Written by Steven Chandler
talians owning an Italian restaurant; it just makes sense,” junior Kayla Maynard said.
The common question, “Where should we go to eat?” just got a little harder here in Searcy. Luigi Italian Restaurant, located at 130 North Poplar St, opened Dec. 10 to help satisfy Searcy’s Italian food cravings. For many, having an Italian restaurant back in Searcy is like a dream come true.
“I was excited,” junior Monique Jacques said when she heard that Searcy finally got an Italian restaurant. “I went to Roma’s a few times my freshman year, but after it closed we had to go to Little Rock for Italian.”
Luigi Italian Restaurant was set up by people who know what they are doing, according to Kenzie Brewer, sophomore and waitress at Luigi. Italians who are also experienced in the restaurant business opened it. They provide good food at reasonable prices in an enjoyable atmosphere, a statement that many Harding students can give testament to.
“As far as the food I’d also say it is authentic, and it is good,” Brewer said. “Luigi, the guy that owns it, is actually back there himself every single day making it.”
“The stromboli was my favorite,” Maynard said. “The handmade dough, fresh ingredients and handmade marinara were extremely tasteful.”
As an Italian restaurant it serves the usual Italian food, Brewer says, such as pastas, pizzas, bread and so on. Maynard urges others to try the restaurant. She ate there three times in a period of five days; she said it’s that good.
As a waitress at Luigi Italian Restaurant, Brewer believes the prices are very reasonable, which has encouraged people to return for more and expand their customer base. However, it is not just the food, nor is it the prices that make Luigi such an enjoyable experience: it is the whole package, the atmosphere. The owners have tried to create a pleasant dining atmosphere where they interact with their customers, making for a unique and personal eating experience.
“Everyone likes the excitement that there are real Italians there,” Brewer said. “They all have heavy accents, and they will come out and talk to you.”
“Service has been excellent,” Maynard said. “The manager often brings the food out to you. He walks around filling drinks, brings new bread to your table and even asks what can be improved on the dishes.”
Jacques, a former HUF student, noted that Luigi Restaurant helps with her Italy withdrawals but at the same time makes her miss it even more.
“I think everyone should at least go try Luigi’s out; it would be a shame if they closed and we again had no Italian food in Searcy,” Jacques said. “The owners are always out checking on tables and they will speak to you in Italian if you know a little; that really will bring you HUFers back.”
So, whether you are a former HUF student wanting to reminisce about Italy, an Italian food connoisseur or just someone wanting to try a new restaurant in town, give Luigi Italian Restaurant a shot.
