HIDDEN RESTAURANT GEM in ZELIENOPE, PENNSYLVNIA SERVES SCRUMPTIOUS ITALIAN FOOD WITH COZY ATMOSPHERE
If you have not been to Zelienople, Pennsylvania, you may be surprised to see the number of flourishing businesses, and the amount of traffic that runs through this small town. With that said, as you are driving down the main drag of town, if you blink, you may miss Goodfello’s Pizza & Pasta Grille. It may not seem like much other than takeout pizza, but it is far more than that as we dig in a little further!
Appetizers – The appetizer list is extensive. Goodfello’s has your traditional appetizers such as chicken tenders, fried provolone, and fried zucchini. Take it up a notch and try the stuffed banana peppers which are homemade filled with ground beef, spices, and baked in marinara sauce. The King Kong fries offer a generous portion of French fries, loaded with steak, chicken, green peppers, fried onions, cheese sauce, mozzarella, and provolone baked and served with ranch. They are also known for crispy, chicken wings served with a variety of sauces.
Sandwiches, hoagies, and burgers – The portion sizes are large, and the toppings are ample. The “Nero” is their regionally famous Italian sub on steroids. It features double toppings which include capicola, salami, ham, pepperoni, mozzarella, provolone, lettuce, tomato, onions, and dressing. The “Goodfello” is similar to a Pittsburgh Style Sandwich, it features sliced capicola and provolone, fried egg, tomato, coleslaw, and French fries on thick, sliced Italian bread. If you are looking for a burger, you have the option to double the meat and make it a Bighead Burger for those with larger appetites.
Pizza – Goodfello’s is known for their homemade, hand tossed pizzas. They have tweaked their recipe of herbs and spices to create a delicious red sauce. You also have the choice to go with a white pizza that uses an oil and garlic sauce. The topping list is extensive! Tradition toppings include pepperoni, sausage, bacon, vegetables, and much more! Gourmet toppings include feta, ricotta, meatballs, steak, chicken, capicola, and salami. You have the option of traditional round pizza or thick, Sicilian square. If you are looking for a specialty pizza, try their Buffalo or Barbecue Chicken, Steak, Ranch and Onions, or the Chicago Deep Dish.
Entrees – Pasta dishes include traditional Marinara, Fettuccini Alfredo, Chicken and Sausage Mafalda, Rigatoni Casserole, Stuffed Shells, Homemade Five Layer Lasagna, and other pasta creations. There are also classic dishes such as Chicken Parmesan and Eggplant Parmesan which are served with your choice of two sides.
Other menu items – Goodfello’s also has delicious Calzones, Pepperoni Rolls, and salads. Their Buffalo Chicken Salad will surprise. This is an item that is on most restaurant menus. What separates Goodfello’s is the fresh breaded chicken tossed into a house mixed buffalo sauce. The chicken soaks up the buffalo sauce and is just the right of amount heat on your palate.
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My final take
This is a place that you drive by dozens of times that stirs your curiosity. Your gut is saying give this place a try. If you trust your gut, you will not be disappointed! The front of the building has its own takeout area, and the back part is the restaurant. It has a cozy dining area and is well staffed with a team that provides excellent service. If you have not tried this place and are looking for something new, add it to your list! It will soon become a go to place on your dining list!