Trattoria Uliveto

This evening we had the perfect meal. Perfect atmosphere. Perfect service. Perfect food. And it was all right here in the Santa Maria Valley at Trattoria Uliveto.

First a little story: In 1996 we ventured to Boston to run the Boston Marathon and had the occasion to "carbo-load" in the Italian section of North Boston. We dined at a traditional family-owned restaurant for lunch and enjoyed it so much that we returned with friends the next evening for dinner. We'd never had such outstanding Italian food and lamented the fact that we had nothing similar back home on the Central Coast. So we began a 12-year quest for the "perfect" Italian restaurant.

Now a confession: I'd been meaning to type a review since Trattoria Uliveto opened last August but I kept getting distracted by yet another perfect meal at the Trattoria. Each time Ann and I dine here, we're amazed by Chef Curti's inventive and delicious culinary masterpieces. Trattoria Uliveto won us over during our first visit with their extensive menu and attention to freshness, quality and presentation. Since then, we've explored the "regular" menu but often don't get past the evening's list of Specials because there's always something new to explore. Either way, there's an outstanding meal awaiting and we're always glad we've returned.

This evening we arrived early and were cordially greeted by Marna, the Trattoria's friendly (and beautiful) hostess. We were seated and brought fresh-baked bread straight from the oven along with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. We ordered a Pinot Noir from the Trattoria's large selection of Central Coast wines and explored the menu. Daniel (our server) came by to present the list of tonight's specials and answer any questions we had. Ann didn't make it past the list of specials but I selected one of my favorites from the regular menu. For our Antipasti, we had Crostino Alla Romana (a delicious mix of toasted Bruschetta, Mozzarella, Prosciutto, Butter, and Sage). For our salad we usually split an Insalata Spinaci (Spinach, Mushrooms, Gorgonzola, Italian Bacon, Red Onion) but tonight we decided on the Insalata Speciale (a delicious blend of roasted beets, spinach and feta cheese). Ann selected tonight's Halibut special (a grilled Halibut filet layered upon a bed of mashed potatoes, julienne carrots and accented with fresh mint to perfect the delicious mix of flavors). I ordered the Penne Amatriciana (a simple but delicious blend of Onion, Pancetta and Tomato). Amatriciana dishes are rarely found here in California and I'm always glad I can rely on Trattoria Uliveto to serve the perfect Penne Amatriciana whenever I succumb to the craving. Co-Owner Jim Spallino swung by our table to make sure we were comfortable and, as always, we had a very pleasant conversation with him. Then it was time for dessert. Marna gave us the desert list rundown and we ordered the Pannacotta (an Italian cream custard with fresh raspberries and blackberries and drizzled with a balsamic vinegar sauce). It was the perfect finish to our perfect meal.

We truly feel honored that Jim Spallino, Alfonso Curti and their families have partnered to open Trattoria Uliveto right here in the Santa Maria Valley. The Trattoria is located in Old Town Orcutt and is open 6 days a week (Tuesday-Sunday) for lunch and dinner. We recommend reservations.

Trattoria Uliveto
285 South Broadway
Orcutt, CA 93455
805-934-4546