On a cool January afternoon, Neighbor Roy and I went to Guiseppe’s Ristorante Italiano for lunch. It was kind of difficult to find as it is set back off Oracle Road in a shopping center with Allen’s Shoes. The restaurant is in the far north end of this shopping center, but it was hard to see from the road.
As we entered, we noticed that the courtyard seating was vacant, presumably because of the cold, but the interior was warm and inviting. Colorful Southwest landscapes were hung on the walls. There is a bar at one end of the fairly small main dining room.
Our waiter arrived at our table. Roy ordered a cup of hot tea. I ordered a glass of sauvignon blanc and an order of calamari for our appetizer. Breaded calamari which is then fried and served with a side of cocktail sauce ($8.99). It was excellent and Roy and I devoured it in short order.
Roy then ordered Shrimp Piccata: shrimp sauteed in a lemon white wine garlic sauce with fresh tomatoes, artichokes and spinach served on a bed of linguine pasta ().
I ordered a bowl of Fettuccine Alfredo: fettuccine pasta tossed in a rich Parmesan cream sauce ($12.99). When our orders were delivered our waiter asked if we would like some fresh bread. We accepted.
Roy’s comments are as follows.
“Recently we went to an Italian restaurant in a strip-mall at the northeast of Oracle and Rudasill. The restaurant is in the north end and has a recessed entryway with a small front courtyard, There is both inside and outside dining, but this day it was too cool to sit outside. Inside was done in a modern Italian style. There were several patrons playing cards and appeared to be regulars. The service was prompt and efficient. We ordered an appetizer of calamari–a huge plate arrived, almost a meal in itself. For my entree I ordered a baked dish that featured a white cream sauce with bits of shrimp, chicken and spinach. Quite tasty and filling. I took 1/2 home for a second meal. By Tucson standards, this Italian restaurant was moderately priced, offers excellent entrees and service was timely and efficient. What’s not to like. I would give it 4 saguaros.
I really enjoyed this restaurant. Hopefully we can return with Ms. Karen another time.”
My Fettuccine Alfredo was also very good and, unlike Roy, I ate the whole thing.
Except for the difficulty of finding the dang place, we recommend it highly. Four Saguaros for sure.
Guisippe’s Ristorante Italiano
520-505-4187
6060 N. Oracle Road, Tucson, Arizona
