Visit to Baci Italian Bistro

I grew up in a large Italian family who owned an amazing Italian restaurant.  For over 40 years, my Uncle Ray owned Valente’s Italian Restaurant in Wheat Ridge, Colorado.  For as long as I can remember, my family ate countless meals, celebrated birthdays, attended family reunions, and gathered after funerals there.  A few years ago, my great uncle retired and closed the business.  Although I haven’t lived in the Denver area for years, I continue to be on the lookout for a “go to” Italian establishment that I want to visit again and again.   

I may have found this restaurant, right here in the Southeast Valley.  My family visited Baci Italian Bistro in Mesa a couple of weeks ago and it was delicious!  This family owned restaurant exceeded my expectations by delivering quality service, a family friendly atmosphere, and authentic Italian cuisine at reasonable prices.   

My choice for dinner that night was the Pasta Ala Baci – sausage, peppers, mushrooms, and onions sautéed in a marinara sauce served over my choice of pasta.  I’m not a huge fan of mushrooms – so opted against those – and chose a traditional spaghetti noodle. I am, however, fairly picky about Italian sausage as well as marinara sauce.  Both of these in this dish hit the mark for me!   

The hubby enjoyed the Gnocchi Florentine which is baby leaf spinach sautéed in Alfredo sauce and served with gnocchi.  He is a huge fan of gnocchi and was very impressed by this dish.   

One of my boys ordered spaghetti with a meatball from the children’s menu and the other chicken tenders – not sure what was up with the chicken tender order, but he enjoyed it nonetheless! 

My older one was recently introduced to tiramisu – so when that was presented as an option for dessert, it was the number one choice.  The entire family shared the classic Italian dessert and devoured it.

I would highly recommend visiting Baci Italian Bistro – you can find their hours of operation, phone number, and address on their website at www.baciitalianbistro.com.