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Trattoria Romana
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Dressy
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Romantic
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
30 reviews for Trattoria Romana
Review Highlights
"...something that cannot be had at most Federal Hill locations."
(in 6 reviews)
"The wine list was quite good, with a range of options."
(in 3 reviews)
"the portion sizes was large everyone had to take some home."
(in 3 reviews)
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30 reviews in English
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Review from Julie B.
11/6/2011
Surprising to see these mixed reviews. My experience was very favorable, with a group of 10 people on a Saturday night.
The table was ready on time in the little side room. The waiters patrolled regularly with water, drinks, appetizers etc. It was quick and friendly from the waitstaff's part.
I tried the giant shrimp and scallop in a Cognac/Cream tomato sauce, to die for. The seafood was very fresh, as advertised.
- A bit disappointed on the Parmesan, pre-shredded is always less flavorful.
- The mixed drinks were not very strong (sad face) but the Sangria was very good
The location is quiet and near the highway exit, easy on/off (the Wendy's is closed now for those nay-sayers), marvelously away from the traffic of the Hill.
The prices were high but I felt it was well spent. We will return again. -
Review from Steven N.
9/28/2011 2 Check-ins Here
What makes a good resturant? good staff and good food.
We had both here. The food was amazing i ordered the veal marsala and that was delicious the chicken parm come with two huge perfectly baked chicken breast. the portion sizes was large everyone had to take some home. so not only was the food good but we got a lot of it. best drink was the harvest sangria as my friend said "it was fall in a glass" and it was all things that you think of in the fall is what it tasted like
the ambiance can be very romantic. it was darkly lit. it was a bit smoky when we got there but it didn't bother us too much.
the other thing that give you a great experience is the waiter. our waiter was the best we've ever had his name was DAVE. ask for him next tie you go and you will have fun. not only was he polite he was very friendly and fun. we felt like he was part of the table as well with the jokes that he threw in.
Overall great restaurant a little bit pricey but not too much. that will send me away. -
Review from Bob V.
Cumberland, RI
1/29/2012
We celebrated my wife's birthday here. We love this restaurant! The atmosphere, the service and the food are among the best around. My wife's Veal Picatta was fabulous. My Spaghetti E Pollo Genovese was superb! Our boys enjoyed Arragosta Fra Diavolo and Controfilletto Di Manzo. Our waiter was one of the best that we have had. I would highly recommend this restaurant for a special evening or celebration.
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Review from jackie m.
Uxbridge, MA
1/21/2012
LOVED...amazing sangria, great sauce, fresh food...great service...will return!
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Review from Art B.
North Smithfield, RI
7/31/2011
Let me begin by saying that the food is excellent if not a bit pricey for the area. In fact, Trattoria WAS my new favorite restaurant until my experience last night.
We arrived for 6:30 reservations for five of us and had a great, attentive waiter. A little after an hour into our meal, the hostess ushered in a group of 32 into the restaurants side room. A couple minutes after they went in, they were all ushered back out because someone said the room was not ready. We later found out that they were 15 minutes early for their reservation.
For the entire duration of that 15 minutes the owner/manager allowed 32+ people to mill around in the middle of the restaurant floor. Not just near the bar but around the main entrance to the kitchen. In fact, they were packed in so tight, we were unable to talk, servers could not leave the kitchen area, and no one in a position of authority addressed the situation. During this time drinks were frequently passed over our heads and someone began using the back of my wife's chair as a leaning post.
Once they disbursed, we tried to address the situation with the manager only to find out that she is the owner as well. Here is where we go South. She did apologize for the situation but made and excuse for it as well. "They were early and I tried to get them to move. I politely asked several times but they would not listen to me" Let me call the WAAMBULANCE! You are the owner and manager and you are unable to manage a crowd in your facility? Seriously? So we stated twice that it should have been handled better. The owners response? "I already apologized, what more do you want from me?"
Oh, and if she should read this, I would note that your mother should have raised you better. It is impolite to point your finger in your customers faces while you are theoretically providing an apology. When one of our party said they weren't inspired to come back, her answer? "good!" Seriously? Wonderful customer service skills.
We ended agreeing to disagree because she clearly was not going to leave our table without the last word and an attempt to prove that she was right. The waiter tried to salvage it but the mood of the night was spoiled and we all felt it.
We ate a decent meal and left. No one offered dessert or coffee....we were brought our check as soon as the plates were cleared.
Did I feel welcome? Certainly not. Would I go back? Never. The owner's attitude was so poor and callous I will never again go to Trattoria Romana. I'm not sure if she figures that they are busy enough so who cares about a few customers or if she is simply bitchy by nature. She surely could use a significant amount of customer service training.
On the final bill, they did remove 1 round of drinks as a courtesy (I had asked for 2). But in the end, there are more than enough dining choices in the area that welcome your business and treat you like a king. Try Federal Hill or D. Carlos in Smithfield. You may just avoid the worst dining experience you have ever had.
I can say without a doubt that I have never been treated as rudely in a service situation. Being yelled at by the owner in front of other customers was simply beyond believable. Others did complain but not as forcefully after they saw our treatment. -
Review from Dez J.
Warwick, RI
11/16/2011
Bad Form......Never have I seen more unprofesionalism in my life ....the Hostess aka the "owner" was the most unpleasant and unfriendly service person I have ever encountered. Truly.
We were charged more than the menu prices and almost double for the specials. When we brought it up we were met with a pointed finger and an attitude...from the Hostess. I will NEVER set foot there again in fact I have turned down dinner invites if they include that place and having to look at that woman.
Too bad the food was always good and the servers tried. My goodness... if she treats the customers like that imagine the poor wait staff.
See you on the Hill. -
Review from White Devil C.
Boston, MA
5/11/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Four stars, perhaps more considering the very limited offerings in this area.
Went for lunch with some business colleagues and the location was an appropriate choice. Decor was current and clean. Service was professional if slightly too enthusiastic. Had the recommended baked scrod which was fresh, light, and well prepared. Other pasta dishes presented looked a bit monochromatic but were well received.
The menu should be reduced in length but it did include a good sized martini list. The restaurant was busy throughout the lunch period and is clearly popular. The photos I see below on yelp are not helpful or indicative. -
Review from Chris O.
Foxborough, MA
12/30/2010 ROTD 1/9/2011
I was hoping my friends might want to go to Luciano's in Wrentham, MA instead of here...but I found out the same guy who own's Luciano's also owns Trattoria Romana. What a suprise as Luciano's is my favorite Italian restaurant! This was my first visit.
We got there a little early and had a drink at the bar before our reservation time. When our friends met us for our 7pm reservation we were promptly seated. Service was outstanding. Waiter addressed every need promptly without having to track him down. Interior was neatly decorated. Atmosphere was perfect for a dinner date with our other couple friends. For dinner, I had the Carbonara pasta with added chicken which was fantastic. Calamari was excellent as well. Nice wine list. Only small complaint was almost all the "specials" were like $40...which was more than any entree on the entire menu! I thought "specials" are usually something that's a tad cheaper or around the same price as the regular entree menu items....not twice more?! Nobody at our table understood that. But, we didn't get the specials so it wasn't a real issue and the dinner was absolutely perfect so nobody really cared.
I wouldn't hesitate to go back or recommend to anybody! I would also recommend ignoring comments from other reviews that it's "next to a Wendy's" or that it's in a "strip mall". That's either being nit-picky or some people just like to complain in my opinion. None of this took away from the fantastic experience or was a factor. -
Review from Edward S.
Providence, RI
3/14/2011
I really like Trattoria Romana. The only "fault" that they have that I cannot even fault them for is that it can be difficult at times to get a table without a reservation!
Yes, they share a parking lot with a Wendy's, but the food and ambiance is excellent. This restaurant rivals and even beats the Atwells Ave scene in my opinion. Great, authentic food with very fair prices (something that cannot be had at most Federal Hill locations). Even the wine list pricing was fair. Our server was also very good.
On a side note, they sat us in a dining room on the side of the building that I had never been in during my previous 2 trips. It was nicely done with a fountain and fireplace. An excellent location for a romantic dinner. -
Review from Karmel K.
Monmouth, NJ
1/10/2011
Ate lunch here the other day. Service was a bit pushy (really pushing the champagne cocktails and sangria)
Food was below average. Basic American-Italian fare. Nothing spectacular. If I didn't have to go back to work, I would've driven down to Atwells. -
Review from Sinan A.
Providence, RI
11/25/2010
OK, you'd consider this place a "nice Italian restaurant" if you only go to Providence couple of times a year.
Yes, the food is satisfying and the decor looks like an old heavy classic American steakhouse in Chicago. But, you're still behind a Wendy's in a small plaza in suburban Rhode Island...
The crowd is mostly old Republican businessmen or well-off Cranston-y Italian families who live in Northern Rhode Island (aka woods!)
You'd like this place if you think the 'nice restaurants' at casinos are actually nice or if you like Las Vegas-esque fakeness...
But, if you want the real Italian fare, drive 7-8 miles more on 146 south and go to Providence! -
Review from Kirill K.
Nesconset, NY
1/4/2011 5 Check-ins Here
Excellent! Delicious food, great decor and friendly staff.
If you're from out of town like me and stay at the Marriott across the street this is THE spot. -
Review from Scott P.
Middlesex, CT
9/2/2010 1 Check-in Here
I've been to this place a few times for work lunches. Even though it is located behind Wendy's in a strip mall, it's the best lunch place in the greater Smithfield area. OK, OK...that's not saying much, but I have never been disappointed. The food is really great and the service is very good.
Today, I had a lobster roll with pasta salad, which was really excellent. Price was a little on the high side, but I can't complain since it was excellent.
And the best part, unlike many lunch places, we were in and out in about an hour because the service was so attentive.
If you're ever in the greater Smithfield area, stop in for lunch! -
Review from Doug M.
Providence, RI
9/20/2010
We've been here a few times, starting with an office Christmas party a few years ago. The food is really outstanding. The steaks are delicious and flavorful, and my fiancee reported that her seafood dish was great too. We had one semi-negative experience here, as a party of 4, we had a 9pm reservation and weren't seated until 9:45. Other than that, every time we've been we've had a fantastic time, service is always attentive.
It might seem strange, like others have said, that one of the best Italian eateries in RI is behind a strip mall in Lincoln, RI, but it's really true. It's so nice to not have to deal with the attitude and parking nightmares of Federal Hill and still get awesome Italian food. I'm looking forward to trying the adjacent take-out service, as well. -
Review from Andrea A.
Cranston, RI
6/27/2011
We really enjoyed dinner hear. It was in the fall and they had this amazing apple sangria that was perfect for the weather. The pasta was delicious and the service was good. A little on the pricey side, but worth it!
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Review from David B.
Valley Falls, RI
11/6/2011
nice place, been there multiple times, but finally I have the say the prices are too high, all specials are lots more $ than anything on the menu, all overpriced! $24.95 for baked scrod, for a simple piece of scrod! PLEASE! stuffed mushrooms, 4 small caps for $14.00! drinks and wine same thing. This is not Boston! was the food good?, yes decenet, but not at these prices.
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Review from J R.
Providence, RI
3/16/2011
I have given this place 4 shots, not 3.... 4
1. Tried to place a take out order for lunch... "sorry sir we are too busy, we are not taking any phone orders..." click. The bastard hung up on me.
2. Walked in with a group of 4, the hostess at the time gave us some bullshit reason why we couldn't be seated at the time, even though there were plenty of table open... i had no patience from before when they hung up on me, so i left immediately.
3. I tried to set up a work party on a Thurs night for Christmas. Mind you, typically they'll charge 30 a person, give you shit salad, soups for losers, an entree (chicken parm i'm so excited) and a slice of go fist yourself for dessert. Instead, I wanted to kinda make it a "cocktail" party, give them my ala carte orders DAYS IN ADVANCE, and they have a bunch of appetizers set up buffet style, and have a cocktail waitress or two. Not asking much considering it was for 22 people. Nope, they denied my request.... MY BAD for wanting to give you a couple thousand dollars worth of business... went down to d.carlo instead, they were more than happy to accommodate my imposing proposition.
4. Met a friend there for a drink. Ordered a bottle of wine, and the dummy who served it didn't show me the bottle before he cranked it open and started pouring. Didn't let me "taste" the wine first... just basically opened the bottle, filled both glasses to the rim (are you effing kidding me? are you thirteen?) and walked away.
Later that evening, aka 10 minutes later when someone decided to come back to my table, i told them that they gave me the wrong bottle of wine. Manager came over, bartender came over, causing a scene and actually saying to me "are you sure you didn't order this wine?"
maybe if you knew anything about ordering a bottle of wine, your dipshit waitstaff would know to SHOW ME THE BOTTLE FIRST
anyways... we had a grilled pizza, and it was phenomenal... like, very very good. i was actually surprised at how good it was, but with the shitty service, incompetent management, and egotistical waitstaff that do nothing besides show you how much of an inconvenience you are to them, i'm all set with this place.
there goes my rant... i just gave a novel of a review on a restaurant that i had a pizza at... and you have no idea how much i would love to try the food, i really really would love to have some of their food because the kitchen seems to know what they are doing... unfortunately.. no
i recommend everyone go to d.carlo... you can tell they are grateful when you walk in the door -
Review from Tyler L.
Uxbridge, MA
1/10/2011
Considering the other options in the immediate vicinity Trattoria Romana is a standout. If it were located in the heart of Federal Hill, it would still fair very well in the ratings. The menu is fantastic and the specials a delicious list of alternatives - not just some stuff they need to dispose of.
Our server was very skilled and attentive. The wine list was quite good, with a range of options.
Next door is the "express" location, which offers less expensive options, take-home dinners and some bakery / dessert goods as well.
We will return many times! -
Review from Kai M.
Arlington, MA
4/7/2011
Although I was recommended to try this place, I would never recommend it to anyone else. I had a terrible experience when I went in. First and foremost, the prices for takeout they have listed outside of the restaurant do not reflect their actual prices. When my meal was 25% more than advertised outside, I figured I read it wrong. But on my way out I checked and realized that the outside price was cheaper than the inside price, aka flase advertisement. Legally, they are obligated to honor any price they advertise. However, I'm an understanding guy and didn't stick it to them. Instead I went back it to try and bring the issue to the attention of the manager. The manager wasn't around so I asked to bartender if the manager was around. Even though he barely spoke English, he assured me he could solve my problem. I explained the situation to him and that I just though they should fix the problem but all I got in return was "Oh, oh, sorry, sorry." Terrible.
Then something even worse happened. A man came in with a gift card and paid for a $38 dinner. He walked out and forgot the gift card on the counter. Now, I saw the person at the counter FIRST look at the card, THEN look at the person who hadn't walked out the door yet, and then let him walk away. He and another employee consulted and it turned out the card had $62 left on it. They debated over whether or not they should split it as a tip or not. They finally decided to keep it for 24 hours and if he didn't come get it they'd keep it as a tip. I couldn't believe it, they let the customer walk out. Overall, the establishment seemed hostile, unprofessional, and genuinely unpleasant. I'm an optimist when it comes to restaurants but I saw only bad things when I was there. I would clean house if I were the owner.
The food was alright. It didn't live up to the hype. -
Review from Kevin D.
Providence, RI
9/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
I would've written this review the night that I went to Trattoria but I was taken out on a stretcher and woke up in ICU 2 days later..... Food coma. Yup, started out by eating a full loaf of bread before the apps even came out. Damn good bread. We got the lobster, shrimp, and scallop stuffed mushrooms for an app and I was psyched to see a waiter giving us peasants (er patrons) free pizza. Bomb. The food came out quicker than my wallet did when I saw the bill but the food, service, and ambience was worth it. I got the lobster, shrimp, and scallop stuffing wrapped in filet of sole (yup too much seafood stuffing for one night) with a creamy sauce over spinach with rizzoto and peas. Honestly, I was too full to enjoy it but I muscled it down like the food pig I am. I'm pretty sure it was stellar hough. The 'boss' got NY sirloin and it was undercooked but still tasty. Definitely worth going back again...... Stay away from the bread. It's like crackrock.
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Review from Edmond B.
New York, NY
6/4/2011
The appetizer mushrooms were amazing. However, the main course, a steak ordered rare, was so overcooked it was like a shoe. I was told that it came with lobster though I could not find it. To justify the high price, it provided this almost laughable pile of mashed potatoes (I could only finish a third of it). The service was very pleasant but relatively slow.
The lines are out the door but save yourself the trip. Not worth it. -
Review from Kevin C.
Somerville, MA
9/15/2009
Is there an amazing Italian restaurant behind your local Wendy's? If you are in Lincoln, the answer is yes.
This is by far my favorite Italian restaurant, if not my favorite of any restaurant. Whether its the food, the wine, the atmosphere, the service, or even the price, this place is simply amazing. I always try the specials. Sausage one night, duck another, incredible both nights. I find the Silver Palm Cabernet Sauvignon to be excellent. The tiramisu was delicate and delicious. Do not hesitate. -
Review from Alex W.
Middlesex, MA
10/15/2009
I just went tonight. We had great Italian food, and the price was not painful. It is true they use less garlic than some Italian restaurants. [I am a fan of fresh garlic in the mix.]
But my dish was tasty. I had pasta wrapped around gorgonzola and walnuts in a spinach cream sauce. I wasn't hungry for something large, so I ordered the app version as my main dish. This was 8 or 9 bux. Everyone else took food home in a bag, but my portion was juuuust riiiight. I completed my dish and got a bit more sauce on some rustic style bread crusts before calling it a meal. -
Review from Jennifer K.
Providence, RI
11/25/2010
After reading some of the other reviews on here, i felt i needed to put in my two cents....While yes....it is behind a wendy's in a strip mall...once you step in the door, you could actually be in italy for all you know. The decor is beautiful, the atmosphere is comfortable, the food is fantastic, and the service is great. I would much rather go here than somewhere on the hill. They have a large parking lot...you don't have to bother with valets or walking in the cold/wind/rain to get to your destination...The prices are so much better than restaurants on the hill. My husband and I got 2 drinks, 2 bowls of the pasta fagioli, 2 entrees and 1 dessert and it came to $60.00. You can't eat for that price on the hill. And truthfully....the food is better than most restaurants on the hill. I will agree with the comment about not getting seated promptly with reservations...but the place is always packed. Doesn't matter what time you go there...the wait is never too long (never waited more than 15 minutes). I look forward to our next visit!!
I don't think it matters where the restaurant is located. All that matters is the quality of the food and drinks, the atmosphere and the service.
Maybe pulling into a strip mall behind a wendy's doesn't make you "feel as important" and perhaps the lack of a valet *gasp!* to park your shiny new beamer (or in our case, beat up old neon) doesn't make you feel like a big shot........BUT you should be critiquing the restaurant itself...and i give it 5 stars.
By the way....the bread is out of this world....always ask for more!!! -
Review from paula c.
Lincoln, RI
6/19/2009
We wanted to like this place, tried 3 times, different dishes.
While portions were large, the food was bland. Seems like food is made for a less adventuresome suburban palate, which some folks apparently want since they are always busy,
Wait staff very friendly and attentive.
for the money we'll stick to federal hill or Al Forno -
Review from Nancy V.
Lincoln, RI
8/19/2010
TERRIBLE! Had to wait close to an hour to get the food! But WORST was the attitude of the female"owner/manager" who when called to the table DID NOT SEEM THE LIST BIT CONCERNED!! ARROGANT and UNRPOFESSIONAL ATTITUDE. DO NOT GO - food is awful - had the veal swimming in way too much COLD SAUCE. STAY AWAY!!!
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Review from all seeing E.
Los Angeles, CA
7/27/2009
Food was excellent the service was amazing and the prices were low! I was very very impressed. The place is very nice looking and it seemed like it should be a much high priced place.
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Review from Bob P.
Barrington, RI
6/17/2009
This place is fabulous! With all the great Italian restaurants in RI, particularly on Federal Hill in Providence, who would have ever thought that one of the best can be found in Lincoln, RI across from a shopping mall?
Personally I love the home-made pasta dishes - the pappardelle bolognese is one of my favorites - but everything seems to get high marks from diners more adventuresome than me. Portions are generous (we often split meals or take home some) and I think prices are very reasonable given the quality. The restaurant can get very crowded, even at lunch, so reservations are almost a must if you want a table (as opposed to eating at the bar) without a long wait. -
Review from sam s.
Woonsocket, RI
9/9/2010
This is the best place to eat in RI, Try to go there on sunday and order the stuff pork chop.... THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Review from Preston T.
Providence, RI
8/20/2008
Great Food! Restaurant is always packed, so definitely make a reservation. Everything always taste so fresh. I've been there at least 6 times since it opened, and the delivery of entrees takes a bit longer than other places, but they make everything from scratch, and it is definitly worth the wait! Last time I was there, they had a swordfish and shrimp scampi special which was to die for!!! They offer many differently styled dining rooms--some with murals of Itay and large displays of wine, others with more of a lounge feel and view of what looks like the cleanest open kitchen I've ever seen. And, another dining room which looks like a beautiful enclosed Roman garden. The staff is always friendly, and they offer a great menu. There is definitly a lot to choose from. They offer a warm and friendly bar atmosphere as well, with a great drink selection. Once when I was there, they were featuring freshly infused vodka and rum drinks. I had a mango infused something--it was delicious! I think they also had a watermelon or papaya infusion. I wish I could have tried them all! During at least 4 of my 6 visits, a manager came over to simply just check on our experience--he definitly added a nice touch. You can really tell that they care. I've heard that they just added a Sunday brunch, which I'm really excited to try. All in all, A++. Prices range from $12.95 to $30 or so. Highly reccommended!
