PARISI sotto | Authentic Italian Culinary Experiences — Restaurant in Denver

Editing to add: As I stated, I purposely did not give a bad rating originally. The owner's tantrum of a response to me (and now I have seen to countless others both on this restaurant and the upstairs restaurant) will result in my 4 star rating being dropped to a 1 star rating.

I personally have a tree nut allergy, not a gluten allergy; and as I stated, the allergen policy is not on the online menu...which is where most people look when examining food options for themselves. Additionally, if the policy is to have people speak to the manager to discuss options, waitstaff could be better informed of this. The waitress I spoke with was very kind and apologetic but did not direct me to a manager. But I get that working in service can be very hectic. I'm sorry the owner felt the original review was a "buzzkill" when it was meant as a heads up to others with food allergies (which should honestly be appreciated since your bad experience has created this viewpoint and reaction towards allergies). This review still serves the purpose of giving a more apparent heads up to those in similar situations to myself. Nearly every other Italian restaurant in Denver will be able to accommodate your tree nut, shellfish, etc allergy. I don't know anyone with a food allergy that expects to be able to eat at any restaurant they want (as this owner seems to assume). Put the policy on the online menu and people will avoid going somewhere that is not safe for them. But frankly, incredibly gross response that is now very public. And based on all of the owner responses (which never seem to be to positive reviews and only ever include tantrums like you will find below), I can't say I'm disappointed that my allergy prevented me from supporting this particular neighborhood restaurant. Please seek therapy.

Original review: I'm giving a rating that is near the current average for this restaurant because I did not actually eat here. However, I left feeling incredibly frustrated when I made a reservation and sat down at the table to look at the menu. This review is regarding food allergies and the way this restaurant handles them. Their online menu and reservation system do not show this, but when you are in person, their menu has a big disclaimer saying that anyone with a severe food allergy to allergens in their kitchen should not dine with them. Incredibly frustrating and disappointing to see food allergies handled this way when so many restaurants of their size have found ways to reduce the risk of cross contamination for allergens when...

This restaurant is overall great- it’s an intimate setting, good service, and they serve delicious pastas. We were able to get a reservation for their special menu offered on Christmas Eve and are so thankful we did! Overall, it was a memorable experience and an excellent way to spend a special holiday.

Only two points of critique - we were highly disappointed that no Italian red wines are offered by the glass? My husband and I enjoy nice wines, especially from Italy, but have never been big drinkers and don’t want to waste half a bottle. We ended up going the cocktail route and they were good, but I would have loved a Super Tuscan or anything Italian with my meal- so strange when I can get it right upstairs?

Second strange thing of the night, all of our dishes were so delicious and made perfectly- except for the steak and porcini dish. The steak had wonderful flavor, but was literally the MOST tough piece of meat I’ve ever had in my life. It was like a piece of severely overcooked roast, and we asked for medium-rare. The steak knife that was provided could barely get through the middle slices, and we didn’t even attempt to eat the end slices because literally my jaw was so tired.

Overall, I wouldn’t let those two things deter me from eating here again, just stick to their pasta specialties and see if they have a cork fee to bring your own Italian wine if you’re...

We were delighted to dine at Parisi Sotto. We had dined many times at our favorite Italian restaurant, Firenze a Tavola, practically since it opened in 2006. Sadly, during the pandemic, Firenze struggled and finally had to close “temporarily”. We were excited last night to dine again in the cozy, romantic basement of the Parisi Pizza, now renamed Parisi Sotto.

The dining atmosphere was wonderful with murals of cities in Italy, comfortable tables and soft music. The staff was terrific. Anamaria and Gennaro were very attentive.

The dinner was excellent. We began with a bottle of Valpolichella and the bread basket assortment. We then shared the Panzanella di Farro con Burrataas, as a combination appetizer and salad. The burrata was creamy and delicious, and the faro salad was fresh and tasty with the the oil and vinegar dressing. Then we shared the Grigliata Mista for 2, a classic grilled meat dish served with grilled sausages, pork ribs & sirloin steak, accompanied by potato croquettes and sautéed garlic & dandelion greens. They were all well seasoned and delicious. It was quite a bit of food and we brought some home to enjoy at home for lunch!

It was a delightful evening and will...