2016 Best Italian Cuisine: Casa Mia Italian Restaurant

With a warm family atmosphere and authentic recipes handed down through generations, Casa Mia is an Italian gem right here in the Tri-Cities.

The first Casa Mia restaurant opened in Hoquiam, Washington in 1952 by an Italian-American named Phil Bellofato. Forty years later, Dave and Glenda Brazell opened the Kennewick location, and a Richland location was opened in 1995.

Casa Mia manager Raymond Maldonado started out as a dishwasher at the restaurant 20 years ago. “I believe the success and longevity of Casa Mia is due to quality, consistency and customer service,” he said.

Popular items include the Veal Scallopini, a specialty dish made with veal sautéed in a marsala wine sauce served with fettuccini, and the Classic Casa Mia Special, a pizza with pepperoni, salami, Italian sausage and mushrooms. Most of the pizzas can be made with gluten-free crusts.

The sauce is made daily and simmers for six hours. “One lady asked to buy 60 gallons of sauce,” Maldonado said. Customers can purchase it by the pint or quart.

Maldonado said Casa Mia has had a lot of regular customers of all ages over the years. When the weather is nice, enjoy an authentic Italian dish out on the patio.

1. Casa Mia Italian Restaurant

2541 W. Kennewick Ave., Kennewick, 509-582-0440

607 George Washington Way, Richland, 509-946-0500

casamiarestaurants.com

2. Olive Garden Italian Restaurant

1420 N. Louisiana Ave., Kennewick, 509-374-3500

olivegarden.com

3. Carmine’s Italian Restaurant

525 W. 1st Ave., Kennewick, 509-396-7890

carmineskennewick.com

This story was originally published May 12, 2016 at 5:23 PM.