There are many aspects of La Strada that owner Michael Rinzo appreciates, including the elegant, yet homey atmosphere, and the numerous ways that his scrumptious, authentic Italian fare tickles the taste buds.
For nearly 40 years, eight of them at the quaint and cozy location on Huntingdon Pike in Huntingdon Valley, Rinzo has been combining his love for cooking, high-quality food and hospitality to create memorable meals and events at his 90-seat Northern Italian fine-dining restaurant.
“I love talking to people; that is my favorite part of the restaurant experience,” Rinzo said. “Longtime customers, who are coming to enjoy the best ingredients that we prepare each item with, have become close friends over the years.”
The experienced restauranter, who has had previous restaurants in Bucks County, Cherry Hill and Trenton, New Jersey, loves hosting his dinner guests, many of whom represent several generations of returning family members.
Today, Rinzo relishes greeting his guests, as well as the burgeoning special events he hosts, including baby showers, bridal showers, anniversaries and other special occasions.
“I am always working and I have no plans to stop,” Rinzo recently explained. “I forward the restaurant phone calls to my cell phone. This way, I won’t miss a call. This is my love and I am happy to be here.”
In fact, when he is not at the restaurant, he is watching cooking shows.
“Everything is about cooking and food for me. I enjoy the show Chopped and watching Bobby Flay at work.”
With an extensive menu of mouth-watering appetizers, pasta dishes, fish and seafood, as well as chicken, veal and beef dishes, there are many favorites from which to pick for a mouth-watering meal at La Strada.
Crusty Italian bread begins the meal. The fare includes traditional old-world Italian favorites, contemporary Italian dishes and outstanding daily specials, carefully prepared by Chef Vince.
The starters include the chef’s soup of the day, and antipasto, to Calamari Fritti and Vongole al Vapore, steamed little neck clams in a choice of mild marinara, hot and spicy fra diavolo, or garlic butter in a white wine broth.
A favorite pasta dish is Spaghetti Bolognese, a fresh ground veal, beef and pork entrée simmered in tomato sauce with a touch of red wine and topped with shaved Parmesan cheese.
Rinzo said that his diners appreciate the wide variety of items on the dinner menu, including the pasta, eggplant, chicken and veal offerings. There are classic favorites such as chicken or veal Parmigiana, Piccata, Francese and Marsala.
The signature dishes, served with vegetable medley and potato, also include Angus prime strip steak and New Zealand double-cut lamb chops.
Rinzo enjoys the Caesar salad in a classic dressing and pairs it with one of the many fish options, including perfectly prepared salmon, sea bass or Pescatore a La Strada, which features lobster tail, scallops and jumbo shrimp, in a choice of mild marinara, hot, spicy fra diavolo or garlic butter in a white wine lemon and garlic sauce.
These entrees include the Bronzino con Gamberi, a pan-seared Mediterranean sea bass fillet garnished with jumbo shrimp and served in a fine white wine lemon garlic butter sauce, or the sea bass with shrimp, mashed potatoes and broccoli.
La Strada is a BYOB, which means that diners may bring their favorite wine or beer and it will be placed on ice and served without a corkage charge.
La Strada has menus for dinner, catering, parties, funerals and family meals to go. There is also a children’s menu with several options for the younger crowd, including chicken fingers, ravioli and other pasta dishes.
To finish the delicious and abundant meal, La Strada offers several taste-tempting desserts: Chef’s Tiramisu, Limoncello cake, chocolate chip cannoli, strawberry cheesecake, chocolate temptation cake, rice pudding, gelato and cappuccino.
Rinzo encourages everyone to come to La Strada and enjoy the many offerings.
“We have high-quality, excellent food and top-notch service,” he said.
“The music, the warm and inviting atmosphere attracts diners. Most of them come here as a result of word of mouth,” he added. “We have supportive customers who are here for us, and we look forward to seeing them each and every time they are here.” ••
Hours: Tuesday through Sunday for dinner only, 3:30 to 9 p.m.
Address: 2519 Huntingdon Pike (near Red Lion Road), Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006-6113
Phone: 215-947-1818 (for reservations)
Website: https://lastradaitalian.com/
