Rico’s Restaurant
1 Rico Ln, Pittsburgh, PA, 15237
Rico’s Restaurant Menu
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Address :
1 Rico Ln
Pittsburgh, PA, 15237 - Phone (412) 931-1989
- Website https://www.ricos.biz/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 10
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Valet, Private Lot
Bike Parking : No
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Dressy
Ambience : Intimate, Romantic
Noise Level : Quiet
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : Yes
Dogs Allowed : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
Categories
Italian Cuisine
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.
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A M.
I was here last night for the first time in ten years. This place is so Pittsburgh.... which is a good thing. It's definitely "old school" with the average customer twice my age, but I liked it. I first visited this place about ten years ago when I was starting my career and I remember the veteran guys I was with having dirty martini's with there five course lunches. I remember at that time thinking "I'm gonna love this career". They have probably the best ceasar salad in town prepared tableside. Last night we only had a few appetizers at the bar, but they were very good. The food begins with a nice selection of bread. It was nothing special, but good quality. We sampled the crab hoezel (sp?). This was several large chunks of lump crabmeat with lemon and butter. The price was very reasonable ($14.50) for the large amount of crabmeat. We all enjoyed very much. We also tried a calamari and sausage appetizer. This was surprisingly good. It was not fried and it was served with a delicious red sauce. I was really impressed with this traditional appetizer. We also had the fried zucchini which was lightly fried and quite good with a little red sauce and a bit of parmasan. The bartender was really good and professional. One of the things I like about this place is that the staff are pro's and not just college kids working until they find something else to do. I probably should give this place four stars, but it really is in need of a remodeling of the interior. The interior probably is the same as when the doors opened 30+ years ago. The owners son also came over and visited with us. He was really nice and certainly made you feel at home. This is a good place. Take your parents. "
(3)Mark L.
Very friendly service and great food. The wine selection is very large and the owners son, Dave, was very friendly and helpful in wine selection. Would definitely recommend Rico's.
(4)Jerel L.
Dinner for 2 for a birthday on a Wednesday evening... This is how dining should be. Ceasar salad for 2 - Excellent, it comes with a free table side show! Walleye and lump crab meat special - a hearty portion of Walleye accompanied by thumb size lump crab meat in a medium bodied lemon butter sauce White chocolate coated mango ice cream ball - name says it all Everything is ala carte, which leans towards a larger bill, however the portion sizes are generous making this a budget friendly up scale dining experience. The staff are fantastic! From the no wait valet, to our team of extremely knowledgeable servers on through the bus boys shared fondness for the mango ball desert, you feel welcome and comfortable. I've been twice this month alone, i'll definitely be going back. Thank you Rico's!
(5)Kim H.
We ate in the bar which I loved during the week. No kids running around screaming....nice and quiet with an older clientele. I had the walleye with crabmeat. The lemon/butter sauce was light not heavy. The veal was like butter! Very tender and a good size portion. I really liked the house salad dressing which is a flavorful Italian that isn't over-powered with garlic or vinegar. The tiramisu and carrot cake were good too. The waitress, Diane, was terrific. The prices are a little high but worth it.
(4)Kristine S.
Wedding Rehearsal Dinner was a success. We had a private room and were acutely attended to. The four-course meal was filling. I could have stopped at the penne dish and been full. Dessert was the best part - cheesecake!
(3)darren l.
Also visited with a different group of 13 on New Years Eve 2013. Stopped in my tracks when I saw the menu prices even after having recently returned from a week of eating the signature restaurants in Walt Di$ney World. Service was slooooowwww. Reservation were for 7:30. Sat down at 8:00. Received menus at 8:30. Appetizer order taken for two people at one end of the table at about 9:00 but the rest of the table was ignored. Entree order taken about 9:30. Food arrived after 10:30. Ouch. Waitress said there were 3 stuffed peppers on the appetizer plate so we order two of them to cover the six of us wanting one. When they arrived about an hour later there were two per order and this was explained that the kitchen changes things at whim. Waitresses were generally not pleasant. The food was generally fine, but by no means worth $32-$58 per entree for ONLY the protein and one side (vegetable or potato), and nothing special. Baked potatoes were undercooked. The so-called 'supreme salad' was an up charge for a small house salad with a slice of cucumber, one olive, an one tomato wedge. The least expensive entree was a $31.95 pasta dish. To be fair, my $35 cajun swordfish was nicely cooked and seasoned. The owner/manager was everywhere trying to placate what appeared to be generally unhappy patrons. While we waiting for our table we overhead the manager confront more than a few patrons leaving in the lobby asking why they left such small tips--after our experience we knew the answer to the question. Wine prices were steep (typically $13-15 a glass) and soft drinks ($2.50) each included only one re-fill. The table bread was generic rolls. Not impressed at all. Sky-high prices for middling food and mediocre service. I would avoid this place. For about half the prices consider nearby Mediterraneo or for a true splurge there are better options.
(2)Ron F.
My brother utilized their services for a small family reception after a funeral. They worked well in planning menu (even make quick offerings for kids) with him. Food and service were extremely good; private setting was relaxing. I highly recommend them for such services.
(5)Paul A W.
We had dinner there last Friday, broiler scallops were awesome and even better the next day as leftovers.. And I can't stop raving about the Caesars salad!!!!! Great place
(4)Jan F.
The veal lorenzini was outstanding! Have been here many times and the food is always fantastic. Would definitely recommend , and there it is a storied history (ask Tom r). Virginia spots are as good as any bodies.
(4)Craig C.
I find it unimaginable that no one has reviewed one of the signature Rico's dishes...that angel hair pasta with the crab meat in the white sauce with pine nuts. It is really not to be missed, and so good. We went last Sat evening while on a brief trip to Pgh, and this was the Rico's I remembered, everything was really delicious.
(4)cara r.
I grew up in Pittsburgh eating at Rico's, and it's still the place I want to go to when I go to visit my parents. They have the Pittsburgh zucchini appetizer - I've never seen it anywhere else - of zucchini cut length-wise, very thin, lightly battered and fried, and it's perfect with just a little bit of lemon (although my mom and dad like it with marinara sauce and grated Parmesan cheese). The calamari are just as good and I dare you to eat just one! Pastas are great, and classic - alfredos, marinara, tomato basil, and pink sauces, all of which are wonderful. Rico's has amazing seafood - strange for a restaurant so far from the ocean, but I would put the softshell crabs I've had here up against any I've ever had. Chicken and veal are also great here. The one negative (and this is true of many otherwise wonderful Pittsburgh restaurants) is the quality of the dessert. Most Pittsburgh restaurants haven't bought into the idea of a pastry chef, and Rico's is no different. Skip the frozen Mississippi mud cake, cheesecake, and tiramisu, and head to Squirrel Hill (or home) for dessert.
(5)Millie M.
I grew up in Pittsburgh eating at Rico's even before he was at his current location off McKnight Rd. 2 years ago Rico gave me a private room to have my wedding dinner party in. When I was 18, he catered my high school graduation party at my house. The food is delicious and comforting, the bartenders are great and really know how to make a nice, big Pittsburgh cocktail, and it really does not get any better for authentic Italian food, considering Rico has lived in the country for "I don't know how many years" and still has retained his accent! I love his entire family - they are all talented, beautiful, caring and you can taste the love in the food - which is the best kind. I miss you, Rico!
(5)pittsburgh p.
Great local restaurant, owned by Rico Lorenzini, who used to be a chef for the now-closed Louis Tambellini's on Rte 51 and previously Mount Washington. Sort of pricy, in my opinion, so go for lunch when it's cheaper or reserve this place for a special occasion dinner. I really love the salad here, and try the fried zucchini as an appetizer. Seafood ala Rico, the Virginia spots, and the scallops have always been good.
(3)Kathryn F.
Best wedding soup that I have ever eaten. Even during construction the kitchen was producing delicious meals. Great for special occasions .... I would be wary of going there on a snowy day ... very steep twisted driveway.
(4)Dan R.
Thanks to my cousin Ralph for taking us here, and though he's a regular here, I believe we still would have received the extremely fine customer service. While I was a little disappointed in my own choice (the prosciutto overcooked into ham, & it had been a long time since I had veal and this tasted more like pork, a little dry) everything else was excellent. The zucchini appetizer the best zucchini I've eaten in a restaurant, thin thin slices crisp & cleanly fried. Table side Caesar a fine show and tasty. Can't escape the classy, nostalgia of the place. the excellent open architecture. Angel hair with creamy garlic, pine nuts & crab. Wide noodles with white sauce & huge scallops. They even threw into our take home (lots of rich food) a couple pieces of chocolate lava cake for my cousins anniversary.
(5)Bob B.
I am partial to these "Old School" Italian places. If I could have one meal in this world it is Rico's Surf and Turf, a Rico's salad, and a side of garlic spaghetti. It is my favorite place in the city.
(5)Laura H.
Nicest place by the Hampton Inn. Busy. Got seats at the bar. Do not mistake the older valet guy for a patron. He wears a yellow polo shirt and didn't really acknowledge us as we were in the motorcycle. He wasn't going to valet that :) Food was served at a decent pace. Bill was more than fair. Bartenders were great! Love a good Italian place on a road trip.
(4)Konstantin K.
Staying at the Hampton Inn on McKnight Rd we looked for the best business dinner suitable restaurant within short driving distance. This place has amazing service and although it is fancy a very comfortable and unpretentious ambiance. Try any of the veal dishes, authentically Americanized and delicious.
(4)Tom K.
My wife and I decided to check out Rico's one night based on numerous positive reviews. Overall the place has a very old vibe, which can be great but the food doesn't help. The only thing that was actually good was the fried zuchinni. The batter was PERFECT. I ordered a steak that rivaled the cost of a good steakhouse. It was bland. It was cooked properly but I have had better steaks from a local grocer for $9. The veggies for both meals weren't nearly as good as steam in bag frozen. Our rolls were cold and hard, as was the butter. My wife's meal was quite good unless you count appearance. I have seen diners with better presentation. At many points throughout the meal we caught wiffs of what smelled like someone smoking indoors. I contacted Rico's two different ways and have not gotten a response. Frankly the place wouldn't be worth the time for a free meal if they were concerned about this review. There are much better places for a lot less in the area. Still no reply despite another attempt to see if our poor experience was a fluke.
(1)Jen M.
I love old school, nostalgic restaurants. In fact, I get a little teary-eyed when I walk into places like Rico's because it reminds me of having dinner with my Dad. My fiance and I started off with a drink in the bar since it was Valentine's Day. Bar service was slow in terms of acknowledging us at the bar as well as bringing us our drinks. There were only 2 other people seated at the bar. We were seated for dinner. Service was very attentive--probably the highlight of the night aside from my glass of Nebbiolo. We opted for table side Caesar to start. Hellloooo garlic. Yowza. I love a good Caesar but I still tasted the garlic 7 hours later when I brushed my teeth. We ordered the Roquefort filet and the Chicken Piccata. The filet was good, not great. The Chicken Piccata was the most disappointing thing I have ordered in a restaurant in years, and I LOVE chicken Piccata. The chicken is poached and STARK WHITE in color. Not appetizing-looking at all and it was extremely bland. Had the capers not been on the plate it would have had no taste at all. The saddest part was 1/3 of my fiance's baked potato had a huge black section on it. He grew up on a farm, and he recognized it as a big block of mold in the potato. How could that happen? The side of pasta with pink sauce was just okay. In all, we were very disappointed in our experience at Rico's and it pains me to say that because we were so looking forward to having an old school, special dinner together. Major bummer. Valet parking was excellent.
(2)Cristy M.
Rico's was top notch! My mother recently passed and she insisted on a "PARTY" - so I planned a party at Rico's in Pittsburgh from my home in CA. I definitely could not have done it without the guidance and expertise from David! He was able to find just the right wine for the banquet, talk me through an delicious, but not over the top menu and work with me on keeping my costs down without "cheeping out" on anything. Every team member was so professional, kind and made an effort to be invisible. Once I walked in and the banquet started, everything was handled without my guidance and I was able to enjoy! The food - Oh! Appetizers were fabulous. My favorite was the Zucchini Fritti - so light! Some in my party commented that the Filet was the best they ever had. My Eggplant Parm was amazing and HUGE! As well the Caprice salad was fresh and sizable. Thanks Rico's, David and the entire team for sending my Mom out with the party she deserved!
(5)Carol C.
We just had our North Hills Newcomers and Friends luncheon at Rico's. Everything was just wonderful. The food and service were exceptional. We chose Chicken Fontinella or Poached Salmon for our 53 members. The compliments kept coming from those that chose either entree. The potatoes were just yummy and great vegetable medley. and the Biscuit Tortoni! David, one of the owners helped us in our time of great need, for that we will be forever grateful. (Ask him how he went above and beyond for us, what a guy!) As newcomers, it is so nice to find and support a family owned restaurant, especially one that has been so successful all these years. Great job, Rico's! Many members said they would be returning.
(5)Devin L.
The decor and the wait staff are extremely outdated. The food is mediocre at best. Small portions and not creative.
(2)Brooke M.
My husband and I went to Rico's for the first time last night for our anniversary. We live right down the street but never realized what a gem we have in the North Hills! The atmosphere is like walking into Goodfellas. Don greeted us at the podium and literally became a friend by the end of the night. The food is out of this world!! We had the ceasar salad for two ( which is tableside created by Don of course) ..best I've ever had. I had the Walleye stuffed with crab meat and hubby had the lamb chops. Unreal. Their wine selection is on an IPAD, which is a cool way to look at their huge selection. At the end, Don gave us a tour of the restaurant. We felt like real VIP's there. I can't want to come back with our friends and family. Thanks Don!!
(5)Amy B.
Great passion for the culinary business and Rico is a great person. Take Don's photo off making the Caesar Salad - he doesn't know how to do it with the same passion. Put him in the banquet room serving water. LOL :)
(3)Brian K.
This is the epitome of old school Italian. From the moment that we pulled in the driveway, everything about this place makes you wonder if Tony Soprano is going to walk around the corner. Most of the cars in the parking lot are Cadillac, the host knows most of the customers by name and most of the dishes are traditional Italian dishes. The food is delicious and you don't have to worry that the chef has a new interpretation of chicken piccata. They do traditional Italian really good. If you used to go to the Primadonna on a regular basis, this place makes you feel the same exact way. However, this place is not infant friendly. They have booster seats but no highchairs. The prices are also good, just a little more than chain restaurants but so much more delicious. As soon as my kid can sit in a booster, we will be here on a regular basis.
(4)Maria S.
Just ... meh. The last time I was at Rico's was close to 20 years ago, and I can confirm other reviewers' comments that it hasn't been updated (ever?). Really, that's too bad, because if the atmosphere matched up with the surroundings, it'd make a nice restaurant with a good reputation even better. We started with the zucchini - yes, you've got to have it if you go to Rico's! For my main plate, I had a special, swordfish, with spinach on the side - the markup for the spinach side was insane -- another $7? That's like a whole box of spinach at Restaurant Depot! And with the prices, the fact that salad is not included borders on unacceptable. I had creme caramel for dessert - which was not very good, also outdated, and saturated with caramel like someone had too much fun with their squeeze bottle back in the kitchen. Service was very attentive, even as it filled up over the course of the evening - I'd either show up kind of early or make reservations to make sure to get a table with views of the trees and not the internal room with no views. Overall, I think that Rico's is coasting on its reputation instead of doing anything innovative, creative or interesting. Updated food with slightly more reasonable prices would make me go back, and keep coming back, but for the time being, I wouldn't.
(3)Ron F.
My brother utilized their services for a small family reception after a funeral. They worked well in planning menu (even make quick offerings for kids) with him. Food and service were extremely good; private setting was relaxing. I highly recommend them for such services.
(5)Jerel L.
Dinner for 2 for a birthday on a Wednesday evening... This is how dining should be. Ceasar salad for 2 - Excellent, it comes with a free table side show! Walleye and lump crab meat special - a hearty portion of Walleye accompanied by thumb size lump crab meat in a medium bodied lemon butter sauce White chocolate coated mango ice cream ball - name says it all Everything is ala carte, which leans towards a larger bill, however the portion sizes are generous making this a budget friendly up scale dining experience. The staff are fantastic! From the no wait valet, to our team of extremely knowledgeable servers on through the bus boys shared fondness for the mango ball desert, you feel welcome and comfortable. I've been twice this month alone, i'll definitely be going back. Thank you Rico's!
(5)Kim H.
We ate in the bar which I loved during the week. No kids running around screaming....nice and quiet with an older clientele. I had the walleye with crabmeat. The lemon/butter sauce was light not heavy. The veal was like butter! Very tender and a good size portion. I really liked the house salad dressing which is a flavorful Italian that isn't over-powered with garlic or vinegar. The tiramisu and carrot cake were good too. The waitress, Diane, was terrific. The prices are a little high but worth it.
(4)Kristine S.
Wedding Rehearsal Dinner was a success. We had a private room and were acutely attended to. The four-course meal was filling. I could have stopped at the penne dish and been full. Dessert was the best part - cheesecake!
(3)darren l.
Also visited with a different group of 13 on New Years Eve 2013. Stopped in my tracks when I saw the menu prices even after having recently returned from a week of eating the signature restaurants in Walt Di$ney World. Service was slooooowwww. Reservation were for 7:30. Sat down at 8:00. Received menus at 8:30. Appetizer order taken for two people at one end of the table at about 9:00 but the rest of the table was ignored. Entree order taken about 9:30. Food arrived after 10:30. Ouch. Waitress said there were 3 stuffed peppers on the appetizer plate so we order two of them to cover the six of us wanting one. When they arrived about an hour later there were two per order and this was explained that the kitchen changes things at whim. Waitresses were generally not pleasant. The food was generally fine, but by no means worth $32-$58 per entree for ONLY the protein and one side (vegetable or potato), and nothing special. Baked potatoes were undercooked. The so-called 'supreme salad' was an up charge for a small house salad with a slice of cucumber, one olive, an one tomato wedge. The least expensive entree was a $31.95 pasta dish. To be fair, my $35 cajun swordfish was nicely cooked and seasoned. The owner/manager was everywhere trying to placate what appeared to be generally unhappy patrons. While we waiting for our table we overhead the manager confront more than a few patrons leaving in the lobby asking why they left such small tips--after our experience we knew the answer to the question. Wine prices were steep (typically $13-15 a glass) and soft drinks ($2.50) each included only one re-fill. The table bread was generic rolls. Not impressed at all. Sky-high prices for middling food and mediocre service. I would avoid this place. For about half the prices consider nearby Mediterraneo or for a true splurge there are better options.
(2)Paul A W.
We had dinner there last Friday, broiler scallops were awesome and even better the next day as leftovers.. And I can't stop raving about the Caesars salad!!!!! Great place
(4)Jan F.
The veal lorenzini was outstanding! Have been here many times and the food is always fantastic. Would definitely recommend , and there it is a storied history (ask Tom r). Virginia spots are as good as any bodies.
(4)Craig C.
I find it unimaginable that no one has reviewed one of the signature Rico's dishes...that angel hair pasta with the crab meat in the white sauce with pine nuts. It is really not to be missed, and so good. We went last Sat evening while on a brief trip to Pgh, and this was the Rico's I remembered, everything was really delicious.
(4)Mark L.
Very friendly service and great food. The wine selection is very large and the owners son, Dave, was very friendly and helpful in wine selection. Would definitely recommend Rico's.
(4)pittsburgh p.
Great local restaurant, owned by Rico Lorenzini, who used to be a chef for the now-closed Louis Tambellini's on Rte 51 and previously Mount Washington. Sort of pricy, in my opinion, so go for lunch when it's cheaper or reserve this place for a special occasion dinner. I really love the salad here, and try the fried zucchini as an appetizer. Seafood ala Rico, the Virginia spots, and the scallops have always been good.
(3)cara r.
I grew up in Pittsburgh eating at Rico's, and it's still the place I want to go to when I go to visit my parents. They have the Pittsburgh zucchini appetizer - I've never seen it anywhere else - of zucchini cut length-wise, very thin, lightly battered and fried, and it's perfect with just a little bit of lemon (although my mom and dad like it with marinara sauce and grated Parmesan cheese). The calamari are just as good and I dare you to eat just one! Pastas are great, and classic - alfredos, marinara, tomato basil, and pink sauces, all of which are wonderful. Rico's has amazing seafood - strange for a restaurant so far from the ocean, but I would put the softshell crabs I've had here up against any I've ever had. Chicken and veal are also great here. The one negative (and this is true of many otherwise wonderful Pittsburgh restaurants) is the quality of the dessert. Most Pittsburgh restaurants haven't bought into the idea of a pastry chef, and Rico's is no different. Skip the frozen Mississippi mud cake, cheesecake, and tiramisu, and head to Squirrel Hill (or home) for dessert.
(5)Millie M.
I grew up in Pittsburgh eating at Rico's even before he was at his current location off McKnight Rd. 2 years ago Rico gave me a private room to have my wedding dinner party in. When I was 18, he catered my high school graduation party at my house. The food is delicious and comforting, the bartenders are great and really know how to make a nice, big Pittsburgh cocktail, and it really does not get any better for authentic Italian food, considering Rico has lived in the country for "I don't know how many years" and still has retained his accent! I love his entire family - they are all talented, beautiful, caring and you can taste the love in the food - which is the best kind. I miss you, Rico!
(5)A M.
I was here last night for the first time in ten years. This place is so Pittsburgh.... which is a good thing. It's definitely "old school" with the average customer twice my age, but I liked it. I first visited this place about ten years ago when I was starting my career and I remember the veteran guys I was with having dirty martini's with there five course lunches. I remember at that time thinking "I'm gonna love this career". They have probably the best ceasar salad in town prepared tableside. Last night we only had a few appetizers at the bar, but they were very good. The food begins with a nice selection of bread. It was nothing special, but good quality. We sampled the crab hoezel (sp?). This was several large chunks of lump crabmeat with lemon and butter. The price was very reasonable ($14.50) for the large amount of crabmeat. We all enjoyed very much. We also tried a calamari and sausage appetizer. This was surprisingly good. It was not fried and it was served with a delicious red sauce. I was really impressed with this traditional appetizer. We also had the fried zucchini which was lightly fried and quite good with a little red sauce and a bit of parmasan. The bartender was really good and professional. One of the things I like about this place is that the staff are pro's and not just college kids working until they find something else to do. I probably should give this place four stars, but it really is in need of a remodeling of the interior. The interior probably is the same as when the doors opened 30+ years ago. The owners son also came over and visited with us. He was really nice and certainly made you feel at home. This is a good place. Take your parents. "
(3)Tom K.
My wife and I decided to check out Rico's one night based on numerous positive reviews. Overall the place has a very old vibe, which can be great but the food doesn't help. The only thing that was actually good was the fried zuchinni. The batter was PERFECT. I ordered a steak that rivaled the cost of a good steakhouse. It was bland. It was cooked properly but I have had better steaks from a local grocer for $9. The veggies for both meals weren't nearly as good as steam in bag frozen. Our rolls were cold and hard, as was the butter. My wife's meal was quite good unless you count appearance. I have seen diners with better presentation. At many points throughout the meal we caught wiffs of what smelled like someone smoking indoors. I contacted Rico's two different ways and have not gotten a response. Frankly the place wouldn't be worth the time for a free meal if they were concerned about this review. There are much better places for a lot less in the area. Still no reply despite another attempt to see if our poor experience was a fluke.
(1)Jen M.
I love old school, nostalgic restaurants. In fact, I get a little teary-eyed when I walk into places like Rico's because it reminds me of having dinner with my Dad. My fiance and I started off with a drink in the bar since it was Valentine's Day. Bar service was slow in terms of acknowledging us at the bar as well as bringing us our drinks. There were only 2 other people seated at the bar. We were seated for dinner. Service was very attentive--probably the highlight of the night aside from my glass of Nebbiolo. We opted for table side Caesar to start. Hellloooo garlic. Yowza. I love a good Caesar but I still tasted the garlic 7 hours later when I brushed my teeth. We ordered the Roquefort filet and the Chicken Piccata. The filet was good, not great. The Chicken Piccata was the most disappointing thing I have ordered in a restaurant in years, and I LOVE chicken Piccata. The chicken is poached and STARK WHITE in color. Not appetizing-looking at all and it was extremely bland. Had the capers not been on the plate it would have had no taste at all. The saddest part was 1/3 of my fiance's baked potato had a huge black section on it. He grew up on a farm, and he recognized it as a big block of mold in the potato. How could that happen? The side of pasta with pink sauce was just okay. In all, we were very disappointed in our experience at Rico's and it pains me to say that because we were so looking forward to having an old school, special dinner together. Major bummer. Valet parking was excellent.
(2)Cristy M.
Rico's was top notch! My mother recently passed and she insisted on a "PARTY" - so I planned a party at Rico's in Pittsburgh from my home in CA. I definitely could not have done it without the guidance and expertise from David! He was able to find just the right wine for the banquet, talk me through an delicious, but not over the top menu and work with me on keeping my costs down without "cheeping out" on anything. Every team member was so professional, kind and made an effort to be invisible. Once I walked in and the banquet started, everything was handled without my guidance and I was able to enjoy! The food - Oh! Appetizers were fabulous. My favorite was the Zucchini Fritti - so light! Some in my party commented that the Filet was the best they ever had. My Eggplant Parm was amazing and HUGE! As well the Caprice salad was fresh and sizable. Thanks Rico's, David and the entire team for sending my Mom out with the party she deserved!
(5)Konstantin K.
Staying at the Hampton Inn on McKnight Rd we looked for the best business dinner suitable restaurant within short driving distance. This place has amazing service and although it is fancy a very comfortable and unpretentious ambiance. Try any of the veal dishes, authentically Americanized and delicious.
(4)Carol C.
We just had our North Hills Newcomers and Friends luncheon at Rico's. Everything was just wonderful. The food and service were exceptional. We chose Chicken Fontinella or Poached Salmon for our 53 members. The compliments kept coming from those that chose either entree. The potatoes were just yummy and great vegetable medley. and the Biscuit Tortoni! David, one of the owners helped us in our time of great need, for that we will be forever grateful. (Ask him how he went above and beyond for us, what a guy!) As newcomers, it is so nice to find and support a family owned restaurant, especially one that has been so successful all these years. Great job, Rico's! Many members said they would be returning.
(5)Devin L.
The decor and the wait staff are extremely outdated. The food is mediocre at best. Small portions and not creative.
(2)Brooke M.
My husband and I went to Rico's for the first time last night for our anniversary. We live right down the street but never realized what a gem we have in the North Hills! The atmosphere is like walking into Goodfellas. Don greeted us at the podium and literally became a friend by the end of the night. The food is out of this world!! We had the ceasar salad for two ( which is tableside created by Don of course) ..best I've ever had. I had the Walleye stuffed with crab meat and hubby had the lamb chops. Unreal. Their wine selection is on an IPAD, which is a cool way to look at their huge selection. At the end, Don gave us a tour of the restaurant. We felt like real VIP's there. I can't want to come back with our friends and family. Thanks Don!!
(5)Amy B.
Great passion for the culinary business and Rico is a great person. Take Don's photo off making the Caesar Salad - he doesn't know how to do it with the same passion. Put him in the banquet room serving water. LOL :)
(3)Brian K.
This is the epitome of old school Italian. From the moment that we pulled in the driveway, everything about this place makes you wonder if Tony Soprano is going to walk around the corner. Most of the cars in the parking lot are Cadillac, the host knows most of the customers by name and most of the dishes are traditional Italian dishes. The food is delicious and you don't have to worry that the chef has a new interpretation of chicken piccata. They do traditional Italian really good. If you used to go to the Primadonna on a regular basis, this place makes you feel the same exact way. However, this place is not infant friendly. They have booster seats but no highchairs. The prices are also good, just a little more than chain restaurants but so much more delicious. As soon as my kid can sit in a booster, we will be here on a regular basis.
(4)Maria S.
Just ... meh. The last time I was at Rico's was close to 20 years ago, and I can confirm other reviewers' comments that it hasn't been updated (ever?). Really, that's too bad, because if the atmosphere matched up with the surroundings, it'd make a nice restaurant with a good reputation even better. We started with the zucchini - yes, you've got to have it if you go to Rico's! For my main plate, I had a special, swordfish, with spinach on the side - the markup for the spinach side was insane -- another $7? That's like a whole box of spinach at Restaurant Depot! And with the prices, the fact that salad is not included borders on unacceptable. I had creme caramel for dessert - which was not very good, also outdated, and saturated with caramel like someone had too much fun with their squeeze bottle back in the kitchen. Service was very attentive, even as it filled up over the course of the evening - I'd either show up kind of early or make reservations to make sure to get a table with views of the trees and not the internal room with no views. Overall, I think that Rico's is coasting on its reputation instead of doing anything innovative, creative or interesting. Updated food with slightly more reasonable prices would make me go back, and keep coming back, but for the time being, I wouldn't.
(3)Laura H.
Nicest place by the Hampton Inn. Busy. Got seats at the bar. Do not mistake the older valet guy for a patron. He wears a yellow polo shirt and didn't really acknowledge us as we were in the motorcycle. He wasn't going to valet that :) Food was served at a decent pace. Bill was more than fair. Bartenders were great! Love a good Italian place on a road trip.
(4)Kathryn F.
Best wedding soup that I have ever eaten. Even during construction the kitchen was producing delicious meals. Great for special occasions .... I would be wary of going there on a snowy day ... very steep twisted driveway.
(4)Dan R.
Thanks to my cousin Ralph for taking us here, and though he's a regular here, I believe we still would have received the extremely fine customer service. While I was a little disappointed in my own choice (the prosciutto overcooked into ham, & it had been a long time since I had veal and this tasted more like pork, a little dry) everything else was excellent. The zucchini appetizer the best zucchini I've eaten in a restaurant, thin thin slices crisp & cleanly fried. Table side Caesar a fine show and tasty. Can't escape the classy, nostalgia of the place. the excellent open architecture. Angel hair with creamy garlic, pine nuts & crab. Wide noodles with white sauce & huge scallops. They even threw into our take home (lots of rich food) a couple pieces of chocolate lava cake for my cousins anniversary.
(5)Bob B.
I am partial to these "Old School" Italian places. If I could have one meal in this world it is Rico's Surf and Turf, a Rico's salad, and a side of garlic spaghetti. It is my favorite place in the city.
(5)