White tablecloths and Italian elegance at Davio’s don’t exempt their pasta from calorie scrutiny. When you are looking at the menu, knowing the exact **Davio’s Nutrition and Calories** can be the difference between a guilt-free meal and a week of regret. This guide breaks down the numbers for their most popular dishes, so you can order smart without ruining the upscale vibe.
Davio’s is known for its Northern Italian cuisine, steaks, and handmade pasta. But those creamy sauces and rich desserts add up fast. We have analyzed the menu, portion sizes, and typical preparation methods to give you a realistic picture of what you are consuming.
You do not need to skip the bread basket or the gnocchi. You just need a game plan. Here is the breakdown of what to order, what to avoid, and how to balance your macros when dining at this popular chain.
Davio’s Nutrition And Calories: The Main Menu Breakdown
Let’s get straight to the numbers. The following estimates are based on standard restaurant portions and preparation techniques. Actual values may vary slightly depending on the chef and specific ingredients used on any given day.
Appetizers And Starters
Starting your meal with a heavy app can blow your calorie budget before the entree arrives. The fried calamari is a classic, but it is a calorie bomb. A full order typically runs around 1,100 calories with the marinara and lemon aioli.
The tuna tartare is a lighter choice, coming in at roughly 480 calories. It is packed with protein and healthy fats, but watch the wonton chips that come alongside. The meatball appetizer, while delicious, is about 350 calories for a single large ball.
If you want soup, the lobster bisque is rich and creamy. A bowl is around 420 calories. The minestrone is the clear winner here at only 180 calories per bowl.
Handmade Pasta Dishes
Pasta is the heart of Davio’s, but it is also the most calorie-dense section. The portions are generous, often enough for two meals. Keep that in mind when you are counting.
- Lobster Ravioli: This signature dish is decadent. The cream sauce and pasta dough push this to about 1,350 calories per full order.
- Pappardelle Bolognese: A hearty meat sauce with fresh pasta. Expect around 1,100 calories. The beef and pork add protein but also saturated fat.
- Gnocchi Sorrento: These potato dumplings are light in texture but heavy in calories. With the tomato-basil sauce, you are looking at 980 calories.
- Spaghetti Pomodoro: The simplest option on the menu. With just tomato sauce and basil, this is around 780 calories. Still high due to the refined carbs and olive oil.
- Chicken Parmigiana: Served with spaghetti, this dish is a massive 1,450 calories. The breaded chicken and melted cheese add up quickly.
Pro tip: Ask for half the pasta and double the vegetables. Most locations will accommodate this without extra charge.
Steaks And Entrees
Davio’s is a steakhouse at heart. A 10-ounce filet mignon is a solid choice for protein. Without any sauce, it is about 650 calories. That is lean and clean.
The ribeye, however, is a different story. A 16-ounce ribeye clocks in at nearly 1,200 calories due to the higher fat marbling. The NY Strip is a middle ground at around 850 calories for a 14-ounce cut.
Chicken dishes are generally safer. The grilled chicken breast, when ordered without the butter sauce, is only 420 calories. The salmon is a great option too, coming in at 580 calories for the fillet with a side of spinach.
Side Dishes
Do not ignore the sides. They can add 300-500 calories to your meal without you noticing.
- Mashed Potatoes: 320 calories per serving
- Sauteed Spinach: 150 calories (good choice)
- Truffle Fries: 610 calories (avoid if possible)
- Broccoli Rabe: 120 calories (best choice)
- Creamed Corn: 280 calories
Dessert And Drink Calories
You already know dessert is a splurge. But the numbers are staggering. The tiramisu is about 540 calories per slice. The chocolate lava cake with gelato is a massive 890 calories.
Drinks also matter. A standard glass of red wine is 125 calories. A martini is around 200 calories. The specialty cocktails on the Davio’s menu, like the Italian Margarita, can range from 350 to 450 calories each. Stick to wine or spirits with soda water to save calories.
How To Order A Low-Calorie Meal
You can eat at Davio’s and stay under 800 calories for a full meal. Here is the exact strategy.
- Skip the bread basket. That is 200 calories you do not need.
- Order the minestrone soup or a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette (ask for dressing on the side).
- Choose the grilled salmon or filet mignon as your main.
- Request all sauces on the side. Use them sparingly.
- Substitute the starchy side for double broccoli rabe or sauteed spinach.
- Skip dessert. Order an espresso or a cappuccino instead.
This plan keeps you satisfied without the food coma. The protein from the steak or fish keeps you full, and the vegetables provide volume.
Hidden Calorie Traps At Davio’s
Some items seem healthy but are not. The “grilled” vegetable platter is often drizzled with olive oil, adding 200+ calories. The Caesar salad is a trap, with about 450 calories and 35 grams of fat before you add the chicken.
The branzino is a light fish, but it is often cooked in a butter bath. Ask for it grilled with no butter. The “gluten-free” pasta option is not necessarily lower in calories; it is just different carbs. It is often the same calorie count as regular pasta.
Also, beware of the “family style” portions. If you are sharing, you might eat more than you think. Ask the server to split the dish in the kitchen before it comes to the table.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the common questions people have about the menu numbers.
What is the healthiest appetizer at Davio’s?
The minestrone soup is the best bet at 180 calories. If you want something cold, the arugula salad with no cheese and dressing on the side is under 200 calories.
Are the pasta portions at Davio’s large enough to share?
Yes, absolutely. The pasta dishes are huge. A full order can easily feed two people as a main course, or three people as a side dish. Splitting an entree is a great way to cut calories and cost.
Does Davio’s have any low-carb options?
Yes. The steaks and grilled fish are naturally low-carb. You can also order the chicken or salmon with a side of sauteed spinach and broccoli rabe. Skip the potatoes and pasta entirely.
Is the gluten-free pasta at Davio’s lower in calories?
No, it is not. The gluten-free pasta is typically made from rice flour and corn, which has a similar calorie density to wheat pasta. The calorie difference is negligible, usually within 50 calories.
How many calories are in the Davio’s bread basket?
The bread basket with olive oil and butter is roughly 300-400 calories per person. The focaccia is soaked in oil, and the grissini are lighter. If you are counting, skip it.
Final Tips For Dining At Davio’s
You do not need to obsess over every gram, but being aware helps. The key is control. Ask for dressings and sauces on the side. Drink water or unsweetened tea instead of soda.
Also, consider the time of day. The lunch menu has smaller portions and lower prices. A lunch portion of pasta is usually about 30% smaller than the dinner portion, which saves you calories and cash.
Do not be afraid to ask your server for modifications. They are used to requests for no butter, no salt, and extra veggies. It is your meal, and your health, so take charge of it.
Remember that the calorie counts we discussed are estimates. The actual numbers can vary. If you have specific dietary needs, ask to speak with the chef or manager. They can guide you to the safest options.
Dining out should be enjoyable. With this guide, you can enjoy the white tablecloth experience without wrecking your nutrition plan. Make smart swaps, watch the portions, and you will leave feeling good, not stuffed.
One last thing: the valet parking is expensive. Park a block away and walk. It burns a few extra calories before you sit down. Every little bit helps when you are facing a menu this indulgent.
Now you have the full picture. Go ahead and order that filet, but skip the truffle fries. Your body will thank you tomorrow morning. Enjoy the meal and the company, and remember that one dinner does not define your diet. Balance is the real goal here.