Abruzzi - Arcata

The duck dish is exceptional, and I haven't encountered a disappointing meal yet. However, I found the warm olive grove appetizer to be a bit puzzling and disap... read more The duck dish is exceptional, and I haven't encountered a disappointing meal yet. However, I found the warm olive grove appetizer to be a bit puzzling and disappointing. We expected something special, but we were served a small portion of green olives in a tiny bowl with some warm oil for dipping. I'm left wondering why this item has a price tag on the menu; I would have anticipated it being offered as a complimentary side or garnish. It's baffling to me why something so minimal is featured on the menu and priced so highly, and I plan to ask about it during my next visit. This stood out to me especially since most other appetizers and dishes are generous and carefully arranged, while the olives were merely a handful in warm oil presented in a small bowl. That said, dining at Abruzzi is still a delightful experience overall, and it's a place I would happily return to.

This is likely the best Linguini with clams I’ve ever had. Seriously! The Filet Mignon was also fantastic. The service struck the perfect balance between relaxe... read more This is likely the best Linguini with clams I’ve ever had. Seriously! The Filet Mignon was also fantastic. The service struck the perfect balance between relaxed and attentive, embodying the Humboldt-meets-Nice vibe—effortful but genuine. The atmosphere was warm and vibrant, with mostly local patrons (I visited during winter, which is the off-peak season). The simple decor contributed to a sense of intimacy in what is otherwise a large establishment. I highly recommend this place!

Food was fresh and delicious! My fiance and I stopped here for a quick bite during our stay in Arcata. Cozy atmosphere and great service. Would certainly recomm... read more Food was fresh and delicious! My fiance and I stopped here for a quick bite during our stay in Arcata. Cozy atmosphere and great service. Would certainly recommend and we would definitely return. Their Brussel sprout panceta appetizer was out of this world. Great place.

The highlight of our experience was undoubtedly the service; our waiter was exceptional—friendly, approachable, and efficient. His attentiveness truly enhanced... read more The highlight of our experience was undoubtedly the service; our waiter was exceptional—friendly, approachable, and efficient. His attentiveness truly enhanced our meal. The restaurant features rustic brick walls, with warm incandescent lighting creating a cozy atmosphere. The old doors and squeaky floors add to its charm, while the young staff bring a vibrant energy to the place. As for the food, it was pleasing, but it didn’t leave us raving about it, hence no fifth star. For our first course, we tried the linguine da Pescara fra diavolo, which is a spicy sauce typically made with tomato and chili peppers, accompanied by prawns and clams, though we were disappointed to find no calamari in our dish. The search for calamari was fruitless! For the main course, we enjoyed the kurobuta pork loin, which was beautifully plated with a sauté of local wild mushrooms, greens, pancetta, cannellini beans, and a rich marsala cream. In my opinion, Abruzzi stands out as a top-notch restaurant in Arcata, but I do wish they had informed us about the absence of calamari; I would have opted for another pasta dish instead. Enjoy your visit!

We were pleasantly surprised by how much we enjoyed our visit here. Located downstairs in a charming arcade, the atmosphere was pleasantly quiet, featuring a lo... read more We were pleasantly surprised by how much we enjoyed our visit here. Located downstairs in a charming arcade, the atmosphere was pleasantly quiet, featuring a lovely bar, an open kitchen, comfortable seating, and attentive service. The food was impressive, with portions that I found to be average to generous, and the sauces and dressings were particularly well-crafted. The potato soup was a smooth, creamy chowder without any lumps, and it was absolutely delicious. The fish was fresh and cooked to perfection, while the salads were vibrant and thoughtfully composed. The cocktails were also outstanding.