Columbus Park Trattoria — Restaurant in Stamford

A few weeks ago my wife and I were here after a long covid-induced absence. We sat at the bar and had a great EXPERIENCE. Food was great, drinks were great, service was great, vibe was great ... u get the picture. Our bill was $200+ and I was happy to pay it. We've all paid good $ for less than stellar dining. So we were excited to go back this past weekend with another couple who had never been there. I walk into the restaurant which was buzzing. A vibrant atmosphere. I was told that our party was already seated UPSTAIRS and was lead back outside, through a side door and proceeded up a flight of stairs reminiscent of a budget motel. Immediately it felt like we were being punished, like second class citizens. The EXPERIENCE was HORRIBLE! The room felt like a morgue. I wanted to walk out but was persuaded not to. The table placed us at an uncomfortably far distance from each other. The service was haphazard. The food was not as good. However, the cost was the same. Had I been advised that we'd be sitting upstairs, I would have rescheduled. We had intended to dine here regularly, but now it looks like another prolonged absence is inevitable or...

Service was great from the moment we walked in. Very cute restaurant with a nice vibe. We ordered the Caprese salad, which was good, not great. The tomatoes were sliced too thin, the top slice of mozzarella was the size of a quarter instead of an even slice as the rest were, and they did not serve it with balsamic. We had to ask for it. Which is weird, maybe it's me. Never had a caprese without it. The fried calamari was almost perfect. The batter kept falling off, but the calamari was cooked to perfection. The red sauce was nothing special, but good. Hubby had the fettuccine san giovanni which was delicious. I had the rainbow trout which normally served with mashed potatoes, I asked if they could sub linguine and they very graciously did with no up charge. It also was delicious. Would definitely order that dish again if we came back. The only thing is the portions of the main dishes did not match with the price point. But still very satisfying. We split a chocolate mousse and a macchiato. Both delish. I usually take photos, but I didn't until the end. The sign of a...

Saturday night dining inside. Ordered the fried calamari, decent amount for 2 people. Sauce is delicious, only small issue was that the coating kinda fell and needed a little salt. Dinner was mushrooms crepes for her which was an appetizer and they were delicious, sauce again amazing. My dinner was the Paccheri al ragu bianco, I seen ragu and just ordered it. It was outstanding. The big plates makes it look like you don’t get enough but it was actually just enough so I wasnt over full.

Now for the final review: I ordered their house made Italian ricotta cheesecake. Thelmo’s wife made this (our waiter and maybe the owner). Let me say, we have eaten many Italian cheesecakes and my wife is direct from Sicily and she even said it was the best we have ever eaten. It reminded her of her aunts in Sicily. The picture I posted was what was left because to be honest I didn’t bother taking a pic because it’s usually just meh! So sorry I didn’t. I would go there just for desert and I would also order that for my next party I attend. Absolutely...