Nestled in the heart of downtown, Policano’s Food and Drink stands as a culinary beacon where traditional Italian flavors meet modern American flair. This family-owned establishment has been serving up mouthwatering dishes and crafting exceptional cocktails since 1985, becoming a beloved landmark for both locals and tourists alike.
Step into Policano’s and you’ll instantly feel the warm embrace of authentic hospitality combined with an atmosphere that’s both sophisticated and welcoming. From their legendary homemade pasta to their innovative craft cocktails, every item on the menu tells a story of passion, precision, and three generations of culinary expertise. Whether you’re craving a perfectly seared ribeye or seeking the perfect spot for date night, Policano’s delivers an unforgettable dining experience that’ll keep you coming back for more.
A Legacy of Family Recipes at Policano’s
Policano’s treasured recipe collection spans three generations of Italian culinary expertise. Each dish carries the authentic flavors perfected through decades of family cooking traditions.
The Story Behind This Family-Owned Restaurant
The Policano family legacy began in 1985 when Maria Policano transformed her grandmother’s cherished recipes into a thriving restaurant business. Starting in their modest home kitchen, Maria taught her children Alessandro and Sofia the precise techniques behind their signature pasta-making process. Their father Antonio contributed his expertise in selecting premium ingredients, establishing direct relationships with local suppliers for the freshest produce. The restaurant’s original location featured just 6 tables where Maria personally prepared every dish, ensuring the same care she put into cooking for her own family. Today, the expanded 120-seat establishment maintains those exacting standards with Alessandro overseeing kitchen operations while Sofia manages the front of house, preserving their mother’s vision of authentic Italian hospitality.
| Policano’s Legacy Milestones | |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1985 |
| Original Capacity | 6 tables |
| Current Capacity | 120 seats |
| Generations of Recipes | 3 |
| Family Members Involved | 4 |
Signature Italian
Policano’s signature dishes showcase authentic Italian flavors crafted from time-tested family recipes. The menu features house-made pasta paired with traditional sauces that capture the essence of Italian home cooking.
House-Made Pasta Selections
Fresh pasta forms the cornerstone of Policano’s culinary offerings, made daily using imported Italian “00” flour and farm-fresh eggs. The pasta menu includes hand-rolled pappardelle ribbons, delicate stuffed tortellini, classic spaghetti alla chitarra, ricotta-filled ravioli and light angel hair pasta. Each pasta variety undergoes a meticulous 6-hour production process, with Alessandro overseeing every batch to maintain consistency. The restaurant produces 50 pounds of fresh pasta daily, serving it within 4 hours of preparation to ensure optimal texture and flavor.
Traditional Family Recipe Sauces
The sauce selection features recipes passed down through three generations of Policano women. The signature marinara combines San Marzano tomatoes with fresh basil and garlic, simmered for 6 hours. The Bolognese sauce incorporates locally-sourced ground veal, pork and beef, cooked for 8 hours using Maria’s original recipe. Additional offerings include creamy alfredo made with aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, classic pesto using imported pine nuts and basil from the restaurant’s herb garden and a robust vodka sauce that blends cream with crushed tomatoes and Italian vodka.
| Sauce Type | Cooking Time | Key Ingredients |
|---|---|---|
| Marinara | 6 hours | San Marzano tomatoes, basil, garlic |
| Bolognese | 8 hours | Veal, pork, beef blend |
| Pesto | Fresh | House-grown basil, pine nuts |
| Vodka | 4 hours | Cream, tomatoes, Italian vodka |
Craft Cocktails and Wine Selection
Policano’s extensive beverage program features handcrafted cocktails made with premium spirits paired with an expertly curated wine list. The bar program emphasizes Italian spirits while incorporating local ingredients to create unique flavor combinations.
Seasonal Drink Menu Highlights
The cocktail menu changes quarterly to showcase seasonal ingredients from local farms. Fall favorites include the Tuscan Old Fashioned mixed with house-infused fig bourbon, orange bitters and rosemary syrup. Summer brings refreshing options like the Limoncello Spritz combining house-made limoncello, prosecco and fresh mint. The Winter Negroni features barrel-aged gin, sweet vermouth and Campari infused with winter spices. Spring specialties highlight botanical flavors through drinks like the Basilico Martini with vodka, muddled basil and fresh lime juice.
Popular signature cocktails include:
- Policano’s Manhattan: Aged rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, house-made cherry bitters
- Amalfi Coast G&T: Mediterranean gin, house tonic, blood orange
- Sofia’s Sangria: Red wine, brandy, seasonal fruit, citrus
- Cafe Italiano: Espresso, vanilla vodka, Kahlua, cream
The bar stocks 15 Italian amari varieties and produces 5 house-infused spirits rotated seasonally.
The Policano’s Dining Experience
Policano’s transforms traditional Italian dining into an immersive sensory journey. The restaurant’s commitment to authenticity extends beyond its menu to create a complete dining experience that engages all the senses.
Ambiance and Atmosphere
Warm terracotta walls adorned with vintage Italian photographs create an intimate dining setting at Policano’s. Exposed brick walls complement custom-made wooden tables crafted by local artisans, while Murano glass chandeliers cast a soft glow throughout the 120-seat dining room. The open-concept kitchen allows diners to witness pasta-making demonstrations during service hours, creating an interactive experience. The main dining area features traditional booth seating along the perimeter with white tablecloths draped over copper-topped tables in the center. Authentic Italian music plays softly in the background at 45 decibels, ensuring comfortable conversation levels. The restaurant’s climate-controlled wine wall displays 200 bottles, adding visual interest while maintaining optimal storage conditions at 55°F.
| Dining Area Features | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | 120 seats |
| Temperature | 72°F |
| Lighting Level | 25-30 lumens |
| Music Volume | 45 decibels |
| Wine Storage | 55°F |
Catering and Special Events
Policano’s catering services extend their renowned Italian cuisine beyond the restaurant walls. The catering team accommodates events ranging from intimate gatherings of 20 guests to large celebrations of 200 attendees. Each catering package includes signature pasta dishes prepared fresh on-site by Alessandro’s culinary team.
Custom menu options showcase Policano’s most popular items:
- Family-style pasta stations featuring 4 house-made varieties
- Passed appetizers including bruschetta selections
- Carving stations with imported Italian meats
- Mobile bar service with signature cocktails
- Traditional Italian dessert displays
The restaurant transforms into an elegant private event space accommodating 120 seated guests. Three distinct dining areas offer flexible configurations:
| Event Space | Capacity | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Main Dining | 80 guests | Wine wall backdrop |
| Tuscany Room | 30 guests | Private bar |
| Outdoor Terrace | 40 guests | Garden setting |
Policano’s event planning team coordinates all aspects of special occasions:
- Custom menu creation with wine pairings
- Professional service staff
- Table settings with fine Italian linens
- Audio-visual equipment setup
- Floral arrangements from local partners
The catering calendar books 6 months in advance for peak seasons (May-September). Off-site events receive the same attention to detail as in-restaurant dining experiences, with portable pasta-making stations creating fresh dishes at guests’ locations.
Dishes and Specialties
Policano’s Food and Drink stands as a testament to the enduring power of family tradition and culinary excellence. From its humble beginnings as a six-table establishment to today’s thriving 120-seat restaurant this family-owned gem continues to captivate diners with authentic Italian flavors and warm hospitality.
The combination of handcrafted pasta artfully prepared cocktails and an elegant atmosphere creates an unforgettable dining experience that keeps guests coming back. Whether enjoying an intimate dinner celebrating a special occasion or hosting a catered event Policano’s delivers the same exceptional quality and attention to detail that’s been their hallmark for nearly four decades.