Italian Cuisine as it should be…Authentic & Fresh!
About Us
Welcome to Colao’s Ristorante
The Colao Family immigrated from Italy to the United States in 1969 in search of the American dream. Santo and Assunta were seeking a better way of life not only for themselves but most importantly for their three young children. Family always being the focus of the Italian culture, we settled in Erie, PA to be with relatives that were already settled here.
In 1999 the Colao family embarked on realizing its American dream, establishing Colao’s Ristorante, to share its Italian heritage and to bring a little bit of Italy to Erie. In the early years the family worked as unit to assure the success of the venture. Mom and Pop making sure recipes were executed perfectly and to their exacting specifications, the rest of the family working in the kitchen, behind the bar and greeting guests.
Our parents are gone now, but their legacy lives on. Today, the restaurant is owned and operated by son, Saverio (Cee) and his wife Ellen and their children Nicholas and Julia. Most nights you’ll find Ellen greeting guests out front and Saverio supervising the busy kitchen making sure the family recipes are executed to Mom and Pop’s standards.
Our Hours
Plan A Visit To Colao’s Ristorante
Restaurant Hours
Monday – Thursday : 5:00PM – 9:30PM
Friday – Saturday : 5:00PM – 10:00PM
Sunday : Closed
Bar Hours
Monday – Thursday : 5:00PM – 10:30PM
Friday – Saturday : 5:00PM – 11:00PM
Sunday : Closed
Experience our valet parking on Fridays and Saturdays!
Our Menu
Antipasti
Tuna Tartar
ahi tuna / smoked salmon / crostini / frisee salad / calabrian chili
14
Beef Tartar
top sirloin / cured egg yolk / shallot / confit garlic / parsley / EVOO / red wine vinegar / frisee salad
13
Sausage Stuffed Banana Peppers
banana pepper / hot italian sausage / house-made marinara
12
Fried Calamari
lemon caper aioli / fresh calamari
13
Calamari Marinara
sautéed / fresh calamari / house-made marinara
13
Seared Sea Scallops
day boat scallop / grilled scallion / brown butter
16
Bruschetta
roma plum tomato / scallion / garlic / basil
9
Arancini Di Rosa
risotto / wilted spinach / house-made mozzarella / house-made marinara
10
Insalate
Arugula
Add: Chicken | $4 or Shrimp | $6
baby arugula / baby frisée / percorino romano / heirloom tomato / lemon-dijon dressing
7
Mozzarella Tomato
Add: Chicken | $4
baby spinach / house-made mozzarella / grape tomato / balsamic glaze / house-made sun dried tomato basil oil
7
House
romaine / shredded carrot / roma plum tomato / black olive / house-made crouton
4
Traditional Caesar
Add: Chicken | $4 or Shrimp | $6
romaine / anchovy / three cheese blend / house-made crouton
6
Pasta
Served with our house salad, fresh Italian Bread and house-made dipping oil.
Three Cheese Alfredo
Add: Chicken | $4 or Shrimp | $6
asiago / parmesan / romano / garlic / heavy cream / fettucine pasta
18
Gnocchi & Meatballs
16
Spaghetti & Meatballs
16
Eggplant Parmigiana
pan fried / mozzarella / house-made red sauce / spaghettini
18
Lasagna
ricotta / ground beef / spinach / mozzarella / hard-boiled egg
20
Cremini Mushroom Ravioli
mushroom / pancetta / marsala wine / heavy cream
19
Bolognese
red wine / carrot / shallot / garlic / red sauce / heavy cream / penne
19
Carbonara
Add: Chicken | $4 or Shrimp | $6
pancetta / green pea / fresh cream / egg / pecorino romano / spaghettini
18
Sausage, Peppers, and Onions
hot italian sausage / green & red pepper / onion / garlic / penne
18
Vodka Sauce
Add: Chicken | $4 or Shrimp | $6
parmesan / heavy cream / penne / house-made red sauce
18
Add Homemade pasta to any Entrée | $5
Signature Features
Served with our house salad, fresh Italian Bread and house-made dipping oil.
Shrimp Scampi
pan-seared / parsley / linguine / white wine butter garlic sauce
22
Scallops Amatriciana
pancetta / garlic / oven roasted tomato / sweet pea / olive oil / house-made pappardelle pasta
26
Pork Osso Buco
mashed red skin potato / garlic / braised root vegetable
30
Fresh Norwegian Aukra Salmon
pan-seared / scallop risotto / grilled asparagus
22
Lobster Stuffed Ravioli
lobster stock cream sauce / lump crab meat
28
Branzino
pan-seared / charred broccoli / herbed honey glazed carrot / onion soubise / smashed garlic potato
24
Carne
Served with our house salad, fresh Italian Bread and house-made dipping oil.
8 OZ. USDA Choice Hanger Steak
pan-seared / gremolata dressing / roasted asparagus & cherry tomato / balsamic reduction / confit garlic / smashed red skin potato
24
8 OZ USDA Choice Filet of Sirloin
pan-seared / salt / pepper / garlic smashed potato / charred broccoli / herbed garlic butter basted
26
12 OZ USDA Choice Delmonico
pan-seared / salt / pepper / garlic smashed potato / charred broccoli / blue cheese-pancetta compound butter
32
Pollo E Vitello
Served with our house salad, fresh Italian Bread and house-made dipping oil. Entrees come with a side of spaghettini pasta.
Veal Marsala
olive oil / garlic / mushroom / butter / marsala wine
23
Chicken Marsala
olive oil / garlic / mushroom / butter / marsala wine
19
Veal Parmigiana
pan-fried / mozzarella / house-made red sauce
23
Chicken Parmigiana
pan-fried / mozzarella / house-made red sauce
19
Veal Picatta
shallot / garlic / lemon / caper / butter / white wine
23
Chicken Picatta
shallot / garlic / lemon / caper / butter / white wine
19
Frutte Di Mare
Served with our house salad, fresh Italian Bread and house-made dipping oil.
Linguine & Clam Sauce
Red or White
garlic / parsley / butter / white wine
20
Frutti Di Mare
day boat scallop / shrimp / calamari / house-made marinara / linguine
24
Calabrese Broccoli
day boat scallop / shrimp / garlic / butter / baby spinach / broccoli / mushroom / white wine / olive oil / linguine
22
Seafood Florentine
day boat scallop / shrimp / sautéed spinach / house-made marinara / garlic / linguine
22
Crab Spaghettini
garlic / chili flake / grape tomato / lemon
21
Ahi Tuna
red chili broth / mushroom / scallion / shrimp stuffed ravioli
24
Consuming raw or under cooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish, or eggs may increase your risk of food borne illness.
Cabernet Sauvignon
ANCIENT WISDOM, 2016
McNary Vineyard, Washington
Generous notes of red currant and ripe cherry mingle with an undertone of cassis and blackberry. Sweet spice and a savory, peppery note lead up to a lingering note of nutmeg on the finish.
46
LILLIUM RESERVE, 2016
Lodi, California
Aromas of black cherry, vanilla bean and green tobacco jump out of the glass. The palate is smooth and rich with subtle structure and fine tannin, showing layers of black plum, toasted cedar and black olive. The finish is lingering and smooth.
39
CONN CREEK, 2015
Napa Valley, California
Rich and ripe, with Cabernet fruit swamping the mouth with jammy blackberries, cherries, currant, and chocolate.
58
CLOS du BOIS RESERVE, 2014
Alexander Valley, California
Dark ruby red color, rich & full bodied, with luscious blackberry & currant flavors with a long, pleasing finish.
50
CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE, Indian Wells, 2015
Columbia Valley, Washington
Fleshy, luscious, and decadent with concentrated, jammy black fruit flavors.
48
FRANCISCAN, 2016
Napa Valley, California
Supple mouth-feel and opulent layers of plum, cherry, anise, and mocha. Smooth, with dark, dense fruit on the long finish.
58
CLOS DU BOIS, 2017
California
Offers well-integrated flavors of black fruits, plum, Mocha and clove spice before a long, mouth-filling finish that wraps up with cassis and toast.
36
AVALON, 2016
Sonama, California
Drinks of cherries, black currants and boysenberry jam with herbal spice. Medium bodied with surprising richness.
60
SIMI CABERNET, 2016
Sonoma, California
Ripe black cherry fruit flavors integrated with big, ripe tannins.
60
Chardonnay
SIMI CHARDONNAY, 2017
Sonoma, California
Intricate balance of tropical fruit flavor and distinctive mineral notes, reflecting the diverse selection of fruit within the Russian River Valley.
46
NIELSON, BY BYRON, 2015
Santa Barbara County, California
Highlights include pineapple, citrus, green and red apples and a blast of tropical fruit. The palate is creamy, well-structured and long.
31
SANTA MARGHERITA CHARDONNAY, 2017
Italy
Explosive, fresh aroma of white peach, banana and pineapple. Juicy and flavorful, with tropical undertones adding fleshiness to the banana and green apple flavors. Finishes clean and lively, with a hint of vanilla.
42
CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE, 2016
Columbia Valley, Washington
Ripe pear, floral and juicy characters, soft with subtle oak nuances.
34
Chianti
CASTELGREVE CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA, 2013
Tuscany, Italy
Very charming and attractive nose with herbal hints and menthol tones. Intense and complex on the palate, with generous layers of red forest fruits, spice and leather. A very seductive style, with plenty of charm and complexity.
52
BANFI CHIANTI CLASSICO, 2016
Montalcino (Tuscany), Italy
Well balanced and structured with pleasing aromas of cherries and plums.
40
CASTELLO DI GABBIANO CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA, 2015
Tuscany, Italy
A lean, firmly structured style, saturated with cherry, currant, almond and salty mineral notes. This feels almost as if the palate is compressed, squeezing out the fruit mineral flavors on the long finish.
45
House Wines
WHITE ZINFANDEL
8
MOSCATO
8
PINOT GRIGIO
8
CHARDONNAY
8
CHIANTI
8
MERLOT
8
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
8
Italian Red Wines
CANTINE POVERO BAROLO, 2014
Piedmont, Italy
Priore is an intense and prestigious Barolo, aged in oak barrels for a minimum of 28 months. This Barolo is characterized by a ruby red color with garnet red tints. The bouquet features notes of violet, dried rose and goudron. The flavor is dry, warn, and full.
69
SECOLI AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA, 2016
Veneto, Italy
A full-bodied wine, bold in flavor, with a rich, silky mid-palate and lingering taste of chocolate and dried cherries.
69
BARBANERA ROSSO DI MONTEPULCIANO, 2016
Veneto, Italy
Sangiovese is a medium-bodied red with savory flavors of tart cherry, plum, tomato, fresh tobacco, anise, thyme, oregano, and dried earth. High-quality, well-aged examples will take on notes of smoke, clay pot, leather, gamey meat, potpourri, and dried fruits.
62
LA SPINETTA BARBARA DI ASTI, 2013
Piedmont, Italy
Solid ruby-red. Wonderful aromas of dark fruits, truffles, and flowers. Full and smoky with earth and dark fruit. Velvety with a mesmerizing long finish.
57
SECOLI VALPOLICELLA RIPASSO, 2016
Veneto, Italy
Deep ruby-red in color, this wine shows intense aromas of blackberries and black currants underscored by aromas of spice, pepper, and a hint of leather. On the palate, it is smooth and viscous with well-balanced acidity.
59
Meritage
BODEGAS EGO INFINITO JUMILLA, 2015
Spain
Cola, licorice, and leather notes frame plum and tart flavors in this savory red. There’s good depth beneath the polished texture, with balanced tannins and balsamic acidity for structure. Monastrell and Petit Verdot.
75
BENMARCO MALBEC MENDOZA, 2015
Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina
There are more notes of aromatic herbs (thyme mainly) in the nose. The palate shows great balance, very fine tannins and a fine thread of acidity going through its core, lifting it up and giving it length.
44
BANFI CENTINE TOSCANA, 2017
Montalcino, Italy
Intense ruby red in color, this wine offers fragrant dark fruit aromas as well as floral nuances on the nose. On the palate, it is medium-bodied, with black cherry and plum flavors and hints of spice.
36
MISTERIO RESERVA MALBEC, 2016
Mendoza, Argentina
Malbec offers muddled berry and spiced cherry aromas. In the mouth, this is flush and jammy but not all that exact. Spicy, herbal, peppery plum and black-currant flavors finish with heat and roasted notes.
47
Other Red Wines
GNARLY HEAD PINOT NOIR, 2017
California
Voluptuous, sleek tannins and lush fruit with aromas and flavors of violet, black cherry and plum with hints of toasted oak, earth and spice.
36
CAMBRIA BENCHBREAK PINOT NOIR, 2014
Santa Maria Valley, CA
Pale to medium ruby colored with a hint of purple, has intense red currant and red cherry notes with hints of violets, Chinese five spice and dried herbs. Medium-bodied, fine and fresh in the mouth.
56
BOGLE PETITE SIRAH, 2016
Lodi, California
Heady aromas of boysenberries and blackberries. Flavors of wild blueberries steal the show.
36
TERRA D’ORO ZINFANDEL, 2015
Amador County, CA
Firm acidity and fine-grained tannins add structure and lend support to the spicy oak and ripe cherry and blackberry nuances that start in the aromas and carry through the taste finish.
46
Other White Wines
KENDALL JACKSON GRAND RESERVE ROSE, 2016
Sonoma, California
Crisp on the palate with flavors of peach and watermelon.
42
FERRARI CARANO FUME BLANC, 2017
Sonoma, California
Citrus, mango, and lime aromas are complemented by flavors of vanilla, guava and grapefruit. Crisp freshness, subtle oak character, great complexity and depth.
42
DE MARTINO RESERVA 347 VINEYARDS SAUVIGNON BLANC, 2017
Casablanca Valley, Chile
The nose reveals fresh citrus aromas and passion fruit, as well as a subtle floral note. In the mouth, it is.
36
MILBRANDT VINEYARDS RIESLING, 2016
Columbia Valley, Washington
Refreshing, off-dry style with aromas of sweet Elberta peach, ripe Granny Smith apple and zesty key lime. The wine is bright with a pronounced minerality reminiscent of wet stone, with a crisp finish.
39
Pinot Grigio
SECONDO TEMPO PINOT GRIGIO VALDADIGE, 2018
Venezie, Italy
Bright and refreshing, offering a rich texture to carry the ripe apple, pear and citrus notes on a juicy frame.
41
SANTA MARGHERITA PINOT GRIGIO, 2017
Italy
Medium bodied dry white wine with a golden apple after taste.
47
Desserts
Homemade New York Style Cheesecake
ricotta / cream cheese / graham cracker crust / wild berry compote
7.5
Homemade Cannoli
ricotta cheese / semi-sweet chocolate chip / crispy pastry shell
7.5
Lemon Italian Cream Cake
vanilla cake / mascarpone / lemon / sugar & vanilla crumb
7.5
Bread Pudding
Add shot of Bourbon to topping | $6
local spicatta italian bread, bill’s bakery / gooey egg custard / butter scotch topping / deep fried / vanilla ice cream
8.5
Chocolate Utopia
fudge / chocolate cake / chocolate chip
9
Homemade Tiramisu
lady finger / coffee liqueur / espresso coffee / mascarpone / cocoa powder
7.5
Catering
An Upscale Dining Experience For All Your Events
Colao’s is now offering off premise catering for large parties; weddings, family or class reunions, graduation, rehearsal dinners,benefits, charity functions or any special event at the venue of your choice. We are not limited to Italian Cuisine, you can select from our existing Italian or non-Italian menus or we can create one to your specifications.
Private Events
Private Events
Colao’s Ristorante is now offering catering services for your special events. The second floor at our restaurant can accommodate up to 60 guests, a perfect setting for corporate dinner meetings, rehearsal dinner, holiday parties or any other special event that requires a personal touch. It also features a full service bar in an intimate setting. Our on-site catering menu features selections from our regular dinner menu and it can be prepared for buffet or sit down or we can help you create your own.
See What People Are Saying
Testimonials
Food was fabulous!! Service was prompt, waitresses where amazing stayed on top of our orders and refills and even accommodated a rather strange order without hesitation!! The place was very elegant and clean and had a very relaxing atmosphere I will definitely be recommending this place to family and friends and this will also be where my fiance and I spend our Valentine’s day!!
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