Chioda's Trattoria - Worcester, MA - Ian

by Ian

I love this restaurant. I'm Italian and I've always loved Italian food, and this place is definitely one of my favorites. Forget about Vinny T's or any other "chain" restaurant like that. This is where it's at. They aimed for authentic Italian dining and they've certainly made their mark in Worcester.




The Location
Away from the buzz of downtown, Chioda's sits at the top of Franklin Street and looks down on Shrewsbury Street.

The Ambiance
As you can see in the photo, they've chosen some very warm yellows and reds. It's not large and loud, but rather quaint and cozy. And with the accompanying Italian music, it's the perfect setting for a romantic evening.

The Food and Selection
OK, so now we move on to the good part. I've been to Chioda's several times and tried many of their dishes and I've never been disappointed.

It's hard for me to choose a favorite, but it's definitely a tie between the porcetta and the almond-encrusted Gorgonzola sirloin. The former was a moist, rolled pork loin around prosciutto and a cheese I couldn't quite put my finger on. The latter is steak sirloin smothered in this beautiful Gorgonzola cream. Each time I've had it, it was always cooked exactly as I requested. Both dishes demonstrated true culinary excellence and contribute to the maintenance of high standards of fine dining in the city of Worcester.

I've also had the opportunity to try their Alfredo and scampi dishes. The Alfredo was not soupy, but the right consistency and sticks to the fettuccine. This is very important for me, as many restaurants omit the egg from the sauce leaving the fettuccine swimming in a sea of cheesy cream. The shrimp scampi is also delightful: buttery, garlicky (if I'm allowed to say that) and huge shrimp. You can't ask for much more from a scampi dish.

I must mention, though, that they have a very extensive menu. Even with all the dishes I'm highlighting here, you must look at the menu yourself to see the real selection.

I was so excited to share my favorites that I forgot to mention that Chioda's bread dipping oil is pretty much the best in town. I don't know what's in it, but it's awesome. You should at least stop by just to try the oil.

Their standards of excellence are carried right on through to dessert. I've tried the tiramisu (amazing), the limoncello cake, which is a lemon-cake, which wife would die for (or from) and I sat across from someone once who tried their lava cake and said it was wonderfully warm and creamy inside.

The Service
Their service is right on par with their food. I haven't met anyone on their staff that wasn't friendly and cheerful. Tables and silverware are always clean and staff are always making sure that plates and glasses that you're finished with are taken out of your way.

Chioda's is a true gem. Worcester should be proud to have Chioda's Trattoria as part of it's host of great resaurants. Chioda's, though, is now setting the standard for fine Italian dining.

Here's the scorecard:

// Menu Selection: 9.3
// Taste: 9.6
// Presentation: 8.9
// Ambiance/Atmosphere: 9.7
// Service: 10