Michael’s Trattoria, Wallingford, CT

CT Italian Restaurant Dining

On a warm early summer evening, the streets of Wallingford Connecticut seem to buzz with energy and laughter as we approached our destination Michael’s Trattoria. What a fun area to live in or visit. And in the heart of this festive atmosphere is a trattoria that is unique in itself. Michael’s Trattoria is where they serve casual Italian Cuisine.

You’ll find this chef-owned and operated Italian restaurant close to I-91, Choate Rosemary Hall Boarding School, Toyota Oakdale Theater, and downtown Wallingford.
Why so unique? First, this chef-owned restaurant has many faces. Two small intimate dining rooms, a central bar area, an outside alleyway for cocktails, a sidewalk seating area for dining, and a private dining room for up to 20 people. The trattoria may be crowded, but because of this layout, you are not overwhelmed with noise and can have a conversation at your table.

Second, we need to mention the hostess and the service. We were greeted warmly as we entered like we were regulars and that is always a nice feeling. Our waiter Gino was on point, knowledgeable, friendly, and was able to judge the vibe at the table and adjust accordingly. I also witnessed other waitstaff that was very attentive. Michael, our host, is gracious and strives to make sure all is well with your visit. Attention to detail.

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Third, it is all about the food. Starting with housemade Burrata, severed with roasted red peppers, and sweet tomatoes, wrapped in prosciutto, and garnished with fresh basil and toasted Italian bread. This is quite unbelievable and a perfect share for two. We also spied the Sicilian Style Calamari at a nearby table that looked amazing, and big enough for sharing. The salad was fresh, cold, and served with housemade salad dressings. The creamy Italian was great and the crumbled blue cheese with vinegarette was quite a pleaser.

For our main entrees we selected, seafood stuffed Baked North Atlantic Salmon. The chef-made stuffing was a mix of Blue Crabs, Scallops, and Shrimp. The salmon was then baked and served with a shallot and tarragon cream sauce with in-season fresh grilled asparagus. This was simply delicious and a generous serving. The salmon was cooked to perfection and the stuffing was an ideal combination of fresh seafood. We also tried the Pasta Bolognese, pork, veal, and beef simmered in a creamy tomato sauce with pappardelle pasta and finished with grated parmesan cheese. Very, very, good and authentic Italian.

If you actually have room for dessert, Michael’s Trattoria has many options. They feature special desserts like Banana Cream Pie. This is quite definitely a shared item – a very generous slice and quite rich. Well worth the calories. Fresh-filled cannoli are also a popular dessert item.

The bar/lounge area was quite busy on a Thursday night. Pizza is served in the bar area and also take out, they do not serve pizza in the dining rooms. We did see many pizza boxes leaving here and are looking forward to our next visit to try the pizza here. Looking for gluten-free pizza? They do also offer gluten-free pizza options.

This gem in the heart of Wallingford is celebrating 25 years in business. You have very stiff restaurant competition in the area, and therefore Michael and his exceptional staff are doing things right to be this good after 25 years! We suggest you make your next date night or a get-together at Michael’s Trattoria in Wallingford. Exceptional Italian dining in a casual, relaxed atmosphere. It’s no wonder that Michael’s customers, including Tony Bennet, Peter Jennings, and others return to Michael’s for outstanding Italian food in the heart of Wallingford. To feature your CT business in CT Living, contact us.

Michael's Trattoria, 344 Center St., Wallingford, CT 06492 | 203-269-5303
Award-winning Italian Specialties - Parmigiana, Zuppa Di Pesce, Pasta, Chicken, Veal, Steak, and Seafood served 7 days a week in a relaxed atmosphere. Begin with fresh baked bread served with Michael's own amazing Virgin Olive Oil Dip and complete your meal with Chef-made Banana Cream Pie or fresh-filled Canoli's. Indoor/outdoor dining. Pizza available in the Bar/Lounge or take out only. Catering and In-House Luncheons for up to 40 people available. Michael's Trattoria has served the Wallingford community for more than 25 years.
Visit Michael's Trattoria, Wallingford, CT