Owner Peter Hewitson created Uncle Bacala’s with a warm and welcoming ambiance. Red and white checkerboard tablecloths decorate the restaurant and a room that simulates an outdoor courtyard on a fisherman’s wharf completes the charming atmosphere. The casual and lively dining area is the perfect spot for a fun group lunch or a lovely dinner for two. There’s a long granite bar, a spacious party room for private events, and the open kitchen features a traditional brick oven. French doors open onto the street where you can dine al fresco on glorious spring and summer days.

Portions are huge, so you’ll never leave hungry! We enjoyed the Tuscan Onion Soup, rich and savory topped with a crisp puff pastry, and the Pollo Ripieno, chicken breast stuffed with spinach, gorgonzola, and ricotta cheese in a flavorful brown sauce, a wonderful combination of ingredients and flavors. Diners rave about Bacala’s clams oreganata, calamari fritti, veal ossobuco, and baked ziti, claiming that “they are the best!” Wine choices are global with many selections available by the glass or quartino (glass and a half) along with an abundance of creative cocktails. For dessert we delighted in every luscious bite of the ‘Waffellini’ covered in
homemade caramel syrup, berries, and bananas with two heaping scoops of vanilla ice cream.

The energetic staff are as warm and welcoming as the ambiance. Peter is a very accommodating host and goes the extra mile to develop lasting relationships with his customers. At the end of the meal, a pink fluff of freshly spun cotton candy arrives at your table and puts a smile on everyone’s face. Visit Pazzo Gelato, next door, for artisanal gelato and sorbet to go.

Uncle Bacala’s is a friendly, upbeat restaurant, so bring the family and enjoy hearty Southern Italian favorites at this “feel good place!”