Nonna Ilva — Restaurant in Carlisle

I do hope this place succeeds despite the location it is in seems to be cursed. The interior work that has been done is an improvement over the last two times I was in there when it was a Mexican restaurant and then something else I don’t even remember.

I ordered the meatballs with peppers appetizer, the arch of happiness dessert, and a salsiccia pizza.

The pizza was the best of the three. The arch of happiness was second best. The meatballs were something I would not order again, as they are, and I’d even suggest they get removed from the menu unless there is a change made to them.

I feel certain that the meatballs were just frozen meatballs. I was hoping to be able to have some meatballs without all the time making them at home on a Friday night after a long work week. That’s what I think restaurants should do. We pay for our convenience of not making a made from scratch meal, not for the restaurant’s convenience of not making a made from scratch meal. If the restaurant is going to advertise the notion that these things are made like an Italian grandma, then it’s disappointing that they aren’t made that way.

Also, the menu lists ciabatta bread being served with the meatballs. I received no bread.

The pizza dough was made in the store. I saw their giant stand mixer and dough in proofing containers.

The arch of happiness was ok. It was better than the meatballs, but it wasn’t something I’d necessarily be excited to have again. I’d say it was a little more visually pleasing than it tasted.

The employees were streaming g some music. I am pretty sure I heard an f-bomb in a dong. I am not against that in a private listening experience, but I’d shy away from that if I was running a restaurant.

And I saw some cards by the register that can be used to earn a free pizza. When I asked the employee about it he seemed to not know what I was talking about. I asked if the card gets a stamp or something like that. He said he would fill in the box with a pen. I guess it would be easy for people to shade in the boxes themselves to get get a free pizza. It’s not a great look when the employees don’t seem familiar with the store promotion.

The two guys I talked to did seem friendly though, and things like forgetting g the bread and not knowing the promotion can be explained by a new store just getting set on its feet.

Edit: I have tried some additional dishes, and the verdict is still mixed. The eggplant parmigiana was underwhelming. Along with the meatballs, it is something I won’t really want to have again. The arancini was better than the eggplant, but it did not look like the pictures they post. It looked hastily put together. We got two of them, and there was quite a difference in size between the two of them. I wanted to try the tiramisu, but they were out of the smaller sizes.

Edit: I would also add that I had the bruschetta, and that was pretty good. I’d give most of the food a good review. I had a fruit tart, and I enjoyed that, too.

I am going to update my rating, and although I have had some critiques, I have still been sampling various items and returning for business.

I am glad this place seems to...

In town visiting for a family function. Found this little shop down the street from the place we are staying. We stopped by for an early lunch (10am on weekends!) with my two kids under five and my vegan father. Finding a dining experience that is warm and friendly for kids and satisfies everyone’s particular menu requirements is difficult at best. On top of everything I am a spoiled former baker and long time industry vet and am just super picky when I’m out, can’t be helped. This pizza shop was over the top awesome. Can not say enough nice things about the food, the people and the cute covered eating area outside. We dropped by for a pre-melt down snack and left having enjoyed three course consisting of the best pizza and espresso I have ever enjoyed. I got a massive slice of sausage and pickled peppers, the made my dad a marinara and mushroom pizza (I was so skeptical like that was the bare minimum they could do) and they were both incredible. The texture of the crust, the subtle and balanced seasoning of all toppings just blew us away. Nonna Ilvas is an unassuming little store front with zero flash and all substance. We finished off with gelato and espresso but swore to come back for the pastry which were just visually stunning and overwhelming portioned. Come here. Bring your kids, eat by yourself. Be picky or be open minded. I promise you not matter the need, the experience will surpass all expectations. Truly would drive 7 hours in a minivan of screaming kids for this meal...

We've been eyeing up this pizza joint for a while, and finally took the plung. Placing an order very early in the day to ensure we would have dinner for pick up. A very small shop with a few seats inside; when the weather is warm the outside seating should be nice. A small selection of canned drinks, a pastry cabinet that was almost empty, and a small gelato bar. As a pair that has had pizza over in Italy before we were ready to be on Italian time, and not American. We watched as owner made other pizza on the back table and moved them to the ovens. Waiting for our order of Salsiccia Pizza and Tomato Basil Arancine.

Taking our order back home, we happily opened up the arancini first. I would have made this my meal alone, but I was sharing. Very fresh, good cheese, and the sauce had just the right tang.

The pizza has a thin crust. Sausage we can tell is homemade, very smooth and not too peppery ( which I personally enjoy). The sweet peppers, are definitely sweet, soft, but overall enhanced the sauce that was on the pizza. Enjoyed slowly to savor each bite. Molto Bene.

We forgot to order dessert!! Oh, what a place and time to forget a wallet. We will have to come back to try one of the many items for selection :)

Update: We did try some more! The arch of happiness loves up to the name. Smooth, crispy, and strawberries just the right amount of sweet and tart.

The Penne Vodka, creamy, smokey, and perfectly paired with...