PHOTO: FRED LOPEZ

This little place in the heart of Lady Lake is a local favorite, and it was packed when we had dinner there recently.

Families, couples, and a group of friends celebrating a birthday filled the air with lively conversation as we enjoyed a delicious meal.

All the food at Mom & Dad’s is authentic and homemade, from the famous sauce to pastas to the incredible desserts. They have wonderful daily specials like Lamb Shank Osso Bucco, but many diners automatically order the Spaghetti al la Bruzzi, which is the house specialty. This baked spaghetti has a meat sauce, mushrooms, and three cheeses. I opted for the Chicken Parmigiana with its chicken breast baked in the homemade sauce and highlighted with three cheeses. It did not disappoint.

My companion enjoyed the Spinach Lasagna, which features seven layers of homemade pasta, fresh spinach, ricotta, and the three cheeses all smothered in the sauce. Our dinners came with simple salads heightened by the house dressing and, of course, Papa’s freshly made bread with the wonderful pesto.

While I enjoyed a glass of Southern sweet tea, my dinner companion had a glass of Rigoletto Chianti, which she said perfectly complemented her lasagna. I have to admit as much as I enjoyed my entrée, I only ate half of it because I had spied the homemade cakes on the counter when we were being seated. Again, I wasn’t disappointed. I had the magnificent German Chocolate Cake, and my friend had the Hummingbird Cake.

Of course we exchanged bites and both cakes were exceptional. Mama stopped by our table to ask how we liked the desserts, and she told us she makes all the cakes. I told her it tasted just like my mother’s homemade German Chocolate. It’s one of our family favorites.

In fact, my husband and I had German chocolate cake under the white icing of our wedding cake.

If you’re looking for a great Italian dinner that will remind you of home and all the goodness of eating there, try Mom & Dad’s.

Mom & Dad’s
Italian Restaurant

304 U.S. Hwy. 441 Lady Lake, FL 32159

352.753.2722