Sicilian Oven — Restaurant in Lighthouse Point

We’ve known about Sicilian Oven for years, thanks to their multiple locations. We previously visited the Coral Springs location and, while enjoyable, it wasn’t memorable enough to become a regular spot for us. Recently, we moved to Pompano and have been exploring the NY/American-Italian restaurants in the area, with more misses than hits.

When we walked into Sicilian Oven, we were pleased to see it bustling. Many restaurants are struggling, so it’s refreshing to see a local place packed. The decor is late 2010’s modern: dark woods, stacked stone, RGB LED lights, chalkboard special boards, and servers dressed in all black. It’s a classic look that strikes a balance between comfort and casual.

We were seated immediately at one of the last available tables, which is both lucky and uncommon in South Florida at 8 pm on a random Wednesday in June. With the snowbirds gone, out-of-season restaurants hurt from late May to early September, and it says a lot about the meal we were about to thoroughly enjoy. The hostess asked if our table, located near the server/to-go station, was okay. We didn’t mind. Some people are particular about their seating, but unless there’s an extreme circumstance, we rarely ask to be relocated. We’re there to eat, not to check in for the night.

The menu, while simple in concept, could be clearer (as seen on their website) to indicate what’s a sandwich, an entree, or an appetizer. Everything is around the same price, but portion sizes vary, which can lead to confusion. However, this is where the complaints end and the praise begins.

Our server Val was a sweetheart. Upbeat and friendly, she helped us navigate the menu when we needed a few extra minutes. We decided to “do as they do” and order food to share, which I recommend doing with friends and family to rediscover the people in your life.

Now, on to the food. We started with the Cervellata & Broccoli Rabe (Sausage & Broccoli Rabe), which had perfectly al dente broccoli rabe, sliced garlic, olive oil, sliced cherry peppers, and Cervellata rope sausage. Val warned us it was spicy, but it wasn’t for us. If you’re averse to spice, just pawn the cherry peppers off to the table next to you or take them off the plate and stare at them—they know what they did. A star was removed because it didn’t come with the shaved Parmigiano Reggiano as pictured on their website—4 of 5 stars.

Next, the Pollo Parmigiana Reggiano (Chicken Parmigiana). You get four pieces of crispy chicken cutlet, fresh pomodoro sauce, melted mozzarella, and grated Romano cheese. The chicken was tender and fried perfectly, crispy without being greasy. The sauce was naturally bright. It was one of the best Chicken Parmigianas I’ve had in a long time—5 of 5 stars.

The last dish we shared was the Eggplant Parmigiana Reggiano (Eggplant Parmigiana), which consisted of thinly sliced peeled eggplant in fresh pomodoro sauce with melted mozzarella. It was everything I hoped for. Eggplant is often messed up, but they got it right. It’s sliced thin so that once baked, it melts in your mouth. It’s a light yet filling dish—5 of 5 stars.

We didn’t have room for dessert, but Val told us to try her favorite, the warm carrot cake. Next time.

Additionally, the pizzas, salads, and antipastos we saw coming out of the kitchen looked absolutely delicious. We will have to work our way through the menu.

Our server Val, as mentioned earlier, was helpful, efficient, and informative. We enjoyed her candor and will request her again the next time we return—5 of 5 stars. Overall, Sicilian Kitchen impressed us so much that we’ll be back. Maybe...

Sicilian Oven, 2486 N Federal Hwy, Lighthouse Point, FL 33064 This is a locally owned Chain based here in Florida. They have several locations throughout the Palm Beaches and Broward area. The décor and ambiance within each location can be slightly different for the next. Not that is a bad thing in my opinion. I believe that each location develops its own character to the community to which it operates. Here is a run down from the About page from the corporate offices and they show that they have 9 locations. They also say that they give back.

GIVE BACK: Ralph DiSalvo and Andrew Garavuso have been Pillars of the community for over 25 years. These two guys have always believed in the importance of giving back to the community. Now Sicilian Oven invites you to share your cause with us. It may be a school, church, sports team, music program, animal shelter, non-profit organization or an important event in your community, that needs some help. When we host a giveback with you, we will donate 15% of the sales generated by the event to the cause. Events are scheduled Monday through Thursday at a location of your choice. Thank you for your interest in our give back events. We are here to help. Ralph and Andrew

Sicilian Oven offers a new way of dining. Our philosophy is based on the best ingredients and flavor combinations. We carefully designed the menu so people can comfortably experience many flavor filled items in a single sitting. Many of these recipes have been handed down from generations through the DiSalvo and Garavuso families. We do this because we love it. You will not only love the taste, but you will also taste the love.

Ok, I stopped in for lunch at the Lighthouse location. My lunch meal was a Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken and Sweet Iced Tea. The salad came out in 10 minutes and the chicken was nice and hot. As you see the salad was fresh, no limp leaves and the croutons were toast on the premises. Some of them had a slight char on them which gave it more flavor and character. This dish is also served with a set of Tongs which threw me a bit. Taylor did an awesome job attending to my every need. This left me with a great opinion of this local chain. My complements to the management of this location a for a nice clean restaurant. I recommend them for a visit.

FOOT NOTE: The Do's and Don'ts of Italian Food Etiquette • Rule #1: Reserve a table. ... • Rule #2: Order locally. ... • Rule #3: Leave a tip. ... • Rule #4: Scarpetta. ... • Rule #1: Do not order Cappuccino with a meal. ... • Rule #2: Tap water. ... • Rule #3: Cheese glorious cheese. ... • Rule #5: To spoon or not to...

I have been a patron of this location for many years and have always had a nice experience. Today was different. When I arrived and sat at the bar to order my drink and dinner, the restaurant was quiet but it was at 5PM and I know it can get busy at this location. The Bartender was very nice and accommodating as best she could be as she was the only Bartender behind the bar as the crowd came in...and by 5:05 there was not a seat at the bar. I ordered the Chicken Parmesan with a side of pasta after about 30 mins while sitting at the bar having my drink. The Chicken Parmesan came out first (without my side) and I asked the runner where is the Pasta? She replied they are still making it. In my head I was asking where is the training? Delivering dinner orders missing side items is just unacceptable today with the cost of eating out. I guess Sicilian Oven is the new "Waffle House" of Italian Dining as the Bartender had to ask the busboy to hunt down my pasta. It took about 10 minutes to get my entire order. This is not the first time I have experienced eating my meal at Sicilian Oven in delayed increments to get my entire dinner order in front of me to actually eat. This is the first time on a Saturday night in high season I have seen this location under staffed and trained to do business. There are too many alternative places to eat Italian cuisine that are polished and ready to do business than Sicilian Oven. I won't be going back to this location...