P=Petta's Restaurant

Petta's Restaurant is located on Duane Avenue (off of 890) in Schenectady (kind of off the beaten track as to location). Petta's is a family owned, traditional Italian restaurant.  In 1951, Felix and Caroline Petta opened their restaurant.  The neighborhood that Petta's is located in used to be a "thriving, working class neighborhood who owed their fortune to General Electric"(http://www.pettasrestaurant.com/), but in the 1990's, the economy of Schenectady fell and the neighborhood began to give off more of an inner city feel.  The current owner, the grandson of Felix, attempted to buy as much land around Petta's to try to help out business so that the environment would feel safer.  Other than the surroundings outside, once you're inside you get the feeling of calm and relaxation.  The staff is very nice and attentive to you.   You can smell the delicious Italian food and can also enjoy the fresh (and addicting), homemade bread while you wait for your food.  The menu offers great Italian choices with lots of pasta and seafood, plus chicken and veal.  The portions are huge and while it can be a little pricey, you get more than your money's worth.  After your dinner you can enjoy fresh Italian deserts that they have sitting in a display case for the entire restaurant's viewing.  I would recommend Petta's because it is a very nice restaurant and you feel like you're at home as soon as you walk in the door.