Evviva Trattoria Italian restaurant opening at The Ridge in Rochester: What's on the menu

ROCHESTER — The long-anticipated Evviva Trattoria restaurant is scheduled for a soft opening Wednesday at 4 p.m.

"Evviva means cheers, and Trattoria translates loosely to medium-size restaurant, and that's what we are," said Charles Belanger, district manager. "We are a family here and we are ready to serve your family."

The restaurant, located at 155 Market Place Blvd., is the newest offering at The Ridge Marketplace shopping center. The Italian-themed establishment is the eighth Evviva Trattoria and the first in New Hampshire. Belanger said three more locations in the state are in the planning stages: Bedford, North Conway and Nashua.

Owned by RA Ventures, Evviva Trattoria is part of the same company as 110 Grill, which also has a location at The Ridge. Each restaurant has a loyalty program, and they are interchangeable.

Italian restaurant brings its menu to The Ridge

"The food is different and of course, we are based in Italian dishes. Chicken parmesan, Ceasar salad and cannolis," Belanger said. "We are a locally sourced, scratch kitchen. We have a Wood Stone hearth pizza oven and specialize in amazing Neapolitan-style pizza. Our wings are fantastic, brined for a couple of days and then crisped, served with Korean barbecue sauce. People try us, tell their friends and keep coming."

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The director of operations, Anthony DePalma, was the restaurant chain's original chef. Belanger said many of the recipes derive from his menu items, including his grandmother's sauce.

"We have craft beers, craft cocktails and both imported and domestic wines," Belanger said. "I think we have something for everyone."

"Ninety percent of our recipes can be made gluten-free," said Brittany Thompson, who is director of training for the restaurant. "We have a great kids' menu, too."

The decor is bright and open concept, inside or on the patio.

Evviva Trattoria offers daily specials, like buy-one-get-one pizza night on Mondays, and $5 Bambino meals on Tuesdays. Wednesday is "Anthony's Family Style Pasta Night," where families can enjoy a three-course meal, including salad, pasta and cannoli for $20 each. "Appy" nights are offered Monday through Friday with special appetizers from 2-5 p.m.

Opening of Evviva Trattoria celebrated in Rochester

Monday night, the staff introduced the restaurant to members of the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce. They plan to practice operating with family and friends on Tuesday, will open on Wednesday, and there is a ribbon cutting with city officials on Thursday.

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"We are delighted Rochester was chosen as one of their locations," Rochester Chamber President Laura Ring said. "Evviva Trattoria adds an exceptional dining opportunity to the Rochester community featuring Italian food."

This article originally appeared on Fosters Daily Democrat: Evviva Trattoria restaurant opening at The Ridge in Rochester NH