Treating guests like they are part of the family is important to the staff at Toscana’s and they welcome everyone to come have a seat at their table. Owner/operator Mike Romeo, Floor Manager Natalie Romeo (daughter-in-law), Executive Chef David Jaen and their staff are not only a good team but a family that wants to bring the 209 community an unforgettable dining experience.

“We want to be the place that you can go to have something that isn’t readily available and try to broaden the Valley’s horizons in tastes,” remarked Natalie. “It is not just pasta and pizza. We do like to cater to the community with what they like and enjoy whether it is the ahi tuna or the salmon dish because that is something that is not necessarily Italian but it brings people here.”

The family-owned restaurant has an Italian flare with a California twist, making their menu from the appetizers, pizzas, to the entrees and desserts a bit of a hidden gem in the 209. The restaurant is located in the Tower Health and Wellness Center on Colorado Avenue in Turlock. The ristorante with its old world charm, outdoor patio, atrium and banquet room is a place to dine, date, or have a celebration.

They are in the process of renovating their banquet room and have big plans for it. They have hosted baby showers, bridal showers, birthdays and even business meetings at the restaurant. The atrium is a large area that has been set up for celebrations and has been an extension of events in the banquet room. 

A few months ago they hosted a whiskey dinner that sold out and included a four course dinner paired with four different whiskeys. With the success of the whiskey dinner they plan to host another specialty event in the near future. They have a full bar with currently more than 60 whiskeys and hope to extend that to a selection of 100. They also offer several varietals of wine and a number of custom cocktails.

The Tower has been in existence for more than 15 years and started out as a medical center but the group also wanted there to be a place where people could gather. With the family having Italian roots, Sam – also known to most as Papa, and Patty, also known as Grandma Romeo – conceived Toscana’s. They wanted a place where people could enjoy a meal or beverage if they were waiting on someone obtaining medical services at the Tower. 

“It (Tower) was a group of people that came together to build a place for medical offices but we also wanted a place where the community would gather,” said Mike. “We wanted it to be like when people would come here they immediately felt wellness. We also wanted a place where people could come and eat along with the people that work here. It was the plan from the beginning. Where we are at is because of where they (his parents Sam and Patty) got us.”

Chef Jaen is at the center of the deliciousness that comes out of the kitchen at Toscana’s.

“We have really good daily specials that we are always changing out,” Jaen said. “I love it because there is nowhere else that is going to be like this. We are very picky. We are consistent … just talking about it makes my eyes glossy because it is a beautiful place and really a hidden treasure.”

They have a variety of entrees that are customer favorites like the Cedar Plank Salmon, Penne Piccante Vodka, Chicken Marsala, Linguine and meatballs, Chef’s Ribeye steak, hand tossed pizzas, and lamb chops. 

“We have awesome steaks. Dave picks out the steaks and his ribeye, he cuts those things three or four days a week so it is fresh ribeye,” added Mike. “No one else in town is doing that. Our steaks are the best around. There are always the basics but there is also variety. We have our people that come here on a regular basis, sometimes once a week, and they love the variety.”

For those that may want smaller bites there are a variety of options on the appetizer menu like the Almond Crusted Chicken Skewers, Ahi Tuna Tower, Korean BBQ Beef, and the Panko Crab Cake.

Newly added to the appetizer menu is the Wagyu Steak Bites seared with roasted garlic, heirloom tomatoes and a gorgonzola cheese topped with crispy onions served with crostini’s and truffle parmesan fries.

With the freedom to create, Chef Jaen is always adding new items to the menu and offering a variety of specials but there are some things that he will keep traditional like the Marsala and Piccata. 

Natalie shared that all the sauces are handmade from scratch, just like your grandma would teach you, with a pinch here and dash there. 

Getting there: 

1801 Colorado Ave #190 
Turlock, CA 95382 

Contact: 
209 216-3555
Toscanas@Tower-Health.com

Hours: 
Monday - Friday: Lunch 10am-2pm; Dinner 4-9pm
Saturday: Dinner 4-9pm