Colao's Ristorante
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Colao's Ristorante

4.6
·491k reviews·,

A cozy, family-owned Italian gem serving traditional dishes with warm hospitality. Known for its generous portions and homemade lemonchello.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Colao's Ristorante

Colao's Ristorante

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A cozy, family-owned Italian gem serving traditional dishes with warm hospitality. Known for its generous portions and homemade lemonchello.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"This is home. Bravo Colao’s, we love you! Bravo Colao’s, we love you!"

TIP

Book Ahead!

Reservations are highly recommended as this popular spot fills up quickly.

Request a Table

Consider requesting a table over a booth for more space.

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Quick Facts

Closed·Opens Monday 5PM

Cuisine

Italian

Price

Mid-range

Phone

(814) 866-9621

Address

2826 Plum St, Erie, PA 16508, USA

Insta-Factor

Medium

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Authentic Italian Homestyle Cooking

Authentic Italian Homestyle Cooking

Savor generous portions of traditional Italian dishes like Calabrese Broccoli and Eggplant Parmesan in a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Warm & Welcoming Family Service

Warm & Welcoming Family Service

Experience exceptional service from attentive staff like Sophia and Mustafa, and friendly hosts such as Nick from the Colao family.

Homemade Lemonchello

Homemade Lemonchello

Indulge in unique, homemade offerings like their fantastic lemonchello, a perfect sweet ending to your meal.

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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Book Ahead!

Reservations are highly recommended as this popular spot fills up quickly.

Request a Table

Consider requesting a table over a booth for more space.

Call for Reservations

Use the call button to secure your preferred dining time.

Don't Miss Specialties

Try signature dishes like Calabrese Broccoli or Eggplant Parmesan.

Tips

from all over the internet

Book Ahead!

Reservations are highly recommended as this popular spot fills up quickly.

Request a Table

Consider requesting a table over a booth for more space.

Call for Reservations

Use the call button to secure your preferred dining time.

Don't Miss Specialties

Try signature dishes like Calabrese Broccoli or Eggplant Parmesan.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Colao's Ristorante is celebrated for its outstanding traditional Italian cuisine and warm, family-owned atmosphere. Diners rave about the delicious food, generous portions, and exceptional service, making it a highly recommended spot for both casual and special occasions. While most reviews are overwhelmingly positive, some guests have noted the seating arrangements and occasional richness of sauces can be a minor drawback.

"Shout out to this local gem! We patronized this establishment on Friday! The food and drinks are delicious, consistent and the atmosphere, owners and staff are amazing! We frequent her often enough to know that it can fill up quickly, so we make sure we call them early enough, to guarantee our reservation. The libations are unique, delicious and well crafted. The bartender is warm and engaging and owners while not tending to business matters, make it a point to get around to greet and say hello to their customers. There is always a smile to go with your delicious meal! I can’t say enough good things about Colao’s, but to say, if you’re going to be in the area to make sure you stop in. Please don’t forget to call!!! It is a busy establishment for good reason and they only take reservations by phone."

J C

"I'm a big girl, I wasn't aware the booths would be about a foot deep from the back of the seat to the edge of the table. I recommend requesting a table if you're a bigger person, I did not and I had to sit at the bar on my anniversary night because they couldn't give me a table until over an hour past my reservation time (They book up quick). The atmosphere is fantastic, small and intimate. The food is TO DIE FOR. I recommend the lemonchello, it's homemade and fantastic. The bartender bought my husband and I a glass for our anniversary, thanks again, girlie!"

Elizabeth Morrissette

"Had a wonderful dinner, the braised short rib was fantastic and it paired well with a special cocktail feature they had. Service was great and food was timed well between courses. Only downside is the location/parking. It's in a neighborhood and I had to walk a couple blocks to get there. Not a deal breaker for me, but just know walking may be required."

Kristie Lowe

What People Like

Authentic Italian flavors
Generous portion sizes
Attentive and friendly service

What People Dislike

Booths can be deep
Sauces can be rich
Can be loud

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, reservations are highly encouraged as the restaurant is quite popular and tends to book up quickly.

8 Erie restaurants we wish made USA TODAY Restaurants of the YearGoogle Review

Diners frequently recommend specialties like Calabrese Broccoli, Eggplant Parmesan, and their homemade Lemonchello.

Google Review

Some guests suggest requesting a table instead of a booth for more space, especially if you are a larger individual.

Google Review

Yes, the restaurant offers vegetarian options, and some pasta dishes can be substituted with gluten-free pasta upon request.

The atmosphere is described as warm, inviting, homey, intimate, and perfect for both romantic dinners and casual outings.

Google Review+1

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This intimate space tucked into a closely knit residential neighborhood is a restaurant that can make dinner on a regular Tuesday evening feel like an occasion. At night, it positively glows with brass and red awnings as you walk from your car, and inside, well, reservations are highly encouraged. Demand for a dinner at Colao's outpaces its square footage.

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- Rating: 4.1/5 (163 reviews)- Price level: $$$- Address: 2826 Plum St. Erie, Pennsylvania - Categories: Italian- Read more on Yelp. This story features data reporting by Wade Zhou, writing by Jennifer Huizen, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 290 metros.

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Do you know what makes this restaurant exceptional and different?. The American dream is reflected in the design of this restaurant, which is based on Italian cuisine. It’s one of the top restaurants in Erie, PA, for a fantastic dining experience.

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Colao’s Ristorante – Family-owned and full of vintage charm, Colao’s is where to go for classic Italian and a slow-dining feel.

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