Amici's Pizzeria - Arvada

Upon arriving at the current location, it became clear why they are relocating. This has everything to do with the three key principles of real estate: Location, Location, and Location. A bit of investigation reveals that the shopping center is struggling. The pavement is in disrepair, many businesses are either closed or available for lease, and the overall location is poorly positioned. More than just moving, Amici's seems to be escaping a declining area. Inside, the restaurant is clean and welcoming, but the exterior does not hint at the nostalgic ambiance within. The decor, furniture, walls, and menu evoke memories of Italian restaurants from the 1970s. Even the prices are reminiscent of that era; they are quite reasonable. We enjoyed a bottle of house Chianti and a 19-inch pizza with three toppings for just $33, tax included. As for the food, Amici's offers a “white flour and red sauce” Italian experience, primarily catering to meat-eaters. Even the vegetarian pasta sauce is used to heat the meatballs, making it unsuitable for most vegetarians. However, if you like hearty homemade spaghetti paired with traditional sauce and a large meatball or sausage, this is the spot for you. People also rave about the homemade Italian salad dressing, although I didn’t sample it. We tried the pizza and found it enjoyable, though not exceptional. The crust is white, neither thick nor thin, and has a pleasant flavor without any aftertaste. We were particularly impressed by the generous amount of toppings on our three-topping pizza; they really don't hold back. Fresh mushrooms were a nice touch, as they have much better flavor than canned ones. While I wouldn’t go out of my way for this pizza, I wouldn't hesitate to order one if I were nearby and craving a pie. Overall, Amici’s garners high marks and is likely to appeal to many diners. Their new location isn’t dramatically better than the old one, but it provides a chance for a fresh start, including a remodel, and they'll be taking over a neighborhood that was once served by the now-closed Valente’s. Amici’s has plenty going for it, and only time will reveal if this translates into enduring success. However, if the loyalty of their customers is any indication, Amici’s will likely continue serving Italian cuisine in the Arvada/Wheat Ridge area for many more years to come.