Highlights
- Fireplace
- Great wine list
oChef » Café Trastevere – Orlando
Café Trastevere - Orlando
Photo from Café Trastevere
Café Trastevere at a glance
Orlando Central Business District
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 124 of the guests
#40 out of 163 places to eat in Orlando
#2 Italian Restaurant out of 5 in Orlando
Good
8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
689
Reviews
79.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic Italian dishes
- Friendly, prompt staff
- Intimate dining setting
Frequently criticized
- Service lapses
- Tight quarters
- Pricing surprises
The Italian Restaurant Café Trastevere in Orlando’s Central Business District invites you to a truly memorable dining experience. Step inside and you’ll immediately notice the inviting fireplace, setting a warm and cozy tone.
This historic spot offers a casual yet romantic atmosphere, perfect for a quiet evening out. You can savor authentic Italian flavors in a trendy setting, making it a standout choice for your next meal in Orlando.
Overview: Introducting Café Trastevere
Café Trastevere offers a charming dining experience, often praised for its delightful food and inviting atmosphere. Many guests appreciate the attentive staff who contribute to a welcoming visit.
However, some experiences suggest inconsistencies, particularly with the overall service flow. While the culinary offerings generally impress, some diners have noted concerns regarding the perceived price for certain dishes and the restaurant’s physical space.
Despite these points, the establishment aims to provide a memorable Italian meal.
Good
8
out of 10
689
Reviews
79.1%
Satisfaction
116
negative
28
neutral
545
positive
Café Trastevere earns a solid 8 out of 10 for its overall performance, with customer satisfaction sitting at a respectable 79.1%. This indicates a generally positive experience for most diners.
The restaurant garners significant attention, with 689 customer comments, showing a clear majority of 545 positive remarks compared to 116 negative ones. Diving deeper, the Food (8.4) stands out as a particular strength, frequently praised by guests.
Both the Service (7.6) and Ambience (7.6) also contribute positively to the dining experience. While still good, Value (6.7) is where some guests express more mixed sentiments, suggesting it’s a point to consider.
What people like
- Exceptional Italian Food
- Welcoming, Attentive Service
- Romantic, Cozy Ambience
What people don't like
- Inconsistent Service Attention
- Cramped, Dated Interior
- Perceived Value Concerns
With a strong recommendation score of 8.3, Café Trastevere generally delivers a worthwhile Italian dining experience. If you prioritize flavorful, authentic Italian dishes and appreciate a cozy, romantic setting, this spot is likely to satisfy.
However, be mindful of potential service inconsistencies and the restaurant’s intimate size. For those seeking a charming meal where the food often shines, it’s certainly worth considering, but manage expectations regarding space and occasional service hiccups.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Café Trastevere
Food (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
The food at this Italian gem generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 8.4 and a strong 83.5% customer satisfaction. With 289 positive remarks, many diners rave about the authentic Italian dishes, fresh ingredients, and flavorful sauces. Popular choices include the tender calamari, homemade pastas, and delicious desserts, all contributing to a wonderful tasting experience.
However, not every plate is a perfect ten. Among the 40 negative comments, some guests found the food bland or overly salty, with specific mentions of disappointing fried ravioli or rubbery veal. Issues with overall flavor and the marinara sauce were also noted, suggesting some inconsistency in dish preparation.
Food
346
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
40
negative
17
neutral
289
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Italian dishes
- Fresh, flavorful food
- Homemade pastas/desserts
What people don't like
- Bland or salty
- Rubbery veal
- Soggy fried ravioli
Often praised
- foodMy experience at Cafe Trastevere was exceptional. It's a quaint, small, beautiful and romantic place with great food at a reasonable price. They also offer a very good wine list.
- Italian foodThe back patio is so cute, and the food is always rich and flavorful. I highly recommend stopping in for a bottle of wine and amazing Italian food at this no-frills community staple!
- calamariThey have the best calamari, perfectly breaded and not greasy
- lasagnaMy experience at this restaurant has been consistently wonderful for the past 20 years. The sauces and pastas are exceptional, and their homemade meatballs and lasagna are a must-try. The staff is incredibly friendly!
- pastaMy experience at this restaurant was delightful. It's an out-of-the-way spot near downtown Orlando that serves excellent pasta. The Fried Ravioli was as good as you could ask for.
- FoodFood, again, worth it.
- Italian restaurantMy experience at this restaurant was exceptional. I found it to be the best Italian restaurant in Florida, offering excellent food and service at low prices. The building itself is beautiful and very well maintained.
- Eggplant ParmigianaEggplant Parmigiana which was, simply, two pieces of well breaded eggplant
- cannoliand cannoli to go
- chicken parmI got the chicken parm and they both really enjoyed their meal
Frequently criticized
- foodThey were breaded for sure, but they definitely weren’t fried - more soggy. All of the food was greasy and oily. Just so not worth price; I’m so sad that I spent so much money.
- breadI could have stayed home and saved $200 dollars. I would have thought that the bread would have been on the house, but the bread was not good and the food was bad. I would never spend my money here again; Olive Garden is better.
- Caesar saladCaesar salad came out with there homemade dressing which tasted like Ketchup
- Italian foodLess than mediocre Italian food
- Super TuscanMy super Tuscan came out so warm
- Veal Piccataveal was rubbery
- bruschettaBruschetta had no flavor except the very potent olive oil.
- calamarisquid itself was very rubbery. Just not very good
- carbonaracarbonara featuring bacon and cream instead egg yolk
- chickenChicken was little dry though.
If you're seeking authentic Italian cuisine with fresh ingredients and rich flavors, this spot is largely worth a visit. While a few dishes might occasionally miss the mark on seasoning or texture, the overwhelming sentiment points to a delicious and satisfying meal. Expect to be delighted by their pastas and desserts, but perhaps approach certain fried items with caution.
Service (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 72% of the guests
Based on 148 customer remarks, with 108 positive observations, the service here generally shines! Guests frequently praise the attentive staff and exceptional service, often describing them as kind and welcoming and very professional. This contributes to a solid 7.6 score, reflecting a largely positive experience.
However, not every experience is perfect. A smaller number of 36 negative comments point to occasional issues like inattentive moments, slow service, or even a perceived attitude from staff, leading to prolonged waits. While these instances are less frequent, they suggest there's still room for improvement to ensure everyone feels the same 73% satisfaction.
Service
148
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
36
negative
4
neutral
108
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Exceptional service
- Welcoming owners
What people don't like
- Inattentive staff
- Slow service
- Unwelcoming demeanor
Often praised
- serviceI've since returned multiple times, bringing family and friends, and everyone agrees that the menu and food are excellent. We always have a great time, with excellent service and the food is consistently perfect. My personal favorite is the lasagna 💗.
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was incredibly relaxing and welcoming, largely due to the wonderful staff. Philippe, in particular, was quick and accommodating, making amazing recommendations for us as we aren't from the area.
- ownerThe owner and our server were incredibly kind and welcoming.
- ServiceSilvio was extremely attentive and charismatic
- serverThe owner and our server were incredibly kind and welcoming.
- great experiencestrive to give everyone a great experience
- peoplethe service of the people is very good
- wait staffwait staff were very friendly and very attentive.
- Customer serviceWe chose to dine inside due to the warm evening, and appreciated the beautiful interior with a very relaxing ambience, dim lighting, and calm background music, making it a perfect spot for a date night. Customer service was good. The food options were not extensive but offered a nice selection.
- Philippe and DésiréePhilippe and désirée are fantastic people
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe food was truly excellent, definitely worth it. However, the service started out great but unfortunately, we were ignored by the end of the meal. No dessert was offered, and we had to get up to find staff for a second drink.
- delivery timesI really enjoy the food at this restaurant. However, I can't tolerate their misrepresentation and manipulation of mobile order delivery times any longer. Tonight, our food took 90 minutes to arrive, despite being promised "30-45" minutes on Uber Eats.
- waiting timeWe sat there for 15 minutes, no one even acknowledged us
- waitresscalled a waitress over to let her know and she didn't offer to comp or remake the dish
- DoorDash pickuptook money out of my account for a Door Dash pick up
- attentionUs, nothing. No water, no wait , no "they will be with you in a minute... nothing.
- closedthey were closed @ 6:00 p.m.
- customer servicecustomer service is incredibly shabby worse than fast food
- favoritism toward patronsevident favoritism toward other patrons
- gentlemanthe gentleman who brought our bill became bothered and somewhat rude
Overall, the service here is quite good, with many guests enjoying attentive and welcoming staff. While a few experiences mention slow or inattentive moments, the majority indicate a positive interaction. You can generally expect a pleasant and professional service experience, making it worth a visit.
Ambience (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 75% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, earning a 7.6 score and a 76.8% customer satisfaction, both considered good! Many guests, 129 out of 168 comments, absolutely loved the cozy atmosphere and intimate place, often highlighting the charming outdoor patio as a perfect date night spot. It truly sets a delightful mood for your visit.
However, not everyone was enchanted. About 32 comments pointed out some issues, like an unpleasant sewage smell or a cramped space in the indoor seating. Some also experienced discomfort due to a lack of AC or wobbly tables, which can definitely detract from the overall experience.
Ambience
168
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
32
negative
7
neutral
129
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, intimate vibes
- Charming outdoor patio
- Perfect for date night
What people don't like
- Unpleasant sewage smell
- Cramped indoor seating
- Lack of AC
Often praised
- atmosphereI enjoyed a fantastic meal under the downtown skyline. The atmosphere was romantic and lovely, complemented by soft music playing through the speakers. The staff were friendly and worked hard to meet our needs.
- placeMy experience at Cafe Trastevere was exceptional. It's a quaint, small, beautiful and romantic place with great food at a reasonable price. They also offer a very good wine list.
- restaurantMy experience at this wonderful Italian restaurant was exceptional. The service was great, and the authentic Italian food was outstanding.
- ambianceambiance and service was perfect
- AtmosphereThe service, led by Silvio, was extremely attentive and charismatic. We felt transported to the heart of the Amalfi coast, enjoying a beautiful and quaint experience. We will definitely be back again!
- ambienceThe ambience was amazing and romantic.
- back patioThe back patio is so cute and quaint
- locationThoroughly enjoyed location
- cozy atmosphereI was particularly impressed by the affordability; the prices were more than reasonable considering the quality and taste, with generous portions offering great value for money. The restaurant itself boasts a quaint and cozy atmosphere, perfect for a romantic dinner or a casual meal. The soft lighting, warm colors, and tasteful decor create a comfortable and inviting setting.
- environmentThe environment was very comfortable
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThe waitress's attire of a sweatshirt and sweatpants felt out of place, as other customers were dressed for fine dining. While the service was okay, the workers' attire didn't match the supposed atmosphere. The inside seating was particularly unpleasant, located in what felt like a living room of a small house, leading to a cramped and uncomfortable dining experience where I was nearly touching the person behind me.
- spaceIt is a very small space
- Creaky floorsCreaky floors and overall bland aesthetic don’t do the place any favors
- air conditionerthe wall air conditioner was struggling
- air conditioningNot the best air conditioning
- big partiesNot equipped for big parties!!
- bland aestheticoverall bland aesthetic don’t do the place any favors
- central ACI would never spend my money here again; Olive Garden is better. To make it worse, there was no central AC 😖.
- dining roomThe dining room is very small and loud
- fancy restaurantsI highly recommend it for anyone looking for Italian food. The place was very friendly and nice, not like those fancy restaurants. I'm coming back for sure.
If youre seeking a charming, intimate spot, especially for a date night on the patio, this place is worth a try. Just be aware that indoor seating can feel cramped, and some have noted issues with air conditioning. Its a gem, but perhaps best enjoyed outdoors.
Value (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 17% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark! Many diners found the price to be reasonable, often mentioning it was definitely worth it and offering great value for money. With a solid 6.7 score and 70.4% customer satisfaction, its clear that most guests feel theyre getting a good deal, especially considering the quality.
Out of 27 comments, 19 were positive, highlighting the affordability. However, not everyone was thrilled. Some felt the experience was over priced or that they paid more than expected, particularly when an automatically charged gratuity appeared on the bill without prior notice.
While these concerns were fewer, with 8 negative remarks, they do suggest areas where clarity or pricing could be improved for a smoother experience.
Value
27
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
8
negative
0
neutral
19
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Prices are reasonable
- Excellent value for money
- Fair for food quality
What people don't like
- Unexpected gratuity charges
- Can be overpriced
- Not worth the cost
Often praised
- pricesI was also surprised to find powdered parmesan cheese instead of freshly grated, which I typically expect at an Italian restaurant. While the portions were generous and we were stuffed, and the prices were fairly reasonable, perhaps another dish would have been a better choice. I would definitely ask the waiter for recommendations if I were to return.
- pricegreat food at a reasonable price
- affordabilitythe affordability of the food
- main courseHowever, when the food is this good, an overly glamorous setting isn't a concern. The prices are fair, ranging from $18-25 for the main course, which is reasonable for the quality of food. My friend, who has dietary restrictions (no meat or alcohol), thoroughly enjoyed the Eggplant Parmigiana.
- reasonable pricesVery reasonable prices
- value for moneythe value for money was definitely there
- worthdefinitely worth it
Frequently criticized
- priceAll of the food was greasy and oily. Just so not worth price; I’m so sad that I spent so much money. If you want a good Italian place, go to Il Pescatore.
- Groupon policythis information was not communicated upfront
- automatically charged gratuityautomatically charged gratuity even though it doesn’t say we would be charged anywhere
- billreturned it and still was on the bill.
- moneyI would have thought that the bread would have been on the house, but the bread was not good and the food was bad. I would never spend my money here again; Olive Garden is better. To make it worse, there was no central AC 😖.
- paid more than expectedI payed more than expected
Overall, if youre looking for a place where the prices are generally fair for the quality, this restaurant is a good bet. Just be mindful of potential extra charges like gratuity that might catch you off guard, and youll likely find it a worthwhile experience.
How are the prices at Café Trastevere?
You’re looking at roughly $36 per person – reported by 124 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For an Italian Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average spend is $36, it’s interesting to see that most guests actually spend a bit less, with a strong cluster of prices in the $21–$30 range. This suggests a great mix of more affordable options alongside some premium choices.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 124 reviews.
A look at how this restaurant’s value compares to similar spots in Orlando.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for an Italian restaurant, especially with that good mix of price points. It offers flexibility for different budgets.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Café Trastevere
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Classic Italian Gem, Great Value
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! If you're searching for a traditional Italian restaurant, this is the place. It's not pretentious, offering a truly classic Italian feel.
The prices are very reasonable, and there's a wide range of offerings to satisfy most everyone. The food was excellent, and the service was top-notch. The atmosphere was pleasant and quiet, making it easy to talk.
- traditional Italian restaurant9
- classic Italian9
- reasonable prices9
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
10
Fresh Pasta and Melt-in-Your-Mouth Eggplant
This was my second time dining here, and the experience was fantastic! The pasta is incredibly fresh, and my vegetarian eggplant dish was cooked to perfection, melting in my mouth. The service and atmosphere were also excellent, both receiving a perfect score.
- pasta10
- vegetarian eggplant10
- Service10
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Authentic Italian Gem in Orlando
My husband and I spent a month in Italy last January and loved it so much. I was looking for an authentic Italian restaurant in Orlando to take him for his birthday, and I'm so happy I found this place. The ambience was very intimate, the food was great, and the desserts (Tiramisu and Cannoli) tasted just like the ones we had in Italy.
It was AMAZING. We will definitely be back.
- ambience10
- food10
- Tiramisu10
Service Intent
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Fantastic Food and Service!
I highly recommend this restaurant! Our hotel suggested it because it was close, and we are so glad they did. The calamari was fantastic, the linguine and clams were very good, and the chicken parm was the best EVER!
We almost battled to finish each other's portions because it was so good. The service was very good, even though it was concert night and everyone arrived early and at once. The young lady was proficient and kept everyone happy!
- calamari9
- linguine and clams8
- chicken parm10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
7
Classic Italian with a Few Quirks
My experience at this small Italian restaurant in the north corner of Orlando was a mix of satisfying dishes and some areas for improvement. My wife enjoyed the lasagna, which was described as large and hearty, served with a small garden salad. I opted for the veal piccata, featuring three medallions of veal, and it did not disappoint, boasting plenty of lemon, butter, and capers.
While soups and salads are a la carte, bread service was included with our meals, though it didn't appear to be homemade Italian bread. We didn't have time to try any desserts, and the wine list was limited. The staff was friendly and responsive, which was a positive aspect of the service.
However, it did take a while to get our food. The dining room itself is very small and loud, but there is outdoor seating available. We had made a reservation and were accommodated despite arriving when the dining room was full.
Unfortunately, due to the rain, we couldn't utilize the outdoor seating. The restaurant is easily accessible but has limited parking.
- lasagna8
- veal piccata9
- lemon, butter, and capers8
- waiting time4
- dining room3
What Café Trastevere offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Kids' menu
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
Service Options
- Delivery
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Outdoor seating
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Historic
- Cozy
- Quiet
- Trendy
- Romantic
FAQs
Is parking available at Café Trastevere Italian Restaurant in Orlando?
Yes, you’ll find convenient parking options at Café Trastevere. There’s free street parking and a free parking lot, usually with plenty of space. Additionally, the restaurant provides wheelchair accessible parking for your ease.
What kind of dining experience and atmosphere can you expect at Café Trastevere?
At Café Trastevere, you can enjoy a casual, cozy, and romantic atmosphere, perfect for a quiet evening. They offer table service for dinner and dessert, with options for outdoor seating and a dedicated kids’ menu.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Café Trastevere?
Café Trastevere holds a good overall score of **8** out of 10, with customer satisfaction at **79.1%**. Guests particularly praise the **Food** (8.4), **Service** (7.6), and **Ambience** (7.6), though **Value** (6.7) receives slightly more mixed feedback.
What kind of food can I expect at Café Trastevere?
Diners can expect rich and flavorful Italian food, with many positive comments highlighting excellent pasta, homemade meatballs, lasagna, and well-prepared calamari. The cuisine is often described as authentic and outstanding.
Is Café Trastevere suitable for a romantic evening?
Yes, many customers describe the ambience as romantic and lovely, with a quaint and cozy atmosphere. The dim lighting, calm background music, and tasteful decor create an inviting setting often recommended for date nights.