Ippolito’s Lacks Italian Luster

For more than 15 years, Ippolito’s Italian restaurant has been operating in Kennesaw. A casual atmosphere with a little nostalgia built in, owners George and Toni Ippolito wanted to create a homestyle dining experience, using family recipes where patrons would feel comfortable. Beginning with one location, they have expanded to six locations throughout the north Atlanta area. 

Upon entering Kennesaw’s location, a beautiful, long bar is available for diners to enjoy a glass of wine while awaiting their table in the quaint but satisfactory dinning room. The short wine list was disappointing; however, beer and liquor are also available. Saturdays are very busy and call-ahead seating is recommended.  Larger parties must make reservations.

The menu offers baked pasta, parmigiana, primavera and marsala entrees, with a few vegetarian choices—all reasonably priced ($13-$20). Panini sandwiches starting at $8 are more popular during the lunch service. Of course, as diners are lead to their table, all pass the large, dessert carousel with the tempting pastries, cookies and cakes. Catering can be arranged for special events.

Garlic rolls accompanied the chicken romano, as well as the chicken and spinach cannelloni we ordered.  The chicken romano was in a wine sauce with ham and cheeses severed over spaghetti. The chicken and spinach cannelloni was filled with a variety of cheeses and tomato sauce. Filling but simplistic, these could be prepared at home. No richness or overwhelming greatness that I expected, was there? Lacking romanticism and rather noisy, Ippolito’s was less passionate and more family oriented.

Ippolito’s, 425 Barrett Parkway, Kennesaw

770-514-8500

www.ippolitos.net