Uncle Tony’s Pizza and Pasta , with family style restaurants in Cranston and Johnston, is the perfect place to bring the family.

The portions are large, the food is basic Italian, and the prices are reasonable. (A large plate of spaghetti and meat sauce is $12.45. Fish and chips are $14.95. A small pizza with one topping is$10.40.)

The booths are high back, giving diners some privacy and cutting down the kid noise.

We visited Uncle Tony’s at 1455 Oaklawn Ave. in Cranston. The Johnston restaurant is at 46 Putnam Pike. They share the same large menu, ranging from pizza to a large assortment of pasta dishes, and some interesting weekly specials.

Joyce and I did something we rarely do: We both ordered the same thing.

It was the special Shrimp fra Diablo ($17,95).

The dinner comes with a large, fresh basket of Italian bread, plus soup or salad. We both chose the salad which was large enough for a meal.

When the waitress brought the Shrimp fra Diablo, we knew that there was enough for at least another meal.

Eight good-size shrimps were surrounded by pepperoncini and black olives, served over at least a half pound of spaghetti, and covered with their delicious sauce. . .or is it gravy?

We were very pleased with the quality of the entrée and the perfect timing of the meal.

Friends tell us that their calzones and paninis are the best they tasted ($11.75 and $12.80).

We’ll be back for their lasagna al forno (16.75) and Veal Abruzze ($22.40).

They also have a take-out department and a special catering menu.

Open Monday through Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Friday 11:30 to 9:30, and Saturday and Sunday noon to 9:30 p.m.

Their telephone number is 463-7785 in Cranston and 231-811 in Johnston.