It was Friday night and we wanted some place to go for a nice, quiet dinner. The criteria- it had to be kind of close by and no "30 minute wait time".

Andrea's came to mind immediately. We've been there many times and it is always such a treat. This charming restaurant is in a strip center and I must admit, not much to look at from the outside, but inside, you'll find a nice, dark, warm decor.

The theme is Italian but it has a Mexican influence, provided by the owner & chef. And it's real 'cuisine', not just the regular spaghetti & meatballs type Italian dishes. I usually opt for my fav, Chicken Picatta, the chicken, artichokes, and capers in that wonderful lemony sauce. But I decided to force myself to try something new and different- for me, at least!

This time, I ordered the Grilled Salmon, served in a lobster sauce and accompanied by mashed potatoes and mixed, sauteed veggies. The salmon was perfectly cooked and the lobster sauce just added to the already nice flavor. The mashed potatoes were some of the best I have ever had - and I have eaten a lot of mashed potatoes - and the sauteed vegetables - a trio of carrots, squash and broccoli- were downright yummy.

RJ got the Salmon Pizzarola - salmon in a demiglaze along with mushrooms and capers, served on a bed of creamy vegetable risotto. He gave it an A+.

We started our meal with an appetizer- sliced tomatoes topped with very fresh buffalo mozzarella slices on a bed of spring greens with a balsamic vinaigrette.  Heaven!

Andrea's has several pasta dishes on the menu along with chicken, seafood and steaks. They offer an $8.95 Sunday brunch and have weekly specials. A wide array of wines and drinks are available and there is usually a wine tasting dinner every six weeks.


Service is always great and the staff is extremely friendly. You'll feel like you are part of their family! Even the pianist is fantastic!

Andrea's is located at 525 West Arapaho Road Suite 1, Richardson, TX 75080.
Hours: Mon-Fri 11 am-2 pm, 5-10 pmSat 5-10 pmSun 11 am-2 pm

Carlo Buti Primo Amore