The Twisted Italian opened its doors at 9940 W. Happy Valley Parkway Suite 1080 at the intersection of Lake Pleasant and Happy Valley Road in 2011, but five years ago the restaurant changed ownership. While the restaurant’s name and many menu options remain, the new ownership added new menu items to include a wide range of classic and not-so-classic Italian dishes.

Known as the Home of the King Cut Lasagna and Loaded Chicago Beef, The Twisted Italian aims to offer diners creative and delicious dishes, a great wine selection and friendly service at reasonable prices. With a full bar, dine-in and carry out as well as catering options and daily happy hour and lunch specials, The Twisted Italian is the ideal place to grab a quick bite or enjoy a casual meal with the whole family.

Owned by transplants of Chicago, the menu features dishes that are inspired by the Windy City, in addition to Italy, such as the Classic Italian Beef, Combo Beef Sausage and Classic Thin Crust Pizza. Another “twist” from the Italian inspired portion of the menu, The Twisted Italian features House Made Pierogis including Cheese and Onion with cheddar cheese, potatoes, and sautéed onions; South of the Border with ghost pepper and cheddar cheese, sautéed onions, and jalapenos; Meatball with ricotta and mozzarella cheese served with marinara.

Diners can enjoy starters like Calamari, Bruschetta in a variety of flavors including Garlic Tomato; Berries with Goat Cheese and Balsamic Glaze; and Bacon Cream with hot giardiniera cream cheese with bacon and melted cheddar; Meatball Sliders; Fried Mozzarella; and Twisted Stromboli featuring rolled pizza dough filled with salami, capicola, pepperoni, melted provolone and mozzarella and poppy seed sauce.
The Soups and Salads portion of the menu includes Twisted Citrus with spring mix, mandarin orange, dried cranberry, candied pecans and gorgonzola with balsamic vinaigrette; Steak and Grilled Veggie Salad topped with Beef Tenderloin Steak, crispy onion strips, mozzarella cheese with house creamy garlic dressing; or the soup of the day.

Sandwiches range from Meatball to Chicken Parmesan to the Italian Stack and entrees include the Pork Loin Chop Marsala with crispy prosciutto and provolone; the Italian Relleno with Fried Ravioli; the Garlic Shrimp with Scallops; and the Champagne Lobster Ravioli with Shrimp.

The made-to-order King Cut Lasagna is a house specialty with varieties including House Cut; Angus Beef; Veggie or Shrimp Bacon Alfredo. Guests may also build their own by choosing their own sauce, main filling and additional toppings.

Of course who can forget favorites such as pasta and pizza!? Spaghetti and Meatballs, Fettucine Alfredo, Veggie Pasta Primavera, and Gnocchi Telefono; and specialty pizzas like the Italian Beef; Hawaiian; Shrimp Scampi; Chicken Pesto and more.

The Twisted Italian offers daily specials such as Martini Monday with specialty martini from Cosmos to Blood Orange to Cucumber Lime for just $3.75; lunch specials including the Italian Sandwich Lunch for just $9.00; Wine Down Wednesdays featuring half off all wine bottles; and daily happy hour specials from 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. — so there’s always a good time to enjoy The Twisted Italian! For more, visit www.eattwisted.com.