Fazio's is more than just a pizzeria, although its popularity on that score may be well deserved.
For more than three decades Fazio's Ristorante & Pizzeria has been one of East Longmeadow's favorite places to pick up a "pie." Fazio's is, however, more than just a pizzeria, although its popularity on that score may be well deserved. The establishment is a full-fledged restaurant as well, offering plenty of Italian-American favorites.
The pasta roster includes Baked Stuffed Shells ($12.79) Homemade Lasagna ($13.29), Fettuccini Carbonara ($13.79), and Spaghetti with Meat Sauce.
Chicken and veal make typical appearances in forms such as Chicken Marsala ($16.49) and Veal Pizzaiola ($17.49), while seafood stars in dishes like Baked Stuffed Sole ($14.49), Linguine with Clam Sauce ($14.79), and Shrimp Scampi ($17.99).
We launched our Fazio's expedition by sharing an order of Meatballs ($4.49). As served elsewhere, meatballs are often unremarkable, but at Fazio's they have a "come-back-for-more" appeal. Tender but not mushy, juicy yet not greasy, the meatballs had a forthright beefiness to them.
The house marinara in which they came was also quite likable. Skillfully enlivened with garlic and red pepper, the sauce was of the short-cooked variety, a preparation strategy that lent it a likeable fresh tomato flavor.
A popular and widely available dish, Chicken Francaise ($16.49) prepared Fazio's fashion was mild and mellow, the butter-wine-lemon sauce light, in fact almost too delicate in flavor to balance the combination's inherent richness.
The chicken component of the francaise, three good-sized breast cutlets sauteed in an egg batter coating, was appealingly moist.
Veal Scallopini ($17.49) had a similarly understated flavor profile, with a pan sauce of white wine and sliced fresh mushrooms topping several scallops of fresh veal.
Entrees at Fazio's come with a choice of pasta or French fries; patrons can order steamed broccoli for a $1.00 surcharge . We gave the latter option a try and were pleased with the freshly prepared broccoli florets served us. They reminded us of just how good that particular vegetable can actually be.
Salads, standard iceberg-and-garnishes affairs come with dinners; soup is an alternative.
A licensed location, Fazio's offers an interesting assortment of wine choices that includes selections sold by the glass.
For dessert, Fazio's makes available homemade confections like White Chocolate Chip Cheesecake, Peanut Butter Pie, and Italian Spumoni.
A wedge of Tiramisu ($4.25) was a pleasing cake-like affair, complete with requisite coffee and bitter cocoa flavors, while the establishment's Cannoli ($3.75) met all the crisp, sweet, and creamy benchmarks against which that particular dessert offering is usually judged.
On a separate visit, we confirmed that the pizza at Fazio's deserves its reputation.
A personal-sized Fazio's Famous White Pizza ($13) was lavished with fine garlicky goodness. Thin-sliced fresh mushrooms, crisp green pepper strips, black olives, and dollops of creamy ricotta served as toppings, while a tender yet appealing chewy crust and a baked-on bed of shredded mozzarella served as foundation.
It was a pie, we decided, worthy of marquee status.
In addition to "Famous White," Fazio's prepares pizzas in multiple sizes and with a full array of toppings.
Gourmet combinations such as Chicken and Broccoli or Hawaiian (ham, bacon, and pineapple) can be had, and gluten free pizza is available.
The pizzeria menu also offers more than two dozen various grinder possibilities ranging from Cold Cut ($7) to "Real Veal" with sauce, peppers, and cheese ($8.25).
Each week the restaurant offers a calendar of family night options; Tuesday is Chicken Parmigiana Night, Wednesday is Pasta Night, and on Thursday evening Fazio's features a five-choice "Two for $26" deal.
The dining facilities at Fazio's avoid the decorative flamboyance that often characterizes Italian eateries. The space is rather simply fitted out, with tables and chairs the sole seating option. A separate entrance and waiting area accommodate to-go customers.