Ecco Wine Bar — Restaurant in Trumbull

Impressive. From the 1st week of opening to several visits after all I can say is Thank you for Trumbull's newest gem. The service on all occasions, has been spot on. They're watching everyone and everything. I would have thought they'd need to get the kinks out with new staff place and opening but, service here has not skipped a beat. Service is as important as food and a ambiance, which is why this is a top review. Reading the reviews I sense it's in the reservations there may be issues. Possibly because people seated have a hard time leaving. We have always stopped in and been seated immediately with a party of 2. Never a wait, but also never late dinner. So # 1 service #2 ambiance -A NYC upscale dining vibe. The acoustics are perfectly constructed,. unlike neighboring restaurants, that are just to loud to hear each other talking. The decor is perfection. Simply crisp clean and upscale, it's really pretty. The lighting is perfectly dimmed for each area and the seating plan, and the flow os smooth. My only suggestion, personally, would be the music. It's not toooo loud but the constant. beat is to much for me . For a place like this Jazz music would be a perfect high end match. #3 The food - I'm a foodie critic in my own world .. The bread to start with the ricotta cream is sinfully a delicious start. The apps are large and good. My top suggestion would be the lamb chops. Perfectly cooked and generous portion(although I wished for a bit of mint jelly) Hopefully, as most new restaurants have been known to do, the portion size remains the same as time goes on. The butternut gnocchi were delicious but a bit sweet-that didnt stop me from finishing every bit. The meatballs were not my style. I'm not one for bready meatballs fried. Octopus is a favorite dish of mine, but I found it a little bit chewy and watery, but still good. The potatoes under it were excellent Mussels were good and the sauce very nice - hence more bread- was nicely spiced and also a good portion. The apps are enough at times in place of dinner. I did have the osso bucco which was done perfectly, smaller than anticipated for a dinner but tasty . We also tried the steak, which unfortunately was not cooked as ordered but the staff quickly fixed it and the management were generous with accommodating us to please. Steak is tough to get right and with a new kitchen staff we understand . The cost doesn't compare to the high costs of surrounding steak houses we frequent , competitors need to match or lower prices to keep us coming back. I look forward to returning and ordering a pasta dish, homeade pasta is the best. We never order dessert, but as i said, it's hard to leave this place. Ordered the classic crime brûlée . A perfect end to another really enjoyable night at Ecco. Did I mention wine? Never a problem asking for a taste ... A nice well chosen assortment to compliment the food, have ordered a good bottle every visit .Thank you and high accolades to you Ecco management and staff! I think our last waitress was Kayla (?)she...

(Updated w/response to owner)

I dined here the weekend of June 17th & have mixed reviews.

A beautiful, clean place with massive curb appeal, a nice patio & interior to match including open seating and large bar area.

First impressions are everything. Walking in, I immediately felt as if I was burdening the host & hostess that literally gave off "snotty & stuck up" vibes. The waitstaff wasn't much better in a resturant that was 50% vacant on a busy weekend. Very passive, fast & robotic. Staff was more concerned speaking to one another over patrons. I felt like the odd man out at a private party.

I was excited to try their drinks but must have had a new bartender or a heavy pour because it was like drinking paint thinner. (Not that I've tried.) The food was good, not great. (I expected more from the way this place carried itself. Honestly.) The crispy artichokes were far from, soggy & greasy. The lemon sauce that accompanied some of our apps was awful. (Way to many strong lemon parings on the menu.) The veal milanese was buried in vegetation & dry. The dessert didn't taste fresh. Restaurant Depot perhaps?

I wasn't entirely upset or disappointed (I mean, I ate) but more let down. Maybe my expectations were too high but there was nothing memorable to go rushing back.

This isn't Pump. It'll never be Sur, TomTom or anything out of a bad E! reality show (that aren't much better to be honest) so stop trying. Seems like that's the perception & goal here. Cater to your Trumbull & Fairfield County clientele. There's much better restaurants in Fairfield County. Earn business by creating an experience that'll make patrons want to come back.

*I gave Ecco another chance (by coincidence) the weekend of July 8th. I went in for a drink (with a party of 6) and a cappuccino just over an hour before closing time. I was immediately told that they "close in an hour" and (due to this) they were done serving cappuccino for the night. I then asked for an espresso & was told the same. Lastly, I asked for a simple coffee and was told they are done serving all coffee for the night. Being with 2 other resturant owners and in the business myself I found this lazy and careless by the host and bartender. I'll never return or recommend.

**Did I discuss my experience with a Manager? No, I did not. I was there to enjoy myself, NOT coach your staff on providing the optimal customer experience (which is what is needed.) Reading some other reviews (12 negative over the past 3 months similar to mine) I can see I'm not alone....

If you’re craving a fresh and exciting twist on traditional Italian cuisine, look no further than Ecco Italian Tapas in Trumbull, Connecticut. From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted with a warm, modern atmosphere that blends sophistication with cozy charm. The stylish décor and intimate setting make it perfect for everything from a casual dinner to a special night out.

Ecco Italian Tapas brings something new and delightful to the table: an inventive take on Italian cuisine through tapas-style small plates. Each dish is beautifully presented and bursting with flavor, making it easy to enjoy a variety of tastes in one sitting. The Arancini (crispy rice balls) are a must-try, perfectly golden and stuffed with melty cheese and savory fillings. Another favorite is the Grilled Octopus, which is tender and perfectly charred, paired with a citrusy vinaigrette that adds a refreshing balance.

The menu is thoughtfully curated with options that cater to a variety of tastes, from fresh seafood to expertly seasoned meats and rich pastas. For something truly indulgent, the Short Rib Ravioli is out of this world—velvety pasta filled with slow-braised short rib and topped with a luxurious truffle cream sauce. And don’t forget to try the Ecco Meatballs—tender, flavorful, and seasoned to perfection.

The drink menu at Ecco is equally impressive, with a well-curated selection of wines and craft cocktails. Whether you’re sipping a refreshing spritz or enjoying a glass of wine from their extensive list, there’s a drink to complement every dish.

What truly elevates the experience at Ecco is the service. The staff is attentive, knowledgeable, and passionate about the menu, ensuring that each guest feels like a VIP. Their recommendations are spot-on, and they go out of their way to make sure your dining experience is nothing short of exceptional.

For dessert, don’t miss out on the Tiramisu—it’s light, creamy, and just the right amount of sweet, leaving you with the perfect ending to a perfect meal.

Whether you're a local or just visiting Trumbull, Ecco Italian Tapas offers a unique and memorable dining experience that’s hard to beat. With its innovative menu, fantastic service, and inviting atmosphere, Ecco is without a doubt a top contender for the best dining...