RESTAURANT REVIEW

This family owned business right off the corner of Valley View and Rosecrans is a definite MUST TRY! They make pastas from scratch in their kitchen, and everything tastes like it's straight from Italy! The best part of all is that you don't even have to travel all the way to Italy to get it! I just can't stop raving about this fresh Italian joint.

On a typical day, you will see owner, Tony Agrusa cooking in the kitchen; son Carlo Agrusa will be managing the front counter, and daughter Maria will be seen serving up the dishes.  Tony says he knows almost every customer by name, since they have been at the same location for the last 19 years. Tony's exuberance for what he does each day can clearly be seen through his smile, and he says his favorite part about cooking is inventing and changing up dishes - as well as experimenting as much as he can in the kitchen!

If you're wondering what the best selling thing on the menu is, it's definitely the pizza. What I didn't know before my visit was that Tony Agrusa is brother to the owner of Gondola's -which makes it a big competition to see who makes the better pizza! Looks like it's up to you to decide! They even have a motto that says, "If for any reason you are not happy with a pizza from another place, bring it in and we will replace it with a free delicious pizza". What a deal!

The Pasta Riviera is another favorite dish on the menu with fresh linguine tossed in cream, chicken, capers, and marinara. If you don't try anything else on the menu, you just have to try this! This dish is priced around twelve dollars and I must say is totally beyond worth it. The Veal Piccatta is also delicious with its fresh cutlets of veal, capers and lemon juice. Agrusa's offers many traditional Italian dishes and is open for lunch and dinner. They offer pick up or you can eat in their casual eating area.

For dessert it's a toss up on the fresh tiramisu or the homemade Spumoni. I was shocked when I tasted their homemade Spumoni. I can't remember a time when I have ever liked it until I tried this one, and its unlike anything you have ever tried. This Spumoni is absolutely award winning!

Agrusas is located 14156 Rosecrans Ave. in Santa Fe Springs.