Dema's Italian Bistro - Gilbert

What makes Demas particularly interesting is the newly opened tattoo shop next door, ensuring a fresh and vibrant atmosphere. As we arrived, the first thing that struck us were the handwritten signs in the somewhat underwhelming parking lot, displaying the daily specials and prices. This immediately turned my wife off, but instead fueled my curiosity. After some convincing and invoking an Indiana Jones-like spirit of adventure, we decided to stay. We were greeted by a friendly young waitress who led us to a table next to what appeared to be the only other couple in the restaurant—a middle-aged white man and a younger Asian woman who seemed a bit puzzled by the menu. I noticed a kitchen staff member nearby indulging in a plate of appetizing chicken wings. The decor aimed for a Tuscan vibe that fell a bit flat, with red and white checkered tablecloths that screamed "traditional Italian restaurant." A large TV was broadcasting a poker tournament, its commentary barely audible over the genuine Italian music playing in the background. It created an amusing contrast: enjoying the sounds of Dean Martin while surrounded by the buzz of a poker game. After seeing those wings, I couldn’t resist trying them. They were served hot and cooked perfectly—definitely not rubbery. They had just the right amount of crispiness, with flavors I didn't know buffalo wings could deliver. I recommend the wings, but steer clear of the “mild” option, which, frankly, isn't very mild at all. They don't appear to offer a "medium," so go straight for the hot. For my main course, I debated between ravioli and manicotti, ultimately choosing manicotti with meat sauce after asking about the portion sizes. I was told the ravioli portion counted only six pieces and was comparable to the manicotti. My daughter opted for Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo. As "Moon River" played amidst the poker commentary, our salads arrived—small bowls with fresh ingredients, including some of the best tomatoes I've tasted recently, paired with delicious ranch dressing. Once we finished our salads, my daughter's fettuccine was brought out. She reported that her spaghetti was very good, but the meat sauce was a bit too sweet for her liking and arrived a bit quicker than expected. My daughter's review—she's 17 and has quite the taste for Alfredo sauces—was, "Dad, this is perhaps the best Alfredo sauce I've ever had." I had to see for myself, and indeed, it was flavorful and rich, perhaps a touch overwhelming, but she highly recommends it. About three minutes later, my manicotti arrived, steaming hot and perfectly portioned—three cheese-filled pasta tubes topped with a vibrant red meat sauce and mozzarella, garnished with what might have been basil. It was a cozy, cheesy delight. The pasta was slightly overcooked in places, but overall, it was a genuinely good dish. Would I get it again? Probably not, as several other dishes caught my eye, such as calzones, pizzas, and chicken marsala. Oh, and we couldn’t resist dessert. We took some canoli home—two chocolate canoli for the ladies and one classic for me. If I were to score them, I’d say they tasted remarkably similar to the canoli my Italian neighbor from Brooklyn makes during Christmas, so you can draw your own conclusions about that. As for the bill? Dinner for three, including wings and tip, came to $60.43. The canoli, which were priced separately, cost another $12.86 (with a dollar tip). Would I return? Absolutely, but they could do without the large-screen TV. A more authentic Italian ambiance and an updated color scheme would certainly enhance the experience!