I live in the youngstown area but travel a lot on business. I pride myself on being an experienced diner, and I have seen some of the best restaurants chicago, new york, miami, and st. louis have to offer. I was pleasantly surprised upon discovering michael alberinis restaurant, in a number of ways. First, the ambiance was absolutely amazing. the location is part of a strip mall, so my expectations were not the greatest. Upo n walking through the doors, though, I felt like I was back in chicago. In the lobby was an impressive retail wine room, with a great selection ranging from low end wines to some of my favorites like camus, nickel and nickel, and regusci. The dark woods and archways were reminiscant of chicago, leading us into the stylish bar/lounge area. The blue candle lighting reminded me of a swanky south beach bar. The next thing that impressed me even more than our attentive service was the wine pricing. Our server explained to us that wine sold to go in the retail shop is at state minimum pricing, and if enjoyed at the restaurant an $8 corkage fee us added. If you do not realize why this excites me, let me explain: it is standard practice for restaurants the mark up the cost of wine by 100%, essentially doubling the price they paid for it. Instead michael alberinis marks it up a flat rate of 8 dollars. I had the exact same bottle of regusci not a week earlier in pittsburgh and paid 140, and at alberinis I paid 78. See what I mean? Our server, shawn I believe, was knowledgable about the wine and the menu. And last, but certainly not least, our meal. As I said, I've eaten across the country, and I put their food on the level with any of the big cities I have traveled. Typically I find the food in youngstown a bit flat and boring. While they do still offer some of the local "comfort foods" on the menu, they also branch out into some interesting asian, latin, and caribbean influenced items. Two of the members of my party asked for chicken francaise, and even though it was not on the menu, they were happy to oblige. I, on the other hand, was in for a rare treat. Our server suggested the rocky mountain elk loin that was on special. Not only was the elk cooked to a perfect medium rare, but the earthiness of the porcini mushrooms was perfectly balanced with the bite of black peppercorn and the subtle sweetness of sundried cherries in an old vine zinfandel sauce. The brussels sprouts, of which I am not normally a fan, were out of this world. The plate presentation was elegant and dynamic, and it was obvious to me the hands that prepared this dish were not only skilled, but also shared the same passion for fine cuisine that I do. Long story short, I will be back many times to come. read more

Some of the below reviews must have been posted by the jealous competition. Seriously. First class food. The lasagna is my favorite, and the white sauce isn't cream (duh!), but a very complementary sauce that doesn't drown the flavor of the dish, which is exceptional. Obviously the guy who complained about it below should have eaten somewhere more in line with his tastes.... perhaps Wendy's? The ribsteak is outstanding (mushrooms and carmelized onions), and the lobster dip and little lamb chops (called New Zealand Lollipops on the menu) are totally wonderful. Try the sushi on Wednesday night. My wife and kids have had it several times, and all are big fans. I'm not a drinker so i can't comment about the variety of wines. The wife liked hers a lot. The owner even stopped by the table to make sure everything was OK, and I watched him stop by nearly everyone else's table while he was around. I've seen him do that 4 out of 5 times we've been there. Very personable. Wait staff was very attentive, and the bill was less than I've paid for such quality food anywhere else. It's about a 25 mile drive for me, and worth it. read more

I have been to Michael Alberini's about a half dozen times now and can't say enough good thngs about this place. Once was for a bachlorette party...we had drinks, apps, dinner and of course more drinks. Serve was stellar, food was flavorful, hot and timely, and the drinks were strong without being over powering. Many times I have gone in for Wednesday night sushi. This is probably the best sushi you are going to get in Youngstown, Ohio. Michael takes care to get the freshest product and top quality. The selection changes every week based on what is available so go back often to try all they have to offer. I did have an issue once when I dropped in on a Friday and was treated like a moron for trying to get a table without a reservation. It was too bad this girl was up front at the hostest station because it does not reflect the rest of the staff at this place and had I never been there before it would have left a very bad taste. read more

absolutely horrible service. had reservations for grandpas birthday and server was so ignorant!!! wait time was ridiculous for food. everyone at the table got their food except one person (sever never put in the one order) she got her food after everyone else was already done!!! the server never took off for that meal and made us pay full price when it was HER mistake. all the food was either under cooked or over cooked. served underage, never ID the girls. i walked out to use the restroom from the room we were in and the server was gossiping and shit talking my family. overall disgusting place to eat and will never be back. or if i go back it'll be a 0% tip if it's the same server. if 0 stars was an option i would click it. read more

Great Ambiance! Great food the 5 times I have gone! So far, the wait staff has been pleasant! There is one particular female server who really knows her stuff! I'm saddened I can't recall her name. She must have worked in an upscale, city restauraunt prior, just the way she rattled off the specials and the adverbs/adjectives to describe alot of the dishes! Love the "Motown Sound" for music. Michael, the owner spoke to us and didn't act like he was above his patrons. I appreciated that! Hope this restauraunt stays around for a while. Plan on bringing friends tonight( their first time) since I rave about this place. Pray I'm not disappointed! Will check in after tonight. read more

In response to Jessica K... this is very funny... I work here and we don't even have a cappuccino machine as it's on back order. And if anyone checks, we get the highest scores from board of health as we are "Hospital Clean". We love to have customers walk through our kitchen. As we also let kids make ice cream Sundays amongst the kitchen staff as well. Great place to work and best food in town. Not only do we have a huge wine selection, wether you're drinking it hear or taking it home... we also have an impressive bourbon/scotch selection. Come check it out for yourself and let us know your thoughts read more

I came to Youngstown to visit my ailing parents in their 80s. We were seated in the bar and my 83 yr old mother and 82 yr old Godmother had a view of a "work of art of a naked lady legs spread with a hand over her crouch. We I complained I was told it was the work of a reknowned polish artist. So sad as the food was excellent but what 80 yr old woman wants to eat facing a larger than life naked woman masturbating. Not to mention there was a family directly in front of the painting with young children. It says a world about the owner, no family values. read more

I have been to Michael's several times and it has always been top notch. That being said, I can understand why some people would not like this place. It is WAY to nice for the Youngstown area. If you love good wine and good PROGRESSIVE food, then dine here. If you want All you can eat Pasta and breadsticks with some Yellowtail Cab, you better keep driving. p.s. I don't understand the reviews that are complaining about wine racks and " why is this here?" It does say "and Wine Shop" on the sign out front, right? read more

I don't event know where to begin! Staff is amazing, food is incredible, wonderful atmosphere. My sister and I popped into Alberini's on a whim recently and while we had heard great things about the place we weren't aware of just how great it was. I had the lamb chop entree while my sister had the veal and words cannot describe how perfectly prepared the food was. If you're in the Boardman area or just stopping through be sure to grab a bite to eat here. You will love it! read more

the customer service was amazing!!! i was greeted by the owner which is rare. Being in business for 15 years, still knowing the importance of customer service starting with the companys leader was unexpected. The inside of the building is amazing and it makes me feel like I'm in a sculpture I hope to be back asap!! let's not forget how good the food was! I ordered garlic Parmesan with Mac n cheese, very delicious. will definitely be back! read more

I could do with the topless photos of women & close ups of bare vagina with a few fingers in front of it. The atmosphere and quality of food is not worth it if it means my grandparents or the little ones in my family will be exposed to tasteless, adult-oriented 'art' when we just want to have a family get together. read more

Whether it is a large group event - wedding rehearsal dinner, anniversary - or getting together with friends / date night, Michael Alberini's is in our top 10. Excellent choice of wines, great food, good service, dark atmosphere and we actually save room for dessert because it is that delicious. read more

The food impeccable I got the salmon and was the best I've ever had totally recommend it. Service is great about 15 20 minutes after ordering. The restraint its self is amazing with a very nice cool vibe with dark lighting. Totally recommend Michael Alberini's! read more

I come here on weds for sushi weds and great wine. The servers are great and amazing owner. Prices are what I would think. The menu is amazing and great pizzas It read more

Great place to eat. Went there for a company get together. Great food, amazing quality...seems like the seafood is his best quality! Great prices too seriously. read more

Delicious. I was not in the mood for steak, but wanted GF food and it was the best steak I've had in a long time.

Amazing as always! Great new items on the menu and the perfect place for a festive Christmas cocktail!

Nice atmosphere, great place to hang out for drinks or to eat a good dinner.

Great place . Super servers. ( Danyelle ) Classic Italian , local flavor !