The chef is amazing. The food is beyond anything I have ever had. Especially the soup. This was an eight course 5 star meal. I also like that you BYOB, so we brough a couple bottles of wine from home. This can really help you save a lot of money. The food was endless. It was like you are having Sunday dinner at your Italian grand mother's house. You need to make reservations a few weeks in advance. He is only open on Friday and Saturday. I really can't say enough. If you're in the Utica area consider yourself lucky to be able eat here. Great food in a unique setting. read more

This is a true Italian meal! The food keeps coming out, even when you think your done. The soup, bread, brushetta, eggplant, ribs, everything was amazing! It's family style and super casual. You can't beat the price ($35 each cash) for 8 courses. Danny is a great chef and host! Can't take wait to go back!! read more

Talk about hitting the Italian Food Lottery...in Utica!!! One seating at 6PM, no menu, byob, cash only. You eat what Dan serves...and what a character. Seven courses, 35 US Dollars! The food is amazing! read more

See all

Six of us gathered here last night for a birthday celebration. Dan, the owner, as well as chef, server, cashier, is only open on Saturday evening. There was one other family of 10 gathered at a nearby table. We arrived at 6 and it's a byob, so enjoyed chatting and a glass of wine before the main event. You don't know what you're getting but I can assure you it was all outstanding. Other than the first course, it is all served family style. The first course, soup, was served starting at 630 and was followed by bruschetta and bread, antipasto, mussels, greens and beans, sausage in red sauce, eggplant Parmesan to die for and finally pasta and meatballs. The oohs and aahs from each one of us was a symphony and each of us had our favorite. Payment is in cash, only $35 per person and the bill is presented with tax and 20% gratuity included as well as an ice cream sandwich, a refreshing way to end the night. A must try fun and delicious experience. read more

See all

Low number of other diners. Chef prepared and served dishes. This includes chef discussions of each course and selections. We have been here several times and each time was joyful and delicious. read more

My wife and I were blown away by chef Danny. 8 or 9 courses of home cooked Italian food. And when I say home cooked, I mean literally cooked at home. The food is fresh, local ingredients and plentiful. Danny's story is touching and he's a kind soul. It's hard to leave without feeling bonded to the space. The food is not your normal Italian fair. Its the food you'll find on your table if you were a farm worker in Italy. No menu, no drinks. It's 100% chefs choice. Loved the mussels, salads, greens and sausage and eggplant. Oh and garlic bread. read more

Outstanding experience! Note you need reservations a week+ in advance. Danny is a great host and chef! Give him a call.

When I called for a reservation, Danny said "that's Friday the 13th. Are you sure you want to chance it?" Yes, and I'm very glad I made the 1:40 drive from Saratoga Springs. Some key details first. As of April 2018, there is one seating per evening at 6 pm, on Friday and Saturday nights only. Get there then or you won't be served. Danny's solo these days so lunch and mid-week service has been discontinued. You can still bring in your own wine, though a liquor license is on the way. The house will also provide sweetened ice tea. We started with a beefy minestrone, which Danny admitted/bragged was based on corned beef he'd bought on sale at Walmart. What a great idea and delicious dish and throughout the meal he shared quite a number of his preparation techniques with us. (This is a red sauce place, which means you will enjoy the same topping across a number of dishes. Fortunately, Danny's is delicious. It's light and made with onions but not garlic because he believes the two don't belong together in a dish. And he doesn't believe in using dried oregano, only fresh.) Next came an appetizer of roasted red peppers and olives in a marinade, accompanied by loaves of puffy Italian bread. This was followed by a big composed salad including salami slices topped by wedges of American cheese around the edges. Maybe not haute Italian cuisine but my teen folded the salami over the cheese to make mini-sandwiches and gobbled them up. Following this a bowl of mussels, the only item I was not excited about. Would have liked to see a white wine and butter and garlic gravy for these just to break the red sauce theme. But the meal was quickly put back on track by the arrival of escarole (NOT Utica Greens, Danny insists) with some tender sausages from Bossone, a local supplier. Next up was eggplant parm, which Danny says is everybody's favorite dish. Instead of a baking in a casserole, he batters and fries each round. Then he stacks them like pancakes, two per customer with a slice of melted cheese in between and red sauce and parm on top. Very light and delicious. Our eyes were beginning to glaze over by now, and Danny came in for the kill with a massive serving of pasta with meatballs and more of his wonderful red sauce. Of course, at this point they went straight into the takeout containers he generously provides. Danny warns that he is 65, and may have to give this up. Then he brags about the family portrait on the wall, with most of his ancestors living into their 90s. Still, why chance it? You're in for a fun evening and an excellent value. Go for it. read more

Great food, great host, family style menu that the owner picks - no changes, and he won't tell you in advance. You will not be disappointed.

Dinner last night at Trattoria Calabria on Culver Avenue was nothing short of AMAZING. Danny is a great chef and wonderful host. Food by courses: vegetable soup, garlic bread, broccoli salad, antipasto, mussels, sausage & rapini, eggplant parmigiana, bow tie pasta with meatballs and an ice cream sandwich to complete the meal. Everything was cooked to perfection. Definitely will return. Details to share: Restaurant is only open Friday and Saturday evening. Reservations are required. You will be asked to arrive at 6pm, where you are cheerfully greeted by Danny. BYOB, which he will gladly open. Very casual atmosphere, no waiters in tuxedos, Danny does it all. The concept is it's like eating dinner at a friend's, and this said, there is no menu, so you eat what is cooked. There are several courses, and food is served family style, so if there is something you don't like, there's plenty of other (Italian) food. No coffee or dessert is served, but we couldn't fit it anyway! We were a party of three and have enough leftovers for another meal. We enjoyed being 'surprised' by what would be served next. One very reasonable flat rate per person, which we paid in cash. I did not see anyone paying with credit card, and this said, I'm not sure if credit cards are accepted. I understand this concept might not work for everyone, but if you're looking for an eating adventure, put this on your list. read more

See all

We would like to thank Danny for a wonderful experience. Food was fantastic and so was he. Told him my wife and I had come to Utica from Pittsburgh just to visit a couple restaurants and his was one of them (told my wife this officially makes us foodies). Looked like this put some pressure on him, but, boy did he deliver. Split pea vegetable soup, steamed broccoli w/tom, antipasto salad, beans green and potato w/sausage, muscles in fresh tom sauce, eggplant parm stacked like pancakes and finally pasta and meatballs with red sauce which we each had a meatball and one or two spoons of pasta. He's not quite the one man show, he does have a young man serving and bussing, but Danny prepares everything. Wonderful experience. So we made the trip. read more

See all

What a great experience. I have been fortunate to travel the world and have had some great dining experiences......This one is the best. What a great atmosphere, food, and fun. Absolutely a great evening out. Can not recommend it enough. read more

Great meal(s) of various courses are served throughout the evening like having mom serving Sunday Italian dinner. Home cooked by Chef Danny. Eggplant Parm was like my Italian friend use to make so good. Salad, sausage and greens were great. MEATBALLS and pasta were yummy. Priced reasonable, tons of food go hungry come out full and very satisfied. Make a reservation ahead of time. Very casual atmosphere. BYOB beer, wine. Highly recommended . Great for celebrations and groups or large families or even a couple. No menu. Andy and Margaret say thanks Danny for a fun and exciting evening with a great host serving fantastic Italian dishes. Ps let him know ahead food allergies, Vegan etc. He tries to accommodate. read more

Had a great meal prepared by Danny and served one course at a time, family style. It's BYOB, so cocktail options are endless! The time between courses is nice for chatting with friends and with Danny, and for letting the food settle. There's a lot of it! Takes about 2 hours start to finish, and is just very enjoyable, quality time with family or friends. No menus, eat what is put in front of you; even if you skip a few courses, you'll be full when you leave! Reservation required. Already have ours made for September. When it's that good,.. you go back! :) read more

8/1018. Great meal at trattoria Calabria. 6 stars. Danny is the best. Everything fresh and delicious!!!! read more

Trattoria Calabria - Great meal. 8/1018 Danny is the best. If you haven't tried it. Please do . Even bread is baked in house. - Italian Near Me - Utica, New York

See all

Trattoria Calabria is truly a hidden gem. The owner single-handedly gives the more well known Italian restaurants in Utica a run for their money. Call to get a reservation, and show up when he tells you to. There's no menu. Just trust that you'll like what an experienced Utica Italian restaurateur puts in front of you (all 6 courses of it). After all, he hand picks every single ingredient himself- many of which come right from his own garden. read more

Another wonderful meal with Danny. The homey atmosphere and amazing homemade food are complimented by the warm welcome from the owner. If you are wondering about this place just call for a reservation and prepare to enjoy the experience. It is somewhat akin to a big family meal at your eccentric uncles house. The food appears at a leisurely pace and while there are many courses you will enjoy the opportunity for conversation with your dinner companions. This is a unique dining experience that you shouldn't miss! read more

I don't mean to overstate myself here... but this place is perfect for Utica. One local owner/chef/waiter/everything, he treats everyday like it's opening day, excited to cook for a full house. You may be able to fit 30 people in this joint, but it feels like you're eating with your mildly functional Italian family. In case you're not sure how it works here, you walk in, you eat what Dan makes that night, and you throughly enjoy yourself. We had a fantastic 6 course meal, greens, soup, salad, macaroni, the works. It's as if everyone's Italian ol'grandma's chipped in and made some portion of these classic dishes. My only knock on this place is you can't pick your meal and if you're not a fan, whelp! Oh well. Big fan I'm sure I'll be back. read more

This place is always great. Danny is the chef and your host and serves up an outstanding family style meal. Whatever he cooks that day is what you get. Lost track of the number of courses--better go there when you're hungry. read more

I know food and I know good food. This was outstanding. Danny, the owner is wonderful! He is just an "old school Italian" who knows how to cook. This off-the-grid restaurant is a must if you want a family style, fresh food experience! Danny was doing farm to table before it was a catch phrase! read more

Now this is an experience that any self-respecting foodie owes themself. A light vegetable soup, an antipasti salad, mussels, sausage in greens'n'beans, eggplant Parmesan, meatballs over sauced penne........ WTF, PEOPLE!!!!! It was absolutely wonderful, and at least a part of dinner is the repartee with Dan, the owner, chief cook and bottle washer, and one man floor show!!! Seriously, was this the best Italian food I ever ate?.....No, but was it as good as any I ever ate?.... Oh, hell, yes!!!!!!!!! And, at just over a 50-spot for wifey and me.........it was one heck of a deal. Do yourself a favor, run, don't walk, it'll be worth it, people. read more

Categorically, and by that I mean in the category of affordable family/social group restaurants, this restaurant is truly a gem. What could be better than a 7 course Italian feast for $25 pp, BYOB with no fees and an opportunity to see true entrepreneurial and family spirit in a super personable host? Skip the chains and experience what makes America great by visiting. I assume the food offerings change periodically, but of our courses, a fresh hearty salad, eggplant parmesan, greens n'beans with pork sausage and macaroni w/meatballs were all excellent for the price. We have enough food leftover for a full family meal. read more

A hidden gem in Utica. Danny is a perfect host and will keep you entertained all night. He serves home cooked Italian food family style. There is no menu and everyone is served together. He does one seating on Friday and Saturday nights and you need reservations. The food was absolutely delicious and the place was so charming. Be prepared for about two hours start to finish. You will also have lots of leftovers so bring Tupperware! read more

This was the most pleasurable dinning experience I have had in a very very long time. As posted in the other reviews BRING YOUR APPETITE! Danny is a gracious host who takes great pride in his food and wants each guest to have a pleasant experience. The food is amazing, it is truly like eating at grandma's house. It is unbelievable the amount of good food you get for $23. We will be going back again soon! read more

If you like homemade, delicious authentic cooking, run, don't walk to this tiny Italian gem in East Utica. You get a seven course meal. starting with my Nona's equivalent of minestrone soup, then on to salad, eggplant parmesean, zuppa of mussels, braised pork ribs, sausage/peppers/potatoes and meatballs with shells and peas, all for the amazingly low price of $23 per person. Add to this that you BYO wine for no corkage fee, an d you have an amazing bargain. The owner, Danny, and his son Chris, make everything from scratch and you can tell the pride and talent that goes into everything they do. This a reservation-only restaurant, which makes you feel like one of the family, as they don't rush you, in order to turn over the table. One personal note, if you make a reservation, show up, because , like your Nona would do,, he buys enough fresh ingredients for the "family: he expects to "manga" that evening. read more

Trattoria Calabria is absolutely incredible! Dinner was by reservation only. When I called to make reservations Danny warned me not to eat after 11am and to bring my appetite and he meant it. He told us we were welcome to bring our own wine and he'd see us at 6. The bread was awesome, and there were 5 courses plus dessert. Everything is homemade from scratch and it is amazing! There is no menu. Danny and his son cook for you and the other guests like you're at home. It was a very warming feeling. We had a great night and we will definitely be back. I honestly can't wait. I highly recommend you call and make reservations. I promise you'll be very happy you did. read more

Absolutely amazing! Danny hosted 20 of us for dinner this evening and did a wonderful job. The food is just fantastic. It is true fresh Italian comfort food -something hard to find with all of the chains around. Be sure to come hungry and prepare to leave stuffed. I can't say enough good things about this place! We are already planning our next trip back. read more

Trattoria Calabria is not just a restaurant, it's an experience. Coming to the US from Southern Italy I missed the food and the traditions of my home. Danny, the owner is incredible and the food felt just like home. If there is one Italian restaurant in NY state that cares more of the quality of the food than of the profit that's the one. Make yourself a gift and go to Trattoria Calabria! read more

There is no way anyone could be disappointed! My wife and I have been looking for a place that serves meals as good as Italy itself and we finally found it! What a meal! Uncle Danny's cooking along with son Chris's eggplant parmesan is the best we have ever had by far. Originally from Plattsburgh, NY, our daughter goes to Utica College and we have finally found our go to dinner spot. From the first course to the eighth course, the food got better. Can't find better food in the area made from scratch with grandmas . recipes. We will be back and hope you go. Make reservations cause it only seats about 25 people a night and only o e sitting at a time. I guarantee you won't be disappointed! In fact, it's just like eating in Italy. BYOB is suggested and no corking fee! Tell Danny that Craig and Monique sent you for extra great service!!!! LOL read more

See all

we were in town for the boilermaker 15k race so i made a reservation for dinner based on others' reviews. dinner was amazing! can't wait to return next year when we come back to do the boilermaker. can't say enough about this place! read more

I had my first visit, today for lunch at the Trattoria. I can say this, it certainly won't be my last. My friend and I were greeted by Dan the owner, we were seated, got our drinks in a timely manner, then the food started coming. The food is superb!!! I grew up in an Italian family, and have found some decent places around, with semi-authentic food, and it has been good. Dan's food blows any other place away. It is authentic, and the favors are fantastic. Everything is homemade, another huge plus, in an age where chain restaurants rule. No menus, you get whatever happens to be in the kitchen. We had an Italian chicken soup, perfect in taste, and flavor, we had a version of greens, with cabbage, and long hots. Then Dan brought us out our main course of what he called "poor mans' lasagna", pasta with sausage, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella melted over the top. The sauce was fantastic, and definitely sticks to your ribs. The portions were extremely generous, and the price was great. The service was was awesome, and Dan and his partner, Don came around, and chatted with everyone there. If you are looking for a fantastic, and authentic culinary trip to Italy for your family, look no further. You won't be disappointed!!! read more

Dan, the owner was SO personable, you feel right at home - right off the bat! There are NO menus, but do not let this deter you! The food keeps coming throughout your time there and it gets better and better....and the AMOUNT you get is unbelievable! I would highly suggest a visit, you will not leave hungry OR disappointed. read more

Spent a wonderful New Year's Eve here! Call ahead, show up as expected, and come hungry. The seating was relaxed; no rushing through dinner. The meal is served family style and there is more than enough. Boxes will be provided at the end for leftovers...you will be encouraged to take everything that's left, even the bread. And you will want to. The food is simple, fresh, and delicious. We had six courses which included soup, salad, chicken, pasta, and a truly wonderful eggplant parmigiana. BYOB, and bring a bottle opener. We will be back. Thank you, Dan, for the wonderful evening! read more

The food is excellent and served by Danny who is an excellent host and chef. Everything is fresh and made from scratch. It's like being at an Italian house party. Go hungry because it's next to impossible to eat it all. Friendly host and friendly co-diners. You feel right at home. No menu - no problem. read more

The food was delicious, the amount was unbelievable. The prices are more than reasonable and the owner a very friendly and likeable man. Right now he is a one man show. Don't expect a menu, if you want to know what is being served call ahead, I would also call ahead if you have a large party. It's only open until 7pm but it is open for lunch and dinner. The meals are served family style and I guess what's being served is based on what he feels like making. Basically it is as if you are going to dinner at a friends home. A friend who likes to prepare Italian dishes. I went with my mother and sister not knowing what to expect. We were very pleasantly surprised by what we found. The dining area is rather small but with plenty of room for each table so you don't feel squished. Our lunch was comprised of three courses and we could do no more than taste the final course, we were beyond stuffed. I brought the final course home and didn't have to make dinner for the family. Bonus!! Like I said good food, good amount, good price. I would defiantely give it a try. read more