I spoke to an Italian friend recently that I hadn't seen in quite some time. I asked him where he is going for good food lately and without a moment's hesitation, he said, "Limoncello in SJC".I remembered I had come an across this restaurant before when scanning my Yelp app as it sticks out like a sore thumb with 5-Stars and over 300 reviews. I made a mental note to myself that I should go there at the next opportunity.As New Year's Eve was rolling around, I decided that this was a good time to try it out and made reservations for two at 6:00 p.m. using the Yelp app.My wife and I arrived on time and were seated immediately. The restaurant had a great vibe and was just starting to fill up. Kim, our server introduced herself. She was very experienced, super professional, pretty and extremely likable. Not bad qualities in a server....I reviewed the menu ahead of time and had an idea of what I wanted to order:We started with Pane ($5.00) - It is a super fresh sourdough bread served with a pesto vinaigrette dipping sauce. IT'S A MUST ORDER as far as I'm concerned. I can't remember when I have had better house bread. Warm out of the oven, crispy crust, soft and chewy center. Furgetaboutit... They serve you small bowl of the pesto vinaigrette with a small spoon to scoop it up onto the bread. I wish they gave me a large bowl of the pesto vinaigrette along with a large serving spoon and an entire loaf of the bread.We spilt the Pere Salad ($15.00). Enough for two, it had organic mix greens, roasted pear, grapes, just the right amount of gorgonzola, walnuts and a pomegranate dressing. It was delicious.The wife ordered Parpardelle Salsiccia ($24.00) but Kim quickly tells us that the dish comes with house made Fusilli this night. Ahhhh, okay. That's even better. I tasted the dish and it was great and could tell the sausage was made in-house and was expertly prepared. It had a unique taste. We both loved it. Its dishes like this that are the reasons I enjoy going out to dinner.I went with the Sofia Loren ($24.00). Paccheri (large tube) pasta with shrimp, grape tomatoes, arugula, in a creamy lobster brandy sauce. They had me at lobster sauce. It was great and I really enjoyed it.I also asked Kim to throw in an order of meatballs on the side ($8.00). Out came two good-sized meatballs in an excellent marinara sauce. The meatballs could have been a touch hotter when served but the flavor was there.I give Limocello high marks for service, ambiance and food quality and taste. I noted that ALL THREE of the owners were working the room. One in the kitchen, one at the front of the house, and one was serving. That is impressive and says a lot about this restaurant. Their attention to detail translates to an above average overall experience.It's a clear 5-Star rating and I can't wait to go back.
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