Restaurant Review: Incredible Italian Cuisine at Finalmente Trattoria

The classic decor of Finalmente Trattoria lets the food take center stage. | Photo by Pippa Hazlewood '11

Pippa Hazlewood ’11
Web Features Editor

Upon arriving at Finalmente Trattoria I was expecting to find it was just another overpriced restaurant with heavy ‘Italian’ atmosphere and mediocre food. I, however experienced none of those things seeing as the small space was so crowded I had to come back 45 minutes later just to get a seat.

Frustrated and hungry, I returned with a slightly resentful attitude. These feelings quickly faded away as I entered the warm cozy room and was greeted by a friendly waiter, who I followed, weaving in between the many tables, to my seat in the far corner.

However secluded my seat was, I had a good view of the rest of the restaurant and surveyed my surroundings.

The small yet densely packed floor space leaves little room for walking, making it difficult to maneuver around, but still gives off a homey feel, complimented by the dim lighting and on-display wooden wine racks.

Opera music fills the air that isn’t already preoccupied with the dinner conversations of other customers. And I can’t help but notice I am the only one there under the age of 40.

Given, it is a Wednesday night; there is a certain mood here that distinguishes it from the diner and Sakura, and I doubt you’d find many teenagers grabbing a bite to eat before a Saturday night.

Anyways, despite feeling slightly out of my element, the server came by and I ordered my meal ‘La Ponita,’ fresh mozzarella with tomatoes and prosciutto, as an appetizer and some kind of mushroom mozzarella ravioli for my main course.

Without even finishing the bread basket my first course arrives. With a beautiful presentation and aroma, I didn’t know where to start. Eventually, I managed, and just about melted once I tasted the fresh cheese and plump tomatoes. Overall, it was fantastic.

Not long after the dishes were cleared did, sure enough, my main meal come through the kitchen doors. With hardly anytime to digest, or find something to complain about, my dinner was served.

Though it was extremely hot, my pasta was almost as good as my ‘La Ponita.’ A delicious sauce covered the exotic flavors in each bite. Reluctantly, I stopped eating with two pieces left on my plate, too full to finish.

Still floating high on the delicious meal I’d just eaten, the waiter brought out the check. Between two people, a full meal including appetizers and entrees was just under $100, including tip.

So, it’s made clear why teens don’t typically dine at such a high cost restaurant. On any special occasions, though, I’d highly recommend Finalmente Trattoria for a quiet, comfortable, delicious, meal with the family.

Information:

Lunch Entrees: $9-$19

Dinner Entrees: $9-$32

Dessert: $7-$9

Hours:

Lunch: Tues-Fri, 12-2:30 P.M.

Dinner: Wed-Sat, 5-10 P.M. Sun- Tues, 5-8:30 P.M.

Reservations are taken.

Phone: (203) 226-8500

Address: 165 Post Road East, Westport, CT

Quality: Very Good