Tastes of Arthur Avenue Come to Downtown Bridgeport

Next year Trattoria 'A Vucchella, an Italian restaurant on Fairfield Avenue in downtown Bridgeport, Conn., will be celebrating its five year anniversary. Over the past few years, owner Jennifer Galletti and her husband chef/owner Pasquale De Martino have perfected the formula for an authentic Italian experience. And that is more than just Pasquale's thick Italian accent.

During a recent office celebration, everything was spectacular for our party of 8. We were seated in the picture window on Fairfield Avenue, which has an awesome view of the historic Bijou Theatre. It all starts with the bread that comes from Arthur Avenue in the Bronx. It tastes like it came out of the oven there. The owner noted that they do make their own bread on weekends. The bread is served with Virgin Olive Oil which is individually placed on your dish by the staff.

We shared antipasto (see photo) and Fried Calamari. The calamari was so tender and the red sauce with it was delicious. Our drinks ranged from chocolate martinis to beer and various types of wine from the extensive list.

Entrees included clams with white wine sauce over linguine, gnocchi and risotto. One had Branzino which is European Sea Bass in a red sauce. Two of us had the Sole Francese over Spinach. There was so much sole, we both took some home. Same for the risotto.

For dessert, they offered us a tasting and we each got a plate of a mini cannoli, tiramisu and panna cotta with a raspberry glaze that was exceptional. Then the Chef Pasquale came out with a round of his homemade Limoncellos!

Our primary server was Jennifer the owner and she and her team treated us like royalty. For a fabulous and authentic Italian experience, try this spot. Sit in the bar if you can for a lively scene or ask to sit in the dining room for an intimate affair.