really glad I took dana's advice and went back. I plan on visiting again soon and checking out some of the other things they have to offer: pizza, more desserts, gelato, other pasta and maybe even a soup. I liked it so much I invited some of my friends back for our next outing.
(4)B D.
As a Jew, I've got a handle on what it means to be Italian. Okay, that came out entirely wrong. What I'm saying is that Jews and Italians seem to have a good deal in common: similar complexions, an affinity for family, and a need to feed our friends and loved ones. With that, I'm convinced me and Alvaro's are of the same background. Look, I'm not the religious sort, but there's something downright holy about this place. Not only is family owned and operated, but the food is made on the premises with what I can only guess is love a la familia. Even though I know Harrisburg folk are keen on a certain "grandmother" style pizza in downtown Harrisburg, I will put Alvaro's up against theirs or anyone else's. It's flat-out different and flat-out better. Done! Apart from the fresh-made pizza, homemade loaves of bread, and ridiculously great pasta, Alvaro's offers an assortment of authentic Italian cookies that even my Italian girlfriend went crazy for. Mamma Mia! If it's "traditional" and/or boring you're looking for, there are plenty of faux-Italian joints all over the city who will happily oblige your request. But if it's family-style Italian food you're after, look no further than Alvaro's. It's got my Jewish stamp of approval!
(5)David Z.
I give this place 5 stars because of the amazing cookies and pasties and decent gourmet pizzas. The cookies are hands-down the best I have tasted in the USA, and I have tried many places! The chocolate croissant I had was also superb. You can *really* tell that whomever is baking these goodies really pays attention to the ingredients and does not deviate, cheapen or dilute the original recipes from Italy! If you go there and don't taste the baked goods, you won't know why this place is so off-the-charts... check it out! Also, the prices are extremely reasonable, if not even cheap... for what you get, there is simply no equal (not even close!).
(5)Leigh T.
This used to be my little secret but now everyone knows this place. Fresh made food. They do use a microwave to reheat things in front of your face. Prices are good and quantity is generous. Would go five stars but I am a food snob and don't like to have my purchased food microwaved in front of my face on styrofoam plates.
(4)Jen J.
BYOB! The fresh pasta is always yummy and the bread is out of this world. I liked the Eggplant (though not as much as my mothers!) and the antipato platter is delicious. The cheese is so sharp it almost burns (in a good way!!!). Great little place with some outdoor seating if you want ot brave the heat. Next time, i'll try the desserts, which look yummy.
(4)T W.
I hesitated even reviewing Alavaro's, because honestly I don't want everyone to know how good it is, causing it to get even more crowded! The food is absolutely delicious, home-made, outstanding casual Italian. Awesome fresh made pizza, sandwiches, and the most amazing pasta's. Menu changes on a regular basis, you just have to show up and see what Mama Alvaro made that day. Guaranteed it will always be amazing. Really nice Italian cookies too. They have gelato, but I haven't tried because I notice they use bottled (Italian) fruit mixes and not fresh fruit.
(5)Jessica M.
Stellar! If you don't have a chance to eat their affordable and super tasty lunch specials, just remember to use them for special occassions. I had them make a strawberry and cream cake for my friend's bday and it was called divine by all.
(5)Matthew L.
Went here for dinner once over labor day weekend. We typically call in a reservation. It's a cozy joint, so we prefer to sit outside. It's BYOB, which is awesome! The times I've gone there had been no menu, and the waiter read it to us. It's family run, and they're all very friendly an personable, tho they can be somewhat disorganized. The prices are reasonable. For 8 people all getting meals, the bill was about $100. We all left fat an happy.
(3)Amanda B.
I dreampt about this place last night after reading a review. I couldn't wait to try it. Well, today was the day for me to do that! I had a panini with prosciutto, heirloom tomatoes, lettuce, and aged sharp cheddar cheese. The panini was delicious, but I was still hungry so I tried the homemade ravioli-Oh My God was this ravioli to die for. This may be a little vulgar and raw to say, but I compare it to having an orgasm in my mouth! Honestly, try it for yourself if you doubt its goodness. Well, the ravioli definitely hit the spot, but I couldn't possibly leave this place without having the Gelato. While the pistachio was divine, I chose the almond and chocolate-very good combination. The prices were pretty cheap, the portions bountiful, the atmosphere very quaint and relaxed, the owners are very pleasant and patient. I highly recommend this place. The reason this review lacks the fifth star is because they could definitely use menus (it was a bit confusing to order because I didn't know what anything was called or what the prices were). Note: The meatballs were highly recommended by the patrons here, but I was already too full to try anymore food. Next time, though!
(4)Albert L.
Great value. Huge portions and very tasty fare. I love the variety in the store - fresh baked bread and italian cookies and desserts. The stuffed meatballs are gigantic and contain thick-sliced pepperoni and cheese inside - awesome. They have a good selection of gelato, although mine had ice crystals suggesting their freezer had warming some incursions. They also have a few tables outside in a quaint neighborhood setting.
(4)Joe S.
We make this a regular stop when we visit the Broad Street Market on Saturdays. Have not had the chance to get lunch or dinner yet but have tried a few things. The bread is awesome-Fresh and Hearty! Gelato was super-so smooth Canoli- Tasted very fresh, had both the regular and chocolate. Just waiting to hit it at the right time of day to try some of their great looking homemade special meals.
(4)Alison S.
This is where I go when I want to connect with my Italian heritage. The food reminds me of my grandparents' cooking -- they were Italian restauranteurs. A simple sausage sandwich -- sausage simmered in sauce and tucked into outstanding bread: Wow. Perfect, rich, wonderful Italianity.
(5)Winslow T.
I had to check this place out since it has such great reviews. We ordered the chicken parmesan, stuffed rigatoni with meatballs, cheese lasagna, and antipasto. Overall our experience was OK and the food was good. I agree that the meatballs are excellent. I would definitely order that again. I was perturbed that they didn't have a menu with prices. Our waitress did have the menu written on an order ticket. If there are frequent menu changes, then at least write down the daily specials on a board for customers to see. My family caught them at a bad time since they were just returning from Italy. No gelato...Boo! We did leave with some great cannolis.
(3)Mark E.
Probably the best Italian you can get in Harrisburg. I have been here many times and everytime has been great. Even well traveled guests from outside the country said it was some of the best Italian food they've eaten. Pastas, pizza and their subs (HUGE with chunks of meat and cheese fresh off the block) are all delicious. Chicken Cordon Bleu is very tasty. Small seating area fills up fast especially at normal lunch or dinner times. Usually plenty of on street parking. BYOB which keeps your already extremely reasonable bill down. A must eat if in Harrisburg, or worth a trip to check out. Actually, scratch that, forget you read this, I don't want too many people to know about this hidden gem...
(5)Patty H.
I Googled "Good Eats" in Harrisburg and this place popped up. Stopped by for subs on the way back home from FL to NJ and boy were we glad. I ordered a chicken parmesan and my hubby ordered a sausage and hot pepper sub. Delicious! The bread was phenomenal and that sauce was the best. We had a couple of cannolis and they were yummy as well. So happy we found this place. Now we know were to go when in Harrisburg!
(4)Leslie V.
Well we must have caught this place on an off night. While the food was good, the waiter seemed to be struggling to manage all of the tables. Although he was very polite, he accidentally spilled olive oil on my boyfriend's new pants and was sweating profusely from all the running around, both of which didn't give us a great first impression. I think they need another person to help with service so that poor guy doesn't have to take it all on himself. And because they were closing the shop for vacation for the next week, they were all out of gelato :( I really want to give this place another chance due to all the great reviews about it. I'll be back and hopefully have much better things to say.
(3)Kelly Y.
Italian cookies are wonderful! Love the food, place is tiny so plan to take out or wait. My friends and I often order a variety of different take out items and have our own "Alvaro's nights" Portions are huge and everything is very fresh.
(4)Rosemary L.
If my Grandmother opened a bakery/restaurant I think it would be identical to this place. This is humble little bakery in downtown Harrisburg that specializes in Italian baked goods, pizza, breakfast sandwiches and a number of other homemade treats. The staff is friendly and helpful and (if you get there early enough) their selection is great. This is the perfect neighborhood bakery and, frankly, I am jealous of the people who live within walking distance!
(5)John M.
Sal and his family cook up great things for reasonable prices. They make all of their delicious concoctions there and, boy, are they good. I am particularly fond of the Raviolis, but, for gods' sake, eat the gelato!
(5)Tim P.
Delicious and quaint Italian bistro. Authentic food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. A little gem for the area. I had the Italian sausage with a side of penne. Flavorful, zesty and filling. Topped it off with a savory chocolate canoli. I will definitely go back for more. The locale is in Old Uptown, which is beautiful this time of year. The clientele are salt of the earth. A nice mix of neighborhood residents and those of us searching for great eats. Kudos.
(4)Julia D.
Best Italian food I've had in the Burg for the price. Not a big meat eater, but I tried the meatballs because for me this is a true test of the quality of the Italian food. Perfection! The pasta is fresh, tastes like it was made in the kitchen just for me! I really enjoyed it! Next time I'll save room for dessert because the cakes looked amazing! I simply could not eat another bite. Worth a visit for sure, they will not disappoint.
(5)Calvin D.
I do not think I've had anything bad here. The breads are excellent and the lunch items are always fresh and well made. It is one of my favorite places.
(5)Amy C.
I have been putting off reviewing Alvaro's for awhile and I don't really know why. The bread is delicious and cheap compared to the "Italian" loaves you can buy at the grocery store. The pastas and dinners are always fantastic and homemade. The pizza is delicious and HUGE, once I watched a guy order 2 slices and then his mouth dropped when he realized just how much pizza that really is. Try the stuffed foccacia if they have it. Their subs are delicious with great provolone and the meatballs are fantastic. We also love the antipasto (tomatoes, mozzarella, delicious marinated olives, mushrooms and peppers with some spicy prosciutto and aged provolone. It's salty, oily, deliciousness. Alvaro's has also recently expanded their hours so now you can go for dinner! If I had to say there was one drawback, it would be that the inside of the shop is very loud with the freezers/coolers and not always the most comfy but the food makes up for it. Better yet, go on a nice day and sit outside at their one of their tables! ** edited to add a star because they offer a fantastic dinner menu on Friday and Saturday nights, complete with white table cloths :) And it's byob!
(5)Jo E.
Great lunches - the ravioli and eggplant rollatini are fantastic. Also, pick up a loaf of bread while you are there!
(5)Jared D.
Nice little place, you could tell the food was made right there, the spaghetti was really tasty with olive oil and great spices. The place gets really busy around lunch, and they have quite an assortment of pastries. Only complaint is it seems like they do not have enough staff to make all the food and attend to the customers, both times I was there I was waiting quite a while to ever give my order. I do suggest stopping in though.
(4)Barbara V.
Best Italian cookies in town. Food is good too but the close at 6 pm M-Sat, so go early or for lunch. They'll do private parties if you ask on Fri/Sat nights but with a minimum head-count. Get a box of cookies for your office Christmas party.
(4)Todd R.
Gelato is delicious. They have several flavors, some standard, some may not have had before. I had chesnut gelato. Delicious! Prices are very good.
(5)Brian D.
Maybe they have decent cookies and bread, but their microwaved pasta with cold meatballs was terrible. They have an overstuffed trash bin in the door and their staff doesn't seem to be very helpful or friendly. Hopefully, things will improve soon.
(2)Linda M.
I was having two friends over to watch the opening of the Olympics and did not have time to cook. Stopped at Alvaro's and got lasagna, stuffed meat ball which was so large, it was shared by 3, pizza and a wonderful Tuscan bread. Everything was delicious...servings were generous and prices were very reasonable. I will go back...(often)
(5)Mike L.
This place is a perfect example of a diamond in the rough. This place is hidden within a residential stretch. It's has the best of both worlds, GOOD Italian food, and great Italian baked goods. Fresh bread, old fashioned Italian cookies, cannoli (perfect), and even imported meats and cheeses. My only issue with having a place like this nearby, I'm going to get fat.... but it's worth it.
(5)Smita B.
Based on the great Yelp reviews, my brother and I decided to stop here for breakfast on our way through Harrisburg on our road trip. We got there just as the place was opening, and got some fresh panini omelets, which are basically egg with cheese or turkey on delicious fresh and crusty Italian rolls. We grabbed two of the cheese panini omelets and munched away as we walked back to our car. They totally hit the spot - filling without being heavy. If you're in the area and looking for some good breakfast food, I would highly recommend you try this place out! The croissants smell amazing too, and I definitely intend to try them if I swing back through Harrisburg anytime soon.
(5)Vikki C.
A diamond in the rough sums it up perfectly. We went for lunch before we saw a movie at the Midtown Cinema a few blocks away, and returned for dessert after the movie. Very tasty authentic Italian food. Check the chalkboard near the cash register for the daily specials, and look in the glass case there for what it looks like. Incredibly low cost for the amount of food served. We got rolled eggplant and ravioli and they both came with side pasta and a huge bread roll. When we returned for dessert they were out of a number of dessert items we'd seen earlier, but the gelato was perfect.
(4)Craig B.
I eat lunch here often as I live nearby and this is, without a doubt my favorite place! Great homemade Italian food, great atmosphere and great people. What more could you ask for?
(5)Wayne S.
I have been here 2 times now and absolutely love it! The cookies are delicious and the stuffed focaccia pizza bread was yummy. Can't wait to go back next time I get a craving for authentic Italian.
(5)David E.
Don't give many five star ratings, but for what it is, this place is Great! It's a bakery with really tasty Breads and delicious looking cookies, ( didn't try any because we were so full from Lunch.) I had a fantastic Chicken Parmesan Sandwich and my wife loved her pasta and thought the Eggplant was verrrrry good. The building is really old and the friendly owners renovated it from a decrepit Laundromat when they moved in. They appear to be Urban pioneers since the surrounding streets are now improving around them. We will be back, and soon.
(5)Matt Z.
I love Sal and his family... nothing fancy -- but good simple italian food (albeit often very heavy) and excellent cookies, breads, and gelato. They remind me of my Sicilian grandparents sitting at the kitchen table rolling out cookies or pasta...
(4)Ramon M.
I give this place a 5 stars for its desserts. Their Italian Rum Cake (when they have it) is my absolute favorite! One of these days I will leave my sweet tooth at home to adventure their other choices.
(5)Kandy H.
Amazing ! My husband and I saw the reviews and wanted to stop in and try something sweet. The cannoli's were so good we had to go back in for another !
(5)Joanne S.
Delicious!!! We went there for the OUTSTANDING Cookies, came to find they served hot homemade meals as well! Lasagna, Eggplant , Meatballs, are to name a few, menu is different everyday! Enjoy! Con: We travel from Long Island to buy the cookies and they are almost always SOLD out! We can't even pre-order! LOL, its like hitting the lotto in the morning before our trip from NY to Harrisburg, we call to see if we can have a few pounds put aside and they are always already sold out!!!!!! That is how amazingly yummy they are!!!
(5)Hershey M.
UPDATE 8/1/2015 I guess the previous one was just a bad dish as I gave them another chance with multiple dishes including Chicken Parmesan Hoggie and some pasta and they delivered it well and it was one of the best I have had in Harrisburg. Changing my review from 1 star to 4 star. It is still not 5 stars due to one bad experience I had. Oh boy. I read some reviews and my co worker gave a personal recommendation so I thought I would try it out for lunch. I got the chicken Parmesan with penne pasta. And it was not good . It was bad The moment I opened the box there was a rotten smell and I assumed it was just the smell of the cheese. Then I ate it, the pasta literally tasted like vomit. I don't know if the cheese was bad or the pasta was undercooked or the sauce was bad but that was a very negative experience that I had. I did not even bother with the chicken as I could not bear risking the taste again I tasted 5 pieces of penne pasta and I was done and this was all I could bear. I had a thought maybe It was an acquired taste, I let my wife taste this and she spit it out and she loves penne pasta This was my first experience at Alvaro and a very negative last . I just hope the 5 penne pieces I did have don't give me food poisoning
(4)Bobbie V.
Alvaros is a hidden treasure in Harrisburg. Located in Midtown just a block or two from the Governor's Mansion. I have been going to Alvaros for over eight years now, it's great for lunch, a snack and dinner. Any of the pasta dishes are a must, the pizza is not like anything you will ever have in Harrisburg. Don't even get me started on the great gelato. The menu changes each day and sometimes it just depends on what Mamma wants to make that day. The fresh baked bread is a diet killer, we have stopped there to grab a loft or two and it does not make it to the next day.
(5)David A.
What a great find. Feel like I should keep it a secret. Besides great bread and Italian pastries, the food on weekend evenings is very good. Went Friday night and had some pasta and stuffed meatballs. Nice appetizers as well. Limited menu and all cooked and served by the family. BYO as well. The best Italian I have had in the area and nice cozy atmosphere with only 6-7 tables.
(5)Mike F.
Just had the sausage and peppers sub. I ordered a large because I was hungry. OMG! It's huge! The Taste is killer! I shall return!
(5)A W.
Great find! We stopped here for lunch on our way up to Whitewater Challengers, and this place is a little gem. It's small, a bit reminiscent of European cafes with outdoor seating, but they were able to accommodate my party of 11 people. The food, not to mention desserts and gelato, were all delicious and fabulous. Staff were also fantastic and friendly. This place is a must-stop in this charming little town of Harrisburg.
(5)Ryan O.
Great spot for lunch and quality Italian food. I grew up in north nj where Italian restaurants are like McDonald's (in terms of being everywhere) and this place competes. I had the stuffed shells with eggplant. Perfect amount of food , left there stuffed.
(4)Kate Y.
This is possibly the best Italian around. It is unpretentious, friendly, high quality, and feels like you have found a secret. Like a neighborhood hideaway in a much bigger city. We had a garlic spaghetti, chicken parm, penne in pink cream sauce, and chicken cordon bleu today. Pasta is perfectly cooked, and the chicken is hot and crispy. The cordon bleu had a spicy capicolla inside. We will be back over and over. Oh my god, yes! The Rosemary Tuscan bread then came home for later.
(5)Courtney J.
So delicious. And the owners are delightful.
(5)Thomas A.
We had Alvaro's cater our wedding and it was great! Very professional to work with! 1st: everybody raved over the pepperoni and sesame breads. They were devoured. I didn't even get to try a piece! Thanks for the extra loaves! 2nd: People remarked that the lasagna was the best they'd ever had. 3rd: the Hazelnut cake was one of the best cakes I'd ever had. And the cookies were fantastic too! Prices are affordable and staff very helpful! Cannot recommend them enough!
(5)Aubrey H.
There are only 2 places that I've had better Italian food: Italy and the Italian Market in Philly. And even then, this place could compete with the best of the best in Philly. They change their menu every day and the food has never disappointed me. If you plan to go on Fridays or Saturdays, they take reservations--so make sure you have them. The only thing that brings them down one star is the gelato. Wasn't crazy about it--but that's probably because it has a low turn over and is sitting in the freezer for quite a bit. Stick with the cannolis for desert!
(4)Fei D.
This is Harrisburg's best kept secret and I'm fortunate it is blocks away from my house. Other restaurants could take a hint from these guys. Their food is the best hands down, not much more to say!!!
(5)Nick L.
Usually good food. They have a problem with giving hot pizza which baffles me. I ordered a slice to go, and it was colder than room temp. I brought back to be heated and they warmed it for maybe two minutes. The cheese was still cold and congealed. Not very appetizing. The only good point was that the slices are huge and only cost 2.50. May go to brothers in midtown next time as I like my cheese hot and melted.
(2)Jennifer S.
Notice, do not come here expecting to get a sit down dinner if you do not have a reservation! We were sent away with a nope, bye! No sorry, nothing. I don't know how we would have sat there anyway, the tables were terribly cramped and it was the size of our living room. The only positive thing I have to say about the place is that when we left we found a yummy and perfect date night place and had a wonderful meal.
(1)S K.
This place is truly great! I ended up finding it because I was looking for a good bread and pastry store. I had one of their sandwiches and a coffee, both of which were delicious. I consider myself a coffee snob, and this was of high quality. The staff is extremely friendly and eager to educate customers about their delightful offerings. I ended up taking some pastries and bread home with me. I highly recommend this place as I plan on being a regular there.
(5)Eric U.
Spent several hours at Alvaro's last night with my wife and two other couples. Just an amazing meal. The food and service were both 5 stars. As much food as was served no one had leftovers. Then there were deserts and coffee. The perfect ending to a great meal. The two other couples we took to Alvaro's were first timers. We actually contemplated returning tonight for another meal. Who knows maybe we will! As we were the last people in this family run restaurant "mom the cook" came out to say hello. Great to see a small family business thrive in Harrisburg Truly one of the hidden gems of Harrisburg MANGA!
(5)Johnathan R.
Probably the best lasagna I have ever eaten. Huge selection of gelato and canoli (which I did not have a chance to try). Lunch was very affordable. It was very full and they were starting to run out of food by the time we got there, and it's a tiny place, so its a good idea to get there early for any meal. Homemade bread was some of the best I've had in the Harrisburg area. If you ever happen to find yourself in this part of town, it is definitely worth a try.
(5)Jenna C.
I haven't had dinner here, but the breads are great and the panini and pastries are amazing. Also the younger guy and the woman who work Saturday mornings are delightful. Fair warning: You have to get here EARLY on Saturday morning to get white or wheat bread. If you stroll in at 1pm, you're going home with olive loaf (which is also delicious).
(5)Harold G.
This sure is a hidden Gem! I celebrated my birthday with my family and my kids here on a Saturday evening. Service was great and I can't stop raving about the food. I can't wait to go back and to add to the great experience was our dinner was reasonably priced. True Italian experience!
(5)Matt K.
If you visit Harrisburg, this is definitely a place you want go to eat! Alvero's is a friendly family owned restaurant Offering Fresh baked rolls, pastries, a breakfast through dinner menu, and nice selection of gelato.
(5)Bill M.
This place is amazing. Best Italian food I've had in the area. Amazing service, people, and prices. Can't go wrong and it's byob!
(5)Lauren H.
Great food and dessert. They do catering. Price is reasonable. Space is small but it's a city food is worth it
(5)Megan E.
Such a hidden gem. You NEED to get the Italian cookies. I've walked down several times just for this reason because they make the perfect host gift. I can never resist the loaves of bread and always leave with one or two. The meals are outstanding.
(5)Keri W.
A friend suggested Alvaro's for lunch and I'm so glad he did! The food was AMAZING!!!! I had the Eggplant & Gnocchi, which was delicious! It came with a huge dinner roll that perfectly complimented the meal. After my very filling lunch, I left with a selection of baked goods for later. The mini chocolate cannoli was to die for! As for the staff, they were extremely friendly & helpful! Simply put, it's a fantastic place, with great staff & most importantly awesome food! I cannot wait to return! Well done folks!
(5)Nijole T.
Alvaro's was my ray of sunshine in the otherwise dreary Harrisburg. I don't get how this can be the capital of PA, the downtown pretty but tiny and the very few streets surrounding run down and nothing to do or see. I had almost given up on finding anything good when I trusted Yelp and drove here. The selection is amazing! Had we not eaten lunch I would have loved to eat here. The prices for meals are all between $7-$10 for a large plate with homemade pastas, fresh meats, it looked and smelled so damn good! And the loves of bread were so crusty, crunchy, in all shapes and sizes, $2 each a steal! Fresh homemade gelato in summery falvors, I really wanted it all but only had room for desserts to take home for later. Super chocolatey croissants baked to perfection, eclairs as good as in France, homemade cookies $10 a pound, the best baklava ever, these people know what they are doing. For a bof of goodies I paid $6 and was a very happy camper that night. Service is wonderful, all is good here.
(5)Tony E.
What an awesome dinner we had ... Menu is simple but delicious!!! Wasn't anything to complain about at all... Great service and great food...
(5)Benjamin C.
Excellent food! I live close by and love to stop in. The folks who work there are friendly and the food is prepared promptly. It's incredibly cheap and you get a lot of good. The atmosphere is relaxing. Would highly recommend to anyone!
(5)Diane C.
Stuffed shells was tasty and it was fresh out of the oven. The bread that came with it was a little dry on the outside. My bf said their bread reminded him of bread back home in Paraguay. Brownie cookie was tasty.I wanted to try the gelato but I was too full. I'm from out of state but will probably stop by again before leaving.
(4)Meghan C.
Amazing. Best Italian food around. I love th spaghetti with olive oil garlic sauce, it's perfect and scrumptious. The chicken cordon Bleu is my favorite dish, strongly recommend. Delicious pastries. Also, love having dinner there on a Saturday night.
(5)Emily F.
As a paisana who eats pasta all the time, i am pretty hard to please when jt comes to food cooked by other people. This is the best Italian restaurant within at least 100 miles. The food is just amazing, and you can get all manner of hard to find cookies and cakes here as well as gelato, and it's all made on the premises. The other restaurants buy pasta and bread from Alvaro's.
(5)E ..
My first time at Alvaro's, I had Pizza that ruled & brought home pastries & Canoli that were awesome. It is a month later and I just came back from Alvaro's; We missed the lunch rush and ala Carte'd a meal. I had Aglio Olio w/ parsley as a bed underneath a slab of Chicken Parmesan. I was with my Pop, he had Cheese Tortellini and a Stuffed Meatball. The Chix Parm was super tender and tasty. The pasta was done well and the (dare I say) Artesian roll, was just the right size to sop up extra Olive Oil and marinara. A+ I only tasted two Tortellini, awesome... & a piece of a Meatball, next time I go, its gonna be Sgetti & Meatballs for sure.
(5)Kevin B.
This is a really nice little Italian cafe/deli and it's refreshing to see something like this in Harrisburg. The prices are pretty decent and you get a lot of food when you order a meal. The cannoli are also really great!!
(5)Patrick C.
Had the spaghetti and meatballs for dinner, vanilla and chocolate gelato for dessert, and munched on some bread with olive oil before dinner. It was all absolutely delicious, and the bill for my wife and I was about 37 dollars total. It doesn't look like it's a restaurant from the outside and it's small inside, but well worth it. Also, BYOB! Which is always awesome.
(5)Rocio R.
Awesome place for Italian. Never disappoints. The bakery items we have tried have been delicious. Eggplant rollatini, stuffed meatballs, penne pasta, stuffed shells, the warm bread that comes with each plate and the pizzas. Sooooo gooood... Fills you up and the place is comfortable, warm and cozy. Owner and the people which I believe are her kids are extremely nice and chatty.
(5)Lina K.
I have been here several times and love the place. Food is delicious and service is great. I have only ordered take out but there are several tables inside where one can eat, as well as cafe tables outdoors in the warmer months. Only open until 6 pm except Friday and Saturdays where Alvaro's serves a full dinner menu. As soon as you walk in, you are greeted by showcases of Italian pastries, gelato and cookies .... even baklava (my sweet nemesis). The pizza is good and you get a huge portion for $2.50. I also like ordering half portions of the pasta and small sandwiches ($3). The sausage looks so good. Even the small portions are pretty generous and this enables you to put a little variety into your dinner. The pasta is home made and very tasty. I think the bread is also made on premises too and also, quite good. Not only is Alvaro's a great value, the food is wonderful!
(4)Jeff K.
I've patronized Alvaro's for years. It's one my favorite places to have lunch in the Harrisburg area. This is a true family operation: both adult sons work there, as well as their parents, Sal and Lina. This place represents southern Italian home-style cooking at its best. I can recommend almost everything: the fresh pasta, the eggplant rollatini, the meatballs and sausage, the thick-crust pizza, the three-cheese lasagna, etc. The only thing I've tried that I would not order again is the stuffed focaccia, which has so much bread that it overwhelms the thin filling. The lunch menu changes daily, so not everything is available at all times. A previous reviewer complained that the food is reheated in a microwave. That's because Alvaro's is primarily a bread and pastry shop, not a restaurant. They don't cook meals to order. Instead, they make large trays of each item and warm individual portions up as necessary. I don't consider that a problem. Even if you don't have lunch (or dinner on weekends), the delicious Italian bread, cookies, pastries and cakes alone are worth the visit. Alvaro's added a gelato case a couple of years ago. They usually have about a dozen flavors on hand, although there are days when they run out of several flavors. it's a great way to end a meal. I had an awesome coconut gelato the last time I was there. Relatively few people know that Alvaro's also has a catering/party menu. I've ordered big trays of food, as well as cakes, for a couple of events and was very pleased.
(5)Katherine M.
I came here and got carry out one day for lunch with my co worker. The place isn't really anything special inside and was cramped, so I would suggest taking out actually. Service was quick and prices were good. I got a meatball sub and was then enticed by a chocolate croissant. My meatball sub was delicious - the bread was perfect and the sauce and meat were yummy, I was only sad that it was cold and not hot. My chocolate croissant had the right chocolate inside, but way too much of it and the croissant was too flaky ad burnt. I basically just ate the chocolate inside. It s a good little place though, and I'll be back!
(4)Nicholas M.
Alvaro is not the most authentic or fanciest Italian restaurant in town, but it is good food, fun atmosphere, and excellent service. All the pasta is fresh and delicious. Unfortunately, my girlfriend and I ate there right before the family left for vacation, and, as such, they had a limited dinner menu and limited bread and pastries. We will certainty return once they're back from Italy.
(4)