Colao's Ristorante
About This Spot
Stepping into Colao's Ristorante is like being welcomed into a cherished Italian home where warmth and attention to detail shape every moment. Tucked away on Plum Street in Erie, this inviting spot carries an atmosphere that’s both intimate and vibrant — a place where the hum of friendly conversation blends effortlessly with the clink of glasses and the aromas of a kitchen crafting heartfelt dishes.
The mood here settles into a comfortable balance: lively yet unhurried, making it equally suited for an anniversary celebration or an unplanned evening out. Rich wood tones and warm lighting create a cozy backdrop, while the attentive, knowledgeable staff quietly ensure your experience unfolds with ease and genuine care.
At the heart of Colao’s is their menu, which reads like a love letter to authentic Italian flavors, presented with thoughtful creativity. Whether it’s the delicate richness of lobster-stuffed ravioli crowned with lump crab meat or the satisfying depth of veal parmigiana, each dish carries a quiet elegance. Fresh seafood selections often shine—from scallops nestled in a velvety tomato broth to the perfectly pan-seared Chilean sea bass—offering a taste of the coast with rustic roots.
There’s an unmistakable pleasure in savoring the homemade tiramisu or cannoli, humble yet confident reminders of the family traditions that inspire the kitchen. And it's not just about the food; the subtle nods to pairing drinks like a carefully suggested martini enrich the experience, inviting you to pause and linger a little longer.
Colao’s isn’t a place of fleeting trends or sharp edges—its charm grows from an environment that feels personal and lived-in. Reservations are wise here, as this spot confidently keeps its circle of regulars alongside curious visitors discovering its many quiet delights. Whether seated at a cozy booth or by the bar with a glass in hand, the sense of being cared for quietly infuses the meal.
For those wanting an authentic slice of Erie's Italian soul, Colao’s Ristorante offers a space where the food, hospitality, and convivial spirit come together naturally, inviting you to return again and again.
What’s Available Here
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Takeaway
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Dine-in
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Delivery
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Great cocktails
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Great coffee
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Great dessert
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Great wine list
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Serves local specialty
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Dinner
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Solo dining
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Assistive hearing loop
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Wheelchair-accessible entrance
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Alcohol
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Beer
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Cocktails
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Coffee
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Comfort food
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Healthy options
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Small plates
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Spirits
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Vegetarian options
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Wine
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Dinner
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Catering
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Dessert
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Seating
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Table service
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Bar on site
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Toilet
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Cosy
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Romantic
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Trendy
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Upmarket
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Family friendly
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Groups
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LGBTQ+ friendly
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Locals
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Tourists
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Reservations required
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Dinner reservations recommended
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Accepts reservations
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Credit cards
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Debit cards
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Credit cards
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High chairs
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Free of charge street parking
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Parking
Location & Hours
| Monday | 05:00 PM - 09:00 PM | |
| Tuesday | 05:00 PM - 09:00 PM | |
| Wednesday | 05:00 PM - 09:00 PM | |
| Thursday | 05:00 PM - 09:00 PM | |
| Friday | 05:00 PM - 09:00 PM | |
| Saturday | 05:00 PM - 09:00 PM | |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday | Closed |
Kate Fumo 09 Jan 2026
First time here and it won't be our last ! Everything was excellent. We did have a reservation which I highly recommend . To walk in here and smell all that delicious food and be turned away would be soooo disappointing! MAKE A RESERVATION! You won't be disappointed.
Rhonda Rodland 05 Jan 2026
Oct 2025 This place always satisfies. My pictures dont do it justice. Excellent service from the owner Ellen seating you, to our server Brittney suggesting the ever popular pear martini. Extensive wine list. HIGHLY reccomend Update! Still our favorite! Celebrated our anniversary in style. Eggplant parm., ribeye, amd scallops Americana. Casey, our server was excellent. The owners and their son Nick are great hosts. Highly recommend!!! Our absolute favorite! Nick and his family never disappoint! Calabrese broccoli is my favorite dish. And you can never go wrong with their steak. A truly amazing dining experience, you don't want to miss!! Oh! And don't forget to try their lemonchello
Elizabeth Morrissette 24 Dec 2025
I'm a big girl, I wasn't aware the booths would be about a foot deep from the back of the seat to the edge of the table. I recommend requesting a table if you're a bigger person, I did not and I had to sit at the bar on my anniversary night because they couldn't give me a table until over an hour past my reservation time (They book up quick). The atmosphere is fantastic, small and intimate. The food is TO DIE FOR. I recommend the lemonchello, it's homemade and fantastic. The bartender bought my husband and I a glass for our anniversary, thanks again, girlie!
Jill Calabro 18 Dec 2025
I moved here a couple of years ago- as an Italian American from Long Island, NY I knew I needed to find my go-to Italian spot. From the moment you walk in you are hit with warmth and joy. Whether you are looking for a martini at the bar or a special occasion dining experience, the staff has your back. They are kind and knowledgeable, ready to help you make the most of your night out. Don’t even get me started on the food! Fresh oil with the bread, delightful flavors in each pasta dish, you cannot go wrong with any order. I definitely recommend bringing a friend so you can try a variety of things together! So thankful for this gem of a spot in Erie- this is home. Bravo Colao’s, we love you!
Jack McMahon 29 Nov 2025
We found this gem of a restaurant by accident while visiting Erie. What a treasure. We loved the ambiance and atmosphere with warm colors and pleasant decor. Brittany was our server and was terrific. She immediately brought fresh bread with a wonderful seasoned oil. Our salad that came with the meal was fresh and delicious with balsamic vinaigrette. Entrees consisted of lobster ravioli and chicken parmigiana. Both meals were delicious. Everything was really top shelf. Dessert was homemade tiramisu which was also outstanding. I’m not one to do reviews but had to give this beautiful place one.
Scott Shaffer 24 Oct 2025
Excellent, top notch. Great for a romantic dinner or casual enough to bring work clients. Recommend
J C 28 Sep 2025
Shout out to this local gem! We patronized this establishment on Friday! The food and drinks are delicious, consistent and the atmosphere, owners and staff are amazing! We frequent her often enough to know that it can fill up quickly, so we make sure we call them early enough, to guarantee our reservation. The libations are unique, delicious and well crafted. The bartender is warm and engaging and owners while not tending to business matters, make it a point to get around to greet and say hello to their customers. There is always a smile to go with your delicious meal! I can’t say enough good things about Colao’s, but to say, if you’re going to be in the area to make sure you stop in. Please don’t forget to call!!! It is a busy establishment for good reason and they only take reservations by phone.