Negri's Italian Dinners - Occidental

3700 Bohemian Hwy, Occidental CA 95465
(707) 823-5301
Parking: in parking lot

Last Visited: August 7, 2004

Food: 3 to 4 stars
Atmosphere: 4 stars
Service: 4 stars
Price: $$$

Negri’s has been run by three successive family generations. It’s classic Italian dining. As you walk up the steps, you can see the large windows facing the town of Occidental. On the door are a gigantic fork and spoon which are also the door handles. Upon entering, the bar is to your left and the dining room is to your right. When entering the dining room, you’ll find the natural light from the large windows complements the surroundings nicely.

The painted walls are yellow with a green awning above the cash register area and the area near the kitchen. The walls are dark wood, and the thickness of the ceiling beams reminds you of the quality building construction of the old days. There are strings of lights as well as lamps with a white ball for a lamp cover. The ball has been painted with a red and green stripe each which make the Italian theme all the more prevalent.

The floor is light in color, and the tables are spaciously placed. The rear dining area was closed, so this evening, there were seven tables lining the large windows, and a moveable planter dividing the room. The tablecloths are red and white checkered, and a bottle of chianti as well as a pitcher of water sit on the table. On the walls, you’ll also find various paintings containing chianti bottles as well.

Upon arriving, a basket of crusty bread with a soft center arrives at the table along with a plate of olive oil containing drops of balsamic vinegar. You’ll also receive a bowl of freshly grated parmesan cheese and a container of individually wrapped butter.

All pasta and non-pasta dishes are accompanied with minestrone soup and mixed green salad. In addition, non-pasta dishes will also receive an antipasti (tonight’s antipasti was four slices of salami), zucchini pancake, and raviolis (six pieces).

- Minestrone soup – A large stainless steel pot holding hot minestrone arrives at the table with a large ladle to allow you to serve yourself. This homemade minestrone is incredible. A pot given to serve two people easily contains enough for four servings. The minestrone soup contains all the typical ingredients - cabbage, greens, beans, carrots, wide thick noodles, and so much more. The flavors marry together to create a taste extravaganza. Excellent. Five stars.

- Mixed green salad – The salad is comprised of iceberg lettuce, grated carrots, red cabbage, grated zucchini, and dressing. The vegetables are fresh, but there was too much dressing for me. In the future, I will know to ask for dressing on the side. I had enough dressing that by the time I completed my salad, there was enough remaining to dress another serving. One thing that is unique about Negri’s is that they still serve additional dishes during the salad course. Along with the mixed greens came a plate of old style cottage cheese, a plate of marinated vegetables (carrots, cauliflower, peppers, and more) that were quite tart from the marinade, and finally a mixed bean salad (garbanzos and kidney beans dressed with small diced onions and dressing). It was refreshing to see Negri’s continue this old tradition.

- Zucchini Pancake – Although the menu says that zucchini pancakes are served with non-pasta dishes, you only receive one pancake. It’s a small yellow round slightly smaller than the palm of one’s hand. It’s golden yellow with some green from the zucchini peaking through. Nicely done, and just a little crisp on the outside.

- Lasagna – Lasagna noodles are layered with meat sauce. Although the red sauce was hearty and thick, by the time I got to the lasagna, I was pretty stuffed. In comparison to the raviolis, the lasagna noodles are thick and don’t have the same homemade flavor. The portion is large, but just not as appetizing after fabulous minestrone. Average.

- Raviolis – Incredible. Their raviolis are homemade and filled with meat and spinach. Excellent. Probably some of the best raviolis I have ever had. They are served in a tomato sauce with parmesan cheese, and of course, you can sprinkle on as much parmesan as you wish. On my next visit, I’ll probably order the raviolis as an entrée and enjoy the splendid taste and texture. A must try! Five stars.

- Grilled Calamari Steak – Calamari steak is lightly breaded and grilled. Served with French fries (other options available). The calamari steak was a nice thickness, and the texture was good, but I found it to be a little oily. The breading was light and only grilled until faintly yellow. Nothing outstanding, but not bad. Average. The French fries were a bit oily – not to the point of being soggy, but also average.

At Negri’s, it’s worth just getting a bowl of soup if you choose to get nothing else. Raviolis are also a must try. They’re spectacular. The place is neat and clean, overlooking Occidental. It’s quaint and just an enjoyable place. The entrée itself (at least the two I tried) is not as outstanding as the soup and raviolis, so be prepared to bring them home since portions are huge, or maybe just order the good stuff alone. Beware if you order the hamburger because you’ll likely receive comments about ordering a hamburger in an Italian restaurant. No matter what, just come hungry.