Trattoria il Centro: high-end Italian in Oklahoma City
by Greg | December 23, 2008 | 25 Comments
(3.83 with 23 votes) 
Loading ...Trattoria il Centro is located at 500 West Main in Oklahoma City (map). They are open Monday 11-9, Tuesday through Thursday 11-10, Friday 11-11, and Saturday 5-11. Call them at 405.601.5858 or visit their website.
Trattoria il Centro is not the kind of place to sell T-shirts, though I’m sure they’d be OK if you wore one in for dinner. If they ever do make T-shirts, I hope they consider the catch phrase I came up with on my way out the door.
Trattoria il Centro — you’ll eat until you explode.
I’m not saying the portion sizes are too big. Trattoria il Centro gives a good plate for the money, but it’s not ridiculous. The fact is, the food is so good, I couldn’t stop eating.
Trattoria is owned and operated by chef Christine Dowd, a graduate of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America who trained and practiced her art for years in New York City. The influence of such a high-caliber chef is evident at Trattoria, in the creativity of what you taste and also in the artistry of presentation. It offers Oklahoma City an experience that is truly a cut above at a price point that is very affordable. This makes Trattoria, in my opinion, one of the better values this city has to offer.
The location and atmosphere is another plus. On the ground floor of the Montgomery building at Main and Walker, the large and open dining area is modern and energetic. Their downtown location puts them just a block from the Civic Center and the Arts District. They also offer free shuttle service to and from all of the OKC Thunder home games, giving you the chance to park (for free) a little bit away from the action, have a fabulous meal, and be chauffeured to the Ford center in style.
Now, onto the food. The menu at Trattoria is seasonal and rotated regularly. They print in-house which gives them the flexibility to change easily. Just keep in mind that you may not find everything discussed here on their menu year round.
Tim and I both enjoyed the Beef Carpaccio ($10.95), which is ultra-thinly sliced rare sirloin with capers, mushrooms, tomatoes, salad and parmesan. As we went back for bite after bite, each of us expressed a wish to leave room for the rest of the food, but neither of us could hold back. There’s a lot of flavor and freshness in that dish and all of it balanced to perfection.
I also have a fondness for the Portobello Frites ($7.95). These fingers of portobello mushrooms are breaded with panko, fried and served with garlic aioli and truffle oil. If I was a billionaire with a top hat and a monocle, I would have these made for my super-fancy Superbowl party.
We were also treated to a special, which Trattoria dreams up daily. In our case, it was a fritatta with penne pasta, mushrooms, artichokes (I think) and a little pesto on top. Any of these starter dishes would have been a fine meal, in my estimation, though I might have needed two or three orders of the mushrooms.
Trattoria serves a selection of salads most always with a unique, stacked-cylinder presentation. We tried the panzanella, or bread salad. At $5.95, it looked like a piece of edible art. Mozzarella (made in-house) and focaccia croutons really brought the flavors home. It was super fresh and delicious.
Next up was a Tuscan Chicken Sandwich ($6.95) which is only available at lunch. This was the dish that really impressed me, oddly enough. Not because it’s some kind of unstoppable juggernaut of a sandwich, but because at $7 and served with a small green salad, it’s a pretty good deal. This is one of many entrees in the $7-$10 range on the lunch menu, which offers many selections from the dinner menu served in smaller portions and at very reasonable prices.
At this point in the meal, my stomach was no longer sending hungry signals to my brain, which as any dieter knows is a sign to stop eating. But for you, I pressed on. Also, because they brought out the dish I was hoping they would bring — the Ciopino.
This is a fish stew, of sorts. For $14.95, you get mussels, shrimp and chunks of fresh fish in the most amazing tomato broth and saffron rouille sauce. Amazingly fresh. Incredibly flavorful. Even when the seafood was all gone, it took all my willpower not to pick up the bowl and slurp down the remaining liquid. I don’t know where else you can get it around these parts, but it was love at first bite for me.
The Rigatoni Buttera ($12.95 regular/$9.95 lite) is a popular dish, according to manager David Hucks, and it’s easy to see why. If you love Italian food and you want to branch out a little, this is for you. I mean, there’s spaghetti and meatballs on the menu and chicken alfredo and a pasta bolognese — classic Italian dishes we’ve all had and enjoyed. But if you’re a little adventurous, but not Ciopino-adventurous, this is perfect. Al dente rigatoni in a creamy tomato sauce with green peas (tender, not mushy) and spicy Italian sausage. The kicker for me were the red pepper flakes, which brought a touch of heat and elevated the dish to another level.
A little different and maybe not for everybody is the Butternut Squash Gnocchi and Bay Scallops ($17.95). Gnocchi isn’t like the pasta many people are used to, as it’s made with potatoes, and pairing it with the butternut squash brings on an interesting taste. It’s a little doughy, a little acidic and slightly sweet. Not bad, certainly, but not something I would expect everybody to love.
The same cannot be said for Torta Crema e Gelato al Cioccolato ($6.95), because I don’t just expect everybody to love it, I demand that you adore it. The base for this dish is a creamy reduced slice of fudge, topped with a small pile of whipped cream and gelato, all on top of a espresso sauce. This is the dessert you say you’ll split with a friend before it turns into a battle of spoons, each desperate to preserve one more bite. I was full — beyond full — when this came out, and I still found myself attacking it.
The only problem I have with Trattoria il Centro is that there’s so much more to try. Chef Dowd has an amazing restaurant that uses fresh and local ingredients to craft unique, neo-Italian dishes.
If you’re looking to add an experience to the food, Trattoria il Centro also holds wine-tasting dinners on the first and third Mondays each month. For $25, you get three courses and three wines — another great value. But make a reservation or you’re out of luck.
Trattoria il Centro is truly a treasure of Oklahoma City. If you haven’t tried it, you should. There’s really no reason not to. Go at lunch and you won’t be paying more than you would at any other mid-range restaurant, yet you’ll be experiencing quality and creativity you just can’t get many places. Trattoria is high-end but accessible, with reasonable prices and an amazing array of dishes. I cannot wait to go back again. And again. And again…
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December 23rd, 2008 at 10:09 am
The Trattoria is one of our “special places.” The atmosphere…the food…the lemoncello…our favorite waiter…all good. Everything I’ve had has been excellent but the ravioli, while simple, is absolutely divine.
December 23rd, 2008 at 11:14 am
I’ve only had one experience at Il Trattoria, and not a good one. I ordered a creamy pasta dish (carbonara?) and it was so loaded with pepper that I couldn’t taste anything else. I love spicy, but this was way beyond.
December 23rd, 2008 at 11:31 am
Cool place, great interiors and I just love happy hour and cocktails in the bar. People watching is alot of fun!
December 23rd, 2008 at 12:22 pm
This is a regular before each OKC Civic Center event. Its so easy to park and walk to eat. The food is wonderful, and my favorite is the panzanella.
December 23rd, 2008 at 4:52 pm
I LOVE Trattoria! The pizzas are delish! …there is one with a sunny side up egg on top…sounds strange, I know, but it is to die for! Haven’t had anything there that I was disappointed in! And what a fun atmosphere…feels like you’re out of OKC.
December 23rd, 2008 at 6:45 pm
I love trattoria’s bolognese, even if the waiters can’t pronounce it. It’s actually some of the best I’ve had on this side of the pond. With the exception of the cool patio at bellini’s (and I guess occasional comfort food at Vito’s) this is the only Italian to get in the metro.
December 24th, 2008 at 11:48 am
This place is amazing. There used to be something on Tuesday or Wednesday nights where they had an unlimited wine sampling plus a 3 course meal for $15 or so. I don’t know if they’re still doing that but even if not, the food is amazing and varied, the service is impeccable, the atmosphere is perfect (you could go in wearing a polo and jeans for a quick bite after work or you could go in wearing coat and tie for a special date and you wouldn’t feel out of place either way), and the prices are ridiculously low. I usually have enough to take home for a second meal (and they package it for you so nicely–no styrofoam boxes here, they wrap your entree in tinfoil and sculpt an animal, or a bird, or a flower). One of my favorite places in the metro.
December 24th, 2008 at 10:37 pm
AmyB-The first time I went to Italy, I had a pizza with an egg on top. I was 16 and couldn’t wrap my brain around it, but when I tried it… I couldn’t stop eating it! I can’t wait to try it here!
December 25th, 2008 at 9:24 pm
@Joe, see the second to last paragraph in the review. The wine dinner still exists, but it’s on Monday nights now and $25/person. Not sure if that’s the same thing you were remembering, but still a great value, IMO.
December 28th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
Trattoria il Centro -
Your night to remember
8^)
January 10th, 2009 at 12:11 pm
We’ve gone to trattoria il Centro many times, having enjoyed the main courses, the desserts are ok, and the tiramisu was one of the worst! Good God, Hersey’s syrup over a brownie! No wonder Oklahoma City never gets better. And tiramisu should be a great from scratch dessert, make it several times a week and just spoon it out of the refrigerator.
February 15th, 2009 at 12:19 pm
Re Bill Schmidt comment: Strang what you said about the Tiramisu. When I had it at Trattoria it was the fantastic layered classic presented in a parfait style in a matini glass & it was one of the best I ever had – definately made from scratch. I cannot even imagine whatyou received. You should give it another shot! The panna cotta is also amazing & changes seasonally. I never miss dessert here!!
February 19th, 2009 at 12:18 pm
My favorite restaurant in OKC and a must-stop before any event downtown or a show. We probably eat there 3 to 5 times a month and that doesn’t count happy hours or the wine dinners – of which we are regular participants.
I typically eat the buttera but have also had the butternut squash gnocchi. We typically skip appetizers but only because we want dessert. The apps I’ve had though were excellent. I ALWAYS get the spinach and goat cheese salad. It is out of this world – the dressing is salty (it’s meant to be) but the goat cheese mellows out the flavors and it melts in your mouth.
Service is usually great and if you ask for one of the long-time waiters or the manager they are really good about recommending wine pairings.
March 10th, 2009 at 9:16 am
I have to disagree with your review. I think the atmosphere and location are great- the food barely average. It is definitely better than the chain Italian restuarants all over the city but for the price and the hype, I expected something much better. The cocktails and service are fabulous but the food left something to be desired.
March 10th, 2009 at 4:05 pm
@Stacy, thanks for sharing your opinion with us! We love to hear everyone’s thoughts on places we review, even when they disagree with us. No, especially when they disagree with us. The opinions shared by our readers really make this site great. Thanks again.
March 29th, 2009 at 4:27 pm
I can count on one hand the times I have posted a response to something written online, but I had to chime in and agree with Stacy. We went to this restaurant with a group of 12 and EVERYONE in our group left hungry. The portions were so small and disappointing in taste. My pasta was cold. Not just room temperature….COLD. The menu was over-priced and the only thing worse than the food was the service. We all agreed that it was the worst restaurant experience we had ever had.
March 31st, 2009 at 7:12 am
Sounds to me like Trattoria is hit-and-miss for many of you — and more miss in the case of @Stacy and especially @Melissa. I hope you brought that up to the people at the restaurant. Hard as it is to hear, I’ll bet they’d rather know about their low points so they can address them and win back your business.
April 24th, 2009 at 9:17 am
Did I even go to the same restaurant? We went last nite and I was in heaven! I got a different gnocchi dish with braised artichoke hearts, pancetta, sun-dried tomatoes and it was topped with a marscapone-black garlic mixture that was incredible. I couldn’t believe anyone in Oklahoma City had black garlic on their menu. I also agree wtih Greg on the Portobello Frittes. I could have just had those as my meal. They were fabulous!
April 24th, 2009 at 9:20 am
P.S. The only other comment I would make is – don’t go for romance. It’s a very loud fun atmosphere. We went for our anniversary and didn’t realize how loud it’d be. For a group party or just a fun weekend nite out tho – it’d be a blast!
May 10th, 2009 at 1:46 pm
I really think this restaurant is misunderstood in okc. Everyone in okc seems to complain about chain restaurants but they are packed. You get some people putting out food that is comparable to bigger cities and we okies only want to take them down. Has anybody besides katie ever even heard or tasted black garlic before, this is a product that no one else even has on thier menu, how exciting that we have chef’s in this community that want to experiment. I think the food is progressive, fun and classically Italian. I always look forward to the seasonal changes to this restaurants menu and I have never had a bad meal. One of my favorite seasonal options that Trattoria does is tomato fest, if you haven’t been you should go all different tomato varietals and lots of creativity.OKC SUPPORT THE LOCAL RESTAURANTS, let yourselves have fun and if you have a bad experience share it with them so we don’t end up with chain restaurants as our only choices, they can only get better if you share. Keep cooking Tratt
June 21st, 2009 at 4:31 pm
It’s odd to see people referring to this restaurant as “Trattoria” for shorthand, instead of its proper name, which is “Il Centro.”
A “trattoria” is simply a general type of informal restaurant, like a bistro. It’s like having a place named the “Central Cafe” — you would call it “Central,” not “Cafe.”
September 9th, 2009 at 10:08 am
We don’t get a chance to come to the city often, but when we do, we always stop to see our favorite chef “Chad”. We always try the new items he recommends and are never dissappointed. When you are trying to seperate yourself from others in the restaurant business, it boils down to: great food, great atmosphere and how you are treated. Trattori never falls short of providing all of the above. The price, well I don’t mind, as long as we receive all of the above. Jeni B.
December 2nd, 2009 at 2:04 pm
I decided to go here after reading about it on this website. I went with my husband on a Friday night I believe. It was really deserted, only 2 or 3 other tables. The bread was really good, but the calamari, not so much. Very salty breading and couldn’t even taste the squid. I had some cheese ravioli (I don’t remember the exact name of the dish) that had a combo of red, white, and pesto sauces. It was ok, nothing great…I feel like I could have had the same meal from the frozen section at a grocery store. My husband had the chicken parm. To be, the chicken, again, tasted like a frozen chicken breast. We will not be going back.
December 3rd, 2009 at 8:08 am
@Kaylee, I’m sorry your experience was sub-par. I have never had a bad experience here, but it seems that some others have. Maybe there is a little inconsistency here. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us!
December 31st, 2009 at 10:10 am
My husband and I have gone to Il Centro three times in the past few months, and I am a huge fan. I worry because they are not very busy, but I have never been at lunch. I am completely addicted to the bread they serve, and the staff have always been fantastic. But the food – I have dreams about their gnocchi, no joke. And as odd as it sounds, their scallop and butternut squash dish is amazing.
That being said, I do think they have some off nights, or have things on their menu that are not as well done. I had their spinach pasta stuffed with beef the other day, and it was extremely odd. I still cannot decide if it was too salty, too peppery, or both.
Please tell us what you think.