When my family was in Saratoga Springs for my college graduation, we had dinner with some relatives from the area, at an Italian restaurant called Chianti. Normally, I am apprehensive of going to Italian restaurants outside of Italy that are not known for having a remarkable history, an amazing signature dish, or ingredients imported from Italy, because after traveling to Italy three times and spending 5 weeks there on the last trip, I have become an Italian food purest (a.k.a. snob). Also, I have found that many staples of Italian menus are so easily replicable, so I usually do not enjoy going out and paying extra for food I am certain I could make just as well for less, myself.

Since Chianti is a nice restaurant (and is also very dimly lit) I did not feel comfortable taking many pictures during the dinner, but the food was everything I’d hoped it would be when I recommended the place to my family. The ingredients taste so fresh, and the menu is full of the standard Italian fare, but also more exciting and unusual options. For example, I had artichoke, Gorgonzola and sausage risotto, a dish that I would probably be too intimidated to make at home.

Kiyo ordered this caprese as an appetizer, and our nice, knowledgeable waitress suggested he have speck, a type of cured ham, with it. The speck was soft and salty, and was a perfect complement to the caprese, which would have been good but forgettable without it.

Chianti Il Ristorante

Location: 18 Division Street  Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 Phone: (518) 580-0025