I think Michelangelo's lacks the publicity of some of El Paso's newer Italian restaurants, but the food seemed to be as fresh and as much of a taste treat as some of the places that are receiving all the buzz. Despite the large size of Michelangelo's dining room, the food is cooked by the owner and chef, allowing the same consistency and quality control I find in the city's other high quality Italian restaurants. I did not get a complete sample of everything served at the restaurant, but I had enough to know that I liked what I tasted.

Caesar salad is an excellent compliment to a meal

The House Salad I ordered was the main disappointment at the restaurant. The lettuce had such a pale color it reminded me of many of El Paso's cheaper restaurants.

The Caesar Salad I sampled, however, had an excellent dressing with lettuce that seemed somewhat better. It tasted good even if it is hard to get the freshest lettuce to El Paso.

Lasagna is one of Michelangelo's specialties

Lasagna was not only recommended to us by the waitress, but I thought it went well beyond my expectations. The chef uses a special cheese that makes it better than others in the city, and I would say it was one of the best I have had anywhere. The pasta was fresh, and the tomato sauce had a flavor that exceeded its somewhat ordinary appearance.

The Chicken Parmiagiana had equally good sauce and ingredients, and was comparable in terms of quality. It did not stand out as one of the few exceptional Italian dishes I have experienced the way the lasagna did, though. I have no complaints or negative comments about the chicken, it is just that I really thought the lasagna was the best dish.