Evviva Trattoria Nashua — Restaurant in Nashua

We had our mother's day meal at Evviva Trattoria Nashua last Saturday. This was our first time going; me, my girlfriend, mother, and step-father and we were pleasantly surprised. To start off they all got lattes/cappuccinos which they really enjoyed and it seemed to be high quality coffee. My step-father got the Caesar salad to begin the food, not much to write about there, it's exactly what you'd expect. Then when the main courses came along my girlfriend had the Mediterranean Falafel bowl, which was very nice, we wish there could be at least one more falafel but the taste was great, the flavors blended beautifully. My mother got the salmon primavera which was well presented and she loved it, they were very accommodating to her gluten sensitivity and she wanted to eat the whole thing but saved room for dessert and had the rest the next day for lunch. My step-father had the chicken broccoli Alfredo, a pretty straight forward dish as he likes. And I had the small gnocchi Florentine and I had them "Parm it up" (which means add chicken Parm) the pasta was cooked to perfection, the sauce was fresh and flavorful, I loved the chunks of mozzarella and the blistered tomatoes and the chicken Parmesan was pretty dang good. I personally prefer a thinner chicken Parm so it's crispier, so if it had been pounded flat I think that could have made a bit of a difference, but these are just my preference. As far as taste goes it was juicy and it went really well with the gnocchi Florentine even with the clash of the two sauces! Overall we all agreed that our meals were really delicious. Then time for the dessert we ordered the gluten free cannolis and the strawberry cream cake. We enjoyed both of the desserts but it wasn't the highlight of the meal, the cannoli shell texture was off, it was hard but it didn't really have the crunch I was looking for (I chalk it up to the limitations of gluten free flour) and the strawberry cream cake's cream was more like a layer of icing in the cake it wasn't the creaminess I had expected. Like I said they were still delicious but I don't think I'd order them again. Overall the meal was very nice and perfect for mother's day. As far as service goes, our server Cory (not sure on the spelling) was very friendly, accommodating and personable, he checked in on us after the food came out, I did have to flag him down a few times but it was busy and he always acknowledged us and made time for us when I did so. The atmosphere was nice it was very open but it wasn't loud and I felt everyone there could have conversations without disturbing other tables. So we had a great experience. When the check came I did feel it was a little higher than expected it came to a little over 150 before tip, but that wasn't outrageous for what we got considering the quality. I will definitely try this restaurant again if I'm in the mood for Italian food, it's conveniently located and the experience was overall...

This was my first time ordering since the Nashua location opened. I ordered take out. I will say the overall experience left A LOT to be desired, and I’m more than apprehensive to try a second go.

I’ll say that I was pleasantly surprised that my order was ready & waiting when I arrived a few minutes early. However - I arrived early because I neglected to order a few sides, and planned to do so in person and wait for them. The hostess handed the bag over the counter to me without a word, no eye contact. Immediately continuing her conversation with the other hostess. I stood there for an uncomfortable length of time, waiting for her to notice. Eventually I said “I’m sorry, excuse me…” twice. Zero reaction or response. As a career bartender/server I sincerely would’ve understood if either of them had been on the phone, or if there had been a wait or line behind me. But none of that was the case. Eventually i just left.

All food was prepared and packaged correctly. The price for the portions left quite a bit to be desired. $6 for a very small portion of chips was high, considering the dip for them doesn’t come with it. So the dip had to be a separate order and obviously another charge. The menu doesn’t explain the dips. One is a cheese dip, the other is an onion. Neither are mind blowing, the onion is flavorful though. The chips were only partially cooked. The crispy ones were good, although not seasoned/salted.

I ordered the large Caesar salad, it was fresh and the dressing is good and garlicky. The large salad was $12 compared to the small at $6. Be aware the large (at least to-go) is easily only as large as typical side salad anywhere else - except it doesn’t come with the meal. It’s full price. Rough.

The Lasagna is ok. The sauce is very basic, but I was surprised that the entire meal is the ricotta filling sandwiched between two lengths of lasagna pasta. I expected layers as is typical at Italian restaurants.

The salted caramel cheesecake is outstanding. Very flavorful and creamy.

I also assumed (per other reviews) that their table bread and flavored oil would be included. It was not. Nor is it an option to order on their website separately.

Lastly, I was semi curious about their “packaging fee”. This is not typical for our area, at least. I know some cities do. This fee also doesn’t show up until you view your receipt AFTER...

Pasta Mushroom Ravioli = Heaven Sent. I added hot spices from table shaker, but was also superb without added spices.

RED WINE: I often skip Californian reds for Italian reds, until I hit a bad Italian. Only very good Italian reds here.

I did side by side sampling.

CHIANTI Santa Christina one of best Chiantis have had in USA, but I like full-bodied, deeper fruit taste (not dry and dislike strong tannins). This Chianti is heavier/more full bodied than some. Not Tannin heavy. Fruit flavor rich. $15 (bit steep).

RUBIO SAN Polo: You can literally SMELL the berries/fruit aroma when your nose gets close. Definitely not sweet, but fruity just the same. Aroma matches taste. I’m not a fancy wine guy so excuse the lack of vocabulary. If you breathe out thru your nose with this Rubio in your mouth, you will, literally, smell flowers. Uncanny strong bouquet, and really pleasing taste, if you like full fruity but not too sweet. $14

MONTEPULCIANO Fantini: These 3 wines are all good quality, but the Fantini was my favorite. It almost seems Tannin-free! Same flavor from lips to throat—not a trace of bitter after-taste. Again, full-bodies, strong fruit taste, not dry. Oddly, and lucky for me, also the cheapest. $12.

Waitress was as good as they come. Sincere type. Ask for the young lady whose father has a subscription to the “Old Farmers Almanac”.

She has a piece of paper with these, my wine assessments,...