La Trattoria

by South Florida Eats · July 7, 2024

La Trattoria: 3593 South Roosevelt Blvd., Key West, Florida 33040

The South Florida Eats team was checking out Fantasy Fest in Key West, FL when we started to get hungry. It just so happened that we were staying right next door to La Trattoria. The resort’s concierge mentioned that we should check it out, as they had one of the best bartenders around.

So, out the door, we went and walked across the parking lot to the restaurant. We had a reservation, and I would highly recommend doing so, as La Trattoria can become quite busy. The night we were there, it filled up about 8 pm or so and stayed that way the whole time we were there.

The Restaurant:

As you enter La Trattoria, you will be greeted by a friendly hostess. Behind the maîtred’s stand is a very small bar area that seats probably no more than six people. The rest of the restaurant is split into basically four sections. The patio area is what I would call the large enclosed dining area surrounded by glass.

Then, there is the first-floor dining section. This original part of the restaurant has just a few tables. The next two sections are steps above the main floor, with two different landing levels. The second level is more geared towards couples with tables for two, while the third level has larger tables for groups. While La Trattoria has the feel of an upper-scale restaurant, it’s still a very casual environment.

La Trattoria Menu:

The menu at La Trattoria is a mix of authentic Italian cuisine. In addition to the main menu, you will find daily specials that delight the palate, as well as a wonderful list of fine wines. With the full cocktail bar, you can indulge in one of the many cocktails, such as their famous martinis or cosmopolitans.

The dinner menu at La Trattoria includes a selection of anti-pasta and insalata to start. A large selection of pasta dishes will entice you, or you have your choice of a few fish dishes. For meat lovers, you can choose from several chicken dishes or even a filet mignon steak.

Mike and I started our meal with some amazing cocktails. A double Johnny Walker Black for Mike and a Pineapple Pizazz martini made with Van Gogh pineapple vodka with juice and sour for me. Then we moved on to the appetizer of Bruschetta, Roma tomatoes tossed with fresh basil, red onions, garlic, cucumber, and extra virgin olive oil, served on toasted Italian bread. All of the flavors mixed perfectly together and ensured that our meal was starting off right.

For our main meals, I chose the PETTI di POLLO OPEN-FACE SALTIMBOCCA. I was in pure heaven at the sight of this dish arriving at the table. It’s two chicken breasts pan-seared and then roasted, topped with prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, fresh arugula, diced onions, Parmigiana cheese, herbed extra virgin olive oil, and a balsamic reduction. It was like a flavor explosion in my mouth every time I took a bite.

Mike went with the PESCE LOCALE, which features fresh hogfish sautéed and topped with chopped artichoke hearts and spinach in a garlic parmigiana cream sauce. He enjoyed it very much and said it was one of the freshest fish he had in a long time. The rice pilaf and green beans that accompanied the dish ensured a full meal and a happy stomach by the end of the dish.

Lastly, we tried “Tiramisu,” which is Italian for “Lift me up!” Lady fingers dipped in rum and espresso are layered with sweet mascarpone egg cream and topped with chocolate. This was one of the lightest and flavorful versions I have ever tried. I would highly recommend leaving some room for this decadent dessert.