Draganetti's Ristorante
Eau Claire Italian Restaurant

Got a sec? You should sneak over to Draganetti's Ristorante for some 'Italian Cuisine'. Oh, yes, I usually save it for dates and groups of friends, but today it was just me. Do I feel guilty? No.

Draganetti's Ristorante

3120 Hillcrest Parkway
Altoona, WI 54720
(715) 834-9234

Drag's Website

• $$--Special Treat ($10-$20 entrées)
• Great for--dinner date, groups of friends, sneaking out by yourself
• Open Mon-Sat @ 4 pm
• Love the bread!
• Serves alcohol
• Outdoor dining available

View Eau Claire Restaurants in a larger map

It was a beautiful afternoon, so when I walked in, I strolled through the bar area to the deck. Immediate seating? I'm all for that. Being slightly warm in the sun, the umbrella was soon extended. In Eau Claire, Wisconsin, we have to get as much time outdoors as we can.

Inside the restaurant, there's faux painting, flower garlands and statuary. The bar area is dark and intimate. The deck is a bit more casual.

The deck is painted a rusty brown color and has plenty of room for several tables. Even though it overlooked the highway, it wasn't overly noisy. Music played softly.

With some deck updates and some new furniture, the deck could go from okay to awesome.

The furniture is casual and several tables had umbrellas. I chose a table in the sunshine. Before long, my waitress stopped to take my order.

Comfort food. That's what I needed today. So, I ordered up a plate of lasagna with soup and iced tea.

The kidney bean and prosciutto soup looked (and tasted) hand-crafted. Baby carrots and a vegetable broth with plenty of flavor.

The crusty Italian bread with herbed butter -- is unforgettable. Excuse me while I gush. I loved that the bread was really fresh and soft with just enough crusty outside to make me want to eat all 3 pieces.

The butter studded with bits of red pepper and herbs was the perfect compliment. I could have just sat there with bread and wine. I hope the extra bread made it to my take-out box.

The lasagna was dependably good. Tons of mozzarella slid off the top onto the plate. Sausage and lasagna noodles mingled agreeably with each other. Best of all -- the sauce. Draganetti's really knows their red sauce.

Can you go wrong at Draganetti's? Probably not. The menu caters to their expertise -- pasta and pizza. I'll note, too, that I've had the calamari, and it's always been perfectly done here.

Looking for the newest restaurant by Draganetti's? I love this one!