I've said that there are too many good Italian restaurants to have to settle for Olive Garden. Ferrari's A'Roma Ristorante is one of the best examples of good Italian food. The place is tucked away in the corner of Centerpointe facing Orangethorpe. The trees that shade the restaurant make it a very pleasant place to go for dinner.

 One of the first things you will notice about A'Roma's is the service. The mature wait staff is always one step ahead, sharply dressed and polite. The restaurant feels expensive without being costly. The interior decor is light yet cozy with the expected old world pictures, knick knacks, table candles and wine bottles. The weekend feature live soft dinner music to set the mood. The restaurant features a banquet room and a full bar.

The food is outstanding. The fresh bread is toasted and served with a soft cream cheese and marinara sauce spread that is spectacular. I always order the "Carpoaccio di Salmone", which is sliced smoked salmon topped with red onions, caper and extra virgin olive oil (good thing they give you breath mints at the end of the meal).  Dinner is not an oversized affair haphazardly slapped on a plate. The portions are fair and tend to fill me up. The presentation makes the food even more appetizing. I like the lasagna, but everything on the menu looks real good. The dessert menu is short but big on flavor. The wine list is extensive with Italian and California wines.

Though they have a patio, I've never seen anyone eat outside. The moderately priced food and the cozy atmosphere would make this a good place for special occasions or a romantic date. I heartily recommend A'Roma's Ristorante.