What turns a restaurant visit into a memorable dining experience? Often, the answer begins with the choices on the table. A carefully developed selection of appetizers, entrées, sandwiches and desserts gives customers opportunities to explore unfamiliar flavors or return to longtime favorites. Across the Ohio Valley, local establishments offer everything from Mediterranean specialties and traditional Italian recipes to casual American fare. The Best of the Best Reader's Choice Awards recognizes the region's dining establishments across numerous categories, reflecting a variety of culinary experiences.
Theo Yianni's brings Greek-American cooking to Weirton, West Virginia, with a selection that spans traditional Mediterranean specialties and familiar American comfort foods. Diners can begin with house-made hummus, spanakopita or saganaki, a Greek cheese appetizer served sizzling. The restaurant also prepares pastichio, avgolemono soup and grilled lollipop lamb chops accompanied by asparagus and rice. Its Greek village salad combines tomatoes, peppers, onions, cucumbers, feta and Kalamata olives, while American selections include burgers, wings and pizza. Theo Yianni's also features Bangy Bangy, the owner's sweet and tangy sauce used on wings, wraps and burgers.
Pastaio Cucina Rustica Italiana draws on the Sicilian heritage of chef Giuseppe DiGristina to create a distinctive dining experience in Wintersville, Ohio. Fresh, house-made pasta and traditional Italian family recipes form the foundation of its offerings. Sicilian arancini feature crisp risotto croquettes filled with meat, cheese and peas, accompanied by house-made marinara. Mafalde al sugo di carne pairs wide, ruffled pasta with a slow-simmered sauce combining veal, pork and beef. Another specialty, tortellini Benigni, brings together four-cheese tortellini, Italian sweet sausage, baby peas, pancetta and sage cream sauce, finished with aged Parmigiano Reggiano. Diners can complete their meal with tiramisu made from espresso-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone and cocoa.
White Bear operates in Bloomingdale, Ohio.
Phat Matty's, LLC, is a food business in Wintersville, Ohio.
Station Grille operates in Wellsburg, West Virginia.
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