Today, I sat down at Mio Russo Sicilian Bar + Table at 2561 53rd Ave, Bettendorf. You’ll have to bear with me as I learn how to write these reviews again. Its been a minute. I’m joined by a good friend Austin and it’s his turn to pick up the bill so why not indulge a little.

First up the Appetizer.

This dish is a Come as you are type plate. Cheesy Garlic Bread: Definitely a crowd pleaser here, it’s everything you want. Cheese, garlic bread, a little marinara or alfredo and a whole lot of delicious. I wasn’t a fan of the sauces, however these bites were perfect on their own. Solid 7.8/10

The Sandwiches.

All apologies, however as they say “When in Rome”, any time I see a restaurant put their name on a menu item I always expect a lot out of it. It’s a staple item and it should represent the brand. So we order up The Mio Russo this sandwich features Prosciutto, Salami, capicola, pepperoni, arugula, vine ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, pesto aioli, basil, and a balsamic reduction on a Italian loaf. You can’t taste more Italian than this, unless Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino kissed you on the mouth. A little salty for my taste, although paired with the house pasta salad it really works. 7.1/10

The Portobello

As I swim across a Lake of Fire and venture more and more into a vegetarian lifestyle, this offering has me pleasantly surprised. A marinated Portobello, fresh mozzarella, marina arugula, basil, and balsamic reduction on a ciabatta bun. It just works. Vegetarian dishes are so difficult to really pack flavor into and they have found a way here at Mio Russo to just nail it. I could eat this sandwich daily. 9.1/10. Paired with double battered fries that you can hear crunch from across the room this elevates to a 9.4/10

Last but not least the pizza.

The Triple Pepperoni Detroit style

A perfect pan crust sets up this amazing pizza. The sauce, the pepperoni, the cup and char pepperoni and the cheese blend are really out of this world. Truly a treat to have something this unique here in the QC. You will be stuffed after just a few squares. I will definitely be back for the spicier offerings of this in the *Inferno*. 8.2/10 I’m boxing up the left overs here in a heart shaped box.

The staff, the environment, and the overall feel of Mio Russo I give them a score of 9.2 out of 10. They take pride in what they are putting on your table, although slightly higher on the budget you are truly getting quality offerings and truly unique menu items.

So by now most of you are wondering, why I talked about CCR and two guys named Kurt and Krist. 2 years ago I was invited to Crust to give them a review on their last day in business. I was so worried when I heard Mio Russo was opening up in that old building. Although, Mio Russo is honoring the tradition of a family pizza spot, that have made this something new and wonderful. Kurt Cobain and Krist Novoselic struck out with there CCR tribute band, but they left us with something that Mio Russo is bringing to the table, a little Nirvana.

Your friend in food,

Doc