Eastside DePalma's Italian Café

Athens, Georgia
(706) 369-0085
Price: $10-$20

By Amy Chance

With a classy atmosphere and a wide range of boldly flavored, authentic dishes, it is no surprise that Eastside DePalma’s Italian Café is an Athens hotspot.

One of three locations of the Athens signature restaurant, the warm and inviting Eastside location is constantly bustling with an excited energy.

DePalma’s dimly lit dining room and bar coupled with its sophisticated art decorations make this restaurant an excellent destination for a romantic dinner for two or a casual night out with friends.

The menu boasts an impressive variety of antipastas (appetizers), pizzas, calzones, pasta dishes and other traditional entrees that set this charming establishment apart from other chain Italian restaurants. And dining at Depalma’s won’t demolish your pocketbook with most dinner menu items under $20 and lunch dishes under $10.

With the most elaborate appetizer dish, the antipasta plate, comes an assortment of traditional Italian favorites. Exquisite pepperoni, thick bruschetta and three distinct cheeses blend together to create a pre-meal feast that has a little something for everybody. The plate even houses a mixture of Greek olives, banana peppers, and pepper salami. Other appetizers include crab cakes, breadsticks and stuffed mushrooms, with prices ranging from $5 to $10.

Offering an assortment of over 10 different salads, the salad portion of Depalma’s menu is impressively large and diverse. Selections include the apple walnut salad, which combines romaine lettuce with red onions, capers, walnuts, fresh green apples, gorgonzola and smoked bacon. Also available is the grilled salmon salad, which mixes field greens with red and yellow peppers, capers and a salmon filet.

An interesting and unusual component of DePalma’s menu is its outrageous selection of pizzas and calzones. Pizzas are available in 14 inch and an 18 inch pie. Traditional topping favorites such as pepperoni, black olives, sausage and pineapple are available along with several unusual options such as artichoke hearts, pesto sauce and sun dried tomatoes.

For a bold dish that is full of flavor and pizzazz, the Shrimp Charmaine is your best bet. Shrimp and sea scallops on a bed of fettuccini are smothered with a spicy spinach, basil, tomato and jalapeno cream sauce. These well-balanced, yet distinct flavors fuse together to form a fascinating entrée with a powerful kick.

The popular rosemary chicken dish consists of prosciutto and mushroom stuffed chicken breast medallions drenched in a sharp roasted lemon and rosemary sauce. The dish’s intense flavor is just a tad too tangy and overwhelming. However, the meat selections are superb and the side items of broccoli and garlic, parsley and cheese mashed potatoes are wonderful.

Patrons searching for the perfect beverage to complement their meal will have no trouble finding something to suit their fancy. DePalma’s offers a wide selection of red and white wines and beers imported from all over the world, as well as standard soft drinks and coffee.

Boasting plentiful and filling portions, exquisite cuisine, a lively, yet comfortable atmosphere, Eastside DePalma’s Italian Café is an incredible place for a one-of-a-kind dining experience any patron can enjoy.