Upon stepping into Trattoria Giorgio, you are transported to a charming, family-run restaurant in Italy where the food warms your heart and soul. Since opening in 1996, Trattoria Giorgio has become an institution for authentic Italian food in Greenville. Chef Giorgio Todisco’s dishes showcase his culinary journey around the world with its humble beginning in the kitchen alongside his mother and grandmother in Bergamo, Italy.
Trattoria Giorgio is a hidden gem. While there are many other Italian restaurants in the Greenville area, Trattoria Giorgio is now my #1 recommendation with authentic, quality Italian food similar to what you’ll find in New York, or even Italy. Chef Giorgio is committed to using the finest meats available, as well as hand-picked Italian ingredients.
Their menu is the ideal size. If you read my blog regularly, you’ll find that I always comment on the menu size because, let’s be honest, a HUGE menu means less quality dishes. Trattoria Giorgio offers a few antipasti such as mussels & clams, larger entrees like Veal Scallopine, and a few desserts. The first bite I took was a hunk of their fresh-baked bread dipped in olive oil and I was hooked. We all knew we were in for one incredible meal if even the free bread was this fantastic.
We tried our best not to indulge too much in the bread though, because there was much more eating to be done. We started with the Mozarella Caprese, Ravioli Alla Argosta (Lobster Ravioli), and Insalatona (mixed greens salad.) Offering a rich dish like lobster ravioli as an appetizer is a genius idea. There was just enough decadence to this dish to keep you wanting more, without ruining the rest of your dinner.
Both of the salads are understated, yet delicious with subtle flavors that make all the difference. The slices of fresh mozzarella on the caprese salad were unlike any I’ve had before, with a level of creaminess that is impressive.
Bread, pasta, bread, pasta, carbs…that’s how this night seemed to be going, but I was totally okay with it. Next up we ordered the notorious Pappardelle Bolognese, Linguini Verde Mari and the perfectly cooked Filet special. Usually I am 100% a red sauce pasta girl, but the Linguini Verde Mari was the star of the show this evening and is a dish I’ve craved every day since. Consisting of linguine pasta tossed with large shrimp sautéed in extra virgin olive oil, garlic, white wine and a fresh basil sauce, I must’ve said 10 times “This is really my last bite.”
My usual order at any Italian restaurant are classics like Bolognese and lasagna, so it’s no surprise that Trattoria Giorgio’s Pappardelle Bolognese made me very happy. Their homemade meat sauce clings to the thick, al dente pappardelle creating a perfect bite every time. If you’re craving comfort food, this is the dish for you.
Being the avid dessert fan that I am, I’m ashamed to say I had never had a cannoli until dining at Trattoria Giorgio. Now, I’m already thinking about when I can get my hands on another one. This cannoli is super crunchy on the outside and filled with a thick and creamy vanilla frosting with chocolate chips all throughout. Because we couldn’t decide on just one, we also ordered the Mousse al Ciccolatto (Chocolate Mousse.) Sinfully decadent, this dessert is for all you chocolate lovers out there.
With a location in the heart of Downtown Greenville, Italian food that simply can’t be beat, and a “sit down and stay awhile” kind of atmosphere, Trattoria Giorgio is pretty special. They are located at 121 S. Main Street and are open Tuesday – Saturday from 6pm to 9:30pm.
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