Fratelli Trattoria

Restaurant Review

Fratelli Trattoria is a trendy, attractive restaurant with an outdoor cafe that has experienced mixed reviews from patrons and critics. The service has been viewed as erratic, and the food quality and portion sizes, falling below the level of the decor.

However, in early 2009, owner Oscar Riva hired and turned over the lead role in the kitchen to Michael Burbella, executive chef, formerly of Grand Tier, Ora & Lamu, and Gramercy Tavern in Manhattan. If owner Oscar Riva gives executive chef, Michael Burbella a free reign, the quality of the food, and hopefully the service as well should experience significant improvement.

However, until there is a noticeable change in the preparation of food, and the level of service, the ratings and review provided here pre date the arrival of their new executive chef.

When available, the popular dinner appetizers are: Calamari Fritti, lightly battered fried Calamari served with a spicy marinara sauce: and the Gamberi Toscana, seared shrimp over Tuscan white beans in a fresh tomato sauce.

When available, the popular dinner entrees are: the Zuppe di Pesce, with calamari, shrimp, mussels and clams in a light tomato sauce over a bed of linguine; the Pollo Sorrentino, sauteed chicken breast, mozzarella, eggplant and Prosciutto topped with a tomato sauce served with polenta; and the Taglierini Verde Fatta a Mano e Salmone, with fresh homemade spinach pasta and salmon sauteed with virgin olive oil, white wine and fresh herbs served with assorted fresh vegetables.

Fratelli Trattoria is family and child friendly, BYOB, and serves local NJ Wines