It is very rare that you find a restaurant that is perfect in every way; sometimes the food is amazing, but the restaurant lacks service, or other times, the service is great and the food is only ok. Chioda’s Trattoria was a true exception to the rule. This hidden gem, located tucked away on Franklin Street in Worcester, was perfect. The restaurant was cozy and warm. The dim lightly and warm colors made for a authentic Italian restaurant feel, and the staff was friendly and inviting. Our waitress was lovely and very attentive, especially considering the size of our party. She welcomed us with a smile and greeted the group like family coming over for dinner.
The menu, much like the service, was also incredible. With a selection fit for anyone’s taste buds, it was truthfully quite difficult for me to make a decision on what I wanted. As a starter I opted for the Neapolitan appetizer. Bar none of my favorite appetizers I ever had in a restaurant and all of the fresh ingredients were delicious! The portabella mushroom was my favorite part of the appetizer, as it certainly provided a lovely, meaty contrast to the tomato and balsamic dressing. It was all topped with fresh mozzarella and prosciutto, which hello?! I would eat all day every day if I could.
For dinner, knowing Chioda’s had an Italian menu, I originally prepared myself for meatballs or lasagna, but with so many choices like lobster ravioli or a meal branded “The Taste of Italy,” I found myself examining each meal closely. Normally I can see a menu and pick something I want instantly, Chioda’s was different; everything sounded so irresistible. The restaurant, recognized for its true Italian dining, honestly had one of the biggest menus I had ever seen for such a quaint little spot. At last minute I went with the Chicken Gorgonzola which ended up being perfect for me. What really sold me were the potato gnocchi and the creamy gorgonzola sauce. The rich and luscious dish was delightfully combined with sundried tomatoes and chicken, of course! The sundried tomatoes definitely were a surprise in the dish. Their acidic, sweetness paired well with the salty cheese and pasta blend. Each bite was an explosion of all my favorite flavors. The potato gnocchi was tender and with the gorgonzola coating the chicken perfectly, this quickly reminded me of why I love comfort food so much. My plate came out at the ideal temperature, and I even had plenty leftover for a second meal the next day. It was amazing, but definitely not the lightest meal! Each meal is also made to order, so you can expect to pay more than you would at any other restaurant, but Chioda’s was definitely not “any other restaurant.”
Chioda’s Trattoria went above and beyond all of my Italian restaurant expectations. It is the perfect little spot for any occasion and I definitely plan to visit again soon!