DiPaolo’s Red Lion Inn — Restaurant in Southampton Township

What a pleasant experience and deelisciouus meal! This was our first, but not last visit. Warm Italian bread with butter and made to order Olive Oil/herb dip started the meal off with mutual head nods from me and my hubby. My house salad was fresh and crisp lettuce mix, beets (I love beets in my saidand carrots. My better half was pleased to have received soup that was actually hot, not to mention with tasty, flavor full mushrooms. When our pasta plates arrived, the aroma from my Alfredo and the meat sauce from my hubby's meat lovers lasagne were amazing! Even the red sauce (gravy) on my meatball was full of perfectly blended flavors. Our lovely and attentive server, Kathy confirmed that they cook their own sauces, and pasta to name a few. We also chatted with Chef Larry who boldly and with humble pride shared his cooking is the best! He didn't exaggerate. Although the Inn is not tops in decor, who cares when the place is clean and the service and food are tops. I usually forget to pay pics and be the time I thought about it, the pics just confirm how large these plates are. Hmm, I can't wait for these leftovers! We both agreed, that we...

We came to have a late lunch. My first and lasting impression is that walking into the Red Lion is stepping back in time. Could the decor use a refresh? Sure. But look past the superficial. The staff is welcoming and the menu is uncomplicated and deliciously home-style Italian. Portions are insanely generous. When our plates arrived they took up all the space at our table for four. My son has texture issues and asked if the sauce was chunky. Our server happily brought him a cup to sample. For a minute it was like Sunday at Grandma's, with everybody dunking bread in the warm sauce for a taste. In a room that was a flashback to the mid 20th century, the impression was enhanced by the music being played- Dean Martin, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat Cole, Louis Armstrong. Somehow Michael Bublé snuck in there. Otherwise it was music my parents would have played while Dad made the gravy. I declare the food and flavors to be authentically Italian American. You will get better take-out here than if you ordered from the average pizza joint. It's a little far for us to come in regularly, but if I am in the area and hungry, I...

I am unusually impressed. No place will be perfect. That said, if there was perfect, Red Lion Inn has done it.

Upon entry we were greeted by a wonderful young man, Gabriel. He was the Maître D', very articulate and professional.

To be honest I am not a big fan of restaurant Italian food, having grown up in a half Italian family. The attention to detail and careful preparation of the food was remarkable.

The menu is a bit pricey but you get what you pay for.

The service was impeccable. Our server, Christa, was very attentive and detail oriented.

The pièce de résistance was the live piano player, he set the tone for the dining experience.

Kudos to the owners and staff!!!

I had jumbo lump crab and spaghetti (1 lb of crab). I recommend having The crab meat on the side so you can add at will, otherwise you will lose it in the pasta. If you take some home it is easier to reheat for a midnight snack.

The chicken livers were top drawer, but should have had some Worcestershire sauce cooked in for...