Michael’s Restaurant is a local “mom and pop” type of establishment here in Niagara Falls, NY. They serve up tasty Italian dishes in above average-sized portions. They are well-known around here for their mozzarella cheese curl covered salad!
3011 Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls, New York 14301, United States
http://www.michaelsniagarafalls.com/
The Atmosphere at Michael’s Restaurant
Michael’s is a very busy restaurant. They don’t have a huge dining room so it can fill up fast! They are accommodation to large families but you may have to wait for a table, or a couple of tables to open up. The restaurant is quaintly decorated in an Italian chef theme, in keeping with the overall vibe and atmosphere of Michael’s. As a result of the moderately sized dining room and their local popularity, Michael’s can get pretty loud and chaotic. For one family dinner occasion, we were asked to wait in the tiny corridor by the bathrooms until a table was available. I wouldn’t hold this detail against them because it really was the only place they could put us. Besides, their food makes up for it!
The Food at Michael’s Restaurant
Michael’s menu consists of Italian cuisine that tastes so homemade it will transport you to an Italian grandmother’s kitchen. They also whip up some American dishes to serve a wider audience of customers.
Their appetizers are both homemade and delivered to the restaurant pre-made. For example, the Calamari in Michael’s sauce, Fried Ravioli, and Fried Mushrooms are all likely made in house. Compared to the mozzarella sticks and pizza logs are likely delivered pre-made.
Their salads and soups are nothing short of delectable. Michael’s has several soups including traditional beans and greens soup and various homemade soups that are made as the chef sees fit. The salads at Michael’s include a typical Julienne salad and most famously of all, their chef salad with rolled mozzarella cheese. In my opinion, this is the best salad from any restaurant anywhere! The cheese curls are added to the top of the salad, very generously! It adds a simple, yet tasty addition to an otherwise normal lettuce salad.
The main meal options at Michael’s include an array of specials that change regularly and, of course, the entrees menu!
Italian Dinners
These are the primary Italian meals that are made and served by the chef at Michael’s.
- Veal Parmesan- I decided to try Michael’s Veal Parm a while back. At the time, I didn’t find it to be anything to write home about. It lacked flavor and I have not ordered it since.
- Baked Italian Sausage
- Chicken Parmesan
- Eggplant Parmesan- This is one of my favorite Italian dishes! I happily order it any chance I get. The Michael’s version is made with their famous tomato sauce making it their own.
*each of which are accompanied by salads and sides
Italian food add-ons
These are a few of the items that can be added to a meal when asked. They do come at an additional cost.
- Meatballs (2 in sauce)
- Baked Parmesan
- Mushrooms
- Italian sausage
- Clam sauce
½ sized pasta dishes
These dishes are listed as half-sized but, in my opinion, they resemble a normal portion of pasta from a restaurant. You may be able to request a dish be made half-sized even if it is not on the list. The following are some of their half-sized options.
- Lasagna- meat and cheese
- Ravioli
- Gnocchi
- Homemade macaroni with sauce
- Ziti
- Rigatoni
Famous Pasta Dishes
This is a list of the full-sized pasta dishes. This section of the menu will include the items in the half-sized section as well as the items listed below.
- Cavatelli
- Spaghetti
- Linguini
American Foods
The American foods listed below are just a few of the options in the full menu.
- Breaded pork chops
- Liver and onions
- Butterfly shrimp
- Cube steak
- Beer battered haddock fish fry
Sandwiches
The sandwiches listed below are just a few of the options from the menu.
- BLT
- Capicola
- Hot dog
- Kingburger
- Pizzaburger
- Hot Turkey with gravy
Toasted Club Sandwiches
The toasted club sandwiches listed below are just a couple of the options from the menu.
- Cold beef, bacon, cheese, lettuce and tomato
- Tuna fish, lettuce and tomato
Pizza
Pizzas come in different sizes and are listed on the menu with specific topping choices.
- Cheese pizzas
- Pizzas with toppings
- Michael’s Famous Calzone
Wings
- Chicken wings
- Greek wings
And, more!
- Desserts such as ice cream, cake, cheesecake, and Michael’s Famous Fried Dough
My Final Recommendation
I do recommend Michael’s Restaurant to locals and tourists. Be prepared to wait for a table, especially if you are dining with a large group. You should also come with a huge appetite as the portions are huge! No exaggeration needed. Michael’s is a great family-friendly Italian restaurant serving up great food!
