Lina's Restaurant Exceeds Expectations

Lina's Restaurant, located on busy Main Street, Bloomingdale, offers fine Italian dining where the lights are dim and service is directed at pleasing you.

Owners Sal and Lina Pagliarula appreciate their customers so much they actually offer Customer Appreciation Day every Wednesday and Friday, where they treat customers to 50 percent off the entire check (from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., 18 percent gratuity added, cash only). 

During the week, the tables were draped with Tiffany blue cloths, the lighting was dim and an electric fire place was burning, welcoming customers. Most customers were dressed casually- don't feel like you need to dress up to come to dinner at Lina's.

After going through the menu, we listened to the list of specials for the day. I ended up choosing the  Orecciette Special ($16.95) with chicken, broccoli rabe, sundried tomatoes and mushrooms and my guest had the Stuffed Veal Chop ($25.95) that was served in a poetic burgundy demi-glace that left my tastebuds wanting more. 

When served my Orecciette,  I could immediately taste that the pasta was freshly homemade and cooked perfectly Al Dente. It really makes a world of difference. The white wine sauce accented the dish and the serving was large. There was plenty left for another meal the following day. My guest's veal cut like butter, stuffed with roasted peppers and fresh mozzarella, but the sauce left the most significant impression. The burgundy demi-glazce brought together the flavor beautifully. 

Although, we were full, we split the Tartuffo for dessert, which was presented beautifully sliced with the word "Lina's" written in chocolate sauce.

Lina's may have more in store this spring, as the owners are looking to open up the Terraza, where people can stop in and get that Italian cafe and eatery feel outside. Currently outside, statues align the front, inspired by Lina's roots in Avellino, Italy. 

Sal and Lina have been in Bloomingdale for 25 years. Sal owned a restaurant before opening up Lina's. "I guess you can say I married into the business. but it's perfect for me. I love people and I get to meet a lot of different people and you become friends with your customers," Lina said. The couple ended up naming the restaurant after Lina because her husband says she is the soul of it all.

Lina tells her wait staff to treat their customers the way they want to be treated when they go out. When we received our bill, we also received a gift certificate to be used on another occasion. 

We enjoyed dinner so much, we ended up coming back with more friends that weekend, where the service was just as phenomenal and the food just as mouth-watering. The only thing that changed were the table cloths that went from the vibrant Tiffany blue color to a romantic deep red. While there on the weekend, I had to try their specialty drink called the "Lina-tini," a blend of Absolut Vodka mixed with Chambord, black raspberry liquor, Creme de Cacao liqueur and pineapple juice. Better than a cosmopolitan!

Lina's is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, but is open Wednesday and Thursday from noon to 11  p.m., Friday from noon to 12 a.m., Saturday from noon to 12:30 a.m., and Sunday from noon to 10 p.m. The parking lot in the back of the restaurant holds over 100 cars.