Dominick's

by Nadine VandeWalker

When you think of Dominick’s, you think of HOMEMADE, Fresh from the oven, made-from-scratch – everything from entrees to desserts. Where you’re never underfed and never overcharged - that’s an understatement! Dominick’s may be the best value in town: very reasonable prices, very large portions, and really, really delicious.
The Burnet Street location presents a stucco exterior with grape trim, and more than ample parking. You will walk up a quaint brick sidewalk to the front door.

As you enter the front doors and smell the aroma of homemade sauce, you face a difficult decision: what to choose for dinner?
But first, you have to get past the pastry case! As you enter you’re greeted by a hostess, and also a bright, glass-fronted display case full of oversized and scrumptious-looking cakes, cookies, and other confections. These are all available for dessert, of course, but also to purchase and take home.
We were led to a booth in the main dining area (there are three, one of which features a fireplace cube which would be very inviting on a cold winter night), and seated in an oversized booth with a wood-topped table and comfy benches. The interior décor is a rich, contemporary style. To your left as you enter is a bar with plenty of seating – and brick oven visible behind a huge viewing window. Watch your pizza, bread, and desserts being prepared and baked right before your eyes!

It was late mid-day, but a number of patrons were in the bar and restaurant. The restaurant is large enough to accommodate a large party, and cozy enough for a quaint dinner for two.
We mulled over the menu while drinking soft drinks – but there is a full bar menu as well as a selection of wines. The menu is five full pages - and that does not include drinks! There is a special lunch menu (11am-2:30pm), and a small selection just for kids. Lunches range from salads to Italian dishes to sandwiches - but there is also a “Sandwich Board” with selections like a Hot Roast Turkey Sandwich (with mashed potatoes and gravy) for $6.95, or a Golden Fried Veal Steak Parmigiana on a Sub Roll ($5.95). There is a large selection of Italian entrees, steaks and chops, many seafood selections, pizza, and even a “Health Wise” section (if you can control yourself!).
While we’re told there is no more than an hour’s wait (no reservations) on the weekends for dinner, there is also plenty of comfortable seating for guests while waiting for a table.

Our server, Jenn, greeted us promptly and brought beverages. We needed plenty of time to read through the over-stuffed menu and make our selections. To select the perfect meal… what a challenge!
Thinking of an appetizer? You could start with the freshly made “TOMATO PIE”. All food at Dominick’s are prepared with all fresh- delivered-daily products. We started with soup specials - corn chowder and pasta fagioli. The corn chowder had large pieces of vegetables with a rich creamy base. The pasta fagioli was an all-white-bean variety, with a smattering of ham (I prefer it that way unless it’s going to be a meal - it’s lighter and not as filling without too much meat!). It was clearly home-made and wonderfully savory. That, plus the crisp garden salad that followed would have made a delightful meal for me.

The restaurant has been serving delicious meals to the public since 1980 – and it’s a family affair. Owner Dominick Tassone is ably aided by daughter Cindy, who chatted with us as we dined. The restaurant has been voted “best” by the local dining public over and over again – and with good reason! The restaurant was beautifully remodeled just five years ago, and it’s clear the emphasis was on a warm, comfortable atmosphere where the food takes precedence.

Dominick’s is open for lunch, dinner, cocktails and dessert, and catering for special events is also available. Next door is a best-kept Syracuse secret – Bel Posto. This is Dominick’s intimate fine-dining venue, available for parties from 20 – 50 people. Ask about it next time you stop in!
The entrees were huge. HUGE. I opted for the “Italian Luncheon Platter (Lasagna, Ravioli, Rigatoni, Meatball Sausage & Chef Salad) ($6.95). The sausage and meatball were both very large, and the lasagna was literally stuffed to bursting with meat filling. The large, round raviolis looked home-made, and everything was in a generous serving of rich red tomato sauce - seasoned perfectly. My guest enjoyed the “Chicken Marsala” There were two large chicken breast covered with a delicate batter, served with sautéed mushrooms and a sweet marsala wine sauce that covered the entire plate.

We didn’t go for desert but if you have a sweet tooth you will be tempted by the raspberry pie, homemade carrot cake, cannolis and Sfogliatelle! All the desserts are prepared on premises daily! They looked more than yummy.
You may just want to stop in for dessert and coffee, because as a finishing touch, Dominick’s offers their own roasted coffee bean recipe, plain or with added flavors.

Dominick’s is open Mon- Thurs 11am – 11pm Fri & Sat 11am-12mid Sundays Noon – 11pm
They have full menu take out service in addition to dining in.
U-Serve and Full Service Catering are available
Next door is Bel Posto, a private dining room that seats anywhere from 20 - 50 people for private parties and fine dining.

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