By Kathleen Stauffer

Guytanno’s International Restaurant

62 Franklin Street

Westerly, RI

Menu

http://guytannosri.com/menu/4143569

Want Federal Hill taste at Westerly prices? Think Guytanno’s.

Once upon a time, Guytanno’s was my go-to dining choice: Maybe I wanted excellent Italian without having to drive all the way to Providence. Guytanno’s. Maybe I wasn’t sure whether I wanted steak or linguini and clams. Guytanno’s. Or maybe I just wondered what the specials were today.

Then Guytanno’s fell off my radar for a couple of reasons (none of which I’m blogging about today). Nevertheless, a trip there on a recent Saturday evening had me looking at a hamburger plate across the room, thinking, I must have that! And then there was the massive sirloin on the table to my right. I must have that!

Great appetizers…

But my reason for driving from Mystic to Westerly was, originally, well … pasta. Federal Hill taste. Westerly prices. Remember? Oh, and calamari. It would be nice to have some calamari tossed lightly with hot peppers and marinara.

Browsing the appetizer menu created a new dilemma altogether. Guytanno’s Bruschetta? Well!

If you haven’t had Guytanno’s roasted garlic, prosciutto, and bacon bruschetta panini-style, topped with basil and fresh tomatoes, consider getting in your car right now. Guytanno’s service is top notch with care taken with every request. Allergy? No problem.

We ordered our bruschetta without the gorgonzola and discovered possibly the best appetizer ever. The calamari? Fresh. So fresh, but a little heavy on the batter and the oil. Calamari this fresh does not need much – certainly not a lot of batter or oil.

Terrific pastas…

And now for the decision on the pasta. With dishes ranging from Linguini aglio olio to lobster fettuccine, choosing an entrée was no simpler. The sausage cavatelli proved a great option all the same. Sweet Italian sausage, shallots, garlic, broccoli rabe and cherry peppers. Eccellente. The dish has great kick.

Portions are generous at Guytanno’s. Two appetizers and one entrée fed two adults with enough pasta, bruschetta and calamari left over for lunch the following day. Don’t forget to check out the dessert menu, either. Chocolate lava cake. Banana xango. Cannoli. Buon appetito.

http://guytannosri.com/menu/4143569