A hidden gem for sure! Great for date nights and special occasions. Food is always fresh and tastes amazing

The meal was average. I requested no crushed red pepper and received my meal with crushed red pepper making it hot and spicy. Did not reveal that a Caesar salad was an up charge. Initially said I had a choice between house salad or Caesar. When confronted about the additional charge is when I was informed of the uncharge. Added a 20% gratuity for a party of two because when has separate bills. Then asked to combine the checks as stated in their menu to not be charged a 20% gratuity and still was. Tracy our waitress was rude and had attitude. . Overheard her complaining about another party in the back getting on her nerves. Not very professional and she definitely was not worth 20%! I would never darken their doorway nor recommend this restaurant. read more

The food is so good, the staff so nice and helpful! The is cozy and makes you feel like home. I ABSOLUTELY LOBE IT!!! read more

Italian Connection - The wine was so good with the scallops and mushrooms. - Italian Near Me - Fort Wayne, Indiana

Hands down the best Italian restaurant in Fort Wayne . Pasta is homemade. A fun place to go.

Our party of six dined here on a Friday evening, the first time for all of us. We didn't have a reservation but there were several tables available. We were seated in the back next to the karaoke machine. We all ordered different entrees. Fresh hot bread and garlic butter were served. We also each received a small salad. We promptly polished off the bread in the basket and another basket was brought out. Service was excellent. The only thing that detracted from our experience was a couple of young children running wild at the table next to ours. There were only two tables in the back, ours and the table next to ours where a family with young children was sitting. They were there before we came in and were still there when we left, so probably the children were bored. But they were running around our table, bumping into our chairs, and occasionally shrieking at the top of their lungs. A definite annoyance when we were hoping for a nice dining experience. All of us enjoyed our meals, the homemade noodles were excellent! read more

Italian Connection - Italian Near Me - Fort Wayne, Indiana

It was just like at my Italian grandparents house when I was a kid. Great food. Great atmosphere. Outstanding service.

The special tonight was delicious! Quaint, authentic Italian. Will be back! Prices are very reasonable for authentic Italian as well. read more

Italian Connection - Frutti de mar - Italian Near Me - Fort Wayne, Indiana

Authentic Italian eatery. I'm from back east, Philadelphia PA, and was thrilled to find The IC. Love the veal. meatballs not so much. Service is ok. Prices are ok. Ambiance is pleasant. Great vibe there. read more

A special place to visit. authentic Italian, friendly staff, a great place to take your sweetheart, anytime of year

0/5 food 2/5 service 4/5 Ambiance It was my 1st time and I doubt ill ever return. I ordered chicken alfredo with fried chicken breast. The noodles were clumped together, sauce not seasoned, breading falling off chicken and meat rubbery. Worst alfredo I've had in 48 years of life. I hear it used to be a great spot! I'm not sure what has changed but IT IS NOT GOOD. read more

My family and I LOVED this place in the past...Much to our surprise, the restaurant has severely declined in food quality. The spaghetti sauce tasted like cheap canned marina sauce. The lasagna was dry and flavorless. The Chicken Parm was very dry and the sauce was horrible. The gluten free chicken Alfredo was flavorless at best and the noodles were thick and dense. The service was still good and ambiance was still cute! Honestly, very sad that I won't be able to go to this place again since I have Celiac and have limited gluten free Italian options. read more

Food was excellent as usual. Owner sang in back room; talented, very entertaining! Service was great. Was an overall fun experience!

Our dining experience at the The Italian Connection was the worst, rudest dining experience that we have ever had. The food was unseasoned and bland. The owner held a business meeting at the next table over while his screaming grandchildren were loud and running throughout our dining area with their parents running after them, threatening to "beat their a**es! The Italian Connection was recommended to us by a waiter at another Italian restaurant in Fort Wayne. This waiter stated that it was true, authentic Italian like your grandmother would make and guaranteed us that they served the best cannoli in the Fort Wayne area. We made our reservation for 6:30 pm on a Wednesday evening. The restaurant was fairly empty when we arrived. We walked by several empty tables and were seated in the back room of the restaurant. Also seated in the back room with us was a table of two adults and two children. The children were a little unruly and loud but tolerable at that point. While eating our uninspired salad of lettuce, two croutons and vinaigrette served on a small saucer, the owner/chef comes out and begins talking to the couple and children. They begin to have a very loud business meeting, discussing business related topics such building improvements, formation of an LLC, how they pay their taxes online, operating costs and owner payment. The entire time they were talking over the escalating loudness of the two children. The level of talking and children screaming coming from their table was SO loud that we could not even have a conversation at our table. The couple begin arguing over who should be watching over the kids. The kids are up and running all around our dining area. At one point, the husband grabs one of the children and threatens to "beat their a**" if they don't stop. Our bill for three people with appetizer, entrees and dessert was approximately $100. On the way to the car, they were outside talking loudly in the parking lot. We were so frustrated that they had ruined our dining experience that we finally said something. They were rude and condensing in response to our frustration over the dining experience. They actually yelled back at us. My oldest son was concerned because the husband "appeared' to come around a vehicle at us. Save yourself the worst dining experience ever and do NOT go to The Italian Connection! read more

Very good service... fun to listen to the owner sing... food came out fast and everything was tasty.

Unless you have 2 hours to wait for a below-average meal avoid this place. The seafood is so overcooked it's rubber. The pasta was cooked into a huge glob and the meal in general had no flavor. The salad is 2 pieces of romaine lettuce ripped up and coated in oil with crouton dust on it. There were 4 ppl in the restaurant and we waited 2 hours on food. The new owner is now the chief and he must have been trained at McDonald's. He was screaming at my sister and grandmother when they said that their food was not edible .The waitress was telling us what an awful chef he is and that she has a lot of complaints about his cooking. Rethink your decision to go here to eat. It used to be amazing now I would not feed it to my dog for fear he would choke. read more

Had dinner there about a week ago based on the fact that it's supposed to be the best Italian in Fort Wayne. The owner no longer cooks. His daughter is just learning in between doing her day job. Nice people but the food was terrible. We had chicken parm - like a chicken nugget no sauce or cheese on the chicken with a side of kid's portion of spaghetti. Our friend had veal parm but it was plain veal no parm.. The owner does sign karaoke all night and he said they are only open 2 nights a week because they are considered a destination restaurant. Just say no. read more

The service was great. The ambience was subpar as there were family members of the owners there. That were a little bit distracting with the karaoke machine and a 4 year old. I heard heard the food was very authentic, but found it to be uninspiring. Unfortunately, not the gem I was hoping for. read more

What a nice experience! Stopped in for Valentines day and we certainly got a treat. Reservations are a must if you plan on coming, as space is tight! This restaurant is all about the experience. The small place looks like nothing special from the outside with only a red neon sign. But once you step inside you feel as though you have been transported to Italy. Soft music, small tables, the smell of fresh bread and wine bottles stashed in every place possible. Our service was good, but it could have been better. It was understandable though as they were extremely busy. Prices are very reasonable considering the quality of food! We started off with a bottle of Chianti, which was fantastic and full bodied. Then for dinner, I ordered the manicotti. First they brought out fresh bread which was served with house garlic butter that was very tasty. Then we got a side salad, which the dressing was a bit too sweet for me. My entree was delicious. The pasta tasted so fresh, the sauce had amazing flavor and the cheese just melted in your mouth. Luckily the portions were perfect size and we still had room for dessert. I decided to order the lemon cream cake. It was light and just the perfect amount of sweet! The night was topped with the chef coming out to sing karaoke! If you haven't already, you need to experience this place! read more

I have always wanted to try Italian Connection. Family owned and operated serving authentic Italian cuisine. I enjoyed a delicious meatball appetizer. For my main course I had the lasagna with homemade lasagna noddles with a delicious red sauce - it was excellent! I can't wait to visit again. FYI call before you go. Hours are based on reservations I believe that's what I was told. read more

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The Italian Connection is under new ownership. We took our family there for dinner and had a horrible experience. It took over an hour to get our food despite the fact that there were only two other tables of two. Out of 11 people only 1 person liked what she ordered, and even that was wrong, spaghetti and meatballs became spaghetti and over cooked sausages. All of the dishes were way overcooked. The shrimp was like chewing on a rubber ball. Some dishes came out hot others came out Luke warm. The wait staff tried their very best to take care of us, but it's pretty tough when the owner/cook (no chef) isn't producing. We asked to speak to the owner. He made excuses and denials and was flat out rude. We have been going there for 30 years but will never return. read more

Homemade noodles, karaoke music by Alex, quaint atmosphere, moderate portions, great food, beer and wine, love the family photos and some Catholic memorabilia. read more

This restaurant has been around for 42 years. I've been here a few times over the last 15 years and always had a great time, between the food, karaoke, and dancing, which is why I wanted to go here with a group of friends to celebrate my birthday. This is the kind of place you go to cut loose and have fun, not because you crave their food, if you know what I mean. Don't get me wrong, they have some dishes that are good, like their fettuccine Alfredo and their meatballs. The marinara is fresh and authentic, but I honestly don't know how they get away with serving some of the things they do, like their weak salad served on a little saucer and dried out, tough, breaded chicken cutlets in their chicken Parmesan, etc. The baked caprese salad had no mozzarella cheese that was advertised, just tomatoes and sauce. I don't believe this was a fluke, as another reviewer mentioned the same thing happening to them. My friend who is gluten free loved their gf pasta, which I tried, and it was surprisingly good. I don't even know where to begin on the service. I can't recall a time or place where I have ever been waited on by such rude wait staff. Our waitress, who made sure we knew she had worked there for decades, seemed to think she was queen of the castle by the liberty she took with her snide remarks about everything from the menu items, to how patrons prefer the other waitress over her, simply because she has bigger boobs! We observed her drinking wine throughout the night in between her singing (poorly) with the owner, Alex, and serving customers. Many of our orders were screwed up. When reminded of an item we were waiting on, she would scoff, and act as if it was terribly inconvenient for her to simply do her job. Our table joked that it reminded us of dining at Ed Debivic's. At least there, you expected to be razzed by the wait staff because it was part of their schtick. She was clearly inebriated by the time she delivered our entrees and we simply couldn't believe how unprofessional she was being (and getting away with it). But why wouldn't she? Alex, the owner, was just as drunk as she was by the end of the night, which is obviously part of the work culture there. Both of them were cussing and dropping f bombs while trying to converse with us, all too casually. Apparently, Alex's daughter is taking over the operations, including the cooking, while he retires to only providing the entertainment. Unless she makes some much needed improvements, I can't see them being in business long into the future. Needless to say, I will not be returning, Sad. read more

Brought my grandma here for her 81st, and it was perfect! Great food, the chef sings throughout the meal, and the house cab paired great with the pasta. Would highly recommend for a fun date night or family night out. Great entertainment, food, and service! read more

Waited years to go to this place based on its history so we finally made reservation. Cute place and server was fine however, we knew we were in trouble when the tiny salad plate with 1/4 cup of iceberg lettuce, a handful of crouton and some oily salad dressing was presented. The bread was just meh and the appetizer of meatballs were as tough as a hockey puck. The anti-pasto appetizer plate was nothing more than meat and cheese from a package on a bed of lettuce and tuna from a can. It got worse as the 4 different main dishes arrived. The best thing we had was the wine. It was agreed between the 4 of us, we will sadly never ever return. Baffled with the fascination of the place..... read more

Great Italian American. Wonderful family atmoshpere--family photos are plastering the walls. Wine bottles from patrons' special events commemorate countless special evenings. Everywhere you look is an interesting story waiting to be told. And the food is amazing--fresh, hand-made noodles and made-to-order sauces will knock your socks off. The home made gelati are outstanding as well. Everything has a very mediterranian feel, look, and taste. One of a kind, hard to find, and memorable. This is a great first date place (or anniversary, or birthday). Tell them Dave and Keri from Warsaw sent you. ****UPDATE**** Alex has updated his Fettuccini Antonio. It now has italian bacon in it in addition to the proscuitto. It is very good. A little more salty now, but I like it a little better. read more

This is a hidden gem in Ft Wayne! The atmosphere is nostalgic and when you eat there it's an experience all by itself. Don't be in a rush to do anything else and enjoy good company and dishes that are perfectly portioned and made from scratch. I'm a fan of their linguini with clams. Their homemade raspberry, pistachio, and double chocolate gelato are recommended also. More than reasonably priced as well. read more

Heard lots of good things about this place but ultimately it was underwhelming. Decor hasn't been updated in years which is not a big deal given the traditional Italian menu. My wife had seafood gnocchi and I had butternut squash ravioli. Both were ok but nothing very memorable. If anything I think the ravioli could have been cooked longer as the pasta was unusually thick. I can see why so many people like the place but I was expecting more. read more

The worst dining experience ever!! The food was gross! The salad was terrible and their bread is soggy, no flavor at all in their food.

Usually enjoy the warm atmosphere and good food here, but lost my appetite tonight when I saw they are now peddling Trump wine. Will not be back until that changes. read more

Ambiance!! The location is deceiving....fantastic charm and decor on the inside. Stay late to make sure you hear the chef do his Sinatra medley. read more

Italian Connection - Italian Near Me - Fort Wayne, Indiana

I can't ever get enough of this place. Not sure what other reviewers were expecting. No, it isn't Del Posto of NYC, or La Scarola of Chicago, but there are only a few places in Fort Wayne as quaint and cozy as The Italian Connection. And even fewer with this affordability. When you come here you are getting an experience, not just food. The atmosphere feels like you have been invited into a big Italian family's home. From the pictures on the walls from floor to ceiling, to Chef Alex's crooning on the mic, you have to be absent of a heart to not enjoy this dining experience. I had the seafood gnocchi special and it was delicious. This place is a Fort Wayne gem, if you know how to appreciate it and aren't all about the pretentiousness of some other dining spots, particularly downtown. read more

Our family absolutely loves Italian Connection. We go there not just for the food, but the experience. It's a small house where all the cooking and dining occurs. On the weekends the chef, Alex, ends the night with singing on his karaoke machine, complete with a light show and bubbles. Alex always brings up guests to sing along and dance! We have never had a bad meal there. A month ago we celebrated my mom's 60th at Italian Connection and they executed a dinner for 20 flawlessly. From appetizers of pasta and meatballs and shrimp, etc., to meals of chicken piccata, scallops, shrimp scampi, and veal... everything was timed out perfectly and all meals were hot and delicious. We never had to ask for more drinks or refills... they always were one step ahead of us. If you want a quaint and different experience and good homemade food, visit Italian Connection! read more

The best kept secret in Fort Wayne. The food is OUTSTANDING !!! Highly recommend the Flamingo Shrimp which is off the charts great. Everything was perfect, the service was great and the ambiance is fantastic and cozy. The chef Alex is a culinary genius. read more

If I could rate this establishment at ZERO stars, I would. This restaurant was recommended by a friend so we had decided to give it a go. We were a table of 4 who made reservations at 7:30 P.M. - the literally little house was already packed. By the time we were seated it was 8 P.M. - then came our very inattentive waitress. She gave us about 25-30 minutes to look at the wine menu then about another 20-25 minutes to come back with it. At this point in time, she never gave us a chance to put in our appetizer or dinner orders. When the appetizers did arrive, they were absolutely foul. The meat and cheese platter came with tuna fish from a can, sardines, and some other foul tasting fish that our waitress couldn't even name when we asked her. She apologized that we didn't like it but it was still on our bill at the end of the night (quite annoying). Our other appetizer which was supposed to be a baked caprese was just tomatoes in sauce, NO CHEESE WHATSOEVER. When our dinners arrived around 9:45 P.M., we were starved. Mind you, one of our guests had a gluten allergy and she was sure to state that at the beginning when we ordered and again when her meal came. When she got her meal, it was NOT gluten-free although the waitress told her it was. We had to call over another waitress, after 15 minutes of trying to get someone's attention who worked there, to correct her meal and it added another 20 minutes onto us just waiting to eat so that we could all eat together. When our waitress finally came over to ask us how our meal was, we told her about the gluten mistake and she did nothing about it. That was also still on our bill. Then came the karaoke. This was extremely unprofessional considering we barely got our meals when the chef came out with a waitress to sing a ton of songs. If he wasn't so focused on singing, maybe we would've been fed by a decent hour. The whole meal was a fiasco and I would NEVER recommend this establishment to anyone who wants a good meal. All of our dinners lacked taste and were basically children's portions. This place deserves to have a 0 star rating for their poor service and even worse "homemade" food. We will not be returning. read more

Atmosphere was okay, fancy dining and all. The experience made it worthwhile but the food was bland and overpriced. Sure, it's authentic, but I'm sure if you're going to spend that much money on authenticity, you could find it else where with a cheaper price tag. Portion was expected considering it's a "fancy" restaurant. Server was fine, maybe a bit too serious. Giving this place a 2 stars mainly because of the entrees, couldve gone to an Italian chain restaurant that serves better and cheaper food. Appetiser was neat, though. To be fair to this establishment, good job on the decor, made dining more intimate. read more

This place is amazing!!! The food authentic! The owner sings amazing! A must for amazing Italian food. Had a great time.

This place is a Ft. Wayne gem. A great family restaurant with a warm, homey atmosphere and ultra-friendly staff, there's no better place in town for a homemade Italian meal. The pasta is fresh, and there's a decent little wine list with a good variety of Italian wines. The desserts are variable, but the gelato is a consistent winner. The gem that sets this place apart from all the rest is the Frank Sinatra karaoke performance put on by Alex, the chef and owner, toward the end of the evening after he's finished in the kitchen. After the show, Alex walks around to talk with the diners. Nary a more fun eating experience! read more

Romantic setting. Delicious and decadent food. Engaging and entertaining chef (slash DJ/singer). Extensive Wine List. Funky neighborhood. Great experience. There is a lot of great food in Fort Wayne. I suppose it stems from the lack of anything better to do, but it is to the benefit of foodies in Northern Indiana. The Italian Connection was recommended by family and I was extremely happy that they did. This is the place that you want to go on an anniversary dinner. It's intimate and it has great food. Now, there is a single quirk about the Italian Connection that I should mention. The Chef. He is a great cook, but sometimes he feels the need to come out and chat, or sing karaoke for you, or play some music. It's a great experience and it is really fun, but all of this shenanigans might get in the way of you getting your food. I recommend going while you're not in a rush, and enjoy "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant" in an Italian Restaurant. read more

I first dined at this establishment back around 1990. We were here twice, although I cannot remember the specifics, both times left me with the desire to return for the wonderful service, atmosphere, and food. Well, 20 yrs later the atmosphere is still wonderful, service is average, and the food quite poor. The House salads were premade, only consisted of shredded iceberg, and the dressing atrocious (some sort of thousand island/italian blend I think). The wine list was slim. I ordered the clam linguine and while the pasta was cooked very nicely the sauce was unremarkable. Our party also had the chicken parm and it appeared to be breaded and fried chicken fingers served with a bowl of pasta. . . again purely unremarkable. read more

I love this spot! Handmade noodles and a nice serenade as well! It's such a great family spot in Fort Wayne and very cozy.