The Trattoria — Restaurant in Town of Smithtown

September 15, 2018

This past Saturday night our family went to celebrate a birthday dinner, as an aside we've been clients of Chef Steve Gallagher since he acquired the restaurant and before that when he was the Chef Cuisine. We have felt that on a consistent basis that The Trattoria year in and year out is one of the top restaurants on Long Island bar none. There are nights we drive from NYC for dinner, so that in itself should tell you something. Steve in addition hosts many of our bi-monthly wine dinners creating extremely unusual fare for us.

Let me now tell you what we had for dinner. For appetizers one of the diners had his Baked Little Neck Clams, which were absolutely delicious, just the perfect mixture of ingredients and flavors, appetizer number 2, were the Mussels with Heirloom Tomato Brodo along with a Basil Aioli, not a drop left on the plate. My wife and I both had a dish not on the menu it was a delightful Lobster salad with tomatoes, peaches, (that were just unbelievable sweet,) and burrata. This creation was outstanding a definite culinary homerun.

For the mid course, my wife and I had a Potato & Truffle crusted Halibut with roasted fresh Long Island corn with Chanterelles which was phenomenal. Then the 4 of us all had the Ravioli creation, which was a Sheep's milk ricotta ravioli along with a Parmesan brodo, I'm almost embarrasses to say there was not a drop of the sauce left in any of the bowls, it was that good.

For our entries my wife and I had another wonderful creation that Steve made for us, it was a Duck breast served along with duck confit risi e bisi and in a duck jus. This was just an absolutely wonderful presentation and cooked perfectly, (not that we'd expect anything less.) One of our daughters elected to have and by the way thoroughly enjoy the Veal Chop alla Parmigiana, cooked to the perfect temperature with just the right amount of parmigiana and sauce on it. What she couldn't finish probably became her Sunday night dinner as well. Our other daughter had a beautifully prepared Roasted Cod served with baby clams and a tomato brodo, classic Steve preparation and presentation.

For desert we had the lemon scented cheesecake with raspberry sauce, the classic flourless chocolate cake, creme brulee, and assorted sorbets.

The meal was extraordinary, when you have meals like this it reaffirms how truly talented Steve really is,

When you think about the top 3 restaurants over the last 5 years on Long Island, The Tratoria is in every conversation. Chef Steve Gallagher has created a tremendous and loyal following assisted by the wonderful Sous Chef’s Bartolommeo and Cindy and occasionally Eric. There isn’t a time that you go home saying what a great meal and I can’t wait to go back again, (for us it will be this coming Saturday.) as an added bonus it’s a byob without a corkage fee. If you’re looking for GREAT food on Long Island, this is the place...

Inner decor is light and clean with a quiet atmosphere. Outside tables could use a little more sheltering from the street and parking lot if possible.

Staff were efficient with service and gave great detailed explanations of menu options and recommendations. Very friendly and welcoming.

A glass of wine is about the cost to buy the bottle from a store, but they have a good selection that compliments all aspects of the meal. Beer and liquor options are from cans or bottles. Not a bad thing but something to be aware of. Bringing your own bottle with a $12 cork fee is an excellent option.

Menu has tons of choices for all types of food preferences and restrictions. There will always be something new to try as several dishes are seasonal and new ones make their way onto the menu from time to time.

The sun-dried tapenade lacked depth of flavor and texture from what would be expected with such a dish. Tasted more like tomato paste. Might go well when paired with other bread options but at $5 each, it might best to skip it.

The baby carrots with pesto came out with a presentation that felt like it was more a side dish to a main than its own appetizer. Served rustic style, you’ll need to remove the tops of the carrots on your own unless you want to give them a try. Flavor was good, quite sweet and complimented well with the pesto. Portion was generous and 2-3 ppl would be happy with this.

Orecchiette was superb. Like cheese? Feel like places never add enough? Not a problem with this dish! Sausage and the pasta were perfect complimentary textures, and the flavors of each combined with the rabe pesto were refreshing— slightly sour and bitter but buttery. Could easily eat several of this dish in a sitting with some white wine. Even the 1/2 plate is generous sizing and could be enjoyed by 2 ppl ordering a dish from each part of the menu.

Brasato was hands down the best part of the meal. Full of flavor, it just melts in your mouth. It’s meaty, rush, and warm, so may not be the best on a warm summer day unless you’re specially in the mood for it, but you can’t go wrong with ordering it otherwise.

Payment must be cash or check, so...

So very disappointed. After having two great meals at The Trattoria in the last 7 months - we were eager to have our anniversary dinner with my daughter and her boyfriend at The Trattoria. Where do I begin?

Service- Our waitress and a poor attitude at "Hello'. It was very clear we were an inconvenience to her - She knew little about the menu- could answer almost no questions about preparation of food - etc... Not an arrogant style - a truly ignorant one - regarding being a waitress.

Food- Meatballs were good as appetizers - as in previous visits. But the rest - no better then an Applebee's - on a bad day.

Veal Chop - Served with nothing but some red sauce underneath- and a piece of slightly melted on cheese on top - No real taste to it -

Pork "Steak" - My wife ordered this - it was very thick Pork Chop - again - poorly seasoned and overcooked - sides were just passable - green beans with corn-polenta dish -

Beef Bolognese - very weak on flavor and poor presentation -

Bucatini Carbonara - nothing but the pasta in a basic carbonara sauce - not impressive in the least.

Please keep in mind that this WAS a favorite place - prior to this meal - none of us wanted to spoil the festive mood for our 35 Anniversary event - but we should have WALKED OUT.

No excuse for The Trattoria - Monday night? Hired a waitress who clearly wouldn't survive at the local McDonald's counter? Four (4) - bad to mediocre dinners? - all this for a $270.00 CASH only experience?

SHAME on you Trattoria. You don't deserve your reputation or to be in business if this is what one can now expect.

Thanks for ruining our 35th Anniversary Dinner - and for saving me from having you on my "Go To"...