You know that restaurant where the title character of a movie meets his family for
his little sister's college graduation lunch? The Newtown Grill is that restaurant. Ask any local where to go for a special occasion meal and the response will undoubtedly be "The Newtown Grill."

In its former incarnation, The Newtown Grill was Alberto's Authentic Italian Cuisine, but luckily for us the makeover seems to be in name only. The menu offers classic Italian appetizers ($4.95-10.95) but the standout was the eggplant carrozza. This starter featured two thick slices of eggplant, deep fried to perfection, layered with a sheet of mozzarella, and then drizzled with a balsamic glaze.

There are nearly two dozen pasta dishes ($12.95-18.95), ranging from the typical
fettucini alfredo and spaghetti pomodoro to the sublime rigatoni amatriciana. The noodles are cooked to a perfect al dente, and the chefs are not shy about cooking with plenty of garlic and olive oil.

For those looking for something a bit more substantial, the menu also features
numerous traditional second courses ($14.95-18.95), including veal marsala, chicken parmesan and veal Milanese. But the stars of the show are the "Grill" selections ($19.95-24.95) on the menu. True to form, The Newtown Grill delivers a perfectly cooked medium-rare steak accompanied by your choice of assorted vegetables (freshly prepared; selection depends on the day), roasted potatoes or rosemary mashed potatoes. For a sweet ending to your meal, choose any of their delicious desserts ($6 each).

The restaurant offers a laid back yet refined ambiance. There does not seem to be a set dress code, but everyone looks as though they made an attempt to "dress for dinner."

Service is casual, but friendly with certain traditional perks, including tableside offerings of red pepper flakes or parmesan.

As for what to drink with dinner, the wine list is well balanced and, not
surprisingly, features some fantastic Italian wines such as the Super Tuscan and
the Montepulciano. My favorite part of the wine list was the section of bottles all priced at $20. The restaurant also offers a wide variety of beer, a separate martini list and even some BYOB nights.

Overall, The Newtown Grill is a great place for lunch or dinner--special occasion
or not. It's like how the great Billy Joel sang, "A bottle of red, a bottle of white, whatever kind of mood you're in tonight. I'll meet you anytime you want in our (former) Italian restaurant."

Newtown Grill
191 South Newtown Street Road Newtown Square, PA 19073
Phone: 610-356-9700
Reservations: Recommended
Kid's menu: Available ($9)
Parking: Huge lot
Hours: Lunch–Mon - Sat, 11:30am - 2:30pm; Dinner – Mon-Thu, 4pm - 10pm, Fri - Sat, 4pm - 11pm; Sunday Brunch Specials–Sun, 11:30am – 2pm; Dinner Menu offered from 11:30am 
Cash and all credit cards accepted