Café Trastevere: A Taste of Italy in Orlando

My husband and I spent a month in Italy last January, we loved it so much, so I was looking for an authentic Italian restaurant in Orlando to take him for his birthday. I’m so happy I found this place. The ambience was very intimate, the food was great and the desserts (tiramisu and cannoli) tasted just like the ones we had in Italy. AMAZING. We will definitely be back.

I wasn't sure about the place when we pulled up because we were the only customers. However, about 30 minutes into our experience that changed. It is a small intimate dining room but the service and musis were excellent. Everything we ordered had such a great flavor that there was nothing to complain. Definitely get the cheesecake. They don't make the cheesecake but the raspberry sauce that they put on it is definitely homemade. You can taste the freshness. I would definitely recommend you trying this place. It is definitely worth it. Service and food is A+.

Second time we dined here! The pasta is very fresh! My vegetarian eggplant was perfectly cooked that it melted in my mouth!

The salmon piccata and lasagna was delicious. Great service. Wonderful atmosphere.

I visited Orlando on business and wanted to support a local business. Cafe Trastevere was just down the street and absolutely exceeded my expectations. The restaurant is quite small, maybe 6-8 tables, which to me is a sign of good things to come. I ordered Penne Gorgonzola, which included chicken, roasted red peppers and mushrooms in a creamy Gorgonzola sauce. Sometimes the Gorgonzola may be “too strong” but this was perfect. But, the best pasta of the meal was that it came out very hot. I loooove when the food is piping hot - this was awesome. Especially with a creamy Gorgonzola sauce. . I didn’t have to rush through the meal since it remained very warm and creamy through a leisurely dinner. Service? Also spot on. It’s nice that the serving team can read the room and be available yet not rushing any part of the meal. Stop in and give them a try!

There was plenty of parking in back at about 6:30 on Thursday night when I arrived. I was greeted immediately by Phillip the owner when I opened the door. He sat me at a small fireplace in the main dining room. They brought me water and bread while I looked over the wine and entree menus. I had the Classic Italian Chianti Gabbiano and the stuffed portabella to start. The mushroom was huge and delicious. I normally wouldn’t have eaten that much of it but it was so good I ate the whole thing. Phillip recommended the salmon when I asked who what the best thing on the menu was. He was right about it. Good salmon is hard to find and this was perfect in every respect… At this point I was pretty full, but every bite was so good- b sides, I’ve learned that a good cappuccino eases that full feeling, so I had the crem brûlée! Both were amazingly prepared. They were playing blues the whole time- my favorite. I give it my highest rating ever.

Food was delicious. Second time my husband and I have been here and the food has delivered each time. Had the calamari as well. Not greasy like some places. Was pleasantly surprised.

This is definitely a place to come get a meal that will satisfy your hunger, not for a culinary experience. My super Tuscan came out so warm that it felt like it was next to the stove. The bread was warm and soft, but definitely not Italian. My Caesar salad was interesting. I’ve had Caesar salad dressing from many restaurants and make it myself, and this was definitely a very interesting take on Caesar dressing. My chicken dish was OK. Again, not a culinary experience but edible. They definitely redeemed themselves with the tiramisu. I’m happy they took me late because after a long work day and travel, it was nice to have a warm, inviting atmosphere and a warm meal.