Top 5 Italian Restaurants in Royal Oak, According to Yelp! Reviewers

Websites like Yelp! have empowered the everyday eater to become their local neighborhood's food critic, praising and condemning behind the anonymity of a computer screen.

Some peeved restaurateurs have argued Yelp! is little more than a "forum for the uninformed," a digitally-savvy clan of unsophisticated palates with little-to-no culinary education.

True or not, the reviews listed on the website unquestionably impact popular perception. Will you dine at a place one newspaper critic gave a dazzling review to if the same restaurant was scorned by the unwashed masses? Maybe. Maybe not.

So how does the average joe rank the many restaurants in Royal Oak

Based on Yelp!'s star ranking, we count down from #5 down to #1 on Italian food. 

Many of the restaurants accrued the same star rating, so in the case of ties the restaurant with the greater number of reviews is ranked higher. A minimum of five reviews is required to qualify.

5. Maria's of Royal Oak, 3 stars, 10 reviews

"We've been here twice in the last three weeks and have been satisfied both times," said Royal Oak resident Stefanie M. "It might not be the edgiest Italian food, but I thought it was very good, comfort Italian food for a good price!  The atmostphere is fine, nothing to write home about, but the servers and staff were very friendly and accommodating.  The first time I had the Chicken picata which was very good, the second time the gnocci which I thought was fantastic."

4. Andiamo Royal Oak, 3.5 stars, 35 reviews

"The food is rich and heavy and well worth the money," said Royal Oak resident Josephine M. "The pork chops and fish are full of flavor. Great wine list. Sit by the window to people watch. Only downside tiny patio with high tops."

3. Pasquale's 3.5 stars, 54 reviews

"A Woodward Ave Institution. Great service. Delicious food. Ravioli and salad was delish. Vesuvio cake. Italian wedding soup.  Cleanliness. 4 star," wrote Royal Oak resident Stephen H. "Very popular restaurant on the Woodward corridor!"

2. D'amato's, 3.5 stars, 55 reviews

"If you like to try something different this is your place," chimed in Josephine M. "They use unusual cuts of meat and types of fish. Everything is a la carte. Great bar selection especially for scotch. They also have a couple of random tables with the most comfy lawn chairs." 

1. Pizzeria Biga 3.5 stars, 61 reviews

"Thrilled to find a neopolitan-style pizza place in the neighborhood. I've travelled the globe comparing pizza margheritas and theirs suits me just fine," commenter Dee T. of Royal Oak said. "Space is lovely, service fast and timely, ambiance is lively...only question that I have is: what-up with the acrylic water tumblers and Corelle-style dishes?"

Do you agree or disagree with the Yelp! top 5 list? Tell us in the comments.