If I had unlimited resources and no obligations, I'd spent a lot more time in coastal Italy than I currently do. In the meantime, there's Trattoria A Vucchella, a surprisingly excellent spot in industrial Bridgeport, Connecticut.

Chef/Owner Pasquale De Martino hails from Sorrento (close to Naples and the famed Amalfi coast) and has brought a delicious taste of Italy along with him. The food is simple, deceptively so: Italian basics, prepared exceedingly well. Whenever I'm there, I order some house antipasto, make sure that at least someone at the table gets some of the homemade pasta, and if we're hungry enough, the Stinco (which doesn't sound appetizing, but is an absolutely delicious braised pork shank). If that's a bit heavy for your taste, you won't go wrong with the chicken Milanese or the branzino, and you can also rely on the specials, which are consistently good.

The food is lovely, but that's not the reason I like the place so much. I like the place because Chef De Martino is incredibly kind, friendly, and hospitable. The service isn't rushed--this is not the restaurant for a quick bite. This is a place for slow food, good wine, and conversation. Chef De Martino will stop by your table, make recommendations, discuss his native Italy, offer lemoncello, and generally be a wonderful and attentive host. When I invite people to this restaurant, I explain that's it's a bit like being at a close friend's home at a nice dinner party--there's a feeling of comfort and abundance and plenty.

Bridgeport, Connecticut isn't anyone's vacation destination, but if you find yourself in the area to go see a show at the Hartford Healthcare Ampitheater, or to see the Bridgeport Islanders (an American Hockey League affliliate), or you are taking the ferry across Long Island Sound to Port Jefferson, I highly recommend this location. Just be sure to give yourself time to relax and enjoy the experience.

HOURS

Closed Sundays and Mondays

Tues - Thurs - 11:30 am - 9 pm

Fri - Sat - 11:30 am - 10 pm

ADDRESS

272 Bridgeport Ave., Bridgeport, CT

CONTACT

https://www.avucchella.com

ph: 203.383.2837