Davio’s Nutrition and Calories is a topic that matters if you love bold Italian food but still want to keep your health goals on track. Davio’s positions itself as upscale Northern Italian, which means the calorie density often hides in the butter-heavy sauces and rich pasta portions.
You don’t have to guess your way through the menu. We looked at the standard dishes, portion sizes, and common preparation methods to give you a realistic picture of what you are ordering. This guide helps you make smarter choices without ruining the experience.
Davio’s Nutrition And Calories
Most people assume a salad is the safest bet. At Davio’s, that is not always true. The chopped salads often come loaded with gorgonzola, candied nuts, and house-made vinaigrette that can push a single plate past 700 calories. The real trick is knowing which items give you the most flavor for the least caloric damage.
Here is a quick breakdown of what you can expect from the main categories on the menu.
Appetizers And Shared Plates
If you are sharing, you can sample a lot without going overboard. But some starters are calorie bombs disguised as small plates.
- Meatballs (2 per order): roughly 310 calories, 24g fat. The sauce adds sugar, so ask for it on the side.
- Calamari (fried): about 480 calories per serving. The marinara helps, but the frying oil does not.
- Burrata: around 350 calories with the bread and olive oil. Skip the bread to save 120 calories.
- Lobster ravioli appetizer: surprisingly light at 290 calories because the portion is small.
Your best move is to pick one protein-heavy starter and split it three ways. That keeps you under 150 calories before the main course.
Pasta And Risotto Entrees
Pasta is where Davio’s gets dangerous. The restaurant uses generous amounts of butter and parmesan in almost every dish. A standard entree portion is about 2 cups of cooked pasta, which is double the recommended serving size.
- Lobster ravioli (entree): 780 calories, 38g fat. The cream sauce is the issue.
- Chicken parmesan with spaghetti: 1,150 calories. The chicken is breaded and fried before baking.
- Pappardelle bolognese: 890 calories. The meat sauce is rich, but not as heavy as cream-based options.
- Risotto of the day: 650-850 calories depending on the cheese and butter content.
If you want pasta, order the half portion. Most locations allow this for a small upcharge, and it cuts the calories almost in half. You can also ask for the sauce on the side and use only half of it.
Secondi (Meat And Fish Mains)
The protein dishes are your best bet for staying on track. They come with vegetables or potatoes, but you can swap the starch for extra greens at no cost.
- Grilled salmon: 540 calories with asparagus. The lemon butter sauce adds 90 calories, so ask for it separately.
- Chicken scarpariello: 720 calories. The sausage and potatoes push the count up.
- Filet mignon (8 oz): 610 calories. Add the truffle butter and you are looking at 760.
- Branzino: 480 calories. This is the lightest main dish on the menu.
Stick to fish or a lean cut of beef. Avoid anything described as “crispy” or “parmesan-crusted.” Those words mean extra oil and cheese.
Sides And Vegetables
You might think you are safe with a side of broccoli. At Davio’s, the sautéed spinach is cooked in olive oil and garlic, which adds about 100 calories per serving. The crispy potatoes are tossed in duck fat, coming in at 280 calories per order.
Your safest sides are the steamed asparagus (45 calories) or the grilled zucchini (60 calories). Both are simple and do not hide extra fats.
How To Order Smart At Davio’s
You can enjoy a full meal for under 700 calories if you follow these steps. It takes a little planning, but the payoff is worth it.
- Start with a broth-based soup or the burrata without bread. Skip the fried calamari.
- Order a half portion of pasta or a secondi dish. Do not order both.
- Ask for all sauces and dressings on the side. You control the amount.
- Swap potatoes or risotto for steamed vegetables.
- Stop eating when you are 80% full. Davio’s portions are large enough to share or take home.
If you are counting macros, remember that the bread basket is not free. Two slices of the sourdough with butter add about 220 calories before your meal even arrives. Politely ask them to skip the bread or take it away after one piece.
Dessert And Drinks
The dessert menu is heavy. The tiramisu has about 450 calories per slice, and the chocolate lava cake is closer to 600. If you want something sweet, order the sorbetto (120 calories) or share one dessert with the whole table.
For drinks, a glass of red wine is 125 calories. A martini is about 175. The house sangria has added sugar and comes in at 280 calories per glass. Stick to wine or spirits with soda water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Davio’s have nutritional information available?
They do not post full nutrition facts on their website. You have to ask your server or estimate based on similar dishes. This guide gives you a close approximation based on standard recipes.
Is the gluten-free pasta at Davio’s lower in calories?
No. The gluten-free pasta has roughly the same calorie count as regular pasta. The sauce and cheese determine the total, not the noodle type.
What is the lowest calorie meal at Davio’s?
The branzino with steamed asparagus is the lightest option at around 480 calories. The grilled salmon without butter is a close second at 540.
Can I order a half portion of any pasta?
Most locations allow this for lunch. Dinner service may charge a split plate fee or refuse. It is best to call ahead and ask.
Are the calories in the lunch menu different from dinner?
Yes. Lunch portions are generally smaller, which means about 200-300 fewer calories per dish. If you want to save calories, go for lunch instead of dinner.
Knowing Davio’s nutrition and calories before you walk in gives you the power to enjoy your meal without the guilt. Pick your protein wisely, control the sauces, and skip the extras. You will leave satisfied and still on track with your goals. Remember that one meal does not define your progress, but smart choices make the next workout a little easier.