Short Version:
This place is a local treasure for Rockwall. I honestly do not remember or know how long they have been here, but for as long as I can remember we have gone for small celebrations, birthdays, special events, etc. The food is always great quality, the service is always great, and the price is far fairer than many other places in the area for similar items. Do not hesitate to stop in and relax, make sure to get some bobs dip, because it’s amazing. Always worth the trip, and never been disappointed.
Long Version:
Well, as stated above, I can’t remember a Rockwall without Luigi’s. I have memories of eating here for as long as I can remember. It is one of those places that just feels like home when you are eating. The owner Mario Smajli is a great person and if you see him, you are sure to see a smile on his face. Of course, over time, the servers come and go but the owner is always present. They are in the parking lot of Hobby Lobby, and for your oldie Rockwall peeps, we used to call that the Walmart parking lot back in the day, or say it was next to the Pizza Hut. But, neither of those businesses are in those buildings anymore. Pizza Hut has turned into a break shop, and Walmart moved on down the highway.
When you walk in the front door, you are in a small entry area where you could walk straight up to the bar or look to your left and speak to the hostess about your table arrangements. They offer booths and tables, and I lost count of how many tables they have. Just know, even when the parking lot looks full, there is likely still a seat available so do not think you can’t go, just because of a parking lot full of cars. The back of the restaurant has a large room you can reserve for events. It can seat 30 people, I think. I know we have had that many in there, not sure if you could fit more.
I’ve never sat at the bar, however I can’t remember a visit where someone wasn’t bellied up, drinking a glass of wine or a beer, and watching TV or lost in thought. Since the bar is at the entrance and recessed a bit back from the door, you do not have to deal with constant people passing by you or squeezing around you. That is important when you are wanting to create an atmosphere that allowed for people to relax and enjoy a drink, and not have to deal with the constant flow of patrons bumping into them.
All the tables have tablecloths on them, but they are thick, dark red or reddish brown, and rubberized. I can image they make for a very easy way to keep the tables cleaned up and sanitized. Not the most esthetically pleasing like bright white table clothes. However, when you serve red sauce like its water, and on every table, it’s smart to make table cleaning and setup between customers much quicker and easier. So, these are well suited for the venue for sure.
The menu is full of appetizer, small plates, shareable items, sampler platters, pizza, calzones and more. Offering you everything in the realm of Italian food that you could care to order. I’ve had probably half the menu, and never had a bad meal. After many years I tend to always order the same thing for the table on every visit now though. I get extra bread, their garlic bread is worth the trip by itself, bobs dip, I’ll explain that in a bit, and a side of alfredo sauce. I could live on those three things alone, but always order too much food.
This last visit was a date night for my wife Nicole and I. We had dropped our daughter off at the Friday game and took advantage of the proximity to Wilkerson Sanders Stadium and had dinner. We, as usual, started with the normal appetizers, and then we each ordered a dinner salad with house dressing and a large Margarita Pizza to split. Ill break down those items below and share my thoughts.
Bobs Dip $6.99
Tomatoes, basil, garlic, onion, capers, peppers, olive oil.
This is my go-to, every single time. This is served in a decent sized bowl, and I spoon on a nice helping onto the bread for each bite. All the ingredients are chopped large enough to be able to see what you are eating and be able to distingue the flavors between them also. The olive oil is good and clean and provides an excellent vehicle for all the ingredients to mingle. Very bright, clean, and flavorful without overwhelming your taste buds for the meal. The tomatoes are ripe and juicy, and the little bursts of flavor with the capers make it the perfect starter. A few times, I’ve ordered a bobs dip to go, with 3 orders to bread. It’s just that good.
Alfredo Sauce $9.99
This is one of the top alfredo sauces I have had around town. It will 100% separate if you take it home and refrigerate it. This is pretty much just a bowl of butter, cream, and parmesan cheese and is divine in every way. It is thick, flavorful and coats everything it touches in a creamy sauce that keeps you coming back. I drag a piece of their amazing garlic bread through this sauce, and I know it is going coat every bit of that bread for the perfect bite. Its good, and with the bread can be a meal on its own. I tend to add a little pepper to it, but that’s more my tastebuds than a requirement for the sauce
Dinner salad w/ House dressing $3.99
You get a standard dinner salad, no frills. It is fresh crisp romaine lettuce, and a couple slices of Roma tomatoes. The star is the house dressing, it’s a red dressing with a nice tang to it. I am not sure if the dressing is made in house, or just called house dressing, but it is good. I order the salad on nearly every visit. I have ordered a small container to take home from time to time also. Makes a simple salad, just that much better.
Margarita Pizza: $16.99
“With fresh sliced tomatoes, fresh basil, and mozzarella cheese.”
The pizza is good, the toppings are always key for me. They are fresh with bright flavors. Each piece has a ripe slice of tomatoes, pieces of fresh basil peeking through the blanket of melty gooey mozzarella. A large pizza with the two of us always has a few pieces left over to take home. Pro tip to warm up pizza at home. Just a touch of olive oil in a pan heated to medium heat. Set the pizza slice(s) in with a lid on. The heat will melt all the toppings and warm it through, while the crust gets nice and crispy. Depending on the heat, usually only 8-10 minutes is enough to get it nice and toasty with a crispy crust.
The hardest thing about writing these reviews is sitting here, remembering the meals, and trying to visual them to hopefully write a decent review and trying to convey that experience in writing. I get hungry, every single time.
I do not receive any compensation from the establishments I write about. Most don’t even know they have a review coming unless they see me taking notes and photos while I am there. Well, some know because I may have a bad experience on that first visit and reach out to the owners/manager to discuss the experience and clarify if that is normal or not. Then I usually try them a couple more times before writing about them. No need to trash people for a single mistake. We all have an off day. I do this to help shine a light on local places, so others have the opportunity to experience and hopefully encourage people to visit and support them. I have been so happy to hear from some businesses after the fact that my review had an impact on them. Helping not only the business, but the staff have more customers to serve and more opportunities to earn tips.
I hope you found value in this review, and if you have never been to Luigi’s in Rockwall or any of their 3 other locations in Commerce, Quinlan or Royse City you’re missing out.
I am always looking for new places to try out and help shine a light on local businesses when I can. If you know of a place that you want to see a review on don’t hesitate to shoot me a message.
Luigi’s Italian Cafe
2002 South Goliad
Rockwall, Texas 75087
Nick Hughes
I’m a devoted father and husband. What you see is what you get. I love God, family, food & baseball!
If you ever see me out and about, don’t hesitate to say hello, or give me a recommendation on the next place I should try! [email protected]
