Michael A's Italian — Restaurant in Oakmont

So I read a lot of reviews before heading to Michael A's; it's clear they had a very loyal customer base (for decades) and change is hard. I went in with uncertain expectations but high hopes (had heard great things from co-workers)!

Our evening started so well: Service was spot-on (Cassie was great ... really attentive and polite) Cocktails were good (Italian Mule and Espresso Martini) Salads were SPECTACULAR and so so big (my husband and I took half of each of ours home ... Michael A's Wedge and Grilled Peach and Burrata Caprese)

The bar was set high and we were excited for our entrees ... unfortunately that's where things started to fall short:

Chicken Romano: chicken was good (definitely needed to use the lemon wedge that I usually ignore as a garnish!) but the pasta really fell short (a bit overcooked and very under seasoned). I really needed to add a lot of salt and pepper and it was still underwhelming Chicken Parmesan: my husband was really disappointed; overcooked pasta and just all-around bland. Was served with the chicken UNDER the bland pasta, so made it hard to find a redeeming quality. He also added a lot of salt and pepper, and he never does that. Dessert (was nice that it was comped because of tough feedback we gave on the entrees ... Cassie took the feedback with grace and concern): tiramisu cheesecake (not much flavor - only ate a couple of bites) and Zeppole (overcooked outside and undercooked inside ... raspberry sauce looked delicious but tasted unbalanced)

All things considered we did enjoy our time here and will actually be back ... we'll just order more strategically (stick to salads and skip dessert). Really hope they can figure out their pastas/sauces though ... hard for an Italian restaurant to make it without solid pasta dishes!

Don't normally write this long of a review, but I'm hoping someone at the restaurant will see it and adjust - I'm...

I was fortunate enough to live in Italy for 3 years this beautiful place located in Oakmont was an incredible reminder of the most memorable 3 years of my life!

The entire meal was absolutely sublime starting with an appetizer of perfectly sauteed calamari the breading was light with the enjoyable crisp and included sauteed peppers....... my entree of linguine topped with succulent scallops in a delicate cream sauce accented with sundried tomatoes..... while enjoying my delectable meal I began to mentally relive my time in Italy, became nostalgic and decided to have a glass of Limoncello.... and the best 3 words to describe it would be.....OH NY GOODNESS!!!!!!

I had never tried Limoncello mixed with cream and I can assure you if I were never to return for a meal (which would be highly unlikely) I would pony up to the bar for that drink alone!

Lastly I closed out my meal with a decadent dessert called Spumone'.... and lemme tell you it was the perfect ending to an exquisite meal.....the gelato.....the pistachios......the chocolate cream....the cherries......tutto bene!

Through all that I saved the best for last... and that would be the service...the service was impeccable!

The ambiance the food the decor THE SERVICE.....!!!!!

Everything about my experience insists that I would return again and again!

That said.... "Linguine and Clams"..... you're on deck when I return!

The...

Michael A's Review

Years ago, Michael's Italian Restaurant was renowned for its exceptional food, great value, and generous portion sizes. While I never experienced it during its heyday, my wife and family were regulars before it closed. Fast forward to 2024, and my wife and I decided to give it a try.

We prepared by reviewing the menu beforehand, ensuring we knew what to expect. We ordered the classic pasta with meat sauce and chicken marsala, one of which included wedding soup while the other was à la carte. The meal was accompanied by bread and a delightful dipping oil. The wine and beer selections were impressive but on the pricier side.

Overall, this restaurant offers a casual yet upscale atmosphere, appealing to an upper-middle-class or upper-class clientele, free from any unruly elements. However, our experience was a one-time visit, as we found the value lacking. The pasta was priced at $24, and the small portion of wedding soup cost $8. It felt like they tried to reinvent the traditional recipe rather than sticking with the classic version—good, but not exceptional.

While the wine selections were noteworthy, at $10 a glass, the costs quickly added up. If you're curious, you might enjoy your visit, but don’t expect it to resemble the restaurant it once was. In our opinion, it falls short of being...