Anthony's Trattoria - Reading

PLEASED! Sophisticated Italian menu offered in this cozy neighborhood establishment. Menu offers Italian Seafood dishes often missing in US Italian Restaurants. Sentimentally brought me back to Italy, with very fresh Seafood and a family owned ambience. Music was perfect with Sinatra playing, décor looked unchanged for years, but all worked well giving it very homey vibe. I was an early bird flying solo, it was quiet when I arrived but within the half hour the place was filled with what appeared to be many Regulars. Once patrons came in, the volume elevated and the feel transformed into a family atmosphere. Somewhat noisy but entertaining as all we’re having fun, enjoying each other’s company, the food coming from the Kitchen and I had no choice but listen in on some nearby fun conversation! The Waiter’s personality and demeanor was perfect and showed in his wonderful service, ensuring I was well satisfied and didn’t make me feel rushed. I watched him engage with several customers and with his extensive knowledge of the food and offerings. The menu offers a wide variety of options, with plenty of unique dishes not found in a typical Italian eatery. The recipes used are noted from the Amalfi Coast to the Island of Capri, but I was excited to read many ingredients my Sicilian Nona (Grandmother) used in her unforgettable recipes I grew up enjoying. Anthony’s App Sampler was first up with 2 Clams Casino, 2 Stuffed Mushrooms 2 Bacon Stuffed Mushrooms. With so many options for an Italian App, not sure why I ordered this besides it included all of my favorites. I went for the most authentic sounding Seafood dish for my Entrée Tagliolini alla Marea “Long thin egg pasta tossed with sweet Maine Lobster, Gulf Coast shrimp, scallops, and fresh lump crab with fresh tomato and chili, then topped with a basil bread crumb”. The Shrimp we’re big and beautiful the rest of the ingredients somewhat sparse and I didn’t find any Lobster in the pasta. It was very good and a gorgeous presentation, but I felt the flavor could have been kicked up; maybe adding fresh herbs and a drizzling olive oil? Overall, very enjoyable and I’d recommend it! I stopped at the bar for an after dinner cocktail, filled with Regular’s dining and having a great time together. By and large, a delightful experience and I will visit again before I leave town!

Word of mouth brought me here. Nestled in a quiet neighborhood. I wish I had taken photos of our meals. A mix of nice casual dress to upscale. Atmosphere was relaxed and lightning was beautiful. Our server knew the menu and made suggestions that where spot on. It is a bit pricey but so worth it. from the bread to the salads, sides and main, fresh tasting and delicious.

The staff are always nice. Timing of when your food comes out is perfect. All around just a great place to have lunch or dinner, special occasions or not.

Disappointed, least to say. We went to my sister's birthday, and this is the main reason why I don't leave this place and try to stay calm. The first was a very strong and unpleasant smell. We arrived at 8:30 am and did not know that this restaurant was closed at 9 am (as per Google). There were many people, but they took a while to welcome us, so I asked if we should wait to sit. We said we were a party of 11 and the waiter seemed immediately angry and extremely rude. Another waiter came by and said it was just a long day and said she was our waiter. It was our first time there, so we asked the waiter for some time to look over the menu, and that is when things began to take a turn. The cook came to our table with a very aggressive demeanor to tell us that the kitchen closes in 20 minutes that we better hurry and order. We did this, but we could feel the tension. No one told us they closed so early, we had gone somewhere else. My husband ordered spaghetti was spicy sausage, but instead they brought meatballs, we gently asked if that was the right dish. The server was very angry and took the record back without saying a word. They took the meatballs from the plate and brought the sausage on a separate dish. My husband couldn't sleep all night with symptoms of food poison. We tried to be nice all the time not to ruin my sister's birthday. The waiters at the end were nicer, as I think they knew we were not properly treated and a 20% tip was automatically added to the bill. I wish we left as soon as the first guy was rude.

Menu is huge, it was hard to choose. I had Carbonara Primavera from the specials menu. Delicious! The cocktails are not weak and dessert tray was big. The staff very relaxed and friendly, easy to joke with. We had a great time and I'm looking forward to next visit.