Almost perfection! I had the pleasure of trying:
Focaccia (free!) - I've been to several restaurants where focaccia isn't free and costs more than just a few bucks. This one put all of them to shame! It was made with care and cooked to a perfect soft and pillow consistency. It also had tremendous flavor both from the dough and the crust. Then there was the dip, a delectable blend of oil and some kind of dressing, giving just the right amount of savoriness to the olive juice. Even though I don't believe in stuffing myself with bread before a meal, I happily devoured the entire plate on both visits, like I'd never seen bread before. (10/10)
Burrata Caprese - A superbly executed caprese. The ingredients, especially the burrata, were of the highest quality. When it comes to balance, the tomato, cheese, basil, oil, and balsamic, plus herbs and spices were all in perfect amounts. While not mind-blowing on its own, I don't believe this dish is intended to be; rather, it is meant to be something simple and delicious. (9/10)
Tuna Carpaccio - This dish is perhaps most emblematic of why I started this review off with the phrase "almost perfection." This dish has the foundations of something excellent; however, execution errors bring it down to somewhere between "good" and "very good." I loved the quality of the tuna and that it was mostly allowed to take center stage. The chipotle aioli, aided by the serranos, bestows a savoriness and light heat. The soy offers salt, the lime acid, and the crystallized garlic rounds out the experience.
The execution stumbles and fumbles: On both occasions, I found the amount of chipotle aioli too light, with some pieces of tuna getting minuscule amounts, if any. It is a terrific ingredient, and I wish Regalia was a little less stingy with it. On my first visit, the amount of soy was a little over the top, leading to a high salt content and a slight overpowering of the tuna. On the second visit, while the salt level was fine, the fish felt as if it had been taken out of the freezer 20 minutes ago, and while not ice cold, when at a colder-than-fridge temperature, its flavors were muted by the cold. (7/10)
Rigatoni Ragu Alla Rustico: This is the dish that won me over and made Regalia the kind of place I would recommend and take my friends to. The only 'notes' I have are entirely matters of personal preference. If I cast these aside (as I should), we are left with something that couldn't have been better. The pasta was cooked to a perfect al dente and served with an exact amount of flavorful, hearty sauce and herbs. Then there is the meat--not only was it not skimped on in the slightest, but it was some of the most tender protein I've ever had, the kind that genuinely melts in your mouth. I was also fond of the portion size, as it was both something that could easily be shared with a table or eaten by one without overstuffing. The ricotta was also a very nice touch, as it offers some creaminess that can be added at will while eating.
My only notes are: 1. At a different Italian place, the ricotta was a little more melty, making it ever-so-slightly easier to integrate during consumption. I think this may be due to a difference between one using Italian ricotta and the other American ricotta. 2. It would have been interesting to have a spicy option... but this is coming from someone that once got 24 bottles of hot sauce for Christmas... do with that what you will. (11/10)
Amalfi Coast (drink) - Thoroughly enjoyable! A beverage that had just the right amounts of boozy, bitter, sweet, and tart. It was the kind of summer cocktail that is amply refreshing and citrusy, while not hiding the alcohol within. (10/10)
Drago Rosso (drink) - While containing a proper pour of tequila, this cocktail was less spirit-forward than the Amalfi Coast. This, it turned out, was a good thing, for it permitted everything else to shine. It had some sweetness and tartness from the Cassis, a little acid from the lime, a little bite from the ginger beer, and just a faint whisper of heat thanks to the Hellfire bitters. (10/10)
Service: The bartender, Kyle, is incredible. He is friendly, welcoming, personable, and down-to-earth. The food and drinks all came out fast, and I felt it was a place where I could spend as long as I wanted.
Prices/Value: The value at Regalia is excellent! While the prices on their own might not be cheap, what you get in return is all around of the highest quality. As for the drinks, $14 for cocktails as amazing as these are a steal!
Vibe: A blend of charming, rustic, and modern. The high ceiling with exposed beams, a tasteful use of wood and brick, and a wall with flowery wallpaper, but not really "grandma's house." The music was played at a reasonable volume, too.
Final verdict: Regalia is an all-around incredible Italian restaurant that does its thing incredibly well. Amazing food, drinks, and service at reasonable prices. A true hidden gem that is worth the journey to Edgewater.