We always seem to find ourselves wandering around the wonderful harbors in the Oakville area which often leads us to the downtown main street. This particular warm summer evening we found ourselves stopped at the doorstep to Café Galleria at 151 Lakeshore Road East.

It was early evening and the place was more than half way full - so I would suggest if you are going to dine later in the evening I would make a reservation. Café Galleria is a small cozy restaurant with low lighting, ceiling fans, hurricane lamps, mirrors all decorated in muted beige and rust. It is a nice restaurant to go and enjoy as adults or with groups of friends. The restaurant customers made "newcomers" feel welcome.

The staff was very friendly and accommodating. They offered lots of suggestions from the Italian menu and recommended the specials as if they actually had tried them. I always think that its a good testimony of a restaurant if the staff loves the food and dines there as well.

So this time we decided to try the specials of the day, although I think this was easier for us since the menu was just loaded with wonderfully sounding dishes that it was very difficult to make up our minds. The specials this particlular evening offered a seafood treat called Spaghettini Pescafol which consisted of Baby clams, shrimp, mussels in a savory tomato sauce for $12.95 or if you could have a combination with Carni, Polio E Pesce (Beef, Chicken and Fish).

We both decided to splurge and treat ourselves to Bruschetta Bread and split a Caesar salad. The Bruschetta was served on lovely warm French stick that seemed freshly baked and was loaded with tomatoes and onions. The Caesar was enough for the two of us and didn't leave us too filled for our main course.

My companion ordered the Penne Con Salciccia E Funghi at $11.95. When this dish arrived it smelled truly delicious! The dish included sliced Italian sausage and mushrooms in tomato sauce accompanied with your choice of pasta. The nice thing about all the specials this evening was that they all seemed to be very light meals - perfect for a warm summer night.

I tried the Vitello alla Gidlia which was lovely meal of veal tenderloin, diced tomato, spices and vegetables with pasta. This was a little more filling then my companions meal but still light. The veal just melted in your mouth and was very flavorful. It really was a nice blend of spices and tastes. I would go back for this dish again.

Although we didn't have any room left the Café Galleria also offers beautiful homemade desserts that look truly tempting and decadent. So be warned if you are a dessert lover. If you are looking for a nice intimate, mature dining atmosphere where you can relax and enjoy reasonable priced Italian cuisine than I would try the Café Galleria.

Café Galleria ratings (l - lowest to 10 - highest): Appearance (decor and cleanliness): 9, staff (friendly and knows food) : 9, Food: 10. Over all rating 9+. Our meal totaled approximately $45.

Reprinted From The Oakville Beaver

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