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What to Order at an Italian Restaurant When You Do Not Want Pizza

Pizza may be Amici’s claim to fame, but even the biggest pizza fan occasionally wants something different. Luckily, great Italian food offers plenty more, from comforting pasta to crisp salads and classic sides.

Whether you're planning a relaxed dinner, ordering takeout, or looking for the best restaurant for a group with different cravings, there are delicious options beyond the pizza menu.

Here’s what to order when you're ready to give the pizza box a night off.

Pasta: The Comfort-Food Classic

When pizza isn't calling, pasta is an excellent place to start. It brings that satisfying Italian comfort without needing a crust or a slice.

At Amici’s, you can choose Spaghetti with Meatballs, Penne with Meat Sauce, Cheese Ravioli with Pesto, or Linguine with Marinara. Each brings a different mood to the table, from rich and creamy to tomato-sauced and simple.

Vegetarian diners can choose Cheese Ravioli with Pesto or Fettuccine Alfredo. Linguine with Marinara is also a vegan option.

The trick? Choose your sauce based on the craving. Go tomato-based for something classic, Alfredo for a richer meal, or pesto for a hearty, herby kick.

Best Salads: Fresh, Crisp, and Full of Flavor

A salad can be a proper meal, not just a side dish waiting for the main event.

Amici’s Caesar Salad is a best-selling favorite, with crisp romaine, housemade croutons, freshly grated Parmesan, and Caesar dressing. Add chicken for something more substantial. Note that Caesar dressing contains anchovies, so it is not vegetarian.

For a simpler option, the Garden Salad combines romaine, tomato, red onion, and green pepper. It is also listed as vegan, making it a useful choice for diners looking for vegetarian food without dairy or meat.

The Antipasto Salad, with Italian salami, pepperoncini, Kalamata olives, and mozzarella, is a heartier choice for those who want plenty of variety in every forkful.

Amici’s Spinach Salad topped with roasted red peppers, red onion, tomatoes, bacon, crumbled feta cheese, and toasted pine nuts.

Sides That Make the Meal

Not every meal needs to revolve around pizza or pasta. Sometimes, a few well-chosen sides are all you need to round out dinner. Amici’s menu includes garlic bread, Minestrone Soup, Pan-Roasted Broccoli, and (our fan favorite) roasted chicken wings.

Garlic bread brings that irresistible buttery, savory bite, while soup makes a comforting start to the meal. Broccoli offers a vegetable-forward option when you want something lighter alongside pasta.

Amici’s wings also make a flavorful option to share, while classic sides like garlic bread and Minestrone Soup round out the meal. They’re especially handy when everyone at the table wants to try a little something different.

How to Choose What Fits Your Craving

Not sure where to start? Use this quick guide:

Want comfort food? Try Spaghetti with Meatballs or Fettuccine Alfredo.

  • Looking for vegetarian food? Consider Cheese Ravioli with Pesto or the Garden Salad.

  • Want something lighter? Start with the Garden Salad or Pan-Roasted Broccoli.

  • Prefer a vegan option? Linguine with Marinara and the Garden Salad are vegan.

Whatever you are in the mood for, Amici’s serves it all. Whether you’re dining at Amici’s Danville or Amici’s Mountain View, there’s more to enjoy than pizza.

Amici’s linguine with pesto sauce, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, served with a fork lifting the pasta.

FAQs

What can I order at an Italian restaurant besides pizza?

Pasta, salads, soups, and sides are great alternatives. At Amici’s, you can order Fettuccine Alfredo, Spaghetti with Meatballs, Caesar Salad, Sandwiches, and Minestrone Soup.

What vegetarian food does Amici’s offer?

Vegetarian options include Pizzas, Fettuccine Alfredo, Cheese Ravioli with Pesto, Eggplant Parmigiana Sandwich, Kale and Parmesan Salad, Garden Salad, and more. You can also order the Spinach Salad without bacon upon request.

What pasta should I order for a classic Italian meal?

Spaghetti with Meatballs and Four Cheese Lasagna are comforting classics, while Linguine with Marinara offers a simpler tomato-based option.

Can I order Italian food from Amici’s for delivery?

Yes. Amici’s offers delivery, so you can enjoy pasta, salads, and other menu favorites at home.

Enjoy More Than Pizza at Amici’s

The best restaurant experience offers options, even when pizza isn't on the menu. With pasta, salads, and classic sides, Amici’s makes it easy to enjoy Italian food in more ways than one.

Browse the Amici’s menu to find your next order, whether you're dining in, picking up dinner, or arranging delivery.

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