Each week, the Shreveport-Bossier Journal’s always hungry reporter visits a different restaurant and tells you about the experience.
By ANON E. MUSS, Journal Services
There are some restaurants that have been around a long time and have a good reputation, but — and maybe it’s the same for you — I just haven’t visited very often.
Notini’s Italian Restaurant (2013 Airline Drive, Bossier City) is a prime example.
Despite opening way back in 1981, Notini’s and I had crossed paths no more than five times. I always heard good things about it — family atmosphere, all-you-can-eat midweek spaghetti special, and addictive mint spiced tea. So, on a recent Saturday evening around six o’clock, a friend and I decided to stop in Notini’s and check it out.
Notini’s has an Italian feel. A long, large, menu in red and black behind the counter where you order. Red and white checkered tablecloths. A mix of tables and booths. But we noticed something very non-Italian — the recorded music which was playing. It was country music. Not just one song. Every song while we were there. (Is George Strait part Italian?)
The crowd was just what I expected, based on Notini’s “family-friendly” reputation. There were young, middle-aged, and older diners. There were people with children, and a table of women, of which none were likely under 70. There is plenty of seating, which includes the main dining room and two back dining rooms, which could be used if you’re having a party or special occasion.
On this night, I had a taste for spaghetti and meatballs, but while I was hungry, I wasn’t starving. While looking at that big wall menu, I noticed Notini’s offers a small and large plate of pasta, I asked one of the very friendly ladies working the counter about the size of the small plate. She pulled out a “small” bowl (not a plate) from below the counter. It looked bigger than I expected, and I decided that size would be plenty. So, I ordered a small plate of spaghetti with plain sauce ($9.39), and added one meatball ($4.99).
One of the things Notini’s is known for, especially since it was bought in late 2019, is their pizza. The owner’s father used to own Pizza King in Shreveport many years ago. Pizza King’s pizza had a unique taste and was a favorite of many people. Notini’s new owner brought his dad’s recipes to the Bossier restaurant, so my friend was eager to try a pizza. However, she preferred a gluten free crust. My friend was in luck, as she called ahead and was told Notini’s could accommodate her dietary desire.
However, upon arrival, we learned that if you want a gluten-free (Cauliflower crust) pizza, you only have three choices, and no choice when it comes to size (12″). The prices caught my attention: $23.99-$28.99.
My friend went with the Mina Special — four toppings of her choice. She chose mushrooms, onion, hamburger meat, and green bell peppers. The nice woman who took our order let us know it would take a few extra minutes to cook the pizza, and asked if I wanted my meal in advance. Being the gentleman I am, I told her I was happy to wait until we could both be served (I’m no dummy!).
It really wasn’t long at all before our meals arrived. My bowl was filled with spaghetti, which was perfectly cooked. The meatball was large, and had a “just right” taste. Both were covered in dark red sauce, which was neither too thin nor too thick. The sauce had a rich taste, and was more than enough. All was served hot, and stayed hot until I saw the bottom of the bowl.
Now, for the gluten-free pizza. I was surprised — and the word “stunned” would not be an exaggeration — when our server placed the pizza in front of my friend. For $23.99, I expected more. A lot more. The eight slices were very thin, as was the layer of toppings. I actually thought there had been a mistake. $23.99 for that?
There is one restaurant which charges $3 extra for a gluten-free pizza. So, I looked at Notini’s menu again. A 12″ gluten-free Mina Special is $2 more than a 13″ non-gluten free Mina Special. Okay, I guess that’s close enough, but I just could not get over $23.99 for what was not a very big pizza (size and toppings) at all.
Once home and for comparison, I looked online to see if Pizza Hut offers a gluten-free pizza. They do — eight slices (same as Notini’s), with six toppings, for $13.49.
As for the pizza’s taste, my friend was pleased. She said she enjoyed it very much. For the price, I was happy to hear she liked it!
Notini’s didn’t offer any desserts, and after pasta and pizza, it’s probably just as well. But Notini’s does offer a lot of other things. Their salads being served to others looked delicious. Other items included nine “Pasta Dinners”, stuffed and specialty pizzas, a muffuletta, and nine different po-boys.
More than one person was enjoying a big glass of that mint spiced tea. I gave up tea of any kind a few years ago and haven’t looked back. But after seeing Notini’s tea, I was tempted to relapse.
The cost of our meal (we had water to drink) before tax and tip was $38.37. I thought that was reasonable for two people, but was still bothered that $23.99 of that was for a pizza which certainly didn’t look equal to the price.
Speaking of prices, there are a couple of things you should know. If you don’t pay cash, you will incur a 3.5% “non-cash adjustment”. Also, the prices on Notini’s website were incorrect. Apparently, the restaurant had a price increase, but at the time of our visit, had not updated its website.
I’m giving Notini’s Three Forks. The food, service, and atmosphere (except for the music) was good. Not good enough for me to go out of my way to return, but good enough to warrant another visit. That is, unless my friend wants a gluten-free pizza. Then we’re going to the Hut.
Is there a restaurant you would like the Journal to visit? Email SBJRestaurantReview@gmail.com
1 Fork: Would rather eat a box of dirt
2 Forks: Will return, but only if someone else is buying
3 Forks: Will return and look forward to it
4 Forks: Will return and go out of my way to do so
