Lactose-Free Nashville

Torino's Italian Restaurant

Friday, October 28, 2005

Torino's Italian Restaurant features authentic Italian food, reasonable pricing, and a wonderful atmosphere. Formerly in the Nippers Corner complex and recently ousted by the new Publix supermarket, Torino's has found a new home in Franklin that remarkably recreates the prior location's intimacy and ambiance. The menu is classic Italian with the expected antipasti, pastas, baked dishes and desserts.

The Lactose Line

Dining at any Italian restaurant is an extreme challenge for lactose intolerant people, and Torino's is no exception. However, most of the landmines are well marked. Many of the dishes on the menu note where cheese is included, but even where the item appears safe, be sure to voice your concern to your waiter, because we didn't, and the two menu-noted cheese-free entrees we ordered came with parmesan garnishing them. Torino's trademark garlic bread balls are delicious and soaked in a garlic oil, not butter, making them an indulgent treat for the lactose free.

Best Lactose-free options:

Consult the menu before you go. Choose the house salad (ordered without cheese), enjoy the garlic bread balls, and choose any entree with marinara sauce (ordered without garnishing cheese).

Map and Directions:

at Torino's site

Rating:

3 out of 5 lactose-free stars. Three stars should be considered top-notch for an Italian restaurant. The fantastic food and atmosphere makes for a great dining experience... one which can be experienced lactose-free with a modicum of effort.

posted by Patrick @ 6:22 PM