SEAReview
Bizzarro Italian Cafe
Bizzarro Italian Cafe is part circus horror movie set, part red-sauce Italian joint. We were skeptical of the fact that there are more chandeliers than a Home Depot showroom, and that the menu has an entree called, “choose your own chicken adventure.” But the wacky carnival props hanging from the ceiling paired with Bizzarro’s really solid handmade pastas just work.
photo credit: Nate Watters
You’d never think that this amount of thought and care would go into classic Italian food when the inside is like a cough medicine dream sequence, which is what makes this place great. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners with a big group of friends who won’t mind the bicycle dangling above them or the creepy radio static that plays in the bathroom. A couple of bottles of red and pappardelle with mushrooms and sherry-splashed cream later and you have yourself a very happy evening.
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Food Rundown
Focaccia
A nice hunk of free focaccia hits the table soon after you sit down, and it's a glorious display of bread. Dunk, swipe, and swirl in the accompanying olive oil dotted with balsamic vinegar.
photo credit: Nate Watters
Arancini
These crisp saffron risotto balls are the kind of arancini whose report card would absolutely say "a pleasure to have in class." They're perfectly fried, filled with gooey fontina, and belong on your table.
The Caesar
Hope you like romaine—you'll be getting nearly an entire head of it here. Thankfully, it comes heavily dressed (and with a steak knife) so the whole experience should be enjoyable. Try to get a shard of parmesan and crusty crouton in each bite.
photo credit: Nate Watters
Forest Floor Frenzy
Yeah, it sounds like a Mario Party minigame, but in reality, this homemade pappardelle loaded with wild mushrooms and sherry-laced cream sauce is Bizzarro's best pasta. We also appreciate the freshness from chopped parsley and crunch from chopped walnuts.
Margherita
No, this isn't a pizza—it's tube-shaped pasta tossed in marinara before being topped with bruleed mozzarella and snips of basil. While a pretty basic choice, the simple red sauce at Bizzarro is great.
photo credit: Nate Watters
Snap Pea Carbonara
Carbonara purists, stay away. But if fresh linguine in a creamy, eggy sauce with pancetta and grassy snap peas sounds good to you, go ahead. Just be aware that salt levels on this one can be hit or miss.