The weather has been cooling down here, and with Hallowe'en finished, we are cruising into the holiday season. I'm so ready for some actual get togethers and frivolity this season. As I looked around the huge dining areas (yes, multiple dining rooms) at DiCiccio's, I couldn't help but think that it would be the perfect locale for the many company and family holiday celebrations to come this season.
We were invited to check out DiCiccio's last weekend. The restaurant, as mentioned, is huge, with plenty of private party rooms, and a full bar area. The menu is old school Italian American, done up in the best way.
A Zoltar greets visitors as they enter, adding some whimsy and welcome to the place, especially for families. Italian food is all about family, and DiCiccio's is great for a family outing as well as a nice date. 
The dining area is varied with seating, with loads of quiet booths offering privacy, or a nice open area perfect for a large, boisterous group.
We started with a classic -- fried calamari. The calamari was crisp, and not heavily battered; it was a perfect way to show off the flavor of the squid.
Each meal has the option to add soup or salad, so to be healthy (ha!) we added a Caesar to split. The Caesar is a classic for a reason -- it's delicious. This one was a simple romaine with the fresh parm, dressing, and croutons. It honestly needs nothing else to be fabulous.
DiCiccio's is definitely family friendly, with an entire menu of foods appealing to children. The chicken fingers are always a favorite of small ones, and the portion is huge. Even the heartiest of eaters will leave full with this dish.
The calzone is absolutely the best item on the menu, even though everything is amazing. The DiCiccio's special calzone is brimming with cheese, sausage, pepperoni, salami, mushroom, onion, peppers, and loads of cheese and sauce. Wear your stretchy pants and enjoy! This calzone is enormous and delicious. There is an option to upgrade and add more sauce and cheese on top of the calzone -- do it. You will not regret it!
Manicotti is one of my favorite dishes, and it seems hard to find these days. I've tried making it at home, but it seems to elude me. I loved this version, bursting with mozzarella and stuffed with rich ricotta, and served with two homemade meatballs.
DiCiccio's is located in Escondido, and is open for lunch and dinner daily.
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