Arriving on a Thursday, late afternoon, the after work crowd was starting to trickle into the restaurant.  Most were opting for the convenient, outdoor patio, where patrons can sip a glass of wine in a pet-friendly environment, but shaded from the late summer sun.

Grimaldi’s Beverages

Grimaldi’s offers a large wine selection, by the glass or bottle. The Grimaldi’s exclusive Mille Gradi wine pairs very well with “The Don Pizza,” a carnivore’s delight.  Mille Gradi, which means 1,000 degrees, is a unique Tuscan wine {75% Sangiovese, 20% Syrah, 5% Merlot) with 13.5% alcohol.

The Mille Grandi had a distinct cherry and oak aroma, with a refreshing berry flavor.

Available are also five craft beers on draft. Each Grimaldi’s location varies with its beer offerings.

Although a full bar menu is advertised on the “craft cocktail” menus at each table; I tried ordering the Strawberry Lemonade, the Blackberry and the Watermelon Sangria’s, however, I was told – all were not available the night we dined?  Water would have to accompany our wine.

Grimaldi’s Food Menu

For starters, we chose the – Bruschetta Trio – three personalized samples of flavor for any palate. Ours included the classic tomato and basil combination; marinated artichoke and marinated mushrooms.

Although large enough to serve as a meal unto itself, the tomato basil bruchetta was delicious.  The artichoke and mushroom were good but a bit heavy on the marination.

Known for their coal-fired ovens and being the carnivore that I am – we ordered “The Don Pizza.” Offered in three sizes (12″ – 16″ – 18″), The Don is a traditional red sauce pizza topped with Italian sausage, pepperoni and perfectly sized meatballs.  Slightly larger than a dime, these meatballs were scattered in perfect proportion to the 12-inch pizza, which is ideal for two people.

Each crust is prepared in house, fresh, then cooked to order in their signature coal-fired oven.

With a crisp crust, savory tomato base, bubbling cheese and those perfect meatballs – this is my favorite pizza in the Upstate.  Each bite contained a meat topping, without the meat being overpowering.  Although, the coal-fired oven makes this restaurant unique, an unbaked version of The Don would be almost as good – just for those meatballs. 

If you are not a carnivore, Grimaldi’s offeres a wide variety of signature pizzas; however, you can create your own, especially if you opt for their gluten-free pizza dough.

Offered in various sizes, all calzones are hand-tossed and stuffed with ricotta and mozzarella cheese, along with any other embellishments of your choosing.  When ordering, keep in mind they are rather large.  I ordered the smallest on the menu and it would serve four.

Fair warning, although I did not order any of the six salads listed on the menu, a nearby table did – and let me tell you, the salads are large enough for two.

Of course, no meal would be complete without dessert.  Grimaldi’s Tiramisu was creamy, cold and sweet, with a slight coffee flavor, but not too strong.

 

Opening their first location under the famous Brooklyn Bridge 28 years ago, Grimaldi’s has seen steady growth and popularity of their menu.

Although no longer just a mom and pop restaurant, they have maintained their sense of community with several charitable endeavors.  Collaborating with the No Kid Hungry Foundation, Child Help and other local organizations.

Eventually, Grimaldi’s hopes to open international locations.