Michael Mark's Trattoria

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cbrock51

Joined 8 years ago

True NY Italian. We went for the first time yesterday, but it won't be the last. Unfortunately, the fried calamari appetizer is only available in a large portion sufficient to feed two. My partner doesn't care for calamari, so I will have to order as main course some night. We had the fried mozzarella and the crab stuffed mushrooms. Both were delicious and well prepared. The bread was a little disappointing, as it is not a dense, crusty Italian bread, but the dipping sauce is very nice with bits of sun dried tomato in oil and balsamic vinegar. The wine selection is very adequate and we received a nice recommendation from the chef which was very good. The salads were adequate; nothing to write home about. The entrees were another story. The Veal Marsala is heaven; best I've ever had, since the marsala was present but not overpowering the dish. The veal itself is some of the best I've ever had; very juicy and tender. The Veal Parmigian was excellent as well with a wonderful homemade marinara sauce. Good tomatoes. Unfortunately, the pasta was a shade over al dente. We finished off the evening with a New York treat we're familiar with; zeppoli and coffee. If you've ever been to the Feast of San Gennaro in New York's Little Italy, these are the hot little dough-balls coated in powdered sugar that you buy as you enter the festival and that stay with you all night. They are absolutely fantastic. Service is adequate, but as the restaurant fills it can have slow spots. Bravo Michael; we'll be back!

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liv2dine

Joined 6 years ago

Great atmosphere. Great atmosphere, great wine and great food. It is very small but there is an outside patio. The bartender and servers were very attentive. A++ in my book. Try the Salmon......to die for.

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eliseb

Joined 6 years ago

Great options for vegetarians!. My family lives in the neighborhood of Michael Marks. We have been waiting for years for such a place! Michael Marks fills the bill. Not only can we bring our kids (ages 7, 8, and 11) for dinner, but it is also a wonderful place for a romantic evening-we just celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary on a Wednesday there -without the kids-and it was terrific. Being a vegetarian, I have a very difficult time finding a place where there is more than one option for me-usually the "veggie burger" BLAH! I highly recommend the Mushroom Stack or the Vegetarian Lasagna! Even for meat eaters, these are a real treat. Thank you Michael Marks for sticking your neck out to build a wonderful neighborhood experience. We love you!

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lv2dineout

Joined 6 years ago

Great menu, food, wine list; avoid the enclosed patio. The meal was good and desert devine - no complaints. We had reservations on 3/2, a Friday night, and accepted seating on the patio. Weather still quite chilly, so the area was enclosed w/plastic. The smoke from an outdoor fireplace was drawing into the enclosed patio. Not very pleasant to say the least. Lighting was not good. Couldn't read the menu without leaning towards a lighted tree.

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Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

Editorial Review. Italian restaurant in the II Creeks Shopping Center offers a neighborhood vibe and expansive menu.