Photos: Danielle Brody/BORO
TRATTORIA ORA
18-01 ASTORIA BLVD.,
ASTORIA
718-433-9680
TRATTORIAORA.COM
@TRATTORIAORA
24 JUNE 2 0 1 9
I started with what awaited me on the table:
a small assortment of sharp cheeses, bread,
olives and fresh olive oil. They were probably
meant for at least two diners, but I made a
dent in the delicious starter.
I quickly moved on when the first appetizer
— fresh mozzarella on thick, juicy tomato
slices with a bright green garnish — arrived.
The grilled portobello mushrooms with
balsamic and garlic were next, and had a nice
tang that contrasted the cool cheese dish.
Other popular starters are the roasted beet
salad and fried calamari, Ramo Besi said.
Next was the ravioli funghetto, the number
one selling pasta dish. It looked like a major
indulgence, but it was creamy without being
too heavy, with the mushroom blend and
truffle oil adding balance and taste. When I
cut it in half, I got a nice surprise: an herby,
bright green interior.
The lamb chops, another popular entree,
were perfectly cooked and tender inside,
with a garlic dressing for a flavorful kick.
They went along well with not only the side
of vegetables, but also the warm grilled asparagus
with melted parmesan
appetizer.
Trattoria offers homemade desserts, so I had
a hard time choosing among options like ricotta
cheesecake, tartufo and lemon sorbet. I had
a classic: tiramisu. It looked as good as it tasted,
with thick layers of a light whipped cream with
a subtle but satisfying coffee flavor, garnished
with a chocolate drizzle and berries.
Trattoria has been open for a little over
a year. Ramo Besi said the neighborhood
doesn’t have anything else like it, so
neighbors were excited for it to open. He
has many regulars and has hosted full restaurant
buyout parties.
“The community has been a very good
support,” he said. “They are happy to have a
place like this; there is nothing similar.”
Although Mimi Besi calls the restaurant a
“hidden gem,” customers from Queens,
Long Island and Manhattan have visited.
Trattoria is less than a 10-minute walk
from the ferry, making it an easy dinner
destination when you step off the East
River ride.
Ramo Besi said he has plans to add a
brunch and outdoor seating along the side of
the restaurant on the sidewalk. He is excited
about its potential.
“This is my future,”’ he said. “This is going to
be the hot spot for Italian in Astoria.”
FOOD + DRINK
/TRATTORIAORA.COM
