If you're looking for a more modern, upscale Italian restaurant, this is the place for you. On the weekends after 9:00 pm there's a DJ and it converts into more like a lounge. Perfect place for a girls night out, birthday celebration, special occassion or just to go out and have a nice dinner. Ladies, if a man takes you to Mezzanotte, he has great taste so hold onto him! Lol For a quieter more intimate dinner, I recommend you go earlier in the evening or during the week.
We started with the Eperlani Fritti and the Salumeria Plate. My goodness, there was enough food for a group of 4! I personally prefer calamari, but the smelts were good. They could have used a bit more seasoning for my taste, but my date liked the sauce that came on the side so they were perfect for him. The salumeria plate was piled generously with prosciutto, sopresatta, capicolo, cheese, artichokes, olives and eggplant. I loved the eggplant. Just the right amount of seasoning with a bit of a bite. We couldn't finish either plate. The waiter smiled and kindly offered to hold our main courses so we could enjoy our drinks, talk a bit and make room for more.
The staff is always very welcoming and attentive. Your water glass is never empty and they quickly take away empty plates and glasses as you finish.
My date loved the bread and the wonderful combination of spices and garlic mixed into olive oil that you dip it into. It is extremely addictive and coupled with the appetizers, we were stuffed!
The main courses arrived. I ordered the Vitello al Giovanni. The veal is wrapped in prosciutto and stuffed with shrimp, mushroom and asiago cheese. It is served with a creamy cognac sauce, a potato croquette and fresh vegetables which included beets. The sauce was creamy and very flavourful, a perfect compliment to the saltiness of the prosciutto and the delicate texture of the shrimp. My date ordered the Pollo alla Mezzanotte. I'd have to say this is one of their signature dishes and it never disappoints. The chicken breast is stuffed with prosciutto cotto, asparagus, asiago cheese, red peppers and portobello mushrooms, drizzled with a marsala porcini mushroom sauce. The chicken was cooked perfectly. It was tender and moist. The various components of the stuffing add a burst of flavours and textures as you eat it. This plate also came with vegetables; mixed beets, bok choy, mushrooms and a potato croquette. Being a non-adventurous type of guy, he would have preferred carrots or broccoli to the beets and bok choy, but it just meant all the more veggies for me!
You won't leave feeling hungry given the large portions.
The presentation also adds to the experience. The main courses are artfully placed onto the plates and decorated with an edible orchid. Even the Salumeria Plate was served on a wooden cutting board with all the ingredients carefully placed. When food looks good to the eyes, it opens your appetite.
In case you hadn't figured it out, I've been to Mezzanote many times. My mother didn't like to eat out, but this was a favourite for her. If Mom liked it, it was better than good. She always had the Pollo alla Mezzanote. Over the years the décor has changed, but the quality of the food and the service remains consistent.
Prices are a bit higher, but in my opinion when you factor in the atmosphere, quality of the food, excellent service and variety....it's well worth it. Remember, you get what you pay for. My only complaint? If you make reservations for 2 the tables are too small for the size of the appetizer plates!!!! Lol
After all that food and a take home container, we didn't have any room left for dessert. We did however, order coffee which was also really good. It was a perfect way to end an excellent meal.
For great Italian food with flare, this is the place to go. Enjoy and buon appetito!
Carm the Foodie
