Still love this place. Come every time we are in town. Place is accommodating and great spot for seniors. Waitstaff here is great. Low key dining with a flair "whoo" for a past era. I like the food and the zucchini strips and mini pasta meal they bring. Place has pop - which my daughter loves. I will always claim 5 stars. Any review less has too high of expectations walking in the door. Old school charm and a great staff. Love this place. read more

See all

Just walked in with reservations and were not greeted, had to wait for a waitress to find time to seat us. We were a party of three, not set up Most unorganized for sure. Restaurant is clean looks bright. Seventeen minutes to be seated. No draft beer just bottled name brands only. Ordered the special for the evening, tips and shrimp and pasta on the side ,no baked potatoes (they were out of baked potatoes at 6:45 in the evening as well as applesauce Had a sample of pasta and it was tasty. Salad was crisp. Zucchini for the group looked and tasted pretty good. Waited for another beer. Food was here in 1 hour and three minutes tasting pretty good and was hot. Will be awhile before I return read more

Great food. Owners are super friendly. Try the cube steak sandwich nothing like it anywhere else.

When there is a party of 16, don't you think that the waitress would spend time taking orders. We waited 1 hour to get our bill. It wasn't the waitresses fault she had way too many tables. I won't be returning to this restaurant. The food was just ok not that great! The manager should have stepped in to help her. read more

Good atmosphere and food. Definitely a great spot for a quick takeaway or sit down on a Saturday afternoon. They also do catering and without any need for events it's still nice to know a spot that has lots of options to entertain. read more

See all

Came here on lunch with some personnel from GE. The server we had (short, short brown hair in ponytail) was actually very rude. The bread that was standard for the table she didn't bring, and when asked, she brought 2 pieces to a table of 5. She never came back to check on us and it took forever for her to bring refills and the check. She just wasn't friendly, like she was mad she had to wait on us, and her service showed that. This place has no bacon for club sandwiches, no cheese for salads...the food is so very basic. But the grilled chicken was seasoned well for my salad. I doubt I'd ever eat there again. It just wasn't great or memorable. read more

Ricardo's Restaurant - Ricardo's side view - Italian Near Me - Erie, Pennsylvania

This place has been around for YEARS. I remember driving past it as a child after we picked my dad up from work. Everyone always raved about how great the food was, so me and my friend decided to try it out.to day the least, we were very disappointed. My friend ordered the special which was A half lb my strip steak seared in Worcestershire sauce, she got a baked potato, zucchini, mini pasta sampler. I ordered the mozzarella sticks, they were $8, for 5-6 tiny mozzarella sticks that weren't anything to write home about, they were just, okay. For my main entree, I opted for their "best selling" 7 oz filet, I added the shrimp, however I was unaware they were fried shrimp, or I wouldn't have ordered them. I could have asked the server, but she also could have mentioned they were fried when I ordered. For my side I got a baked potato. I wanted it loaded with cheese,bacon,butter and sour cream, but they only carried butter and sour cream. When the food arrives, my friends Ny strip was cooked to a perfect medium, my filet was RARE, like blue rare. I ordered it medium. Our server didn't ask us to cut into our steaks to ensure they were cooked to the proper temperatures, so I end up waiting about 5-7 minutes for the server to return, only for her to return and find out my steak is not cooked to my liking. She was very nice and understanding about it, and immediately took it back for them to put it back on the grill. She returns a little while later with the steak and it's STILL blue rare! She took it back, and apologized and also offered to make me a new steak bc she thought it maybe the cut of the meat. The third try, the steak comes out WELL DONE. At that point I was over it, and just gave up on getting a perfectly cooked medium filet. The pasta samples were a cute appetizer, but they were just okay, the sauce could have used a little more flavor. The filet could have used some seasoning as well. It was very bland. The third one tasted of Worcestershire sauce but other than that, there was no seasoning on it at all. A medium steak should have a nice caramelized crust on it, while still being the temperature the guest has asked for. As far as the ambience, it was very outdated. It was decent looking I guess, but the table cloths were cheap and plastic looking. The server we had was nice, and I could tell she cared that my steak was messed up, and she did remove it from the bill, but neither me nor my friend will be returning here. read more

I love the food the service sucked. Asked about what is on a salad and your waitress rolls her eyes not a good sign. She came threw the food in front of us and left never came and asked how are things would you like more water nothing. Spaghetti needs more sauce. It will be awhile before I go back. I just came back from AZ and was never there now I know why. If the job is too much and you aren't a people person GET OUT read more

UPDATE: Ricardo's never bothered to respond to this negative review. Tonight we ordered pasta dinners for pick-up from NUNZI'S. So much better! Even the salads were much better and we got a half-loaf of Italian bread instead of two single pieces., one piece each. Our recommendation? If you're looking for great pasta, skip Ricardo's and give your business to NUNZI'S! You'll be much happier! We are! ============ This is a pretty easy review. We got take-out (of course - the days of Coronavirus). Taste and quality = excellent. However... and this is a big HOWEVER... there was almost no sauce in either of our meals. We got the Italian Combo and a full order of spaghetti & meatballs plus an appetizer order of zucchini. When you spend $35 for a pasta meal, you should get enough sauce to at least sort of cover the pasta. I included a photo...a decent amount of spaghetti but where's the sauce?? C'mon! The reason we chose Ricardo's is the sauce. And sauce is relatively inexpensive for a restaurant. What a disappointment! Plain pasta isn't my thing, especially at these prices. :( read more

Ricardo's Restaurant - Full order of spaghetti and meatballs with almost no sauce! Not worth it. - Italian Near Me - Erie, Pennsylvania

The pasta sauce, shrimp, and steak make this place worth it but the waitresses and service is a hit or miss. Has a bar but not exactly sure your going to find top shelf. The place could you a interior renovation into modern day. read more

Food seems mediocre to us and we definitely don't care for the sauce at all-we prefer our sauce sweeter than what Ricard's offers. This is definitely not the place we would choose for Italian. We will enjoy that cuisine in our home with foods we prepare ourselves. I WILL say Ricardo's offers the best zucchini stick, tho! read more

Love Ricardo's! while so many local restaurants are closing- soooo happy this fantastic restaurant is still around! have been a fan for over 35 plus years!! read more

Food was excellent pasta sampler and zucchini is a nice touch Staff was nice and helpful read more

I ordered take out during the pandemic to help local business's stay afloat. The waitress on the phone was very short and rude. When I went to pick up food it was cold and nothing special, tasted mostly like frozen food that was reheated. There really isn't many other options for Italian food on Erie's east side, but I would take Applebee's over this place. read more

I've only eaten take out from Riccardo's due to the pandemic, however the food has always been excellent. A lot of people like their steaks however their chicken parm is superb, huge portion. I love the fried zucchini that comes on the side with most meals. You can't go wrong with Riccardo's. read more

My favorite Erie restaurant. Food is always hot The filet is delicious and the prices are more than fair The fried zucchini is supreme. read more

Food and environment are both what you'd expect at a low end nursing home. They have their own chart for how you'd like your meat prepared...and they still mess it up. If it's not a steak, it's frozen breaded fried junk food. I ordered a Tito's and ginger ale and had an awful headache by the time I got home. I drink Tito's frequently and never get a headache. Either they don't have Tito's or they are serving something as Tito's under a false pretense. In summary, this is NOT an Erie institution as it was decades ago. Unfortunately, you can do far better at a chain restaurant on Peach Street, or save your money and make a steak at home! read more

Really nice Resturant . An actual Resturant, not a chain. The chicken parm was great. Small details and little extras like fried zucchini and a pasta sample. Staff was great. Will go back again, worth the hour drive if we are in the area. read more

Had take out over covid, great food, great people, great price! Will dine in after lockdown. I highly recommend!

This is a place that has been around as long as I can remember. Great steaks and Italian food. It's also the only restaurant I know of that serves a small dish of pasta with marinara and breaded zucchini as starters before the entrees are delivered. read more

My friend and I were driving from Buffalo, NY to Cleveland, OH and we decided to give this place a try since it was on the way. For the price and considering the limited food options in Erie, I must commend this restaurant. The food was good (I ordered the ravioli, but my meal came with salad), the portions were large, and the service was solid. All in all, I got great value from my visit to Ricardo's. While it's unlikely that Erie is a hub of tourism, I'd recommend this place for anyone who's looking for a quality meal and is driving through Erie. I would definitely come back here if I'm ever in the area. read more

I highly recommend Ricardo's based on value. Their pastas and sauces are freshly house-made, and their steaks are excellent. For $15.50, order the 8oz filet mignon, either the vegetable of the day or the homefries, a salad (recommend the house dressing with dry blue cheese), fried zucchini sticks and a small dish of pasta with marinara. Hard to beat. I would also recommend the manicotti - the noodles, cheese and meatballs are all incredibly fresh. This is a traditional, family-owned East side establishment that never seems to go out of style. read more

Everytime I go here, I order the 8oz filet mignon with the fries and salad. You automatically get a small dish of pasta with red sauce, fresh bread and butter, and a small dish of fried zucchini. All of which are simply delicious. This, hands down, is the best filet mignon I have ever had. And trust me, I've had many. It is cooked perfectly. This restaurant is a family owned, traditional place. The owner is nice and is usually always hanging out in the dining area overseeing everything. All of the waitresses are nice but when they get super busy, you can tell they get stressed easily. (Understandable) P.s. you may want to make a reservation ahead of time for the weekend or holidays, they get packed! read more

This venerable spot is one of the few can`t miss stops in erie.....it has the best zuchini in the world....the best cube steak in the usa...and the best filet steak in the country under $16.00.... prices for a quality meal are a real value.......tim read more

No longer live in the area but typically go here whenever back in town visiting family. Historically the meals were fab with the filet being excellent. This trip was a disappointment as our large party experienced 'negligent' service from a single waitress. Orders were incorrect and food was luke warm or cold (including my historically favorite fried zucchini). Owner in shorts did not convey the upscale dining experience I remember from years past. Probably don't need to stop here again..... read more

Did not have our table for a 6 pm reservation...not the first time. Had the filet. Mine was good. Wife's had to be sent back twice before they cooked it properly. The re-fired the same piece of meat each time. We were put in a back room with an 88th birthday party with 40 people. They obviously had priority. As I write this we have been here 90 minutes and my wife just got her steak. They did not offer any discount or any way of compensating for our problems. Our waitress told us that she was too busy because she had to write up separate checks for the large party because the owners are too cheap to have a system. This was not a pleasant experience. read more

Well alote of ppl said this place was good. I thought it sucked. If your going to be a steak house or pasta at least have good stuff. I should have got the hint with them having there own steak sauce. Steak is meant for grills no flat iron. Are spaghetti wasn't even good and our bread was stale our server seems like she didn't want us there pretty sure my 10-year-old son to cook a better steak. New York strip shouldn't have this much fat on it read more

Ricardo's Restaurant - Italian Near Me - Erie, Pennsylvania

Every summer we come back to Erie for a couple of weeks to visit family and friends and we always make it a point to go to Ricardos during that time. Their filets are absolutely wonderful and the zucchini is also delicious. We are never disappointed! Highly recommend this place! read more

This place was a bit of a mixed review. The spaghetti sauce was pretty bland and sweet. The perch was terrible and the chicken parmigiana was nothing special. That said, the filet mignon was killer good! It truly was cooked to perfection. The fried zucchini was awesome! We were there on Saturday night so the place was extremely busy. The staff were really hustling but it was not up to Pre-covid serving standards. The owner/manager was great, he was able to seat us as we didn't have a reservation( didn't know we needed one) after a 1/2 hr wait. I'd try it again read more

Wonderful Erie staple. I remember eating here as a kid many times with my family and relatives and having a great time. This past April my father passed away and Ricardo's hosted the wake. Cathy is a great host/owner and took care of everything for my mother during that difficult time. Great people! read more

This is a traditional restaurant with some nice perks. Free samples of the night's pasta for one. I ordered a chicken breast and it was processed. The steak was very good, service was also excellent. It was an older crowd and lots of them. It's a popular place. read more

Ricardo's Restaurant - Italian Near Me - Erie, Pennsylvania

It was a bad experience for me. Service was poor, food quality was sub par. Too much for the quality of my dinner. My wife's pasta was dry and bland. And my steak was grisly and overcooked. I wont recommend or go back. read more

Always delicious food and great service, even during Covid. It's a relaxed family friendly place.

My aunt and mother have been coming here for 30+ yrs, so we had to check it out. The cube steak and Italian sandwiches were the rave then and still now. Lunch was a mega bargain at $6.50 for rigatoni and meatballs. Thus the four star rating for value. Service was fun and pleasant. The atmosphere needs major work and no sign of a window anywhere. Btw fried zucchini stole the show. read more

Ricardo's has definitely gone downhill in the last few years. Steak under-done, then probably microwaved to bring it to temperature. Fried on too hot a surface to begin with, so charred outside, raw in the middle. Used to like this place, not sure we'll be back. read more

Based on my food... A one star BUT party I was with thought it was a 3.5 and so I give a 3. I had strip steak. Tough, bland and thin. It had a side of veggie of the day and it was canned green beans. Seriously? They were barely warm but canned? I had heard many great things but I was not impressed at all. My wife had filet mignon and it was delicious. Very good. Service was fine and atmosphere old time family (a lot of 50+yr old customers). I wouldn't choose to go there again as there are much better places around Erie. read more

Feeling extremely disappointed, went to Ricardo's for dinner and it was my father's 92 birthday. We went at 5 to beat tge crowds of a Saturday night. We have been going to this restaurant for many many years. We all ordered the filet. Mine was ordered medium ,it came butterflied and medium well, my dad's was ordered medium rare and it was served on an ice cold plate & steak was cold, my boyfriend's steak was ordered medium rare and it was well done!!. He was the only one that didn't return his. He just decided he was too hungry and ate it. Mine came back rare and I sent it back a second time, my dad's came back again on a cold plate bit atleast it was medium rare. The manager/owner nor hostess ever came over to the table and said anything. When the waitress came with the bill I asked if we were going to be compensated, she said owner said we got our steaks that was good enough! I complained again and she came back saying he would give us 1 dessert and I said no we were done, she came back a second time and said he agreed to take 10% off check $7.20. As we sat there waiting for our food we heard manager/owner complain that the people were socializing to much and they needed to get out so he could fill the tables!!! Really classy I guess we won't be going back for dinner there anytime soon read more

Work close by and years ago we used to order take out once a week. Lately, the service is not so good, the orders get mixed up, and the worst thing is every time I order spaghetti, I get virtually no sauce. I ask for extra sauce and they say ok and I get a spoonful. I call them to advise and they say "next time we'll give you more". Sadly, we are done giving them the benefit of the doubt. Nunzi's , here we come. read more

I love their food but last two times I have been there the service is slow. The first time I went with a group of friends and didn't get out until 2 hours later. The second time I went to lunch with a co- worker. We didn't get our food until 40 minutes later and there was hardly any customers there when we arrived. My co-workers fries were cold and we had 1 hour for lunch and ended up going back to work 15 minutes late. The one manager did bring her some hot fries, but the waitress never came by to ask how everything was. Don't plan on going back for awhile. read more

You lost a customer yesterday because of a $5 off $25 one day expired. Ann's in Hales Corners was delicious.