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Amante Italian Restaurant
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Amante Italian Restaurant
7.8
Amante is a long-running Fashion District workhorse doing big-portion Italian classics and a sprawling pizza and pasta menu. It’s more about hearty plates and late-night convenience than finesse, but regulars rely on it for reliable red-sauce comfort.
Must-Try Dishes:
Amante's Ragu Spaghetti, Funghi Truffle Pappardelle, Tartufo truffle pizza
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Huge, old-school Italian menu with generous portions and late hours.
Who should go: Hungry groups, families, hotel guests, late-night carb seekers.
When to visit: Later evenings when the room fills with locals and workers.
What to order: Amante’s Ragu spaghetti, Funghi truffle pappardelle, Tartufo pizza.
Insider tip: Split a pasta and pizza—portions run large and reheat well.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available but competitive in the Fashion District, especially after 7pm. There are several paid garages within a 1–2 block radius (typically $8–$15). No valet service.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual. Jeans, tees, and sneakers are totally fine; guests coming from work often lean slightly dressy.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours—conversation is doable, but expect lively chatter and clattering plates.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes for walk-ins during peak hours; larger groups may wait longer.
Weekday lunch: Rarely any wait; quick seating even for small groups.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—plenty of meatless pastas, pizzas, and salads.
Vegan options: Limited—some tomato-based pasta dishes and customizable pizzas; ask to omit cheese.
Gluten-free options: Some gluten-free pasta options available, but no dedicated gluten-free kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It’s better for casual, low-pressure dates than romantic ones. The portions are big, the vibe is energetic, and the menu is comforting rather than refined.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are common, especially on weekdays. On weekends, expect a short wait unless you arrive early or late.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families are common, and the menu has plenty of kid-approved dishes (pizza, buttered pasta). High chairs are typically available, and staff is used to large family groups.
Best For
Better for: Late-night dining, large group meals, and hearty red-sauce Italian classics at reasonable prices.
Skip if: You’re looking for upscale Italian, handmade pasta artistry, or a quiet, intimate dining room.
Amante Italian Restaurant
8.6
Amante is a downtown standby where families share big New York–style pies, pastas, and classic Italian mains in a relaxed dining room steps from the Fashion District. Massive review volume across platforms plus late hours make it a reliable choice for everything from pre-game dinners to spontaneous weeknight pasta cravings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Amante's Ragu spaghetti with house-made meat sauce, Mushroom Ravioli in truffle sauce, Amante Special pizza with prosciutto, sausage and veggies
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: High-volume neighborhood Italian spot famous for big pizzas, extensive pasta menu, and flexible hours.
Who should go: Families wanting hearty Italian without downtown fuss.
When to visit: Evenings before or after downtown shopping or events.
What to order: Amante's Ragu spaghetti, Mushroom Ravioli, Amante Special pizza.
Insider tip: Ask for half-and-half toppings on large pies to keep everyone at the table happy.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Santee and Maple is available but competitive during peak Fashion District hours; nearby paid garages typically run $8–$15 for evenings.
Dress code: Casual to nice-casual — jeans, sneakers, and relaxed outfits are perfectly fine, though many diners dress up a bit for evening outings.
Noise level: Moderate — lively family chatter and clinking dishes, but you can still carry a conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes without a reservation, especially between 6:30–8:00pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; you can walk in and be seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection — multiple pastas, pizzas, salads, and appetizers can be made vegetarian with no fuss.
Vegan options: Limited but workable — a few marinara-based pastas, customizable veggie pizzas (hold the cheese), and simple salads.
Gluten-free options: Available — gluten-free pasta is offered on request, though gluten-free pizza crust availability may vary by day.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s relaxed, spacious, and not too formal, making it great for a low-pressure first date. The shareable pizzas and approachable Italian dishes help keep things comfortable.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually — walk-ins are common here. Expect short waits on weekdays and longer ones on busy weekend evenings. Calling ahead can help if you’re bringing a group.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — booster seats, roomy tables, and a menu full of crowd-pleasers (pizza, pasta, garlic bread) make it ideal for families with kids of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Large groups, families, and anyone craving hearty, classic Italian in a casual environment with reliable hours and generous portions.
Skip if: You’re looking for upscale, chef-driven Italian, a quiet romantic atmosphere, or specialty dietary menus with extensive vegan or gluten-free options.