Don Michael’s has become my favorite restaurant by a landslide. I never had better Italian even in Italy. The quality of the food and ingredients is amazing. The personal care of the chef, who was also the waiter, was something I’ve only ever seen on TV in some 5 star restaurant until now. He explained a variety of items in detail to us and spent time talking to us. He made sure we had everything we wanted and more. He even offered us extra pasta(not that we could accept after already having so much already). The restaurant is nothing fancy and is hidden in the corner of a shopping center, but that’s just the way I found amazing restaurants in Italy and across Europe. I can’t recommend Don Michael’s enough!
Teagen J.
Tu valoración: 5 Madison, WI
This place is a true gem! Coming from Detroit this place reminds me of the Roma café! The food is awesome and the staff makes you feel like you are taken care of like family. The scenery is what you expect of a family Italian place, it’s casual and comfortable. We started with calamari and it was done to perfection, the salad was great too — I went up and talked to Don JR(owner and chef), he was really nice and can tell he is a person who is here because he loves what he does. Food was fantastic — I had shrimp piccata(it wasn’t on the menu and they had no problem making it, and they didn’t jam me with a huge off menu fee) and my dad had Lasagna! Come here food is great!!!
My M.
Tu valoración: 5 Las Vegas, NV
I wanted to wait until I came enough time to write a raving review! From the first time I came in(less than a month ago) to this evening… the service has been remarkable! The staff make you feel at home. I’ve had the calamari, mozzarella sticks, and garlic bread! All three were delicious! I’ve had the Shrimp Scampi, Fettuccine Alfredo, Stuffed Shells, Spaghetti, and Lasagna. For dessert, I’ve had the Tiramisu and Cannoli. Aside from the shells, EVERYTHING is made from scratch! It’s a great hidden gem! The staff make it a point to recommend and make sure you’re ok(as any place should), but they truly give you that«family-type» experience and care! The restaurant is hidden with minimal signage HOWEVER, this place doesn’t need anything extravagant as the quality and atmosphere speak for itself! From the moment you walk in, you feel as though you’ve walked into the nostalgia of a true Italian family home! Quality…consistency…camaraderie…and quaint! I love this place! See you tomorrow!
Jason B.
Tu valoración: 5 Las Vegas, NV
Simple and perfectly executed. Edit: After my second visit, the only thing I would change is the lighting. It’s much to bright, like a cafeteria. If they could dim the lights it would change the vibe quite a bit. But the food is so well done, I can overlook that.
L B.
Tu valoración: 4 Birmingham, AL
Located in Lone Mountain shopping plaza it resides in the far corner next to a smoke shop with bright LED rimmed windows— easy to miss. We drive by and had to call the restaurant to confirm the address and circled back to find it. Nothing flashy, fancy, trendy or upscale here. Very welcoming people, entertaining kitchen– server interactions, and solid, delicious fresh food. I do wish the bread that they had for the table was something better than enriched white loaf— but hey, it wasn’t at all tempting to me, so I saved some carbs and calories! I went with chicken piccata with extra lemon and capers, my companion had chicken Sinatra, both did not disappoint(plus we both had enough for to-go boxes) Our server was willing to elucidate on any questions we had about entrée contents and preparation. Owners son owns a larger«upscale» dining established in town, Chef Marc’s trattoria— we may have to try that as well— or better yet stop by Don Michaels again! Mangia
Joe C.
Tu valoración: 1 Las Vegas, NV
Me, my wife and kids all got food poisoning and diarrhea after eating at Don Michael’s
Jo W.
Tu valoración: 5 San Diego, CA
This is my favorite Italian restaurant in Las Vegas. It is cozy, off the strip, and has food like mama used to make! Entrées are reasonably priced and come with pasta or salad and garlic bread. My personal favorite is the eggplant, but lasagna runs a close second! And you can’t go wrong with the cannolis. The service is quick, the staff is wonderfully friendly and it’s a great place to enjoy a casual dinner.
Jim C.
Tu valoración: 5 Las Vegas, NV
My wife and had the pleasure of dinning here for the second time a couple of weeks ago. On our first visit I selected a veal dish. It was very tasty. As I remember they offer three veal choices. On my second visit I ordered my old standby, spaghetti with an added sausage topped with marinara sauce and it was perfect. The sausage wrapped around the whole side of the plate and was the spicy type I love. While we were there several other groups came in and by their banter with the waitress it was clear they were regulars. The guests at the adjoining table were very friendly offering menu suggestions. The service was excellent too. The restaurant is a little easy to miss as it is somewhat hidden in the corner and has very little signage. There is a smoke shop next door with a lot of signage so just look for that. As soon as we get through our Christmas entertaining we will be back. I am writing this review because I am anticipating my return visit with pleasure. It is a perfect neighborhood Italian restaurant. The kind I love.
Mike W.
Tu valoración: 5 Richland, WA
Fantastic little Italian restaurant. Ordered the stuffed shells for takeout, and Was very pleased with the the flavor. Highly recommend for a great dinner. The service was excellent, Don offered me a drink and made me feel welcome as I waited for a few minutes to pick up my order. Really felt like the personal type of service you expect out of a good mom’n’pop restaurant.
Jordan B.
Tu valoración: 2 Parker, CO
For the price, the quality of the food is just not there. The server was very nice. She was respectful and ensured that we were comfortable the whole time. The kitchen staff can be heard in the dining area — shouldn’t have to hear that the cooks just got high… No welcoming music, but they did have on some AM talk radio. Five stars for the server, 2 stars for the overall.
Kalvyn L.
Tu valoración: 5 Las Vegas, NV
This place was recommended by a close friend for the quality in food and service. And man was he right about everything he said. Don’t let the location and size of the place fool you from going in. The atmosphere was so relaxing and it gave off this family like vibe rhe whole time I was there. My favorite dish was also 1 of the signature entrees. The Chicken Sinatra! I highly recommend you try it out!
Brenda B.
Tu valoración: 5 Las Vegas, NV
Very good food. Authentic and gray service. Really nice menu and great choices. The tiramisu was quite nice, however, I annoy a fan of ricotta cheesecake. The prices are great and the portions are very big. Will definitely go here again.
Cary D.
Tu valoración: 5 Las Vegas, NV
My family has been going to Don Michaels since they opened. The food is strip quality at off strip prices. We have brought many friends and we have never been disappointed. Currently one of the specials is Grouper and it is world class seafood. Don Michael and the staff of become like family to us. It’s so great to have them right around the corner!
Sean D.
Tu valoración: 5 North Las Vegas, NV
Been here twice and ordered the chicken Alfredo and it was perfect both times. Atmosphere is very warm, homelike and everyone here is so nice! I highly recommend this place if you are in the mood for homemade Italian food in North Las Vegas.
Jared N.
Tu valoración: 4 Las Vegas, NV
I came to Don Michael’s the other night after finding it almost by accident. I was driving around trying to figure out what to do for dinner when I stopped in to the shopping center at Decatur and Lone Mountain. I knew about Baladie Café and gave that a thought. Then I remembered I was less than thrilled last time. I seemed to recall a Roberto’s Taco Shop here too. It is something else now. As I was getting ready to drive away from this little void of disappointment, I noticed a flimsy sign in the corner reading«Don Michael’s.» This is new to me so I figure I’ll check it out. When I walked in a bit after 5:00PM, I was the only patron in the entire restaurant. I saw a table reserved for about an hour out. That was it. I was greeted and seated almost immediately by a very friendly hostess/server. She took a minute to go over the days specials and gave me a moment to review the menu, such as it is. It isn’t much of a menu. A couple pages of light weight office paper bound between two sheets of plastic with a plastic spine. Not unlike what all of my Jr High reports were placed in. No matter though. It all adds to the overall feel of home. I settled upon one of the two daily specials, egg plant rollotini(the other being egg plant parm). I opted to pay a little more for a cup of Italian Wedding Soup rather than the complimentary salad. Before I knew it I had a cup of soup and a basket of garlic toast. There is nothing special about the garlic toast. Its crispy. Its buttery. Its average. The soup was almost a upsetting. I could hear the«ding» of a microwave just before it was brought out and the shredded chicken in the soup was tough like it had been microwaved. However, the broth was good. Maybe not as clear as in other versions I’ve had. The meatballs were absolutely stunning. I made a point to tell the hostess. I don’t know what they are made of but, damn, they were the best little meatballs I’ve had. All is forgiven on the microwave front. My main course, egg plant rollotini, was crazy good. Thinly sliced egg plant floured and fried then rolled and stuffed with ricotta cheese. It was like manicotti but with egg plant rather than pasta. Brilliant! On the side was a bowl of penne done perfectly al dente with just a little bit of sauce. Perfect for a guy like me who does not care for swimming pasta. I took home some left overs and the pasta maintained its integrity. The perfect Saturday breakfast. Before I finished my meal some other guests arrived. An older couple at first. They sat down and ordered right away. I could tell they were regulars. Especially when I ordered a glass of wine and was told which varieties they had avialable and which one they would not serve me as the lady at the other table would be drinking that. I had a cabernet. There was another small group coming in as I left. It was fun for me to hear the banter of the staff at Don Michael’s. Banter with each other. Banter with the guests. All in a dining room that feels like it could be anybody’s home. Ceiling fans. Little curtains over the windows like any good old fashioned kitchen would have. Italian American jazz crooners on the play list. Olive Garden may treat you like family but this place feels like home.
Alan S.
Tu valoración: 5 Monterey, CA
Amazing hidden gem! So glad we came here away from all the excitement of the strip. It’s tucked away and a nice place to take a break for a quiet meal. The vodka rigatoni was amazing, great sauce. Chicken parmesan was also good. Staff was incredibly friendly and attentive. Made us feel right at home.
K C.
Tu valoración: 4 Las Vegas, NV
Finally real Italian food! I’ve been eating Italian here in Vegas for 6 years and although it can never be exactly the same since recipes vary from family to family, this is the closest I’ve found to the food I grew up eating. Everyone there is so sweet, you feel just like family. I can’t get enough of this place. I’m actually writing this review to kill time until 3:30pm when they open so I can order the baked mozzarella and stuffed shells.
Dennis T.
Tu valoración: 5 North Las Vegas, NV
Lately I have been fortunate enough to enjoy four 5-star restaurant experiences at restaurants I had never frequented before. Two serve Italian fare. One is known for both its steaks and seafood. And the remaining establishment maintains a laser-sharp focus on seafood. Two of these are located in the Las Vegas valley, and the other two are situated deep in Southern California. I will review these culinary gems one by one, beginning now. Don Michael’s was introduced to me and Diane by friends who were surprised by an excellent Italian meal they chanced upon here. They accompanied us to the ristorante’s nondescript entrance at the corner of a small strip mall. Here 40 seats await lucky diners. And a bell rings every time someone enters. Right out of the gate with the first appetizer of Baked Mozzarella with warm Marinara Sauce, I knew this place was something special. Then when I learned that the owners have operated Italian restaurants for decades, and are the parents of fabled Chef Marc of Parma and Novecento fame, I knew why everything tasted so good. The quality of food preparation here rests on a bedrock of Italian cooking experience, high quality ingredients, and credibility. The Mozzarella Marinara was gooey and excellent. Fried Calamari with Marinara Sauce was golden and delicious. An Antipasto Salad for one(me) consisted of Romaine and Green Leaf Lettuce, Roasted Peppers, tomatoes, artichoke hearts, Black Olives, Capicolla, Italian salami, ham, Cherry Peppers, cheese crumbles, and very tasty panels of Provolone. Dressed with a very zesty Italian Dressing(I had to ask for more), this was one fine sampling of antipaasto. Perhaps over-ordering a bit, I next savored a great cup of Pasta Fagioli that was chockfull of Canneloni Beans, carrots, and Ditalini Pasta, along with an excellent bowl of Homemade Italian Wedding Soup sporting meatballs, carrots, spinach, celery, and strips of white meat chicken swimming in an excellent broth. Complimentary Garlic Bread was addictive. For my main, Veal Marsala was excellent served up with a liquidy brown Marsala Sauce and assorted mushrooms. I will surely return for more of the same.
Debi d.
Tu valoración: 5 North Las Vegas, NV
Whoa! I can’t remember the last time I had such mouth-pleasuring Italian food. Tucked inside a corner of an old strip mall, we’d never have tried Don Michael’s had it not been for all the great Unilocal reviews. My husband and I add our cheers for this unassuming, reasonably priced restaurant, and can’t wait to go back and sample different dishes. While the décor and ambiance are not upscale, the quality of food is absolutely outstanding. Starting with the Italian Wedding Soup, my taste buds were in heaven. Loaded with tender chicken, small, flavorful meatballs, pasta, carrots and spinach, it was by far the tastiest Italian Wedding Soup I’ve ever had. There were so many layers of flavors! I had Chicken Marsala for my entrée, and the chicken was fork-tender, and the sauce bursting with different flavor notes. The fresh mushrooms were cooked to perfection, as well. Chicken Marsala is my «go-to» dish to try at any new Italian restaurant, and I was knocked out this offering. At first taste, it’s on the sweet side, but as it melts in your mouth, you get a full bloom of all the other elements that went into making this superb sauce. Note after new note come into play, dancing on your tongue. The owner, Don, told us that he uses only the best quality meats, with no fillers, and no antibiotics. They also carefully carve the meats and poultry to minimize any chance of getting a bite that is not perfectly succulent and easy to chew. I have never had more tender nor flavorful Chicken Marsala anywhere, including some of the top upscale restaurants in Las Vegas. This was cooked to absolute perfection. My husband had the Veal Parmesan, and thought it also was the best he ever had tasted. That’s HIS«go to» meal for trying new Italian restaurants. My husband said the veal was incredibly tender. He saved enough to have for lunch at school today(he’s a high school teacher) and one of the other teachers had just tried Don Michael’s and agreed the food was fantastic and that she couldn’t wait to go back. Garlic bread and pasta with marinara sauce are served with the meals, and I could have made a meal just out of them. The bread was fresh, lightly toasted, with buttery garlic and a crispy crust. Absolutely delicious! It was all I could do not to accept another basket of that fantastic garlic toast that Don and his mother kept asking us if we’d like more. We mentioned to Don that it was my husband’s birthday, and he gave my husband a complimentary birthday cannoli, with a lovely fresh ricotta filling and a perfectly crisp, airy shell, topped with tiny chocolate chips. Delicious! I had to order a fresh Tiramisu to go, as I was too full to eat another bite, but it was a midnight delight I savored and licked the plate! This little restaurant is a hidden gem, and when you walk in the door, you are treated like family. Don insisted we sip a couple of the wines, to see which we liked best! In all, it was by far the BEST Italian meal we have had in Las Vegas, which also made it one of the best birthdays ever for my husband. Don, Michael and Mama Scrizzi do all they can to make customer’s know they are appreciated, have a quality meal, and want to come back for more. If it’s elegant ambiance you want, go pay five times more at a strip restaurant. But if it’s beautifully cooked, quality Italian food, and a «mom and pop» warm and welcoming atmosphere, give Don Michael’s a try! Kelly P’s review said it all for me, when she stated«The food here is definitely made with heart.» I only wish I could give it more than 5 stars. Oh! For those using wheelchairs, the restaurant is easy to navigate, with an accessible restroom.
Jason C.
Tu valoración: 2 Las Vegas, NV
This restaurant was ok, not bad, just ok. Unilocal doesn’t have a system to represent«OK» it has to be «meh» or «A-ok.» It is a small family owned type of place. It has the ambiance of a quick serve place, but I think they are going for a more sit down dining experience. They seemed to have all of the regular Italian fare. Then I noticed they had Chicken riggies(an Upstate NY Thing) so I thought I would order that. It was ok, large portions. Chicken riggies does’t have an exact recipe — so it is up for interpretation. The dish was a bit greasy or oily for my taste. The sauce was a bit heavy and never really came together. My dinner came with a small salad that was ok. The bread served tasted like store bought hoagie rolls cut up. The service was okay. You really appreciate professional servers when you go to a place like this, because the service was mostly someone probably helping out. The restaurant had wine and beer but I didn’t realize this until well into my meal. The prices are about the same as other casual dining Italian places, maybe a little higher. The food is better than some but its not great either. It’s not quick serve but its not really dining either. I’ve experienced better so — 2 stars. I would go back and try other dishes to see if it gets better. I really would like to love a place like this.