Noto’s Old World Italian Dining is the type of place that is impressive as soon as you pull into the parking lot and view the expansive building with the picturesque patio, and it just gets better once you enter.
The night I visited I was with a large group of people who had gathered for a private dinner. First we lingered outside, with a glass of wine and enjoyed playing a little bocce. There is a permanent bocce track right along 28th Street, and the beautiful outside dining area overlooking the area makes it easy to relax while you wait your turn to roll the ball.
I was undecided on what wine I wanted and the bartender was happy to pour me several small samples until I chose a wine that hit the spot.
With bocce and initial beverages behind us, we were seated in one of the private dining areas which is separated from the main dining area with glass doors that can be open or shut, so you can have complete privacy or feel like you are “part of” the rest of the diners. We opted to leave the doors open.
After listening to the features of the evening, I ordered an appetizer of Calamari Salati ($11). It arrived, hot, crispy and tasty. It is served with lemon, but I asked for a side of Mamma Noto’s ammoglio sauce, and that made it spectacular. For my entrée I chose the Pollo con Fontinella ($21) — a pan seared chicken breast with prosciutto and Fontinella over sautéed Cremini mushrooms, spinach and artichoke salad. It was delicious — a perfect blend of textures and flavors. The portion was generous and I was able to make a lunch of it the next day.
Many others at the table tried the feature of the evening, which was swordfish and scallops. Others sampled the Salmone al Pesto ($26), the Bistecca Scilianna ($28) and the Fettucine Bolognese ($16). Everyone said their food was hot, delicious and the presentations were beautiful.
The desserts were presented on lovely trays by a trio of servers, and hard to resist, but we were just too full. No one had saved room for dessert. I can attest from the past though, that I’ve never had better tiramisu.
With a mind to offer something to everyone, there is a smaller portion menu. They also have a number of glutten free and ways to modify recipes to make them glutten free for sensitive diners.
The service is attentive, professional, and a bitkey formal, but very efficient and responsive. The setting is intimate, with the feel of an Italian villa, featuring statues, greenery, textured walls and appropriate lighting to set the mood.
It should be noted that the restaurant also features one of the premier banquet spots in the city as well. The bar, adjacent to the restaurant is comfortable, and feels like a place for adults to come for a quiet drink. As we were leaving, a musical group was beginning their first set. A variety of acts frequent the lounge at Noto’s. Since the music can be heard in the dining room, it’s a sure bet that it’s “appropriate” entertainment for this setting.
The Noto family is a staple in the Grand Rapids restaurant scene and it’s easy to see why. They don’t miss a beat in providing a top-notch dining experience.
