Business Details
27 Years
experience
Experience Authentic Italian Dining in Erie, PA
Colao's Ristorante was founded in 1999 by Saverio Cee Colao, a passionate chef who brought his familys authentic Italian culinary traditions from Calabria, Italy, to Erie, Pennsylvania. With over 30 years of experience, Cee and his family, including his wife Ellen and children Nicholas and Julia, continue to operate the restaurant, ensuring every dish reflects the quality and heritage of their recipes. The restaurant prides itself on using only the freshest, highest-quality ingredients to create traditional Italian cuisine, with many recipes passed down through generations. Nicholas often greets guests personally, while Cee oversees the kitchen to maintain the integrity of the familys culinary legacy. Colao's Ristorante offers a diverse menu featuring house-made pastas, seafood, meats, and desserts, complemented by an extensive wine selection.The restaurant also provides off-premise catering for weddings, reunions, and corporate events, with customizable menus to suit any occasion. Private events can be hosted in the restaurants second-floor space, accommodating up to 60 guests with a full-service bar. The establishment has earned a reputation for exceptional service, authentic flavors, and a warm, inviting atmosphere that keeps guests returning. Reviews consistently highlight the restaurants top-notch service, creative chef specials, and dishes that cannot be beaten in quality and taste. Colao's Ristorante remains a cornerstone of Eries dining scene, blending tradition with innovation to deliver an unforgettable Italian dining experience.
Services
Italian Cuisine
Catering Services
Private Events
Wine Selection
Desserts
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- We offer over 30 years of experience in authentic Italian cuisine.
- Our recipes are passed down through generations from Calabria, Italy.
- We use only the freshest, highest-quality ingredients in every dish.
- Our family operates the restaurant, ensuring personalized service and attention.
- We provide customizable catering and private event hosting for any occasion.
What people say
Fantastic spot
Top notch service
Amazing stuffed banana peppers
Creative chef specials
Unforgettable flavors
Services
Italian Cuisine
Colaos Ristorante serves authentic Italian dishes crafted from family recipes passed down through generations. Our menu features house-made pastas, fresh seafood, premium meats, and decadent desserts. Each dish is prepared using the freshest ingredients to ensure traditional flavors and quality.
Catering Services
We offer off-premise catering for weddings, reunions, and corporate events. Our customizable menus include Italian and non-Italian options, with dishes tailored to your preferences. Our team ensures a seamless experience, delivering the same quality and service as our restaurant.
Private Events
Host intimate gatherings in our second-floor space, accommodating up to 60 guests. Ideal for dinners, parties, and meetings, the venue features a full-service bar and a personalized touch. Menus can be customized for buffet or sit-down service.
Wine Selection
Our extensive wine list includes premium reds, whites, and sparkling wines from renowned regions. Highlights include Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons, Italian Chiantis, and California Chardonnays. Wines are carefully selected to complement our Italian cuisine.
Desserts
Indulge in house-made desserts like Limoncello, Cannoli, Tiramisu, and Chocolate Utopia Cake. Each dessert is crafted using traditional recipes, featuring fresh ingredients and authentic Italian flavors for a perfect finish to your meal.
People
Saverio Cee Colao
Founder & Chef
Saverio Cee Colao immigrated from Calabria, Italy, in 1969 and opened Colaos Ristorante in 1999. He brings decades of culinary expertise, overseeing the kitchen to ensure every dish honors his familys traditions.
Ellen Colao
Co-Owner
Ellen Colao co-owns the restaurant with her husband Saverio. She plays a vital role in the business, ensuring the familys commitment to quality and hospitality is upheld in every aspect of the operation.
Nicholas Colao
Host
Nicholas Colao greets guests and manages front-of-house operations. As part of the family, he ensures a welcoming atmosphere and personal touch that aligns with the restaurants heritage.
Julia Colao
Co-Owner
Julia Colao is a co-owner who contributes to the restaurants success. She works alongside her family to maintain the authenticity and excellence that define Colaos Ristorante.
Questions
Does Colao’s Ristorante offer catering services?
Yes, we provide off-premise catering for weddings, reunions, and corporate events with customizable menus to suit your needs.
What type of cuisine does Colao’s Ristorante serve?
We specialize in authentic Italian cuisine using family recipes and fresh ingredients, including house-made pastas, seafood, and desserts.
Can I host a private event at Colao’s Ristorante?
Yes, our second-floor space accommodates up to 60 guests for private events, with a full-service bar and personalized menu options.
What are the restaurant’s hours of operation?
We are open Monday through Saturday from 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM and closed on Sundays.
Is there a wine list available?
Yes, we offer an extensive wine selection featuring premium reds, whites, and sparkling wines from renowned regions.