Before you call for a reservation, knowing what Cava charges for its bowls helps you plan a meal that fits both taste and budget. But if you are looking for classic Italian comfort food, you have probably landed on the wrong page. This guide is all about the Cafe Italia menu with prices, so you can walk in, order with confidence, and not be surprised when the check arrives.
Cafe Italia is a neighborhood spot that focuses on red-sauce classics, handmade pasta, and hearty entrees. It is not a fancy white-tablecloth place, but it is consistent. Below, we break down the full menu structure, what things cost, and which dishes give you the most value for your money.
Cafe Italia Menu With Prices
Let us get right into the numbers. The menu changes slightly by season, but the core items stay the same all year. Prices are based on the most recent menu update and may vary by a dollar or two depending on your location.
Appetizers And Starters
You want to start with something warm and shareable. The appetizer section is simple, and most plates are sized for two people.
- Garlic Bread with Mozzarella – $7.95
- Bruschetta (Tomato, Basil, Olive Oil) – $8.50
- Calamari Fritti (Fried Squid, Marinara) – $11.95
- Stuffed Mushrooms (Ricotta, Spinach) – $9.75
- Soup of the Day (Cup) – $4.50
- Caesar Salad (Small) – $6.95
- House Salad (Small) – $5.50
If you are hungry, skip the salad and get the calamari. It is crispy and not rubbery, which is a good sign.
Pasta Dishes
Pasta is the reason most people come here. You can get half portions for lunch on weekdays, which is a smart way to save money.
- Spaghetti with Meatballs – $14.95
- Fettuccine Alfredo – $13.50
- Penne alla Vodka – $14.25
- Lasagna (Baked, Meat Sauce) – $15.95
- Rigatoni with Sausage and Broccoli – $16.50
- Tortellini in Cream Sauce – $15.25
- Linguine with Clam Sauce – $17.95
- Cheese Ravioli – $13.95
Ask for extra sauce on the side. They give you a generous portion, but the pasta tends to soak it up fast.
Chicken And Veal Entrees
These come with a side of spaghetti or a vegetable. You do not need to order a separate carb if you pick these.
- Chicken Parmigiana – $17.95
- Chicken Marsala – $18.50
- Chicken Francese – $18.25
- Veal Parmigiana – $21.95
- Veal Marsala – $22.50
- Eggplant Parmigiana (Vegetarian) – $15.95
The Chicken Parm is the best seller. It is a large cutlet, pounded thin, and the mozzarella is melted properly.
Pizza And Calzones
Yes, they do pizza. It is not Neapolitan style, but it is a solid New York-ish thin crust.
- Margherita Pizza – $13.95
- Pepperoni Pizza – $14.95
- Supreme Pizza – $17.95
- White Pizza (Ricotta, Mozzarella) – $14.50
- Calzone (Ricotta, Ham, Mozzarella) – $13.95
- Stromboli – $14.95
A whole pizza is enough for two people if you also get a salad. If you are alone, get a slice at the counter, which costs around $3.50.
Seafood Specials
Seafood is not the main focus, but there are a few options if you want something lighter.
- Shrimp Scampi over Linguine – $19.95
- Salmon with Lemon Butter – $21.50
- Filet of Sole (Broiled) – $19.25
The Shrimp Scampi is garlicky and buttery. It comes with six large shrimp, not the tiny frozen ones.
Desserts
You might be full, but there is always room for something sweet.
- Tiramisu – $7.50
- Cannoli (Two Pieces) – $6.95
- Cheesecake – $7.25
- Chocolate Mousse – $6.50
The tiramisu is made in-house. It is not overly sweet, and the espresso flavor comes through clearly.
Beverages
Drinks are standard. They have a small wine list and basic soft drinks.
- Soft Drinks (Soda, Iced Tea) – $3.25
- Coffee or Espresso – $3.50
- Glass of House Wine – $8.00
- Bottle of Domestic Beer – $5.50
- San Pellegrino (Sparkling Water) – $4.00
Skip the house wine if you care about quality. Go for a beer or just stick with water.
Lunch Specials And Deals
If you want to save money, come between 11:30 AM and 3:00 PM on weekdays. The lunch menu is a smaller version of the dinner menu, but the prices are significantly lower.
- Pasta Lunch Special (Choose Any Pasta) – $10.95
- Chicken Parm Sandwich with Fries – $11.50
- Eggplant Rollatini Lunch – $10.25
- Soup and Half Salad Combo – $8.95
These lunch deals include a small side salad or a piece of garlic bread. It is the best value on the menu.
Early Bird Dinner
Some locations offer an early bird special from 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM. You get a three-course meal for about $24.95. This includes a soup or salad, a main course, and a small dessert. Not every Cafe Italia location runs this, so call ahead to check.
How To Order And Save Money
You do not have to pay full price if you are smart about it. Here are some practical tips that regular customers use.
- Go for lunch instead of dinner. The same pasta dish is often $4 to $5 cheaper.
- Ask for a half portion. Even if it is not on the menu, many waiters will accommodate you for a reduced price.
- Split an entree. Portions are large enough for two people, especially the Chicken Parm and the Lasagna.
- Check for a coupon in local mailers. Cafe Italia sometimes puts out a 10% off coupon.
- Skip the appetizer. The garlic bread that comes with your meal is usually enough to start.
Also, do not be afraid to ask what the soup of the day is. Sometimes it is a hearty minestrone, and sometimes it is a thin chicken noodle. It is a gamble, but at $4.50, it is a cheap gamble.
Dietary Options And Substitutions
You can make small changes to your order without causing a problem. Gluten-free pasta is available for an extra $2.50. They have a few vegetarian options, but they are not clearly marked on the menu, so you have to ask.
- Gluten-Free Pasta – Add $2.50
- Whole Wheat Pasta – Add $1.50
- Extra Meatballs (Three) – $5.95
- Extra Side of Vegetables – $4.25
- Substitute Marinara for Alfredo – No Charge
If you are lactose intolerant, be careful with the Alfredo and the cream sauces. They do not have a dairy-free option for those.
Portion Sizes And Sharing
Let us talk about portion sizes because they matter for the price. A full order of pasta is roughly two cups of cooked pasta. That is a lot. Most people cannot finish a full order in one sitting.
If you are planning to share, you can order one pasta and one salad for two people. That will cost you around $20 total. If you add a dessert, you are looking at about $27 for two people, which is very reasonable for a sit-down Italian place.
The appetizer portions are smaller. The Bruschetta comes with four slices of bread. The Calamari is about a cup and a half. Do not expect a huge platter.
Takeout And Delivery Prices
Takeout is popular here. The prices are the same as dining in, but you save on the tip. You can order by phone or through a third-party app, but the app will add a markup of about 15% to 20%.
If you want to save money, call the restaurant directly and pick it up yourself. You will pay the menu price listed above, not the inflated app price. Also, they pack the sauce separately if you ask, which keeps the pasta from getting soggy.
What Is Worth The Price?
Not everything on the menu is a good deal. Here is a quick breakdown of what to order and what to skip.
Worth It:
- Lasagna – $15.95. It is huge, cheesy, and tastes like it was baked to order.
- Chicken Parmigiana – $17.95. Large portion, comes with spaghetti.
- Lunch Specials – Any of them. Best value.
- Cannoli – $6.95. Fresh shell, sweet ricotta filling.
Skip It:
- Soup of the Day – Often just okay, not memorable.
- House Wine – Overpriced for the quality.
- Filet of Sole – A bit dry, not their specialty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions people ask about the menu and pricing.
Does Cafe Italia have a kids menu?
Yes. They have a small kids menu with spaghetti, chicken fingers, and a small cheese pizza. Each kids meal costs around $7.95 and includes a drink.
Are there any hidden fees on the bill?
No hidden fees, but they do add a 3% service charge for credit card payments. If you pay in cash, you avoid that fee. Also, for parties of six or more, an 18% gratuity is automatically added.
Can I get a refund if I do not like my food?
They are pretty good about fixing issues. If you do not like a dish, tell your server right away. They will usually replace it or take it off the bill. Just do not eat the whole thing and then complain.
Is the price on the online menu the same as in the store?
Usually yes, but sometimes the online menu is outdated. The in-store menu is the official one. If there is a discrepancy, the price on the physical menu is the one you pay.
Do they offer any discounts for seniors or students?
Some locations offer a 10% senior discount on Tuesdays. There is no student discount. It is best to ask your specific location.
Final Thoughts On The Menu
The Cafe Italia menu with prices is straightforward. You are paying for generous portions of familiar, comforting food. It is not gourmet, but it is reliable. A dinner for two with an appetizer, two entrees, and a dessert will cost you around $60 before tip. If you stick to lunch specials, you can get out for under $25 for two people.
Call ahead to confirm the daily specials, because they often have a pasta special that is not listed on the printed menu. That special is usually a few dollars cheaper than the regular items. Also, ask if they have any off-menu desserts. Sometimes the baker makes a lemon cake that is not advertised.
Now you have the full picture. Go in with a plan, know what you are going to spend, and enjoy your meal. The portions are big, so bring a container for leftovers. You will thank yourself tomorrow when you have lunch ready to go.