Full Article:
Italian Cottage
2234 Esplanade
Chico, Calif.
530-343-7000
Open 7 days 6am-11pm
Great prices!!!
I grew up in Chico (northern California). I loved it then and love it even more now since I go to visit often. It is a small college town with beautiful tree lined streets. The campus, Chico State is right in the center of town and so there are a lot of restaurants and shops there. The Esplanade is a long main street (as a teenager I used to cruise with friends down the Esplanade) and you go a little beyond town to see the Italian Cottage. There are two locations.
This restaurant is always a must on my list, even if I am 1 ½ hours away in Sacramento, I will make sure I get my pastrami fix at Italian Cottage in Chico. Their story began in 1965, when this Italian restaurant opened. They have gone through many changes through the years; they have never changed the sawdust on the floor. If anything, as it expands they add even more & more!
Chico is a darling college town and no matter what time of year it is, this restaurant is always buzzing.
When I first arrive, I always have to sit for a moment with my monkey friends, as you see in the photo. Next I must run in and sit down at one of the wooden booths so I can order my pastrami love right away……Freshest of everything for sure.
Blondee’s picks:
Breakfast: Lots of great choices of omelets and great sides, oatmeal with raisins and brown sugar
Lunch and dinner are similar.
Pastrami sandwich (always get the large and order one to go….)
with onions and Swiss cheese.
Best minestrone soup, best meatballs, yummy pizzas and even calzones. They have hot or Italian sandwiches and they make their buns homemade.
Blondee’s powder room check:
Large and clean
Calling all boomers…..make sure, always order the vanilla ice cream and hard chocolate on top for dessert.
Website: http://www.theitaliancottage.com
Rating: 
June 29, 2023
One of my favorites. Best Blue Cheese dressing and like you said, amazing breakfasts