Trattoria Restaurant

Great local feel Italian restaurant- feels like mama cooking

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 4

I really wanted to like this place -the Balboa Island location is great and the owner (who’s also the server and the cook) was very kind but our experience was disappointing. My Chicken Parmesan w Spaghetti, which according to both the menu and yelp pictures posted by other customers (and common expectations) comes with spaghetti. was served with rigatoni in vodka sauce, making it feel like two unrelated dishes. Our spaghetti and meatballs came with hardly any sauce, and when asked for more sauce he refused bc he had to make more. Despite the friendly service, the food quality and unwillingness to fix clear mistakes made the visit frustrating. Unfortunately I wouldn’t return.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 3

Great food, great service!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Owner is super nice - very quiet and quaint little restaurant with awesome dishes.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

excellent food and service.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Good food and not loud so easy to carry on a conversation.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Cute little rustic restaurant, but the food quality did not live up to the price.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 3

Service: 4

Amazing food and the owner is very sweet and accommodating. We always come in once or twice during our annual vacation on the island.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I rarely make it to Balboa Island but the last time we were here we had the best Italian meal I’ve ever had. We returned yesterday and I had the veal piccata and it was another 10 out of 10. I’ll be back.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Cozy place and the food is great!!

We showed up close to closing and the staff had all went home, the Owner kindly seated us, waited on us, cooked for us and wow did he cook 🔥 Amazing food and the vibes were just as good. I really enjoyed this dinner with my family, will be a happy memory for the books. Chicken Parmesan was our favorite and the ceaser salad was legit. TYSM 5 ⭐️s all day 💣 dot com

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This restaurant is the perfect place for a quiet personal dinner. It’s dimly lit with a welcoming vibe. The server was very friendly. Artisan food with great portions.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

From the first bite of bruschetta to the last bite of spumoni, this was one of the best Italian meals we've ever had outside of Rome. The veal piccata and the lamb chops were particular favorites. The service was lovely with a old world feel. Surrounded by enthusiastic neighbors we knew we'd made the right choice! Great value! Highly recommend!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Relaxed, small place. Come to enjoy the atmosphere and made-to-order foods.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Garlic Bread, Spaghetti Bolognese

Excellent food. Good Service. Just to be clear. This is a slow food restaurant. Each meal is made individually. This is not the place to go if you are in a hurry. If you want an excellent meal in a relaxed atmosphere, this is the place for you. The Canolli might be the best I have ever had.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Cannoli, Trattoria House Salad, Fettuccine Carbonara