Trattoria La Festa provided a delightful backdrop for my recent anniversary celebration with my wife, offering both impeccable service and a menu that skillfully navigated familiar Italian fare with a touch of creative flair.Chef Tony's warm welcome set the tone for the evening, and the attentiveness of the waitstaff throughout the meal was truly impressive. Water glasses were never empty, and the swift clearing and resetting of a vacated table spoke volumes about efficiency and professionalism.The bread service, featuring fresh-baked bread paired with a smooth garlic butter, proved to be a satisfying prelude to the meal. The bruchetta appetizer lived up to expectations, showcasing a harmonious interplay of flavors between the tangy balsamic glaze, juicy tomatoes, vibrant pesto, and creamy mozzarella.My main course, the duck chorizo stuffed manicotti, presented a unique and deeply satisfying combination. The smokiness of the chorizo beautifully complemented the richness of the duck, creating a complex flavor profile that kept the palate engaged. The presence of chunky tomatoes in the sauce added a welcome burst of freshness, preventing the overall dish from becoming overly heavy.My wife's shrimp scampi delivered a lighter yet equally captivating experience. The garlic-infused sauce struck a perfect balance between being light and flavorful, allowing the sweetness of the perfectly cooked shrimp to shine through. This dish exemplified the art of simplicity done right, showcasing the quality of the ingredients and the chef's deft hand in balancing flavors.The desserts provided a fittingly sweet conclusion to the meal. The chocolate cream pie offered a decadent indulgence, with a rich, smooth filling encased in a melt-in-your-mouth crust. The lemoncello, served chilled and with a zesty bite, provided a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the pie, cleansing the palate and leaving a lingering citrus taste.In conclusion, Trattoria La Festa offers a commendable dining experience. The service is excellent, the atmosphere is inviting, and the food demonstrates a deft hand in balancing tradition with creative flair. Everything was executed with precision and attention to detail, resulting in a thoroughly enjoyable and satisfying meal. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a warm and welcoming Italian dining experience, Trattoria La Festa delivers.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bruschetta
Mary Stermer
I do not even know where to begin! This is one of those hidden gems that you never forget! As soon as we walked into the door, we were greeted like family and they had our table waiting! Reservation system is flawless! From the moment we stepped into this wonderful restaurant, it was a 10/10! Each delicious course came out hot, bursting with flavor and cooked perfectly! In my opinion the BEST restaurant in Stowe, hands down! Cozy, family like atmosphere with something for everyone! Veal was outstanding and cooked so perfectly, juicy, tender and flavorful! Chicken parmigiana and veal parmigiana were also absolutely delicious! We had the most decadent desserts! Tiramisu like I was home again! Cheesecakes were out of this world and the chocolate torte is absolutely decadent! Could not have been a better experience! We will absolutely be returning!Kid-friendliness: They had amazing options for your kiddos!
Great service and great food will come back anytime. Atmosphere was amazing with very nice waiters.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ron Barzakay
The duck was outstanding!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lisa
Surprised by all the stellar reviews... Maybe we were there on an off night.We thought the food was average at best and the prices were crazy for the quality of what we received. (To be fair, we have the top red sauce joints in the country where we live so maybe our standards are skewed.)The eggplant parm was NOT good (sorry.) The eggplant was thick and watery, as though it had not been salted before cooking. Thankfully it was not breaded, at least.The veal medallions tasted like they had come out of a freezer, rather than fresh. The pasta side was decent.The dessert was ok, although the eclair cake tasted exactly like a tiramisu with a sweeter cream (they'll be miffed if you tell them that, and try to explain the difference to you and the "real Roman" tiramisu, as though you are not very smart.)Very strange experience. I honestly don't recommend. But everyone else seems to love it!
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 3
Douglas D'Jay
Veal chop was fantastic. Mussels were too!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kaila Pacheco
Peanut butter pie was outstanding. Chicken parm breading was soggy I wished it had been thinner to get a crispy effect but the sauce was nice and homemade which I appreciated. Table cloths chosen would not have been my choice but I can understand the functionality.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Phil Rosen
Wonderful service and delicious food. The owner was there and it seems like a lot of thought goes into every recipe on the menu. Everything was perfect. One of the best restaurants I've been to anywhere.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Escargots, Chicken Parmigiana
Saul Costa
Some of the best food in Vermont. They have an eclectic menu, friendly staff, and a comfortable atmosphere. Well worth the short trip from downtown Stowe.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Caesar Salad
Karen Cheung
Everything we had was excellent. Wonderful service.
This place by far, is the best restaurant I have ever been to. Everything was perfect in just about every way.. the owner personally greeted my wife and I, the waiters were pleasant and efficient, and last but not least, the food was absolutely delicious.. I found my new favorite restaurant!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tiramisu, Lobster Ravioli, Bruschetta, Caesar Salad
Matt Parker
The best restaurant I have ever been to. the parking was adequate, no waiting with the reservation, service was excellent, food was off the chart, and the atmosphere was absolutely ideal. 5/5
Joseph Jones
The service was fantastic. Nice old school atmosphere. Food was absolutely delicious. Burrata app was so good. Veal parm was delightful. Strudel was to die for. What I didn’t like was potatoes served as side with veal parm and would have much preferred pasta. The string beans were very peppery, and veal parm was stacked so only cheese on top piece. Will definitely return though.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Jessica Laundry
Was recommended by a friend to check this place out. Get a Reservation especially Friday-sunday.We sat at the bar and got incredible service by our bartender Ryan. He gave us different wines to sample, went over specials, and made the BEST espresso martinis I've had on the east coast. Owner Tony stopped by and gave us some great stories and the history of this beautiful spot. Very down to earth people and a great setting.Food is authentic, and farm to table. so if you're into pastas loaded with heavy cream and Americanized Italian dishes you're in for a different experience.Cesar dressing was delicious, the cream of spinach/gorgonzola soup I could eat twice a week and the carbonate was huge we split it and had left overs.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tiramisu, Chicken Parmigiana, Carbonara Pasta, Bruschetta, Caesar Salad
Trattoria La Festa provided a delightful backdrop for my recent anniversary celebration with my wife, offering both impeccable service and a menu that skillfully navigated familiar Italian fare with a touch of creative flair.Chef Tony's warm welcome set the tone for the evening, and the attentiveness of the waitstaff throughout the meal was truly impressive. Water glasses were never empty, and the swift clearing and resetting of a vacated table spoke volumes about efficiency and professionalism.The bread service, featuring fresh-baked bread paired with a smooth garlic butter, proved to be a satisfying prelude to the meal. The bruchetta appetizer lived up to expectations, showcasing a harmonious interplay of flavors between the tangy balsamic glaze, juicy tomatoes, vibrant pesto, and creamy mozzarella.My main course, the duck chorizo stuffed manicotti, presented a unique and deeply satisfying combination. The smokiness of the chorizo beautifully complemented the richness of the duck, creating a complex flavor profile that kept the palate engaged. The presence of chunky tomatoes in the sauce added a welcome burst of freshness, preventing the overall dish from becoming overly heavy.My wife's shrimp scampi delivered a lighter yet equally captivating experience. The garlic-infused sauce struck a perfect balance between being light and flavorful, allowing the sweetness of the perfectly cooked shrimp to shine through. This dish exemplified the art of simplicity done right, showcasing the quality of the ingredients and the chef's deft hand in balancing flavors.The desserts provided a fittingly sweet conclusion to the meal. The chocolate cream pie offered a decadent indulgence, with a rich, smooth filling encased in a melt-in-your-mouth crust. The lemoncello, served chilled and with a zesty bite, provided a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the pie, cleansing the palate and leaving a lingering citrus taste.In conclusion, Trattoria La Festa offers a commendable dining experience. The service is excellent, the atmosphere is inviting, and the food demonstrates a deft hand in balancing tradition with creative flair. Everything was executed with precision and attention to detail, resulting in a thoroughly enjoyable and satisfying meal. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a warm and welcoming Italian dining experience, Trattoria La Festa delivers.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bruschetta
I do not even know where to begin! This is one of those hidden gems that you never forget! As soon as we walked into the door, we were greeted like family and they had our table waiting! Reservation system is flawless! From the moment we stepped into this wonderful restaurant, it was a 10/10! Each delicious course came out hot, bursting with flavor and cooked perfectly! In my opinion the BEST restaurant in Stowe, hands down! Cozy, family like atmosphere with something for everyone! Veal was outstanding and cooked so perfectly, juicy, tender and flavorful! Chicken parmigiana and veal parmigiana were also absolutely delicious! We had the most decadent desserts! Tiramisu like I was home again! Cheesecakes were out of this world and the chocolate torte is absolutely decadent! Could not have been a better experience! We will absolutely be returning!Kid-friendliness: They had amazing options for your kiddos!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Escargots, Tiramisu, Chicken Parmesan, Chicken Parmigiana, Lobster Ravioli, Bruschetta, Caesar Salad
Great service and great food will come back anytime. Atmosphere was amazing with very nice waiters.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The duck was outstanding!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Surprised by all the stellar reviews... Maybe we were there on an off night.We thought the food was average at best and the prices were crazy for the quality of what we received. (To be fair, we have the top red sauce joints in the country where we live so maybe our standards are skewed.)The eggplant parm was NOT good (sorry.) The eggplant was thick and watery, as though it had not been salted before cooking. Thankfully it was not breaded, at least.The veal medallions tasted like they had come out of a freezer, rather than fresh. The pasta side was decent.The dessert was ok, although the eclair cake tasted exactly like a tiramisu with a sweeter cream (they'll be miffed if you tell them that, and try to explain the difference to you and the "real Roman" tiramisu, as though you are not very smart.)Very strange experience. I honestly don't recommend. But everyone else seems to love it!
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 3
Veal chop was fantastic. Mussels were too!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Peanut butter pie was outstanding. Chicken parm breading was soggy I wished it had been thinner to get a crispy effect but the sauce was nice and homemade which I appreciated. Table cloths chosen would not have been my choice but I can understand the functionality.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Wonderful service and delicious food. The owner was there and it seems like a lot of thought goes into every recipe on the menu. Everything was perfect. One of the best restaurants I've been to anywhere.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Escargots, Chicken Parmigiana
Some of the best food in Vermont. They have an eclectic menu, friendly staff, and a comfortable atmosphere. Well worth the short trip from downtown Stowe.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Caesar Salad
Everything we had was excellent. Wonderful service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Escargots, Tiramisu, Lobster Ravioli
Restaurantji Recommends
Great meal and great service. Felt very welcomed
This place by far, is the best restaurant I have ever been to. Everything was perfect in just about every way.. the owner personally greeted my wife and I, the waiters were pleasant and efficient, and last but not least, the food was absolutely delicious.. I found my new favorite restaurant!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tiramisu, Lobster Ravioli, Bruschetta, Caesar Salad
The best restaurant I have ever been to. the parking was adequate, no waiting with the reservation, service was excellent, food was off the chart, and the atmosphere was absolutely ideal. 5/5
The service was fantastic. Nice old school atmosphere. Food was absolutely delicious. Burrata app was so good. Veal parm was delightful. Strudel was to die for. What I didn’t like was potatoes served as side with veal parm and would have much preferred pasta. The string beans were very peppery, and veal parm was stacked so only cheese on top piece. Will definitely return though.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Was recommended by a friend to check this place out. Get a Reservation especially Friday-sunday.We sat at the bar and got incredible service by our bartender Ryan. He gave us different wines to sample, went over specials, and made the BEST espresso martinis I've had on the east coast. Owner Tony stopped by and gave us some great stories and the history of this beautiful spot. Very down to earth people and a great setting.Food is authentic, and farm to table. so if you're into pastas loaded with heavy cream and Americanized Italian dishes you're in for a different experience.Cesar dressing was delicious, the cream of spinach/gorgonzola soup I could eat twice a week and the carbonate was huge we split it and had left overs.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tiramisu, Chicken Parmigiana, Carbonara Pasta, Bruschetta, Caesar Salad