Featured Restaurant

Tesoro Italian Restaurant
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January’s featured restaurant is awarded to Tesoro Italian Restaurant located at 2080 Western Avenue Albany, NY (in the corner of Twenty Mall). Owner Raffaele Sainato was born in Gioiosa Ionica, a small town in the province of Calabria, Italy. He immigrated to Albany, NY in August 1974 and began his career at the Italian American Community Center. He then became Head Chef of two prominent restaurants before opening Tesoro, meaning “treasure”. Established in September of 2008, Tesoro’s has seen much success by receiving many return customers who enjoy great Italian food.

Entering Tesoro’s I noticed the full bar, perfect for taking a break from reality and relaxing. Separated from the bar is a spacious and extremely clean dining area. Each table is draped with a white table cloth and set elegantly, ready for your dining experience. Placed in the middle of each table was a candle which added the perfect aroma for the meal. Almost as soon as we were seated our waitress kindly greeted us with bread and oil, ready to take our order. Though a bit crunchy on the outside the inside of the bread was fresh and warm.

Once handed the menu I immediately went to work. The menu is nicely organized into sections such as Pollo (chicken), Pesce & Crostacei (Fish & Seafood) etc. For the First Meal I went with the Scallopine alla Francese (Scallops of veal sautéed with mushrooms and flavored with marsala wine). The Veal was very tender with a light lemony zest to it. The sautéed Garlic added a bold flavor as well. Perhaps the best part was the broth which complemented the flavor of the veal well. The meal was a pleasant starter.

Along came the second plate, Fettuccine Citron (fettuccine and sun dried tomatoes in a citron vodka clam sauce). Though it could have used a little bit more texture, the sun dried tomatoes added an excellent flavor. The vodka clam sauce was thick, creamy and rich. It actually made a perfect dipping sauce for the complimentary warm bread.

Lastly I had to try the Dinner Special that night. Pollo Francese (Boneless chicken breast dipped in egg batter and sautéed in butter and garlic). While fairly traditional it was a nice ending to my dining experience. The steamed broccoli florets and red bell peppers added the perfect amount of color and character to the meal. The chicken absorbed the rich flavor of the alfredo sauce which in my opinion made the meal. The angel hair pasta was definitely al dente (firm to the tooth).

Once done I felt relaxed and happy with the meals. One knows theyve had a good meal when all one wants to do is sit back for a couple minutes to absorb the great experience. While relaxing I saw behind me a large window which looked into a private dining room (that can accommodate up to 60 people). This private area is perfect for business meals, luncheons, weddings, birthdays etc. If you are interested in having a great private party just visit their website http://www.tesoroitalianrestaurant.com or call (518) 456-8242. Though Tesoro’s has only been in business a few years they continue to see great success, along with familiar faces making return visits for a great dining experience.

Review by Michael Weissman (Chief Culinary Consultant)

Photography by Christopher Case

Q. What are your hours of operation?

A. Lunch served daily 11:30am- 4pm
Dinner served Mon-Thur 4pm- 9pm
Fri- Sat 4pm- 10pm
Sun 4pm- 8pm

Q. Why should people dine here?

A. Family oriented, great ambience, and delicious food.

Q. What kind of influences do you contribute to your food?

A. Italian

Q. What makes your restaurant unique?

A. Good layout, family run and a menu that would please anyone.

Q. Why did you get into the restaurant business?

A. I emigrated to Albany, NY from Calabria, Italy in Aug. of 1974. I began my career and love affair with food at the Italian American Community Center.

Q. How long have you been in business?

A. Since September 2008

Q. What are some of your best selling dishes

A. Zuppa di Pesce, Rigatoni alla Vodka, Pollo Rustico and Scaloppine alla Francese.

Q. If you had one word to describe your food, what word would it be?

A. Satisfying

Q. Do you cater to special events?

A. We do not cater to events but we have an array of pick-up party trays that one can order. We also host gatherings and parties in-house for up to sixty guests.

Q. How do you want people to feel after leaving your establishment?

A. Satisfied by the food, service, ambience and their overall experience at Tesoro's!