Exploring the cerami’s italian restaurant menu reveals a dedication to both classic Italian tradition and Southern American culinary flair. The menu is an expansive guide for any patron navigating the Flowood dining scene, offering something for every palate. It is designed to ensure a fulfilling experience, anchored by authentic Italian flavors and generous portions. The structure of these extensive offerings emphasizes family tradition and quality ingredients. This comprehensive review highlights the menu’s scope, from appetizers to the most satisfying signature pasta dishes.
Analyzing the Cerami’s Appetizer Selection
The journey into Italian cuisine at Cerami’s begins with a curated list of appetizers. These initial offerings set the stage for the rest of the meal. They successfully combine recognizable comfort food with more inventive regional selections.
Starters provide a clear signal of the kitchen’s capability and quality. Dishes like the classic Calamari are battered and fried to a perfect golden crisp. They are consistently served with a vibrant marinara sauce on the side for dipping. This standard of quality is maintained across the entire appetizer range.
One particularly notable standout is the New Orleans BBQ Shrimp. This dish demonstrates the restaurant’s regional influences. Jumbo shrimp are sautéed expertly in a rich Worcestershire roux. The resulting sauce is served alongside robust garlic bread, perfect for soaking up the flavorful liquid.
The Stuffed Mushrooms are another excellent indication of the kitchen’s sophistication. Mushroom caps are filled with a roasted red pepper and creamy ricotta mixture. They are then broiled with melted mozzarella cheese. A drizzle of sweet honey butter finishes the preparation, adding an unexpected, delightful contrast.
Lighter options are also available for those seeking freshness. The Zucchini Fritters offer a delicate texture and come with a unique accompaniment. The cranberry goat cheese dip provides a tangy and creamy counterpoint to the lightly fried vegetable. This combination elevates the simple fritter concept significantly.
No Italian menu is complete without fried cheese. Cerami’s offers Mozzarella Cheese Sticks fried until the cheese is slightly melted and gooey. The Fried Ravioli provides another delicious option, featuring cheese-filled pasta, golden fried and served with marinara.
The Heart of Italian Dining: Pastas and Pollo
The main courses at Cerami’s form the central core of the dining experience. All entrées underscore the commitment to satisfying, large portions and classic Italian preparation. Every main dish thoughtfully includes a trip to the Cerami’s Salad Wagon. It also includes Gambino’s French bread, spread with garlic butter, ensuring a complete and substantial meal. The inclusion of these elements immediately enhances the perceived value and dining generosity.
A Tribute to Tradition: The Baked and Classic Dishes
The baked pasta section represents the epitome of comfort Italian food. These recipes are often multi-generational and highly perfected within the establishment. They emphasize deep, layered flavors and slow-cooked quality.
The Baked Lasagna is a cornerstone of this category. It features heavenly layers of Italian beef, rich cheeses, and house-made marinara. The blend of Italian spices is integral to its savory, deep flavor profile. This dish serves as the ultimate benchmark for the menu’s authenticity.
Cannelloni Florentine offers a more refined, delicate take on baked pasta. It involves two homemade pasta crepes, expertly rolled. The filling is a harmonious blend of three cheeses, fresh spinach, and seasoned ground beef. These crepes are finished with a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce.
Traditional Ravioli is available with a focus on customization. The pasta is filled with a classic three-cheese blend. Guests can choose from Marinara, Alfredo, Pesto, or a combination of sauces. This flexibility allows diners to tailor the dish to their specific preferences.
AJ’s Linguine & Meatballs celebrates a family recipe. Homemade beef meatballs are placed atop a generous serving of linguini pasta. The entire dish is covered in marinara and blanketed in melted mozzarella. It is a hearty and deeply satisfying option.
The Pesto Pasta provides a lighter, herb-forward alternative. Fresh basil pesto is tossed with delicate angel hair pasta. Diners can add grilled chicken or shrimp to increase the protein content and richness of the dish.
Chicken Entrées: From Classic Parmesan to Signature Milano
The chicken, or ‘Pollo,’ entrées showcase the kitchen’s versatility with proteins. They range from ubiquitous classics to sophisticated, proprietary creations. Each dish is prepared with attention to texture and sauce balance.
Chicken Parmesan remains the most popular Italian-American standard. A breaded and pan-fried chicken breast is placed over linguini pasta. It is then topped with marinara sauce and a generous portion of melted mozzarella. This ensures a crisp exterior and tender interior.
Chicken Alfredo is the ultimate creamy pasta dish. Grilled chicken is served atop linguini pasta. The dish is completely coated with a rich, velvety Alfredo sauce. The sauce’s richness provides a comforting, familiar flavor.
More complex preparations highlight the chef’s flair. Chicken Picatta features a chicken breast lightly dredged in flour and sautéed. It is served with angel hair pasta and topped with capers, mushrooms, and a white wine lemon butter reduction. This sauce offers a bright, acidic counterpoint to the chicken.
The Chicken Pomodoro provides a fresh, robust flavor profile. A lightly breaded chicken cutlet rests on a bed of linguini pasta. It is finished with a vibrant tomato bruschetta and a creamy smoked gouda cream sauce. The smoked gouda introduces a depth of flavor not often found in standard Italian fare.
The Chicken Milano is perhaps the most decadent and ingredient-rich chicken offering. It involves layered breaded, pan-fried chicken and eggplant. The dish is adorned with artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, and mushrooms. Sun-dried tomatoes and goat cheese further enrich the flavor complexity. A butter wine sauce gently drizzles over this intricate composition.
Beyond Pasta: Steaks and Seafood Highlights
Cerami’s Italian Restaurant demonstrates its comprehensive culinary scope by extending the menu beyond Italian staples. The ‘From the Grill’ and ‘Seafood’ sections cater to diverse preferences. These offerings maintain the restaurant’s commitment to quality ingredients and generous portions. All grill and seafood entrées also include the trip to the salad wagon and garlic French bread.
Grill Masterpieces: Ribeye and Filet Mignon
The steak selections are straightforward and focus on quality cuts. These dishes appeal to diners seeking traditional American steakhouse fare within an Italian setting. Steaks are served with a Chef’s choice vegetable and a twice-baked potato.
The 12oz Ribeye offers a rich, well-marbled cut. It is a substantial option for guests prioritizing flavor and size. The preparation focuses on achieving the ideal sear and temperature.
The 6oz Filet is a more tender and lean option. It is perfect for those who prefer a smaller, more delicate steak. Both cuts demonstrate Cerami’s capability to handle fine meats alongside its pasta expertise. The focus remains on expertly cooked protein.
A Coastal Touch: Cerami’s Seafood Specialties
The seafood options showcase a strong blend of Italian and regional Southern influences. Shrimp and different types of fish are featured prominently. The dishes are often sauced with complex, complementary reductions.
Shrimp Alfredo is a classic creamy seafood dish. Jumbo shrimp are sautéed and then served on linguine. The entire dish is coated in a creamy Alfredo sauce, often finished with a parmesan crust for texture.
Shrimp Scampi offers a bright, zesty contrast. Sautéed jumbo shrimp are plated over angel hair pasta. The sauce is a classic lemon garlic butter reduction. This simple, elegant preparation allows the natural shrimp flavor to dominate.
The Shrimp Cerami is a signature dish from the restaurant. Sautéed jumbo shrimp are tossed in a creamy white wine reduction. The sauce incorporates capers, mushrooms, and artichoke hearts. This complex, savory mix is served over a portion of angel hair pasta.
Fish selections introduce regional flavors to the menu. The Blackened Salmon is cooked to the diner’s temperature of choice. It can be served with a side of Cajun Pasta or the Chef’s choice vegetable. This dual offering acknowledges both pasta lovers and vegetable advocates.
Two preparations of Redfish highlight Southern culinary traditions. The Redfish Cajun Pasta features blackened redfish alongside angel hair pasta. The pasta is covered in a rich Cajun crawfish cream sauce. This dish perfectly marries Gulf Coast flavors with Italian pasta structure. The Pecan Crusted Redfish is pan-grilled after a light pecan battering. It is served on linguini pasta primavera with a brown butter sauce. The nutty crust adds an appealing texture and flavor dimension.
The Customization Component: The Cerami’s Salad Wagon and Ala Carte Options
The cerami’s italian restaurant menu is designed with the user experience in mind. This is evidenced by the highly customizable elements, such as the famous Salad Wagon. This feature elevates the typical pre-meal salad to a personalized offering.
The Salad Wagon is not a passive side but an interactive experience. Diners begin with freshly chopped romaine lettuce. They can then add their choice of homemade olive salad, marinated onions, or gorgonzola cheese. Both Creamy Italian and Italian Vinaigrette dressings are offered. This level of choice gives the guest control over the introductory part of their meal.
The Ala Carte Menu further promotes customization and flexibility. It offers various sides and protein additions for an extra charge. Guests can add individual servings of grilled, blackened, or breaded Chicken Breast. Shrimp and Salmon sides are also available, cooked to preference.
Side dishes cater to different dietary needs and preferences. A small bowl of pasta (Angel Hair, Linguine, or Penne) is available, lightly drizzled with olive oil. Gluten-Free pasta can be substituted for an additional charge. The Side of Mixed Veggies provides a health-conscious alternative. This dish includes sautéed zucchini, squash, artichoke hearts, capers, and mushrooms.
Various sauces can be ordered on the side in four-ounce portions. These include Marinara, Alfredo, Cajun Cream, and Pesto. This allows guests to control the moisture and flavor intensity of their dishes. The ability to buy an extra homemade meatball confirms the menu’s commitment to comfort and substantiality.
The Grand Finale: A Look at Cerami’s Desserts
No fulfilling Italian meal is complete without a rich, satisfying dessert. The dessert menu at Cerami’s is a collection of timeless Italian and American classics. Each offering provides a sweet, comforting conclusion to the dining experience. They emphasize freshness and high-quality ingredients.
The Homemade Tiramisu is a required classic on any authentic Italian menu. Its layered coffee-soaked savoiardi and creamy mascarpone are executed with traditional care. This ensures a light yet deeply flavorful result.
Cannoli, a traditional Italian pastry, is offered in both mini and large sizes. The crispy shell is filled with sweetened ricotta cheese and mini chocolate chips. It provides a perfect textural contrast.
The New York Style Cheesecake offers a creamy, dense option. Guests can customize it with various sauces. Options include Chocolate, Raspberry, or Caramel. They can also upgrade it to a turtle style with the addition of pecans.
Other popular options include the Italian Cream Cake and the Amaretto Bread Pudding. The bread pudding is served warm, accompanied by a rich amaretto sauce. This adds a warm, nutty finish. For chocolate lovers, the Cappuccino Mousse Pie offers a dark chocolate cookie crust and a gooey chocolate topping. The Creme Brulee provides a simple, elegant option with its characteristic caramelized sugar crust.
Cerami’s Commitment to Family: The Bambino’s Menu
Cerami’s ensures that the dining experience is welcoming for all ages. The Bambino’s Menu caters specifically to children 12 years old and under. This curated selection proves their family-first approach.
The children’s menu includes simplified favorites. Options like Linguine or Penne Pasta are served with a choice of Alfredo, Marinara and Meatball, or simple Butter Sauce. This ensures a non-challenging, familiar meal for the youngest guests.
Other child-friendly options include a Cheese Pizza on Flatbread and Homemade Chicken Strips. For a healthier side, options like a small Salad or Vegetable of the Day are available. Each selection comes with a 16 oz soft drink. The pricing is also carefully set to be family-friendly and accessible.
The comprehensive nature of the cerami’s italian restaurant menu is a testament to Cerami’s overarching mission. They seek to blend the warm, comforting traditions of Italian cooking with the abundant hospitality of the American South. Every dish, from the sophisticated Chicken Milano to the simple yet perfect New York Style Cheesecake, is crafted to provide a high-quality, memorable, and substantial dining experience. The detailed offerings ensure that patrons can easily navigate and select dishes that meet every craving, making the menu a complete guide to their culinary journey.
Last Updated on December 3, 2025 by Alex Cesaria
Alex Cesaria is the creative force behind Nomad Girl, an all-day café and ristorante with a signature Milanese flair located in the heart of Nomad, New York City. With years of experience in the hospitality industry, Alex blends refined Italian sensibilities with New York’s energetic dining culture to create a place that feels both elegant and welcoming.