This is the first of a two part story on the DiSalvo Family businesses in Kettering. This week we focus on Mamma DiSalvo’s Ristorante. In July 1979, Rinaldo “Papa” DiSalvo Sr. and his wife Elena “Mamma” DiSalvo opened up an Italian Restaurant at 1375 E. Stroop Rd., and the Miami Valley has never been the same since. Still going strong, you can see Mamma and Papa in the dining area from time to time greeting customers. Their sons Nick and Bobby DiSalvo mostly manage the restaurant today. What is the secret of their success? Good, homemade Italian food and friendly service where you feel like family.

When you walk into Mamma DiSalvo’s Ristorante, you notice the small bar area and a cozy dining room. The aroma from the bustling kitchen is an appetizer in itself. This place fills up during peak times, so you may want to put your name in at the host desk and grab a drink at the bar while you wait for a table. They have a decent wine selection, and of course Italian beers like Peroni. The Big Ragu’s favorite, Moretti beer. Sometimes he even goes 70’s old school sometimes with Lambrusco.

There is so much to love about this true “Mom and Pop” place. The atmosphere makes you feel like you are on an Italian movie set in New York City. Casual, yet romantic, it is what an Italian Restaurant should be. The hosts, wait staff and family always greet you with with a happy disposition and unique personality. After you are seated, we suggest that you order an appetizer, because homemade Italian entrees take a while to prepare. Be patient, masterpieces take some time, and it is worth the wait for this Food Adventure.

Two of our favorite appetizers at Mamma DiSalvo’s are the fried calamari, and the antipasti plate which is a variety of cold cut meats, imported cheeses and peppers. You can’t go wrong here. A little known secret is that Mamma DiSalvos has some fantastic pizzas made with homemade dough. We like to mix it up once in a while by grabbing a pie once in a while instead of an Italian Dinner. Speaking of dinner, before each meal you are served a salad and these wonderful buttery bread loaves sprinkled with garlic powder. We warn you, the bread is beyond addicting. As for the salad, please trust us and get the house dressing which is a tangy mix of vinegar and oil, and served with shaved Parmesan cheese on top. It is a fantastic lead-in to the main course. As for any other dressings, fawghettabouit stick with the house.

Lemoncello

We have made many trips to this Italian paradise and have some favorites. Three favorite Food Adventure dishes: Linguini with Buttery Garlic Sauce and Mushrooms, Veal Marsala, or their Chicken Parmesan. All of these dishes feature sauces from scratch and pasta from scratch. The linguini and veal have lighter sauces, but the huge Chicken Parmesan dish guarantees a take home box.

The Big Ragu’s favorite entrees are the manicotti or the homemade gnocchi (pronounced ‘nyah-kee’) which is a potato dumpling pasta served with marinara sauce. He is also partial to the monstrous Panzarotti, which is a giant calzone stuffed with meatballs, pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, sauce and cheese.

If you can manage after all of this good food, you have to take advantage of their desserts. Go light with a Lemoncello served in a flute glass. It is the perfect mix of sweet, tart and decorated with touches of whipped cream. Desserts that the Big Ragu enjoys are the cannoli and the tiramisu all of which can be enjoyed with cappuccino.

Mamma DiSalvo’s is not a restaurant it is an experience, wait… it is a true Italian Food Adventure ! Through years of hard work they have built a great reputation and now, when you think of Italian spots in Dayton, you think of Mamma DiSalvo’s. Visit them online for daily specials and menu details at www.mammadisalvo.com. If you have not tried this Dayton original, you are missing a gourmet experience. Stop in to the restaurant and EAT, or as they say “Mangia! Mangia!”

Look for Part 2 of the story next week…

Make sure you browse through the many incredible pictures in the gallery below from our various Food Adventures to Mamma DiSalvo’s. “Like” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE.

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