Nessun Dorma

Cozy Italian eatery & bar in Riverwest 

Nessun Dorma is a hole-in-the-wall (restaurant-in-a-house?) in Riverwest, known for its paninis, bruschetta, and (just ask Yelp) its artichoke dip. This place has spent an eternity on my list of eateries to try. Last weekend, the stars finally aligned for a date night dinner in this cozy neighborhood favorite. 

We arrived around 6:30 on a Friday night. Though there aren't many tables at Nessun Dorma (maybe 10?), I was able to snag us a vacant one. The tables are first come, first served — so just grab an open one and don't wait to be seated. If you must wait, the bar isn't fancy, but it's a charmer. In fact the whole place is kinda like that — not fancy, but charming. Homey. Comforting. Neighborly. 

Adam and I decided on paninis for dinner. He went for the Puccini: Sliced beef tenderloin with capicola, sautéed peppers and onions, provolone, and Kalamata olive tapenade on Tuscan country bread. For me, it was the Portabella Philly: Balsamic-marinated portabella mushrooms, peppers, onions, and provolone on an Asiago ciabatta loaf with basil pesto mayo. Mmm. 

I'm sorry to say Adam didn't love his, but really that's his own fault. I warned him about olive tapenade (you had better really love olives!), and did you notice the lack of mayo? If a sandwich doesn't have mayo or an aioli, pass. 

But I absolutely loved (and devoured) that Portabella Philly. So gooey-cheesy-saucy and full of balsamic-basil flavor! Being a compassionate girlfriend, I let Adam have some bites as well. He raved, as he should. When you pick the right panini, Nessun Dorma does indeed live up to the hype. You better believe I'm going back to try the bruschetta and artichoke dip.