Catullos Italian

Alright y'all, I've got the best news to share. The brick and mortar restaurant for Catullo's Italian is officially open!! Almost a year the day of them selling their food truck, we now have a permanent place to get our Italian fix. They are located on the corner of Atlantic Blvd and San Pablo Rd in the Walmart Neighborhood Market shopping plaza. From the moment you step foot inside you know  that you are in for one hell of an experience. The decor is beautiful and modern with family photos hanging all throughout the restaurant. My personal favorites are in the bathrooms, so make sure to check those out. The restaurant is capable of seating 46 people, including bar space.



Catullo’s Italian
1650-2 San Pablo Rd
Jacksonville, FL 32225

Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 5-10pm
Friday: 5-11pm
Saturday: 4-11pm

If you were a fan of the food truck, I'm happy to report that many of the truck favorites have found their way onto the restaurant menu. We started with a few different appetizers, Aracnini, Ma's Brushetta, & Spiced Meatballs with Garlic Sauce. Its tough to choose, but I think my favorite was the Arancini. It is made with Calabrian Chili and parmigiano risotto so it has a little bit of heat, but not enough to keep me away. The balls are stuffed with goat cheese, breaded, and then fried. Yes, yes, and yes. Gimme all of that.



As much as I wanted that Sunday Suppa, I spotted something else that I have been waiting for...risotto! Once I saw it, I knew I had to have it. The Sea Scallop Risotto comes with pan seared scallops over Calabrian Chili Risotto. I took a bite and knew that I made the correct decision. The risotto and sea scallops were cooked perfectly and tasted spectacular. The Calabrian chili added a tiny bit of heat, but it complimented the dish quite well. Risotto is a tricky beast to get right for some establishments, but not Catullos.


I also had the opportunity to try the Porcini Mushroom Tortelloni, and boy am I glad I did. The dish consists of Porcini filled tortelloni with a beef broth & red wine reduction. WOW, this dish was bursting with flavor! I have had mushroom tortelloni dishes in the past, but I have never had one like this. I was thanking my lucky stars that there was bread on the table so I could get every last drop of this sauce into my mouth, in a civilized way.



From everything I've heard, via my table and others, is that the Pear and Goat Cheese Ravioli has got it going on. This has been one of their most popular dishes and you would definitely be remiss to not give it a try. Each ravioli is stuffed with fresh pear and goat cheese, then covered in a caramelized pear and gorgonzola cream sauce. It is divine.




Photos of other entrees at the table:


Rustida della Val Vigezzo



Pappardelle con Vognole Nero



Verdict: LOVED IT!!! 
Run to Catullo's the first chance you get. Trust me on this. Everything is wonderful from the decor, to the service, to the food. I literally do not have one bad thing to say. Not one. I can definitely recommend any of the dishes pictured in this article, but you really can't go wrong with anything on the menu. Speaking of the menu, everything is reasonable priced and the portions are generous. Also, make sure to take a peek at the wine list while you are there. They have an impressive selection of wines, wine based cocktails, and also offer beer (local breweries as well). 

*They are not currently taking reservations or offering take out during the soft opening, but look for those in the coming weeks once they get more established.

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