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Some kitchens feel like they belong to a family, and that is exactly the case with one small Italian restaurant in downtown St. Cloud. The owners are on site most days, the tables number about a dozen, and the pizza pies earn the kind of loyalty that makes people drive in from Daytona and DeBary.
A homemade-style pie here could easily convince an Italian grandmother that she baked it herself. The menu runs deep, the portions run large, and the prices stay friendly for families and day-trippers.
Read on to learn where to find it, what keeps regulars coming back, which days it is open, and a few smart tips that can save money on your order.
A Small-Town Address on New York Avenue
Downtown St. Cloud keeps its best secrets in plain sight. Chimento’s Spaghetti House sits at 1110 New York Ave, St Cloud, FL 34769, in the heart of this central Florida town.
The restaurant is a family-owned Italian spot that serves pizza, pasta, subs, and other classic staples. It has a homey setup and a reputation as a kid-friendly place where families can sit down without fuss.
St. Cloud sits southeast of Orlando, which makes the drive manageable for theme park guests looking for a break from resort dining. Some fans have made exactly that trip after a day at Disney.
The location also places the restaurant close to other downtown attractions. Theatre in The Cloud is just around the block, so a pre-show dinner fits neatly into an evening out.
Plenty of locals admit they passed by for years before a coworker or friend finally pointed it out. The small storefront does not shout for attention, which is part of its charm.
Consider this the first stop on a tour of a restaurant that has quietly earned a big following in a small town.
Two Brothers and a Family Recipe Book
Every family restaurant has an origin story, and this one comes with a handoff. The spot was long a community favorite under its original owners before new owners took over several years ago.
Brothers Joey and his sibling now lead the operation. They arrived after years working in the culinary industry, and that background shows in how seriously they treat the kitchen.
One choice won over longtime fans right away. The new owners refreshed the look of the dining room but kept the recipes the same.
That decision mattered in a town where people had grown attached to the old flavors. Keeping the recipe book intact let the restaurant feel familiar while still moving forward.
The new team also added Saturday hours, which was welcome news for weekend diners. It was a small change that made the place far easier to visit.
Today the owners are a regular presence on the floor. They answer questions, greet families, and even offer tips on ordering directly to save money.
A recipe passed along carefully is a little like a family heirloom, and here it is clearly being handled with care.
The Pies Behind the Headline
Pizza is the dish that keeps the phones ringing. Even diners who have mixed feelings about other items tend to come back for the pies.
Fans call the pizza some of the best they have had in years. One longtime family of customers describes it as amazing every single time, visit after visit.
The white pizza has a devoted following of its own. A regular who drives over from Daytona orders it with pepperoni added and ranks it at the top of the list.
Kids are well covered too. The kids pizza is sized just right for smaller appetites, so younger diners get their own pie without a pile of leftovers.
A practical note helps with planning. The large pizza measures 14 inches, so bigger groups may want to order more than one.
Calzones also come out of the same ovens and earn praise from those who try them. They make a solid choice for anyone who wants pizza flavors in a folded format.
It is easy to see why a grandmother might quietly claim credit for one of these.
Bread, Garlic Butter, and the Second Helping
Ask regulars what they talk about most, and garlic butter wins the conversation. It comes up more than any other topic connected to this restaurant.
The house-made bread arrives with a side of that garlic butter. Plenty of first-timers admit they went back for seconds before the main course even showed up.
Cheese bread is another favorite starter. It is made fresh, and some fans order it on every single visit.
The house-made sweet balsamic dressing also has its supporters. It tops the side salads that come with many entrees.
That bundle matters for value. Several pasta dinners include both salad and bread, which turns one plate into a full meal.
Families who share should keep this in mind when ordering. The extras can stretch a dinner further than expected.
A good basket of bread sets the tone for everything that follows, and here it sets the bar fairly high.
Pasta Plates Worth the Drive
A restaurant with spaghetti in its name had better deliver on noodles. Spaghetti and meatballs ranks among the most talked-about orders on the menu.
Lasagna has earned a near-legendary reputation for size. One diner described a slice at least four inches square and about three inches thick, and finished only half.
Eggplant parm, baked ziti, stuffed shells, and chicken Alfredo all get regular mentions. Gnocchi with sausage in a pesto cream sauce is another standout that staff are happy to recommend.
The menu is large enough that first-time diners sometimes need help. Staff members know the dishes well and can steer a hesitant guest toward a good match.
Not every plate lands perfectly for everyone. Some diners have found certain pasta dishes less consistent than the pizza, and a few have wished for more noodles with the chicken parm.
Still, the bulk of feedback praises the sauce, the freshness, and the generous servings. Many people call the food clearly homemade.
Bring an appetite, or bring a container for tomorrow’s lunch.
Subs, Rolls, and the Lunch Crowd
Not every craving calls for a fork. Subs are one of the most frequently mentioned items, and they make an easy pick for a quick lunch.
The meatball sub has a strong fan base. Diners who order it often say photos do not do it justice.
The chicken parm sandwich gets similar enthusiasm. One diner who once lived in Italy said it came closer to authentic Italian cooking than anything else tried stateside.
Italian sausage also shows up often in conversation. It appears across sandwiches and pasta dishes alike.
Chicken salad is another surprisingly popular order, with more mentions than many of the pasta plates. A shrimp roll and shrimp scampi round out the lighter seafood options.
The restaurant opens at 11 AM, so it works well for a midday break. Coworkers have turned it into a regular team lunch stop.
A sandwich here may not be the headliner, but it plays a mighty strong supporting role.
A Dozen Tables and a Lot of Heart
Small rooms tend to make big impressions. The dining area holds roughly a dozen tables, which keeps things personal.
The vibe leans homey and welcoming rather than fancy. Families with kids fit right in, and nobody expects formal dress.
Diners repeatedly point out the clean kitchen and fresh ingredients. The owners are typically on site, chatting with guests and checking on tables.
Staff earn steady praise for being friendly and attentive. Several people mention specific servers who helped them choose a dish they ended up loving.
A former sauté cook from a family-run Italian kitchen said a meal here felt like being back home. That sense of comfort comes up again and again.
The intimate size means the room can fill quickly at busy times. Arriving a little early is a sensible move for larger groups.
Big chain dining rooms have their place, but this cozy room offers something they cannot copy.
Who Will Feel Right at Home
Some restaurants are built for date nights, and others are built for everybody. This one leans firmly toward everybody.
Families top the list. The kid-friendly reputation, kids pizza, and relaxed setting make it simple to bring little ones along.
Military families get an extra perk. The restaurant offers a military discount, which helps stretch a family budget.
Theater fans have a natural fit too. Theatre in The Cloud sits just around the block, so dinner before a show takes almost no planning.
Day-trippers and theme park guests also make the trip. Diners have driven from DeBary, Daytona, and spots about 45 minutes away just for a meal.
Coworkers and lunch groups round out the crowd. A midday opening time and a broad menu suit a mix of tastes.
Anyone tired of chain Italian restaurants will likely find this a refreshing switch. The family touch is the whole point.
Sweet Endings and Tiramisu Talk
Saving room for dessert takes discipline at a place with portions this size. Tiramisu makes a strong case for trying anyway.
The same regular who swears by the white pizza calls the tiramisu amazing. It has become part of a standing order for some fans.
Because many entrees already include salad and bread, splitting a dessert is a smart strategy. It keeps the meal from turning into a marathon.
Families often share one dessert among several forks. That approach keeps costs down too.
Dessert also pairs well with takeout plans. Grabbing a slice to go means enjoying it later at home after the leftovers are packed away.
Not every menu needs a long list of sweets to stand out. A well-made classic can carry the job on its own.
Ending a meal with tiramisu is about as close to tradition as it gets.
Hours, Takeout, and Money-Saving Tips
Timing a visit right starts with the calendar. The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday from 11 AM to 8 PM and closed on Sundays.
That 8 PM close means dinner plans should start a bit early. Late-night diners will want to look elsewhere.
Takeout and delivery are popular. Orders often arrive faster than estimated, come packed neatly, and delivery has been as low as $2.99.
Here is a helpful tip straight from the owners. Ordering directly from the restaurant, rather than through a third-party app, can cost less.
Direct orders may also give a more realistic timeline. Baked dishes like lasagna simply take longer than a quick app estimate suggests.
Military members should ask about the discount when ordering. It is an easy way to save on a family meal.
A little planning keeps both the schedule and the wallet happy.
Why the Pies Earn a Return Trip
Good restaurants feed people, while great ones give them a reason to come back. This family-run kitchen manages the second job well.
The strengths are clear. Pizza pies with loyal fans, generous plates, fresh bread with famous garlic butter, and owners who show up every day.
No place is flawless, and a few diners have found some pasta dishes uneven. Even so, the overwhelming sentiment is warm, and the restaurant holds a strong 4.5-star standing from over a thousand opinions.
The value is easy to appreciate. Big portions, included sides, a military discount, and savings for direct orders keep costs friendly.
St. Cloud is close enough to Orlando for an easy detour. It also rewards anyone who wants a small-town meal away from tourist corridors.
Families, theater fans, and lunch crews all find a seat here. The dozen tables fill with people who clearly feel at home.
Bring a hungry crew, order a pie, and see whether grandma’s reputation survives the comparison.
