Fiola's Italian Ristorante - St. Petersburg, FL

Feola’s Italian Ristorante
7110 5th Ave No
St. Petersburg, FL
(727) 347-8415

Feola’s was always a favorite of my father-in-law, Sonny. Whenever it was running late and dinner had not been planned, Feola’s frequently got the nod. As for Sonny, he always selected the manicotti ($9.55); it was his particular favorite for many years.

Feola’s is a non-descript store-front Italian eatery in a small convenience store corner near St. Petersburg Collage. Driving by you would probably not even give it a second glance. It is one of those places you have to have heard of or know about. It is good enough that the regulars keep coming back for more.

So it was this day, the wife and I had a busy day and decided to call our order into Feola’s. Feola’s does boast of a small dining room and the wait-staff are friendly and attentive. But on this day it was to be take-out and the familiarity of our own dining nook. A look at our well worn copy of their full featured menu and we had our selection, A quick phone call and dinner would be ready for pick-up in a quarter hour.

Over the years I have sampled their pasta dishes, some with marinara, some with meat sauce and some with meat balls. All have been very good. I like their eggplant parmigiana as well. The dinners come with salad, a small side of spaghetti in marinara sauce and bread. Full dinners run from $8.55 for your choice of pasta in marinara sauce to $14.95 for veal Marsala. Pizzas, of course, are offered. It is your choice of thin, thick or pan crust pizza with a wide assortment of toppings to choose from. A small thin crust cheese pizza is $6.55. An extra large Sicilian special pizza will cost you $16.95. A child’s portion menu section is featured with the items averaging $4.95. Feola’s does offer eat-in luncheon specials, 11Am to 4PM daily, with selections starting at $4.95. For the locals, watch the mailbox and Sunday paper for Feola’s ads featuring discount coupons. When you pick up your first order, take home a call-in menu. On the backside will be more discount coupons for your next order.

On this day the wife was intrigued by the Pepperoni Twist (small, $7.95) and decided to try that. I opted for the Philly steak sub sandwich with mushrooms, onions and peppers (large, $6.95). The twist is a pizza crust with the pepperoni and cheese, rolled and baked. It is then scored and served with a side of pizza sauce for dipping – a very different pizza presentation and you get as much or as little sauce as you like. The wife said her twist was very good and liked the novel way it was served. My sub was almost too hot to hold even after the short trip home. The large bun was filled with Philly steak, peppers and onions all covered with lots of hot, melted, stringy mozzarella cheese. It is a big sandwich and part of mine was set aside for a late night snack. I enjoyed it very much.

Feola’s is open Tuesday through Saturday at 11AM, closing 9 or 10PM. Sunday they are open 5PM to 9PM, closed Sundays.