Inside Luigi’s Gourmet & Italian Restaurant in Rhode Island
In Johnston, Rhode Island, there’s a place that doesn’t just serve Italian food, it preserves Italian tradition. For over 50 years, Luigi’s Gourmet & Italian Restaurant has been a beloved part of the community, offering meals that feel like home and honoring the rich flavors passed down through generations.
To this day, three generations of the Battista family work side by side in the restaurant. Their dedication runs deep; they remain faithful to the recipes, the culture, and the sense of togetherness that defines Italian cuisine. Even the bread recipe remains unchanged since Luigi first crafted it back in 1971.
A Family Legacy Since 1971
Luigi and Antonette Battista opened Luigi’s in 1971 with a simple yet powerful mission: to serve exceptional Italian food rooted in their cherished family traditions, and to offer it at a great value. That same commitment lives on today, as the third generation carries forward the legacy, creating unforgettable meals and providing warm, welcoming service that keeps guests coming back.
The Food: Authentic and Always Fresh
Every dish at Luigi’s is prepared with intention, using time-honored recipes and high-quality ingredients. This isn’t over-the-top fusion or modern gimmicks; it’s the kind of food that reminds you of Sundays at Nonna’s. From seafood to pasta to meat, Luigi’s truly has it all.
A Few Fan Favorites Include:
- Homemade Lasagna – Layers of pasta baked with tomato sauce, seasoned ground beef, ricotta, mozzarella, and Romano cheeses.
- Chicken Marsala – Boneless chicken breast sautéed in a rich Marsala wine sauce with mushrooms.
- Chicken Francaise – Boneless medallions of chicken pan fried in a light egg batter and finished with a white wine, lemon butter sauce.
- Luigi’s Petite Sirloin – Shoulder tenderloin pan seared, served with a mushroom demi glaze topped with frizzled onions. Includes choice of potato and vegetable or pasta.
- Braised Short Rib Arancini – Creamy, cheesy risotto surrounding a pocket of braised short rib with peas fried golden brown, served with marinara.
Whether you’re sitting down for a full meal, grabbing food to-go, or ordering catering for a family gathering, everything is cooked to absolute perfection.
Catering by Luigi’s
Planning a party? Hosting a holiday? Luigi’s Catering delivers the rich flavors of traditional Italian cooking to events big and small with no stress, just incredible food.
From elegant weddings and milestone birthdays to graduations, retirements, corporate luncheons, and holiday feasts, Luigi’s can accommodate guest counts up to 500. Every dish uses time-honored recipes that bring comfort, flavor, and authenticity to your table.
Just a taste of what they offer
- Baked Pasta Casseroles (Lasagna, Baked Ziti & more)
- Chicken Entrées like Parmigiana, Marsala & Francese
- Roasted Potatoes
- Sandwich Platter Packages with Sides, Cookies & Brownies
- Leafy Salad Bowls
- Antipasto Platters
- Fruit and Cheese Platters
- Hors d’Oeuvres
- Tortes & Calzones
- Breads
- Finger Sandwiches
- Cookie Trays, Cannoli & Classic Italian Desserts
- Soups & Sauces
And many more incredible options!
During the holidays, locals line up for Luigi’s trays that are nearly impossible to find outside of a true Italian kitchen. From the first course to the final bite, your guests will leave full and happy.
Luigi’s Gourmet Express Café & Takeout
Just when you thought Luigi’s couldn’t get any more Italian… boom! In walks the Gourmet Express Café & Takeout, a true gem serving up ready-to-go Italian classics, made with love and flavor straight from the old country.
From chicken parm to creamy pastas, crisp salads, roasted potatoes, and fresh veggies, Luigi’s has everything your Italian heart (and stomach) could want. Their deli case is stacked daily with hot entrées and cold specialties like:
- Chicken Dishes (Parm, Marsala & more)
- Italian Cold Salads
- Rice Entrees
- Homemade Lasagnas & Pasta Dishes
- Roasted Potatoes & Seasonal Vegetables
- Pizza & Gourmet Flatbreads
- Bulk Soups for the whole famiglia
- A Kids’ Menu for your little bambinos
And if you’re craving something extra special, they’ve got true Italian favorites like arancini, fig & prosciutto flatbreads, fried calamari, crispy polenta fries, old-school Italian grinder sandwiches, and 9-cheese ravioli. Don’t forget to treat yourself to classic desserts like zeppole and cannoli, because why not?
From appetizers to dessert, Luigi’s Gourmet Express is your one-stop shop for fresh and incredible Italian food!
A Place Where Hospitality Still Matters
Not only is the food great, but the service is too. When you walk into Luigi’s, you’re not just another table; you’re greeted like family. The space is warm, the staff is kind, and the atmosphere feels like someone invited you into their home.
Whether you’re dining in, catering an event, or picking up from Luigi’s Gourmet Express, the experience stays the same—authentic, welcoming, and full of heart
Why Luigi’s Matters
Luigi’s isn’t trying to be trendy, and that’s exactly why it continues to thrive. In a world filled with chain restaurants and food fads, this place reminds us what really counts:
- Homemade food
- Family tradition
- A sense of belonging
It’s a restaurant where kids grow up, bring their own kids, and keep the cycle going. It’s where locals celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays. It’s the kind of place you build memories around.
Visit Luigi’s
Address: 1357 Hartford Ave, Johnston, RI
Phone: (401) 455-0045
Website: luigisgourmet.com
If you’re in Rhode Island, or even just passing through, make time to visit. Sit down for an outstanding meal, grab a tray of cannoli for the road, and experience what it really means to eat Italian in America.
