The handwritten specials board at Michael’s usually offers the best value, but you have to compare those prices against the printed menu to be sure. That is why we put together this detailed look at Michael’s menu with prices so you can plan your order before you walk in the door. You will know exactly what to expect, what to skip, and what is worth every single dollar.
We have broken down the full menu by category. We also added a few tips on how to save money and what the most popular dishes actually cost. No fluff, just the real numbers and the real talk.
Appetizers And Small Plates
Starting your meal right is important. The appetizer section at Michael’s is not just about bread and butter. They have a solid range of starters that work for a light lunch or a full dinner spread.
Here is the current pricing for the most common starters on the printed menu. Remember, the daily specials board might have different items, but these are the staples.
- Garlic Bread with Mozzarella – $7.50
- Calamari Fritti (Fried Calamari) – $12.95
- Bruschetta al Pomodoro – $9.25
- Stuffed Mushrooms (6 pieces) – $10.75
- Clams Casino (Half Dozen) – $13.50
- Fried Zucchini Sticks – $8.95
- Soup of the Day – $6.00 (cup) / $7.50 (bowl)
- House Salad – $5.95
- Caesar Salad – $7.25
If you are dining with a group, the Calamari and the Stuffed Mushrooms are the two items that get ordered the most. The portions are generous. You can easily split the Calamari between three people as a starter.
One thing to watch out for is the “side salad” upcharge. If you order a salad as a side with an entree, it costs $3.50. But if you order the same salad on its own, it is $5.95. That is a weird pricing quirk, but it is real.
Soup Or Salad Combo
For a lighter meal, Michael’s offers a combo plate. You get a cup of soup and a half salad. This is one of the cheaper ways to eat here if you are not super hungry.
- Soup and Half House Salad – $8.95
- Soup and Half Caesar Salad – $9.50
That combo is a solid deal. You get a good amount of food for under ten bucks. It is not the most exciting thing on the menu, but it is consistent.
Michael’s Menu With Prices: Pasta Dishes
This is the heart of the menu. The pasta section is where Michael’s really shows its experience. The sauces are made in house, and the pasta is always cooked al dente.
Below is the standard pricing for the pasta entrees. These come with a side of bread, but not a salad. You have to pay extra for that if you want it.
- Spaghetti with Marinara Sauce – $11.95
- Spaghetti with Meatballs – $15.75
- Fettuccine Alfredo – $13.95
- Penne alla Vodka – $14.50
- Rigatoni with Broccoli and Garlic – $13.25
- Baked Ziti – $12.95
- Lasagna al Forno – $15.25
- Ravioli di Ricotta (Cheese Ravioli) – $14.75
- Linguine with Clam Sauce (Red or White) – $17.95
- Tortellini alla Panna – $15.50
The Lasagna is the biggest portion on this list. It is easily enough for two meals. If you are looking for leftovers for lunch tomorrow, that is your best bet.
The Linguine with Clam Sauce is the most expensive pasta. It is also the one that gets the most praise from regulars. The white wine sauce is not too heavy. It is a lighter option if you are tired of red sauce.
Pasta Add-Ons And Substitutions
You can modify almost any pasta dish. But you need to know the pricing before you ask, because the upcharges can sneak up on you.
- Add Chicken to any Pasta – $4.00
- Add Shrimp (3 pieces) to any Pasta – $6.50
- Add Meatballs (2 pieces) – $4.50
- Substitute Gluten-Free Pasta – $2.00
- Extra Sauce on the Side – $1.50
If you are thinking about adding chicken to the Fettuccine Alfredo, that brings the total to $17.95. That is getting close to the price of a full chicken entree. Sometimes it is smarter to just order a chicken dish instead of adding it to pasta.
Chicken And Veal Entrees
The second half of the menu is dedicated to meat dishes. These are served with a side of pasta (usually spaghetti with marinara) or a vegetable. You have to specify which side you want when you order.
Here are the prices for the classic chicken and veal dishes.
- Chicken Parmigiana – $16.95
- Chicken Marsala – $17.50
- Chicken Francese – $17.25
- Chicken Piccata – $17.25
- Chicken Scarpariello – $18.95
- Veal Parmigiana – $19.95
- Veal Marsala – $20.50
- Veal Francese – $20.25
- Veal Piccata – $20.25
The Chicken Scarpariello is the most expensive chicken option. It comes with sausage and peppers in a vinegar sauce. It is tangy and a little bit different from the usual cream or tomato sauces.
If you are on a budget, the Chicken Parmigiana is the standard go-to. It is a huge cutlet, breaded and baked with mozzarella. It is hard to mess up, and Michael’s does it well.
Seafood Specialties
The seafood section is smaller, but it is where the prices jump up. These are market price items sometimes, but the printed menu has fixed numbers for the regular offerings.
- Shrimp Parmigiana – $18.95
- Shrimp Francese – $18.95
- Baked Clams (Entree Portion) – $16.50
- Filet of Sole Francese – $19.50
- Salmon alla Griglia (Grilled Salmon) – $21.95
The Grilled Salmon is the most expensive regular item on the menu. It comes with a lemon butter sauce. It is a safe choice for people who do not want fried food or heavy sauce.
Watch out for the “Market Price” items. Sometimes they have a whole branzino or a lobster special that is not on the printed menu. You have to ask the server what the price is that day. That is where the cost can get out of hand if you are not careful.
Pizza, Calzones, And Sandwiches
During lunch, Michael’s serves a full selection of pizza and sandwiches. These are cheaper than the dinner entrees. They are only available until 4:00 PM on weekdays and maybe until 3:00 PM on Saturday. You cannot get these at dinner time.
Here is the lunch menu pricing.
- Plain Cheese Slice – $3.75
- Pepperoni Slice – $4.25
- Whole Cheese Pie (12 inch) – $14.95
- Whole Pepperoni Pie (12 inch) – $16.95
- Chicken Parm Sandwich – $10.95
- Eggplant Parm Sandwich – $9.95
- Sausage and Peppers Sandwich – $10.50
- Meatball Parm Sandwich – $10.75
- Grilled Chicken Panini – $11.25
The lunch sandwiches come with a small side of french fries or a pickle spear. You can upgrade to a side salad for $2.00 extra.
If you are really hungry, the whole pie is a better deal than buying slices. Four slices cost about $15.00, but the whole pie is only $14.95. It does not make sense to buy slices if you are feeding more than one person.
Desserts And Drinks
Dessert prices are pretty standard. They do not make their own desserts in house. They get them from a local bakery, but they are still good.
- Tiramisu – $7.50
- Cannoli (2 pieces) – $6.95
- Cheesecake – $7.25
- Tartufo – $6.50
For drinks, they have a full bar. Soft drinks are $2.95 with free refills. Coffee or tea is $2.50. They also have a small wine list, but the prices change frequently, so we did not list them here. Ask the server for the wine list and the current prices.
Tips For Ordering On A Budget
You can eat at Michael’s without spending a fortune. You just need to know the tricks.
- Go for lunch, not dinner. The sandwich menu is way cheaper.
- Skip the appetizer. The bread basket is free, and the portions are big.
- Order the Baked Ziti. It is filling and one of the cheapest entrees.
- Do not add chicken to pasta. Order the Chicken Parm instead. You get more food for a similar price.
- Check the specials board. Sometimes the special is a pasta dish that is cheaper than the regular menu items.
- Drink water. The soda refills are nice, but you can save $3.00 easily.
If you follow those rules, you can get out of there for about $20 per person, including tax and tip. If you order steaks or seafood, you are looking at $40 or more per person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the common questions people ask about the menu and the prices. We tried to answer them as clearly as possible.
Does Michael’s have a senior discount?
Yes, they offer a 10% discount for seniors over 65. You have to ask for it before you pay. It does not apply to the daily specials or to alcoholic drinks.
Are the prices on the menu the same for takeout?
For the most part, yes. The takeout menu has the same prices as the dine-in menu. However, they do not offer the lunch specials for takeout after 2:00 PM. You have to order before that time to get the discounted price.
Is there a service charge for large groups?
If you have a party of 6 or more, they add an 18% gratuity to the bill. That is standard for most restaurants in the area. It will be listed on your receipt as “Service Charge.”
Do they have a gluten-free menu?
They do not have a separate gluten-free menu. But they do have gluten-free pasta available for a $2.00 upcharge. The kitchen is not a dedicated gluten-free facility, so there is a risk of cross-contamination.
Can I get a half order of pasta?
Yes, you can order a half portion of most pasta dishes. The price is usually about 60% of the full price. For example, a half order of Spaghetti with Meatballs is around $9.50. It is a good option if you want a smaller meal.
Final Thoughts On Pricing
Michael’s is not the cheapest Italian spot in town, but it is not the most expensive either. The quality of the ingredients is consistent, and the portions are generous. You are paying for a solid, no-frills Italian dinner.
We hope this guide to Michael’s menu with prices helps you order with confidence. The numbers we listed are accurate as of this writing, but prices can change. Always double check the menu when you arrive or ask your server if you are unsure about a specific item.
If you want the best value, stick to the lunch menu or the classic pasta dishes. If you want to treat yourself, the veal dishes are the way to go. Just be prepared for the higher price tag. Either way, you will leave full.
One last tip. The parking lot behind the restaurant fills up fast on Friday and Saturday nights. If you see it is full, there is street parking two blocks over. Do not pay for the valet service out front unless you are in a hurry. It is overpriced for what it is.
Go hungry, order smart, and enjoy your meal. The staff is friendly, and they will take care of you. Just remember to ask about the specials before you decide, because sometimes the best dish is not even on the printed menu.