The place was pretty full on a Tuesday summer night. That’s a good sign. There is plenty of seating (we counted at least 70), at the wooden bar, tables and chairs, booths and a small diner-like seating area off to the left of the kitchen.
A large family of about 10 was wrapping up their meal, with kids bandying about and lots of laughter. It made the place feel happy and gave it a real family feel.
Restaurant lighting is so important, and Deroma’s is a bit unique. Unlike other restaurants that board up the windows, they let all the light in and have minimal overhead lighting, which gives the place an open, airy feel.
What we had:
We were welcomed as soon as we sat down, another good sign. Amber Bock on draft for Sandy, and Connie ordered a glass of cabernet. The bar serves beer and wine, and the server told us they are expecting to get a full bar license “soon.” Happy Hour is 5-7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, with drafts at $1.50.
The appetizer menu is affordable and full of unusual offerings and all-time favorites. You’ll get your bread sticks, mozzarella sticks, garlic bread and pierogi, and the more unusual fare; mussels, fried calamari and even fried okra. Okra is a healthier choice, with high fiber, vitamin C, antioxidants, calcium and potassium. No wonder Connie ordered it, $5.99.
“You can’t tell it’s okra until you bite in,” Connie chimed after finger-picking a small sample of the deep fried veggie.
Sandy chose the side salad with house Italian. All the dinners come with salad and their famous garlic rolls. Connie, the artiste, noticed Deroma’s doesn’t just slice cucumber for your salad; they “decorate” your salad with striped cukes, adding a dash of fun to an already festive salad, chock full of tomato, black olives, red onion, and fresh, crispy lettuce. It was just the right size, not so small that you ask yourself, “why bother?”, and not so large that you’re full and can’t enjoy the entree.
Sandy ordered the highly recommended calzone. The recommender initially insisted on a cheese calzone, but this time, we wanted to try more flavors. So Sandy loaded her calzone with banana peppers, black olives, pepperoni and their three festive cheeses ricotta, mozzarella and parmagiano. “Yum!” she exclaimed. Connie responded to Sandy’s reaction by digging her fork into the calzone to see for herself. “”Yum’ is right!” she squealed.
Lasagna is a must-try when going Italian. Connie ordered hers and wasn’t disappointed. “It’s the perfect combination of pasta, cheese, meat sauce and spices,” explained the home cook. “I’ll be coming back for more.”
Deroma’s does salad like nobody’s business. From the house size ($4.99) to grilled shrimp ($8.99), there are eight to choose from. They even have tuna salad ($6.99) and antipasto ($7.99).
You can get great pizza made to order, or try their gourmet pizzas. Owner Jimmy’s pie includes tuna, onions, garlic, mozzarella and romano cheeses. Another unusual offering is White Pizza, topped with mozzarella, ricotta and romano cheeses and fresh garlic!
Dinners include salad and their delicious garlic rolls. You’ll find your favorites here, no doubt. We’re always looking for the unusual, and we noticed a yummy-sounding Chicken Cutlet Parmigiana ($16.99) and one with Veal ($17.99.)
Their specials aim to please the kids, and the pocketbook.
- On Monday and Tuesday, kids 10 and younger eat free.
- Monday's Special Spaghetti only $5.99
- Tuesday's Special Ziti only $5.99
- Wednesday's Special Lasagna only $7.99
- Thursday's Special Pasta Trio only $6.99
Deroma’s offers lunch specials and caters events. They’ll even deliver for groups of 60 or more.
The place: Deroma Italian Restaurant
The info: 6254 Chambersburg Road, Huber Heights; on Facebook "Deroma Italian Restaurant"; 937-233-3604.
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. - 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Final musings:
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