Not Good Fellas

Okay, I have to first start by saying that I grew up in an Italian-American household in the suburbs of Chicago and relocated here a few years back to work for Eli Lilly. I moved to the South side of Indianapolis and have been on the search for good, authentic Italian food in the city ever since. One of my co-workers came into work after dining at Augustinos and ranted and raved about the food. Naturally I was curious as the search continues!!!

I went down to the strip mall location off Emerson to see for myself. We ordered the bruschetta to start. Apparently we ventured to Italy via the American Southwest as we were served Texas Toast! Not good my friends and truly not an authentic or traditional take on bruschetta which is to be a fairly thin, grilled or broiled crostini type appetizer with a variation of tomato, basil, mozzarella and or garlic. This was something out of your grocer's freezer!

Being a traditionalist I decided to order Spaghetti and Meatballs, which by the way, they tought to be the BEST MEATBALLS IN THE CITY! Who was the judge, Chef Boyardee? Absolutely awful! Overcooked, dry, textureless and bland. Really really bad my friends. And the sauce are you kidding me? I understand that Sicilian cooking tends to be sweeter than other tomato sauces and any Italian cook knows you add sugar to your sauce to balance the acidity of the tomatoes but wow! It tastes like they added a gallon of sugar to the red sauce. My companion ordered the Linguine with Clams which I can also report was below any hope of salvation. The clams were overcooked and they tasted fishy, which says... NOT FRESH!!!

A mid-thirties woman that was not our server approached our table. She was dressed in a suit so I have to assume she is the owner. She asked how everything was and if she could interest us in some dessert, a cannoli, which to me is a sacred sacred pastry my grandma used to make. At this point I could not bear any further disappointment and wanted to be able to contain my true feelings about my experience to the young woman, who I can assure you thinks she is producing some really good food. I think if I would have told her what I thought she would not have believed me because clearly she is dillusional if she thinks they have the best meatball in Indy. Plus there is no need to offend someone after they have prepared a meal for you even if you don't like it.

So I know what you are thinking, why are you doing it now via this review? I can only explain it by saying that it truly offends me when people try to pass off their idea of stewed tomatoes as authentic Italian because the American palate has been dulled down with such products as Ragu, Prego, and anything from Fazoli's. Or they can be so bold as to proclaim to have the Best Meatball in Indy when clearly they don't even have the best meatball on the block. I am sorry I was just so disappointed because as I said I am on the lookout for some really good Italian food. As it turns out the owners of Augustino's are Irish, perhaps they should stick to Corned Beef and Cabbage or a really good baked potato!

Great Food

I've eaten at Augustino's several times and I believe they have the best lasagna I've ever had. On top of that the service was excellent and the price was right. I don't think you could ask for a better neighborhood restaurant!

Go!

Seriously, get in your car and give this place a chance.

If you have been before, go back... this place has only had the newest/owner chef for about a year now.

The food is delicious, the service is superb, and they really want you to feel at home!

Also, They are extremely accommodating for private parties, i.e., catering, baby/bridal showers, parties, and rehearsal dinners.

Oh and the cannolis are to die for!