Casa Novello — Restaurant in Westbrook

I have never written a review before. We went to Casa Novello tonight which was our second time in the last few weeks, and since new management has taken over. Kim did a very nice job as our server. The food was fabulous; we all started with an appetizer of two of their homemade meatballs, which I think might possibly be the best meatballs I've ever had. The last time I had a meatball that was close to that was over 25 years ago at the Salem Street Deli in Medford Mass which has been closed for a long time. The young lady that makes the meatballs came out after we told Kim how good they were. She told us it was her Grandma's recipe using beef, veal, and pork. They had perfect texture, incredible taste, and were complemented by the excellent sauce. We all commented that we could have just kept eating their meatballs. My wife and I took advantage of the two entrees and bottle of wine for 49 on Wednesday's which is a good deal. We both got Chicken Parmesan, with pasta, bread and a house salad. The chicken parm was wonderful, two large pieces, cooked perfectly, and covered with a generous helping of cheese and their house sauce. The pasta, salad and fresh bread were good as well. Our companion got the lasagna, which she thought was really good as well. As a Casa Novello regular for many years the change in recipes and management has made this place an excellent Italian restaurant again and actually better than the original which we really liked...

Let me start by saying it was a girls night out. The waitress seemed very put out from the beginning. She made a sarcastic remark to my sister because we ordered water with our meal. She didn't like that we asked for separate checks. She said that we were a large party and they don't seperate. There was 5 of us. Since I had been there before, I knew there was a service charge for using a debit or credit card. They don't tell you about this until you get the bill. The food is good, but way over priced for pasta and bread and salad is extra. I ordered the Chicken Florentine, which comes with your choice of pasta with alfredo sauce or mashed potatoes. When I got my bill, I was charged extra for the pasta and there was a credit card charge on the bill. I questioned these charges and the waitress said the pasta charge is a standard charge, but it's not on the menu when you order. I asked for these charges to be removed, since I was paying with cash and I'm not paying extra for my dinner. The waitress told me she removed the charges and made me feel like she was doing me a favor. I wanted to say, but didn't. That it's illegal to charge more for using a debit or credit card without telling customers first. I loved this restaurant, when the original owners ran it. I also wouldn't mind paying the extra charges, if they were presented to me prior to ordering. Just be aware that the price on the menu, doesn't mean everything is included in the...

Simply phenomenal in every way possible! The food was delicious, getting 5 stars from each of the four people in our party - traditional spaghetti, meatball and sausage, chicken Parm and penne, eggplant Parm and a pepperoni pizza. That all arrived after appetizers of garlic knots, pork bellies, and deep fried Jalapeno raviolis that were very good. Even though we were all stuffed for the large portions we choose a couple of desserts to share. The carrot cake was about the size of the cake slices in Polyanna (classic old movie) and the caramel cheesecake was almost too good and too rich ... but we managed. (wink)

It's easy to understand why there was a full house, even on a Thursday night.

Our server was exceptional and on top of her game, always keeping our water full, removing plates after courses and happily answering questions.

After dinner we took some time to enjoy the phenomenal holiday light displays at the park and in downtown Westbrook.

Make your plans, get your reservations in. You won't regret it. If you can manage to make it during the Holiday stretch between Thanksgiving and New Years week, do it!

(We were so busy enjoying our meals and conversation that I didn't take any...