Cummares Italian Restaurant Murphysboro

www.cummares.com

If you've never been there, then you probably have no idea where its at.  Cummares Italian Restaurant sits just behind the court house in Murphysboro.  It sets in one of those old buildings that remind you that Main Street America just isn't what it used to be.  I am glad to see one of those old buildings put to good use.

At Cummares your reminded of how great the architecture was for the time period the building was built.  I'm going to take a wild guess that it was built sometime in the 20's or 30's.  The restaurant is small, with a high, copper tile ceiling.  Be sure to get there early or call to make a reservation.  Tables fill up fast and they only have 10 or 15 as it is.  They do offer outside dining when the weather is nice.

Cummares offers traditional Italian fare hand made by real Italians.  The pasta that is used to make the ravioli and tortellini is obviously made fresh.  The dough is bright yellow in color which is typical in egg based pasta.  You can taste the freshness and richness of the pasta with each bite.

I have had the pleasure of dining on their Ravioli Toscana, Tortelacci, and their pizza.  The Ravioli Toscana is a cheese filled ravioli covered in their rich and creamy Alfredo sauce and topped with fresh sauteed mushrooms.  The Alfredo sauce bursts with rich flavor as do the sauteed mushrooms they put on top.  The Tortelacci is also made with the same homeade pasta dough and Alfredo sauce as the ravioli.  What sets this dish apart from other tortellini type dishes I've had is that its stuffed with veal.  Most of the time when I order tortellini in a restaurant the filling is pretty bland and you rely on the sauce for the flavor of the dish.  Not at Cummares.  The veal filling is just as flavorful as the sauce.  Each bite is an exotic adventure through Italy.  Its been a while since I last ordered their pizza.  While I can't remember the details of what it tasted like I do remember that it was delicious.  The crust was handmade and I'm pretty sure the sauce is too.  They offer all the traditional toppings along with some others.  I don't want to forget the delicious homeade vinegarrette they put on their salads.  Be sure to try it on your salad.

Tiramisu...that's all I'm going to say...YUMMO!!!

So, if your looking for pizza, pasta, or a delicious sandwich, Cummares is the place for you.  Believe me when I say that you won't regret going there.  I was always a big fan of The Olive Garden, and didn't think there could possibly be anything better than that.  I was wrong! I will choose Cummares over The Olive Garden ANY day!!!!

My rating for Cummares--10 out of 10! A perfect score!!!  I have to say this is probably my favorite restaurant in Southern Illinois and probably well beyond that.