It may seem impossible to find the perfect place to have dinner with the family in Tuscaloosa; there are almost too many options these days, and how do you know if the place you pick is going to be any good? What if you go some place new and it's just not any good? What if the service is awful or everything is overpriced?

When it comes to dining out with my fam, I know I can always depend on Anthony's Italian Kitchen. The food is delicious; the service is impeccable, and the atmosphere is perfect.

We went to Anthony's the other night, and my husband and daughter loved it. I had to start our meal with my fave item on their menu: the spinach and feta cheese bread. It's so good, y'all. I would stab someone with a fork if they tried to take a single piece of this cheesy nirvana away from me--but I was with my family, so I had to share.

Meg Summers/TSM
Meg Summers/TSM
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It's like the best cheese stick you could imagine--but with feta cheese. And spinach. My three-year-old is a super picky eater who subsists somehow on a diet of chicken nuggets and PediaSure. She's not the kind of kid who would eat spinach, but she loved this stuff! I felt super proud of myself for being able to sneak something green into her diet.

Meg Summers/TSM
Meg Summers/TSM
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Speaking of green stuff--let's talk salad. My husband ordered a Greek Salad, and I opted for the pasta salad. They're both made fresh at Anthony's, and these salads pack a punch--a flavor punch.

Meg Summers/TSM
Meg Summers/TSM
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I could have eaten salad and cheese sticks and called it a night, but y'all know me: go big or go home. I decided I'd try something new this visit and ordered the White Lasagna Florentine with Chicken, and it was incredible. When I took the first bite, it was like I was transported to some buttery, cheesy, garlicky heaven where angels sing and Jason Momoa tells me I'm pretty. It was THAT GOOD. The lasagna was cooked to perfection and oozing with cheesy goodness. I could have eaten my weight in it; no lie.

Meg Summers/TSM
Meg Summers/TSM
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My husband ordered the Italian Ribeye Sandwich, one of my favorites on Anthony's menu. He loves me enough to let me sneak a bite, and WHOO BOY. It's probably the best sandwich in Tuscaloosa. The steak is marinated and super tender, and the addition of peppers and cheese make the sandwich something you've just GOT to try.

Meg Summers/TSM
Meg Summers/TSM
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I didn't leave the little one out--she got spaghetti! Dolly had a big plate of noodles with Anthony's fresh-made red sauce on the side. She ate ALL her food. That never happens. I had to pinch myself to ensure I wasn't dreaming about an alternate reality in which my child receives adequate nutrition and eats without pitching a fit. I snuck a bite of spaghetti when she wasn't looking, and I can tell you it was awesome. Anthony's red sauce is so good. I love the combo of herbs and spices. I wish I could buy it by the gallon.

Meg Summers/TSM
Meg Summers/TSM
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Meg Summers/TSM
Meg Summers/TSM
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Now for my favorite course: dessert. Y'all know I am a fan of Anthony's Bama Bites from my last trip there (read more HERE). They're balls of dough wrapped around cream cheese, baked, and topped with caramel and pecans. And ice cream.

Meg Summers/TSM
Meg Summers/TSM
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Are you drooling yet? You should be; these things are divine. I wanted to get something different this visit, so I ordered the cannoli. Anthony's cannoli are true to the dessert's Sicilian roots--the pastry shell is filled with a sweet, rich, and creamy filling. I didn't want to share this with anyone, but I let the kiddo sneak in a few bites because I am a good mom.

Meg Summers/TSM
Meg Summers/TSM
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Meg Summers/TSM
Meg Summers/TSM
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I love taking my family out for dinner at Anthony's. The food is amazing, and as a working mom, I really appreciate the value. Where else can you relax in a cozy atmosphere while enjoying delicious food with your family WITHOUT having to take out an equity loan to cover the check?

And Anthony's is locally owned and operated, which means we're supporting people who live and work in West Alabama. Plus, a portion of the proceeds from Anthony's Italian Kitchen go to support missionary work--the owners' son is currently working with an organization that assists families in Uganda.

The next time you're ready for dinner out with your family, I suggest you try Anthony's Italian Kitchen! They're located off of McFarland Boulevard in the old FIG location and they're open Monday-Saturday.

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