Aruffo’s Italian Cuisine

126 Yale Avenue

Claremont, CA 91711

624-9624

Aruffo’s has been part of the Village restaurant scene for over 15 years, featuring traditional southern Italian dining choices. This upscale dining experience features warm atmosphere, quality service, a full bar and an excellent wine list. Not a choice for everyday, Aruffo’s is a great place for that birthday or anniversary celebration, or when the parents bring their plastic and want to treat. Bling! Bling! Appetizers range from $5.95 - $9.95, salads from $5.95 - $8.95 and entrees from$7.95 for pasta to $21.95 for specials.

We visited Aruffo’s on a quiet Wednesday night. We started our dinner with two glasses of merlot, after our server allowed us to sample the two merlots by the glass. We were tempted by the Aglio Arrostito (roasted elephant garlic in olive oil) for $8.95, but passed in favor of the Caesar salad ($6.25). For entrées we chose Vongole E Cozze Alla Marinara–mussels and clams in wine and tomato sauce over linguine ($16.95) and the Calamari Alla Napoletana–calamari in marinara sauce over linguine ($17.95). The salads were fresh but the Caesar dressing was more Italian-style, thin and oily. The entrees were excellent, but the clams and mussels were the better choice. Both dishes featured excellent seafood, but the clams and mussels were spicier and more special. Pasta was al dente, as expected.

Aruffo’s is definitely one of the best choices in Claremont. When the ‘rentals come for a visit and say, "where should we go?" suggest Aruffo’s. Bling! Bling! Dining indoors is more traditional, but the sidewalk dining is also available. Aruffo’s earned three and one-half chef’s hats for food and three for ambience.