A newly-opened Italian “trattoria” serves authentic Neapolitan pizzas, calzoni, insalatas, and gelato within a charming space that feels both modern and nostalgic.
In Italy, a “trattoria” is a dining establishment that’s more casual than the “ristorante” (which is usually formal and upscale), typically a small, comfortable family-owned spot associated with hearty meals and heirloom recipes. Now, Filipinos can get a taste of this Italian institution through the newly-opened Trattoria e Dolci at Solaire Resort North, which evokes the spirit of its namesake establishment through warm interiors and quintessentially Italian design that feels sophisticated while remaining accessible.
Of course, what is a trattoria without the deliciously simple yet well-executed dishes that make it a go-to spot for brunches, lunches, afternoon snacks, and everything in between?
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A Taste Of Italy
The beating art of Trattoria e Dolci are its pizzas. The beloved bread dish is ubiquitous in Italy, a staple food that makes for quick, filling meals, as Sandro Alessandrini, director of Food & Beverage at Solaire Resort North, tells Lifestyle Asia in an interview. Beyond pizza, the restaurant also offers a selection of delicious insalatas (salads), calzoni (a “folded” pizza dish with more stuffing), and salami and cheese platters, made with authentic Italian ingredients.
“The food is as close as you can get to [the ones] in Italy,” Alessandrini adds. “They’re classic recipes. The tomato sauce that we use, the Parma ham, the mortadella (a type of cold cut), spianata piccante (a spicy salami), and the cheeses, most of them are from Italy.”
Pizzas come in red and white sauce varieties, from the classics like Margherita, Funghi (mushrooms), and Quattro Formaggi (four cheeses), to the restaurant’s signature “Trattoria” — an appetizing blend of mortadella, burrata, and ground pistachios, which is a definite must-try.
Guests can watch their baked delights come to life with an open kitchen showcasing the pizzaiolo in action. All pizzas and calzoni are made using traditional brick ovens from Naples, Italy, which lend them those signature, lightly-charred spots found in authentic Neapolitan pizzas.
While the restaurant doesn’t have pasta (at least for now), its menu is a streamlined one brimming with a fine selection of dishes for both intimate gatherings and solo dining excursions.
La Dolci Vita
The “Dolci” part of the restaurant’s name refers to the other half of its appeal: an entire bar on one side of the space offering 30 handcrafted gelatos and indulgent gelato-based desserts to complement each meal, all served from a bespoke Italian gelato counter. Here, one will find some locally-inspired flavors featuring tropical fruits like mango and banana, alongside the traditional favorites like vanilla and pistachio.
Accompanying desserts is a beverage list consisting of cocktails, non-alcoholic beverages, and coffee made with the Venus Bar— a vertical, “hand-made” coffee machine from Victoria Arduino that pays homage to older models from the 1960s.
Speaking of the 1960s, while the soft curves and sleek lines of the restaurant’s interiors give it a more modern feel, there is something undeniably nostalgic about its other design elements. A working jukebox is fixed in a corner of the space, with music from artists like U2, Michael Jackson, Sade, and Fleetwood Mac at the guests’ disposal.
The cream-colored, speckled terrazzo flooring is reminiscent of those found in old Italian homes, Alessandrino comparing it to the one in his grandmother’s house. He also explains the common use of tiled walls in Italian houses, especially in kitchens, which were easier to clean after cooking compared to wooden ones—this aspect is also present in the restaurant, further enhancing its homey atmosphere.
Comfortable seating arrangements and an alluring color palette tie everything together, inviting guests to take it slow and relish in the experiences that make life sweet—things the Italians certainly know a thing or two about.
For more details, reservations, and inquiries about Trattoria e Dolci, visit the Solaire Resort North website at sn.solaireresort.com, or contact them at +63 02 8888 8888 or via email at sn.reservations@solaireresort.com to book a table.
Photos courtesy of Solaire Resort North (unless specified).
