Step into the expansive space occupied by Spigola Ristorante in Hamilton, and leave behind the noise, traffic, and concerns of this busy time of year. The high ceilings, custom woodwork, and, at this time of year, tasteful holiday decorations, give this Route 130 bistro a warm and inviting ambiance.
When you’re done taking in the impressive setting, check out the menu. Spigola offers lunch, dinner, and a full bar featuring an extensive wine list, beautifully displayed in a glass-front case by the bar. The menus feature appetizers, salads, pasta and risotto dishes, and chicken, veal, and seafood entrees, averaging $10 to $20 for lunch and $20 to $35 for dinner.
During a recent lunch, a caprese salad and risotto trifolato (three kinds of mushrooms), and a crabmeat-stuffed portabella mushroom and rigatoni del lattaio (tomato and vodka cream sauce) were more than enough to fill two hungry diners for the afternoon.
And what makes the food taste so good? “I try everything the chef makes. If I don’t like it, I throw it out,” explains owner Nat Casano. “I won’t sell something I don’t like.” His personal favorite is the ossobuco, a traditional veal dish, which Casano says is the best around. How does he know? “Our customers tell us,” he says.
The restaurant is perfect for a business lunch or a romantic date, but it also plays host to live music every Friday and Saturday night and has private rooms available for parties and corporate events. The small private room seats up to 48, while the main restaurant can accommodate events for up to 208 people.
Upcoming entertainment includes Billy Hill & the Meg Hanson Band on Friday, December 16, at 8:30 p.m., and D’Luxe the Band at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 17. The following Friday it’s DJ Anthony Bradley, who also returns to entertain the crowd on New Year’s Eve.
It’s the perfect combination: classic Italian cuisine served in a classy setting, with live music and a well-appointed bar for those who prefer late-night cocktails and dancing. Buon appetito!
Spigola Ristorante, 3817 Crosswicks-Hamilton Square Road, Hamilton. 609-585-5255. www.spigola.net. Lunch, Monday through Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dinner, Monday through Thursday, 4 to 10 p.m., Friday 4 to 11 p.m., Saturday 1 to 11 p.m., Sunday 1 to 10 p.m.
