Classy Italian fare on Twenty Ninth Street
The new Twenty Ninth Street Mall offers Boulder residents a wide variety of new shops and restaurants to enjoy, but the mall also features a restaurant that has been a Boulder staple for 20 years.
The location may be new, but Laudisio – located on 1710 29th St. – is still serving up excellent Italian food, albeit in a swank new atmosphere.
Having been to the old restaurant in north Boulder, I was a bit surprised by the sheer grandeur of the new place. While the old Laudisio felt warm and quaint, almost as if you were having dinner in an authentic Italian household, the new place caters to bigger crowds while still managing to keep its warmth.
The inside of the new place is decorated in a modern style that keeps with the Italian theme. Warm colors that seem to permeate your senses abound and complement the excellent smells of the food.
The new Laudisio probably wins the contest for largest bar in Boulder. It stretches across the entirety of the restaurant and boasts an extensive wine list that features wines ranging anywhere from $25 to $1,000 a bottle.
The staff is very friendly and professional, making you feel welcome and at home. The food is also excellent; I had a Caesar Salad and the fettuccini funghi, which featured organic mushrooms, shallots, cream and truffle butter. The salad tasted just like a Caesar should – light and crunchy – while the pasta floored me with its rich, creamy, earthy flavor.
It is not surprising that the food is so good, as Laudisio has been voted best Italian in Boulder 12 years straight. The owner and his son even have their own show on Channel 5 called “Laudisio Figli,” which is a travel and cooking show.
Laudisio is probably best saved for a special occasion, for it is definitely upscale. A dinner for two with all the trims and trappings could easily cost over $100, but your meal will be worth every penny.
