Trattoria Tiramisu — Restaurant in Pleasant Valley Township

This restaurant has been in Bettendorf for as long as I can remember. I remember it all the way back to when I was in high school in the early 2000s. I never actually made it there, though. I wanted some Italian food after work tonight and decided to give it a try.

First impressions of the space - I don't think much has changed from the 80s or 90s. Certain aspects of the space are inviting, including the rustic brick walls in certain areas, the large wine rack in the main dining room, and the soft lighting throughout. The soft burgundy and yellow walls add an extra warmth through the dining room, and the simple wooden booths with plate glass dividers adorned with etchings of grapes and vines bring some clean accents.

Other parts of the interior just make the space appear unnecessarily old and dated, however. This is most prominently seen in the 2x4 drop ceiling, whose black tiles are sagging noticeably throughout the main dining room. The floors, composed of 4 inch square tiles of varying reddish beige, similarly seem of a style not prominent for decades. Neither of these features pale compared to the sound system employed in the dining area, which consists of what I can only best characterize as a single speaker that appears to have blown out sometime between 10-20 years ago. The volume on my visit wasn't terrible, but the speaker would periodically blare static or simply cut out for a few seconds. Definitely threw off the overall mood of the visit a bit...

While the ambiance wasn't perfect, neither was the food. I enjoyed the bread and oil, which was of the style and quality expected at an Italian restaurant - crispy exterior with a warm soft inside. No complaints there. My choice of entree, however, left me a bit disappointed. I'm a huge fan of pesto and as such opted for the Fettuccine al Pesto with shrimp. This was, unfortunately, pretty disappointing. If not for the sparse pieces of what looked like basil leaf in the pasta, it would not have even visually looked like pesto. The pasta itself was fairly gummy and tasteless - not sure if it just wasn't seasoned well in boiling or if there was another issue present. The only real high note to the dish was the shrimp - the six small shrimp included amongst the huge bowl of fettuccine.

Fortunately, the desert saved the meal for me which, given the eponymous nature of the establishment, had to be a piece of tiramisu. The restaurant's namesake did not disappoint - the cookies were soaked with espresso, the marscapone cream was light, and there was a delightful dusting of chocolate powder and copious chocolate syrup adorning the plate. The slice was a nice light, not overly sweet, way to end the meal, something I'd return for all alone.

I do get the distinct feeling I may have just chosen not the best dish. A cursory second look at the menu left me hungry to try other dishes, several of which feature prominently a red sauce of some type. I'll have to come back and try again at some point. I would clarify I do kind of enjoy the vintage atmosphere of the dining room, though I think they really should replace the speaker - that was a...

An Unforgettable Dive into Italy

Nestled on a quiet corner of the city, Trattoria Tiramisu beckons you with a modest façade that belies the treasures within. This isn't a place for those seeking opulence or grandeur; it's a sanctuary for those who understand that true culinary artistry lies in simplicity and authenticity.

Walking through the door, you're greeted by the intoxicating aroma of garlic, tomatoes, and fresh herbs mingling in the air. The decor is rustic, with worn wooden tables and mismatched chairs that have seen countless meals and conversations. It's the kind of place where you expect to see an old Nonna in the kitchen, stirring a pot with love and tradition.

The menu is a testament to the Italian philosophy of letting ingredients speak for themselves. Start with the bruschetta—simple, yet sublime. The tomatoes are vibrant and juicy, kissed by the sun and drizzled with the finest olive oil, resting on perfectly toasted bread with just the right amount of crunch.

Pasta here is not just a dish; it's a revelation. The pappardelle al ragù is a standout, with wide ribbons of homemade pasta enveloped in a rich, meaty sauce that clings to each strand, bursting with flavor in every bite. It's a dish that takes you on a journey through the hills of Tuscany, where life moves at a slower pace, and meals are savored, not rushed.

The Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo is another marvel—creamy, yet light, with a medley of ocean treasures that are as fresh as if they were plucked from the sea that morning. The balance of flavors, the tenderness of the seafood, and the perfect al dente rice demonstrate a mastery that few achieve.

Of course, no visit to Trattoria Tiramisu would be complete without indulging in its namesake dessert. The tiramisu is ethereal, a cloud of mascarpone and espresso-soaked ladyfingers that melts in your mouth and leaves you yearning for more. It's a fitting end to a meal that feels like a warm embrace from an old friend.

Service here is unpretentious yet attentive, with staff who are passionate about their food and eager to share the stories behind each dish. They make you feel like a cherished guest in their home, which, in many ways, you are.

Trattoria Tiramisu isn't just a restaurant; it's a love letter to Italy, written in the universal language of food. It's a reminder that the best meals are often found in the most unassuming places, where the focus is not on the pomp and circumstance, but on the joy of sharing good food with good people. So, pull up a chair, pour yourself a glass of wine, and let Trattoria Tiramisu transport you to a place where life is beautiful and every meal is a...

I rarely post anything negative about a restaurant as I believe that anyone can have a bad night.

But, our server was terrible. She forgot utensils, napkins, oil, and vinegar for the table. The balsamic vinegar used for the restaurant was thin. This means that it wasn't aged and tasted like a cheap vinegar. The olive oil should have he ad some flavor and fragrance. It possessed neither. When the utensils WERE finally brought, the comment from our server was that we would have to roll our own. We asked about specials and we're told "We don't do those here". The server had no knowledge of any of the long wine and beer list and only brought a list after being asked. We were allotted one stained list for 5 people. The paper menus looked as if they had been printed on a cheap printer in house and most had food stains as they weren't even laminated.

Then we got to the entrees. First, the server got one order wrong and argued about it. (It was supposed to be a simple fettuccine Alfredo. This had shellfish and mushrooms. That party is allergic to both!) The sauces were thin and the pasta tasted as if it were waterlogged. I had the vodka sauce. This should be a pink sauce that clings to the pasta because of the cream added to a red sauce base. It was thin and had very little flavor.

As I said when I started, I don't do negative reviews. (You can check my history!) But, this was a complete waste of...