Trattoria Calabria

Trattoria Calabria

706 Culver Ave, Utica, NY 13501, United States

(315) 724-0019

Italian restaurant
(109)
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About This Place

Nestled in the heart of Utica, NY, Trattoria Calabria offers an authentic Italian dining experience that wholeheartedly honors the traditions of southern Italy. This cozy Italian restaurant specializes in rustic, family-style meals that make you feel like you’ve been invited into a warm, welcoming Italian home. From the moment you step inside, the genuine passion for food and hospitality radiates through Danny, the personable owner, whose presence adds a unique charm to the evening.

The menu is a lovingly curated journey through classic Italian flavors, with highlights like the vibrant Antipasto with Marinated Tomatoes that bursts with fresh, tangy notes balanced by aromatic herbs. Another standout is their signature Orecchiette, perfectly crafted pasta that captures every bit of sauce and seasoning, showcasing the simple yet bold culinary craftsmanship the restaurant prides itself on.

What truly sets Trattoria Calabria apart is its intimate dining atmosphere. Unlike a conventional restaurant, it invites guests to partake in a thoughtfully prepared multi-course meal where the chef decides the menu — often a seven-course spread that touches on everything from sumptuous mussels swimming in rich broth to comforting soups and tender eggplant dishes. Each bite carries that undeniable “old school peasant Italian” essence, pure and heartfelt.

Customers repeatedly praise the exceptional quality of the cuisine paired with warm, familial hospitality. Words like “best dining experience” and “awesome personal experience” are echoed in heartfelt reviews, highlighting not just the food but the intimate connection fostered by Danny and his team. It’s a BYOB spot, encouraging you to bring your favorite wine or drink to complement the flavors, making every meal a personalized celebration.

Whether you come for a romantic dinner or a gathering with friends or family, Trattoria Calabria delivers a deeply satisfying experience that lingers long after the last course. The food is rich with tradition, the atmosphere charmingly informal yet attentive, and the overall vibe one of shared joy and authenticity. If you crave Italian cuisine that feels more like home than a restaurant, Trattoria Calabria is the beloved destination in Utica not to be missed.

Contact them at (315) 724-0019 or visit at 706 Culver Ave, and prepare yourself for a heartfelt journey through Italy’s culinary heritage.

Service options
Dine-in Delivery On-site services Takeaway
Highlights
Great wine list
Popular for
Dinner Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Offerings
Comfort food Food
Dining options
Dinner Seating Table service
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy Trendy
Crowd
Groups
Planning
Reservations required Dinner reservations recommended Accepts reservations
Payments
Cash only

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    Closed
  • Tuesday
    Closed
  • Wednesday
    Closed
  • Thursday
    Closed
  • Friday
    Closed
  • Saturday
    06:00 PM - 09:30 PM
  • Sunday
    Closed

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • Jong Jang
    3 week ago

    My girlfriend and I went to dinner there tonight, and it was easily the best dining experience I’ve ever had. The food is top notch, the service makes you feel at home, and the pleasure of talking to the owner, Danny, is priceless.

  • Elaine Volpe
    4 week ago

    Wonderful meal...awesome experience. Will definitely go there again!

  • Geoffrey Smith
    1 month ago

    We had a fantastic time. The food was great. Old school peasant Italian food per Danny the owner. He serves 7 courses at a very reasonable price. he decides what is going to be served. The mussels , soup, eggplant etc all delicious. Its BYOB and we enjoyed some nice wines. Thanks Danny )

  • Kyle Hochbrueckner
    1 month ago

    What an awesome personal experience where you can bring your own drink and experience and intimate Italian experience with Danny

  • Patrick DeBono
    2 month ago

    We enjoyed our first visit here tremendously. It’s not a conventional restaurant, but genuine family style Italian. It had multiple courses (I counted 7 including an ice cream sandwich dessert - the only thing that wasn’t made in their kitchen) all of which were excellent quality and flavor. We had a group of 10. The thing about Trattria Calabria is that it’s the menu of choice of the chef. All 6 dinner courses are decided and served by the staff. Danny is the owner and enjoys interacting with his customers serving, talking, joking, and even poking fun at them from time to time. A course by course breakdown would be a bit much, but I will say that the bruschetta and eggplant were my 2 favorites of the meal. Having said that everything was amazingly good. It is a BYOB restaurant, so we brought wine. They have ice water and iced tea. Reservations are required and if you’re not comfortable with the family style, chef’s choice, you might get made fun of by Danny - then it’s probably not for you. Our group absolutely loved it and we will be back.

  • Joe Rogo
    2 month ago

    Talk about hitting the Italian Food Lottery…in Utica!!! One seating at 6PM, no menu, byob, cash only. You eat what Dan serves…and what a character. Seven courses, 35 US Dollars! excellent homemade Italian food. Call in advance for reservations, no walk ins.

  • Sara Giannattasio
    3 month ago

    Came to Utica for our anniversary trip and I am so glad I came across this restaurant! Danny was amazing. The food was phenomenal. The eggplant melted in your mouth and I typically don’t eat eggplant. Everything was just so good!

  • Brandon Lee
    3 month ago

    An unforgettable experience! Danny, the owner, is a gracious host who makes you feel like family the moment you walk in. The restaurant is only open one day a week with a single seating, and reservations are a must. There's no menu - everything is served family-style, and each dish is better than the last. You can truly taste Danny's passion in every bite of his homestyle Italian cooking. Absolutely excellent food!

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